For my third burger during National Burger Month (my second was the turkey burger at 8oz) I stopped in at Westside Tavern. Like the movie theater above it, the restaurant is huge at over 10,000 square feet and room for 300 diners. And like you might expect, it was packed on this Saturday night. It’s the perfect spot to grub, given some extra time on your schedule because of a long wait for a table, before or after a movie. Although, in a rush, they do have a large bar area you can grab a seat and order in a hurry.
The menu is upscale tavern food. A cheeseburger, lamb french dip, grilled cheese, and a Nueske’s ham and fried egg sandwich range from $13-$16. Entrees like a flat iron steak, ale battered fish and chips, grilled fish, and a short rib pot roast are priced from $16-$24. They have a good selection of classic cocktails with fresh juices, craftsman beers, wines by the glass and affordable bottles of white and red wine from $18-$70.
The burger, surprisingly good, is served on an slightly sweet and airy egg bun. The patty was perfectly cooked to order, juicy, topped with a thick slice of Tillamook Chedder, caramelized onions, arugula, and a tangy mayo. The fries, a mix of regular and sweet potato, were your standard fried sticks and nothing special. The extra side of in-season grilled asparagus, with grilled onions and large parmesan shavings were a perfect marriage of salty and sweet.
Would I return? Perhaps, if the stars aligned and I happened to be seeing a movie here instead of the Arclight. But for now, my quest for more burgers beckons me.
5. May 2009 at 1:14 pm
the cocktails here are very respectable though I woudln’t say they’re better than places like The Varnish, Copa D’oro or Rivera.
5. May 2009 at 1:40 pm
Yeah, my Sidecar was just OK. And the bartender was really overwhelmed and they weren’t super busy.