Collin Kelley
Editor

I was a Grindhouse virgin until Sunday when I met up with some friends to try the new Grindhouse Killer Burgers on Piedmont Avenue. Both of my friends had already been to the original location inside the Sweet Auburn Curb Market and had nothing but good things to say about it.

The new location at 1842 Piedmont Ave. NE is in a former gas station, which has been beautifully remodeled into a modern eatery with a big bar, dining room and large covered patio. At Sweet Auburn, you order and sit at a counter or find a seat in the food court, but the new location is sit-down and full-service. There’s also plenty of parking.

You can custom build your burger – Angus beef, turkey or veggie – with a variety of condiments, cheeses, etc. and add sides like onion rings, fries, cole slaw or a salad. I ordered a single with American cheese, ketchup and yellow mustard along with the Vidalia onion rings. My friend Malory got her burger with Swiss and fries, while Cleo ordered the “Hillbilly Burger,” which features pimento cheese, chili, onions and jalapenos.

My burger was excellent – juicy, perfectly cooked to order (medium) and the potato bun wasn’t too thick or distracting from the beef. Malory had similar things to say about her burger, while Cleo raved about the combination of flavors. The downfall: the onion rings. While the Vidalia’s were sweet, the batter is blah and has no kick. Much better were Malory’s crinkle-cut fries, which had a snappy seasoning salt.

The photos on Grindhouse’s website are deceiving – the burgers look huge and messy, but my single was actually a little too small. I could have easily eaten another single or maybe I should have ordered a double. If you go hungry think about up-sizing.

George’s in Va-Hi still makes the best burger in the city, followed by Ann’s Snackbar. In my personal burger meter, Grindhouse sits at a comfortable third. I will most definitely be back for another killer burger.

www.grindhouseburgers.com