Jackson Hole Diner, Englewood, NJ

 

Where:

362 Grand Ave, Englewood, NJ

What:
The Classic Burger with American cheese and fried onions, (NOT caramelized) on a brioche bun.

I've read many reviews about JH's burgers and I've wanted to try one for about 6 years now. Three friends who have eaten there told me the burgers are big but flavorwise they are just "okay". That's not what my takeaway was, my burger was everything I want in a burger, old-fashioned beef flavor and juices running down my wrist with every bite. The burgers are freshly made daily and weighing in at 7 ounces, they are (in my opinion) the perfect size burger. The only other restaurant I've seen offer this perfectly sized patty is Shopsin's General Store located in the Essex St. market in NYC. The burger section of Kenny Shopsin's book (Eat Me) is what turned me on to this unique burger size.

As for the JH Diner itself, it was spotlessly clean, in fact, I've never seen any restaurant so immaculate, the ceiling and light fixtures looked as if they were just installed. Everything from the floor to the tables were clean clean clean cuz. 

The street parking on Grand Ave can be hit or miss, but no worries thanks to the small parking lot in back.

My burger had all the makings of a 10/10 rating, however, I have to give this one a 9 out of 10.

Reason: Although it was juicy as hell, it was cooked beyond my requested temp of medium. 

If you want to read something that will give you a completely different view on all aspects of food, get Kenny Shopsin's book: 

"Eat Me"

"The Food and Philosophy of Kenny Shopsin"