Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Twenty Five Degrees

A few weeks ago, somebody told me about a restaurant I thought existed only in my dreams, where they made customized gourmet burgers. Sure, I could go to a normal burger restaurant and customize my burger, but there's just something special about a menu revolving specifically around the concept of creating your own burger, especially when they're premium ingredients and not the standard mushrooms, bacon, and cheddar cheese. The irony of course is that both times I've been to Twenty Five Degrees I've ordered one of their house burgers; I find there something slightly intimidating about coming up with my own burger creation, as if it won't be nearly as good as I might have envisioned it.

The restaurant is located on Hollywood Blvd in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The location could be a drawback because parking in that area of Hollywood isn't generally wallet friendly, although I'm sure with some patience a free spot could be found. The restaurant is rather small - there is a long row of stools along the counter and several booths. The first time we went there for lunch all the booths were filled so we had to sit at the counter, but the next time was for dinner and we had our pick of booths. Both times the service was similar - nothing spectacular, but it's nice to know that even if it's crowded you're not going to be ignored.

The first time we visited, I raved that I had had the absolute best burger I had ever had in my life (and I still stand by that statement) - the Number 2: burger with roasted tomatoes, pesto, prosciutto, and mozzarella. The second time I had the Number 1: caramelized onions, gorgonzola, thousand island, arugala, bacon; I wasn't nearly as impressed with this burger. Next time I think I may finally take the leap and actually customize my own burger. There's also other options such as a turkey burger, vege burger, or a hot dog. Our waiter advised against the hot dog but had good things to say about any of the burger choices. There's also a spattering of salads on the menu and a grilled cheese + tomato soup combination that couldn't have possibly been bad, just judging by its appearance.

Burgers are served a la carte, and adding fries or onion rings to a meal is rather pricey. The fries were great, crispy and flavorful, but the onion rings left a little something to be desired. The burgers are filling without adding any sides, but the sides make for a nice classic American burger meal. I'd recommend ordering a side if you're with other people - for just one person it would definitely be a super sized meal.I also tried a chocolate shake; the portion was huge but it was much more ice cream in a glass than it was a shake, so that was a bit disappointing.

The only negative thing I have to say about Twenty Five Degrees is that you get what you pay for, and you really pay for it here. A bare bones burger can run nearly $12, and that doesn't factor in any additional toppings, a side, or a drink. The first time we went, I paid $25 for a burger, fries, and a shake; it's definitely not the type of place to go if you're on a budget, but if you feel like treating yourself, I'd definitely argue you'll get your money's worth.





25 Degrees
7000 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Map

3 comments:

Tyler said...

Hmmmmm, I might have to try this place. That pesto burger sounds really good.

Jilly said...

Recently had the burger and fries at 25th degree. Great food worth the price and the area is super for seeing the sites. And its along the way to everything anyways. Ask for Jason after midnite and Trevor during the a.m. great service.

Anonymous said...

Worth every penny. Priced to market. So if your like me enjoy a plain burger w/o fries 9.00, of if you want a custom burger with fries 14.00, or combo 13.00. Inch thick meat and great taste. I also had to grill cheese and tomato soup, which was A+, not bad place for a date.