To get big burgers in a variety of styles in Hawaii, we go to places like Kua’aina Burger. On the mainland, many people go to Red Robin, and for good reason! This large chain of restaurants sports the tag line of “America’s Gourmet Burgers & Spirits.” With such a high description of itself, I had to try out Red Robin’s “gourmet” burgers for myself.
A look at the restaurant from the front door
The interior of Red Robin’s looks like many American chain restaurants. The walls are covered with varying pictures and artwork, and the restaurant sports a very bright and lively atmosphere.
When we sat down our server came right away and distributed menus. He also took our drink orders. At the recommendation of my sister and aunt, I decided to try Red Robin’s Strawberry Lemonade:
Strawberry “Freckled” Lemonade
Red Robin’s spin on a classic summertime drink is quite good. Served as a mixture of fresh lemonade and fresh strawberries, the drink is both refreshing and sweet. The touch of taste that the fresh strawberries add make this lemonade worth every penny. I ended up drinking three cups worth before all was said and done!
After enjoying a few sips of my lemonade, I turned my attention toward the menu. It was only natural that I decided on eating one of Red Robin’s “gourmet” burgers. Here is what we ordered up as a family:
Spinach & Artichoke Dip
I was half expecting this dip to be nothing more than yet another clone of California Pizza Kitchen’s Spinach & Artichoke Dip. I am happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised by Red Robin’s take on the dish. The dip served up at our table was, for the most part, similar to every other version I have had. However, Red Robin’s dip tasted much fresher than most, and also had a hint of smoky flavor that was great.
Onion Rings
Expecting yet another regular preparation in the onion rings, I was again surprised by the quality of Red Robin’s version. The onion rings were pilled high on a long metal skewer, forming a tower of golden fried goodness. The rings were big and very very crunchy, perfectly salted and hot! The rings came with a chipotle dipping sauce which made it even more perfect.
Bleu Ribbon Burger
For my main entree I decided to try the Bleu Ribbon Burger, which features a burger basted in tangy steak sauce and topped with crumbled bleu cheese. The burger’s toppings also included onion straws, lettuce, tomatoes, and a chipotle mayo.
I’ve had a number of similar burgers at other national chains like Chili’s, but Red Robin’s take seemed to edge out the rest. The burger was cooked with a little pink still inside (at my request), retaining all of the natural juices. The combination of toppings made for an excellent tasting burger! The tangy steak sauce and sharp bleu cheese made for a great flavor combination. All of Red Robin’s burgers come with unlimited steak fries, which were also very good!
Although I did not sample what others at my table had ordered, I thought I’d share pictures with you anyway:
Sauteed ‘Shroom Burger
Red Robin Gourmet Cheeseburger
Final thoughts: Red Robin may be just another big restaurant chain, but today’s visit proved to me that even big chains can come through with flying colors. The atmosphere and service of the restaurant were excellent, and the food was delicious. Red Robins manages to take food as simple as onion rings and burgers and transforms them into truly “gourmet” foods. I would recommend anyone traveling through the Mainland US to stop in on a Red Robin. I would love to have one back home in Hawaii!
| Service: |   |
Above Average |
| Food: | |
Above Average |
| Atmosphere: | |
Above Average |
| Overall Value: | |
Above Average |
*Star ratings are based in comparison to similar establishments.
Red Robin
Company website: www.RedRobin.com
Tags: Red Robin review, Gourmet burgers, Freckled lemonade
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So this is what my fiance has been doing instead of phoning back home! I’m kidding (kind of) =P Red Robin looks like it’d be good, and those onion rings look delicious! Maybe we should have gone there instead of P.F. Chang’s last time we went to WA.
Red Robin is one of my favorite restaurants of all time. I always get the Whiskey River BBQ burger with the amazing meatless patty substituted. I wonder if they’ll ever make it to Hawaii…that’s a chain I would welcome with open arms (and mouth).