places to go…

Hodad’s
5010 Newport Av., Ocean Beach, CA

Right before we were to come to live in San Diego, we saw this place featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives on the Food Network, pretty much the only station we really got in NYC, other than the CSI channel, aka, Spike. Okay that’s pretty irrelevant info there, but it’s the sad truth. This Hodad’s place really got Alex going with all this burger nonsense, and the bacon “patty” for the bacon cheeseburger (so you ALWAYS have bacon in the bite).

Let me take a moment to clarify. I don’t eat burgers of any kind that I don’t grind myself, because even though they’re mmmmm!, they’re also G-R-O-S-S, you have no idea what is ground up in that mess. Second, I don’t eat beef or pork or the four legged hairy variety. And that’s that. So, I’m reviewing a burger joint… based on what they can do to a veggie burger and some fries, basically. And my impressions of my friend’s burgers. Alex will weigh in on the comment, I’m sure.

Okay, first Hodad’s is this great little place where once you’re in the door, it’s a total free-for-all in terms of seating. You’re the hostess. Sit where you want, let people by, it’s up to you. It’s not a huge place, but it is a busy one. About 4 picnic tables down the center, 5 booths, 10 tables and some bar style seating fill in the place. Many reviews slam them for the wait… but it’s busy as hell in there and they’ll bring you a beer. In short, this ain’t fast food. It’s a fun place to eat. The walls are full of license plates that got by the DMV’s vanilla employees, that apparently don’t get out much. Its menu is short, simple and you won’t waste much time trying to decide over “this” or “that”.

I get the veggie burger, with all the good stuff and fries. They get high marks for this veggie burger, and even higher marks for their hot sauce on the table. I put a good dent in that bottle. Good stuff. The burgers are served all wrapped up so you can just dive in, half open. Rearranging your burger or adding toppings in any way that involves opening or disturbing the presented form is NOT ADVISED. And by “not advised”, I mean you’ll be using your fork for the majority of the meal. The fries are some of the best. Huge, seasoned… I can’t even call them steak fries, but that’s the closest thing. They’re delicious and that hot sauce only makes them better.

The boys were happy with their selections. I did hear a preference to Lucky Buck’s, but personally, these guys do the veggie burger better, though it’s a toss up on the fries; big, thick, seasoned or seasoned waffle cut? The couple of kids that joined us also enjoyed their chicken finger stick thingys, although I find them frightening. Couple the great food, good loud music and atmosphere with a little celebrity watching of the one and only Neil Patrick Harris… It’s a great place. Even for a veggie burger. Oh, and if you don’t find the burger you just ate to be the best burger you’ve ever had, the staff doesn’t want to hear about it, a sign under the menu boasts.

I’d definitely go back, but not because OMG it was on the Food Network!!! but it’s a nice fun place to hit up from time to time with a fun atmosphere.