OT: Good food news- Hunter House coming to AA
I iknow we're in the midst of March Madness, but I couldn't resist putting the news out (in case it wasn't already known) that Hunter House, a greasy slider insititution in Birmingham MI for 50 years, is coming to AA. I was there Saturday (two double cheese, chili fries) and spoke to the staff about it. If you haven't been, just know that this is good news: Blimpy will always rule for those of us who were at school there, but Hunter House will be a blessing for hungover students and hungry visitors alike.
http://www.hunterhousehamburgers.com
March 24th, 2014 at 10:41 AM ^
Just don't think they differentiate themselves really from any other greasy burger joint.
On a side note, I had my first "In N Out" experience last week in San Diego....not sure if it was what I ordered, but what's all the fuss about?
I was thoroughly unimpressed.
March 24th, 2014 at 10:57 AM ^
I have to tell you that is the same way I felt about In N Out the first time I went. A woman I knew was enamored with In N Out, saying they are the only burgers she eats and the fries were great. My first time was good, but nothing special. Tasted kind of different. Fries were interesting. The more I go the more I appreciate it and love it. From my experience the difference is kind of strange because not many places have fresh ingredients and my taste buds weren't used to it. The fries actually maintained their potato taste since they weren't frozen. Maybe different from your experience, but thought I'd share.
March 24th, 2014 at 11:28 AM ^
Same with me. Good thing I married her.
March 24th, 2014 at 11:33 AM ^
This is what I refer to as the "Paul Blart Theory of Expecatations". If you expect the greatest burger you ever had, you will be upset because your expectations were too high. Inversely, when watching a movie such as Paul Blart, you head in thinking it is going to be the worst movie you've ever seen. Then you end up laughing 2-3 times and realize it is only about the 10th worst movie you have ever seen. Even though Paul Blart Mall Cop sucked, it is better than your expected outcome.
March 24th, 2014 at 11:33 AM ^
This is what I refer to as the "Paul Blart Theory of Expecatations". If you expect the greatest burger you ever had, you will be upset because your expectations were too high. Inversely, when watching a movie such as Paul Blart, you head in thinking it is going to be the worst movie you've ever seen. Then you end up laughing 2-3 times and realize it is only about the 10th worst movie you have ever seen. Even though Paul Blart Mall Cop sucked, it is better than your expected outcome.
March 24th, 2014 at 11:56 AM ^
it was awesome.
March 24th, 2014 at 12:05 PM ^
If we're using movie analogies, I think it also has a bit of an Anchorman effect to it. The first time I saw Anchorman, I thought it was OK, but didn't leave with my world set on fire or anything. Then we started talking about it a little, remembering lines, etc. The next time I saw it I liked it a lot more, and after watching it a handful of times after that I couldn't get enough.
My In N Out career started similarly to that. Now I have a hard time driving by one without swinging in.
March 24th, 2014 at 11:00 AM ^
March 24th, 2014 at 12:47 PM ^
In/Out is definitely cheap but not always fast. Their places are usually well maintained and clean. That they do a great job of.
As for chicken, Zankou is pretty darn good. Their Toum garlic paste is to die for with their chicken. Expensive but worth it when you have a craving for juicy chicken. If only Coscto could dublicate what Zankou does at $5 a bird.
March 24th, 2014 at 12:49 PM ^
Because people told me that it was an amazing place and I HAD to go there while I was out east.
I wasn't expecting Gourmet, but I was certainly expecting something on par or better than a place like 5 guys. Side by side, I think 5 guys wins hands down.
I would say Halo Burger is even better.
+1
5 guys is bad from every angle. Bad burgers,and HORRIBLE fries.
March 24th, 2014 at 11:11 AM ^
Did you order the "animal style" burger and ask for extra (free) grilled onions? It's on their (not-so-)secret menu.
March 24th, 2014 at 11:23 AM ^
That's another good point. You have to know how and what to order. My wife would always complain that there was not enough meat (that's what she said) and too much lettuce. Well, order a double with light lettuce or no lettuce. I get a triple double (when my wife's not around to complain) no lettuce, animal style with the bun well toasted. Oh yes!
March 24th, 2014 at 12:01 PM ^
A little nomenclature clarification: a double cheeseburger at In N Out is called a Double Double, and anything higher than that is a 3x3, 4x4, etc.
I agree wholeheartedly on the animal style though - it's a must. you can do your fries animal style as well, but I like 'em the way they come. They also have incredible shakes.
But for anyone claiming that In N Out isn't good, drive by any location at any time they're open and the drive through line will be around the parking lot. This does not happen at restaurants that have been around 60+ years that aren't extremely good.
March 24th, 2014 at 12:17 PM ^
For more than 30 years and agree about In N Out. The fries are just.....bad; burger OK at best.
March 24th, 2014 at 12:28 PM ^
That's interesting, considering you're in the minority among Californians.
Out of curiosity, what burger would you say is better? Or are you just not a fast food person? This is a conversation I've had a number of times: "I don't like In N Out." "What fast food burger do you think is better?" "Oh, I don't eat fast food."
March 24th, 2014 at 12:43 PM ^
Though more expensive, I like the taste of Fatburger better. In N Out is just ok. Their fries suck though. The aren't crisp enough. You have to ask to see if they will make them more crispy than they normally do.
I also think In N Out went downhill after they stopped offering their In N Out Burger Stickers where people would cut off the B and R of Burger and slap on their car "In N Out urge " stickers.
March 24th, 2014 at 10:42 AM ^
March 24th, 2014 at 11:42 AM ^
March 24th, 2014 at 10:47 AM ^
and Hunter House is a very close second, I grew up 5 min from downtown Birmingham, BUT...if anyone ever visits Columbus for a game or what-have-you, Thurman Cafe is a must visit. Great burgers.
March 24th, 2014 at 10:47 AM ^
As a resident in birmingham I can vouch every bit for these sliders. two doubles with fries and a lemonade.
March 24th, 2014 at 10:53 AM ^
March 24th, 2014 at 11:32 AM ^
I would love to do that one day
March 24th, 2014 at 10:50 AM ^
Hunter House>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Huddle House.
March 24th, 2014 at 10:58 AM ^
I haven't been there in a while, but when I was in the field and we were on storm duty in that area, Hunter House was lunch almost invairably. I usually would go with the Triple and chili fries, especially when you wanted to patrol alone for a bit. I would agree with the OP - it can't replace Blimpy, but this is not a bad addition to Ann Arbor's landscape.
March 24th, 2014 at 11:15 AM ^
Early 60's to '72 we lived two blocks from there if you follow the street behind the HH business backlot downhill to the Rouge River. Park Street. Used to walk there or later go to Little Caesars first Bham strore the opposite end of Peabody's block facing Hunter (New Woodward). Our backyard was across Hunter from Poppleton Park and the neighbor was Olga Loizon of Olga's fame. Simple world back then.
March 24th, 2014 at 11:53 PM ^
My block is just like it was in B'ham in the 1960's including my house being the same style and approximate age.
Cool. I grew up near 30 and Van Dyke.
March 24th, 2014 at 11:16 AM ^
Or does that photo make Chad Smith look like Wil Ferrell's long lost (twin) brother? I had to do a double take.
March 24th, 2014 at 11:38 AM ^
March 24th, 2014 at 11:39 AM ^
March 24th, 2014 at 11:47 AM ^
Awesome. Over priced, average burgers.
I wish I had the gumption and capital to open a burger and dog joint. Charge a decent price for a truly memorable burger or hot dog with ample fries.
March 24th, 2014 at 11:57 AM ^
New Kickstarter for an MGoCafe...maybe a co-op of some sort with Brian's face on the front. I'm open for suggestions of additional marketing ideas.
March 24th, 2014 at 12:05 PM ^
Burgers and hot dogs are two of my favorite foods, but at the end of the day, both are still ground (or emulsified) meat. I can't think of a single thing that makes a burger or dog "memorable". Can some taste better than others? Sure. Memorable? I don't know.
Hunter House burgers are pretty cheap
March 24th, 2014 at 11:56 AM ^
a 5 star offensive lineman... : (
March 24th, 2014 at 12:07 PM ^
I was excited to point out there's already a Hunt House in Ann Arbor on the 3rd and 4th floors of South Quad, because that'd totally sway Hunter House's decision.
March 24th, 2014 at 12:15 PM ^
March 24th, 2014 at 12:18 PM ^
Van Tyne (Markley) FTW.
March 24th, 2014 at 12:43 PM ^
Von Runyan >>> Van Tyne
I was in Van Tyne freshman year.
Me too. For what very little its worth.
March 24th, 2014 at 11:09 PM ^
March 24th, 2014 at 12:58 PM ^
I'd rather Blimpy Burger get its act together and open up again.
How does it compare to White Castle?
Not even close IMHO
Lock the thread.