Sometimes the best things in life are worth waiting for. Other times, they’re worth hunting for. In this case, we’re talking burgers that are only available on certain days and times, making them elusive and maybe even a little more special. So go forth, burger gumshoe, and find yourself one of these (medium) rare-but-worth-it treasures.
This très-charmant Hayes Valley restaurant offers their burger every day at lunch ($15), but only on Tuesdays is it available in the evenings. So, not only is Bar Jules a great date spot, but it’s also a place where you get to be all in the know. So sexy, you, with all that knowledge. Oh, and they’re taking reservations for dinner now, sweet.
Another Hayes Valley option for you: Biergarten. On Wednesdays only, check out this half-pound patty of Prather Ranch beef on a Firebrand roll ($12). Toppings change every week and run the gamut from basic (lettuce, tomato, pickles, bacon, cheddar) to schmancy (dried tomato, arugula, green garlic aioli, pancetta).
The Bix burger ($18) was the champion in the tablehopper Quest for the Best Cloth Napkin Burger a few years ago, and it’s still a winner. It’s only available at lunch, but insiders know you can order the Bix burger off-menu during dinner. Just ask nicely. You can also try the black truffle burger, which is on the menu in the evenings ($28).
Mojo Bicycle Café (Wes Burger)
Also on Wednesdays is the weekly Wes Burger pop-up from local burger aficionado Wes Rowe at Mojo Bicycle Café. It kicks off at 6pm, and the toppings change; follow him on Twitter for updates. Past iterations have included the Hot Wes (his take on Jack in the Box’s Hot Mess burger), with fried onions, jalapeños, and queso dip (oh lawdy), and a mushroom/bacon/Swiss combination, all fried up in a cast iron skillet. He also often offers a vegetarian version, so everyone wins.
The infamous Tuesday burger at Rosamunde is only available at the Haight Street location, and only on Tuesdays at lunch (and you thought I was going to say Wednesday). They open at 11:30am, and people start lining up before then. The burger isn’t made with special meat per se, and it doesn’t have fancy toppings, but it's well-made, nicely grilled, damn tasty, only $6, and obviously good enough to line up for. But when it’s gone, it’s gone; they are often sold out by 2pm, so plan ahead.
Do you know about any other weekly burger specials? Let us know in the comments!
Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the weekly tablehopper e-column; subscribe and get more food news and gossip at tablehopper.com. Follow her on Twitter: @tablehopper.
