Based on reader reports of Burger Time in Apple Valley having its grand opening on Friday April 22nd, The Wife and I made plans to head over there and sample several burgers off the menu with both The Rooster and Josh. With an Urbanspoon review of their White Bear Lake location claiming, “Fake smoke flavor on the burgers and frozen fries. Portion size and price are good, too bad it is barely edible,” and then suggesting you should get there soon because it was clear it was going to close in short order, I went in a bit apprehensive after hearing that the White Bear Lake location did indeed close only a few days later.
We arrived just after 11 AM on Friday. Aside from one other family seated, we were the only people in the place for lunch so far. We took a look over the very simple menu (which differs slightly from the one available on their website), which The Wife remarked as being just as spartan as Raising Cane’s across the street, and placed our orders for a Famous Bigger Burger combo (with fries), a Bigger Cheeseburger combo (with onion rings), a Mushroom Swiss Burger, a Bacon Cheeseburger, and a Hawaiian BBQ Burger combo (with fries). The combos come with fries in a small beverage cup (or a bag for the onion rings) and a 32oz drink and are quite competitively priced for 1/3lb burgers. Our total (for four burger combos of a variety of types) came to just under $25.
The space is simple. Seating for 25 with several of the tables placed directly in the way of the ordering line, cheap feeling aluminum chairs (which one person I spoke with claimed were too short for the tables something I didn’t notice), and a counter with several stools lining the windows facing Chipotle and White Castle. There is a tiny window behind the counter where the food is brought from the kitchen to the front. Because of this, and it’s unfortunate, you cannot see how they make or assemble the burgers. Aside from the Coke machine and the kitsch on the wall, there isn’t much to see in this tiny space which used to house a TCBY, a Starbucks, and a Homemade Pizza Company before it.
Our orders were called, far faster than what you’d expect from a place that supposedly makes burgers to order such as Culver’s, and regardless of your dining option (takeout or dine in) are served in thin paper bags with the burgers on the bottom and the sides on the top. The onion rings and the fries are fine. Nothing spectacular here but certainly better than what you’re likely to find at many other fast food restaurants in town. While I am not much for onion rings or fries myself, I placed the fries closer to McDonald’s and way better than Burger King or Culver’s (not that it is hard to beat those two) and the onion rings as the best you can get in fast food as they were neither greasy nor overdone and had an appropriate amount of breading to get the job done.
I started with my Famous Bigger Burger and took a close look. When I ordered they asked if I wanted everything on it and I did. It came with lettuce, tomato, mayo, red onions, pickles and ketchup. The patty was large and filled out the entire bun but the meat was thin and cooked medium-well. The vegetables were fresh enough for fast food and tasted fine. When put all together my sandwich tasted just like a Whopper from Burger King. Thankfully Apple Valley has no Burger King nearby and thus if you’re in the mood for a Whopper, you’ll have to visit Burger Time to get it. Aside from that, I saw nothing special enough about the Burger Time burger to suggest you forgo your plans to visit Junior’s Cafe and Grill or King’s Place or agree with their bold statement that it’s “famous”. My wife, however, thoroughly enjoyed her burger and said it was definitely better than the burgers you can get at any other fast food restaurant. Both her and Josh noted that it reminded them of Culver’s burgers only better and bigger.
While the burger, cheeseburger, and bacon cheeseburgers came with the works, the Hawaiian BBQ and Mushroom and Swiss burgers came with nothing except what their names stated aside from some strips of bacon and a slice of cheese which were unexpected on the Hawaiian BBQ burger. The Hawaii BBQ burger’s BBQ sauce was very smoky and tasted good in contrast to the sweet (and clearly canned) pineapple rings. Overall I thought it was an interesting burger and one I’d order again if I were in the mood for that sort of thing. The Mushroom Swiss Burger came with a healthy dose of sauteed mushrooms and what appeared to be less cheese than we experienced on the rest of the burgers. Josh doesn’t like vegetables on his burgers and The Wife used them on the Mushroom and Swiss burger and said while the burger was fine she was definitely glad she had the additional toppings to round out the sandwich.
Of particular note were the 32oz soft drinks (the only size we saw available at the counter). While their website notes that their combos only come in one size, “BIG!” we just didn’t understand the draw. Of the three soft drinks purchased none of us finished even half of the cup and left the rest to go down the drain. I’m not quite sure why they didn’t offer any other sizes but I’m definitely guessing that in 2011 it’s time to go back to smaller cups being available. No one needs that much corn syrup along with their 1/3+lb burgers and honestly, it’s just a waste of money for everyone.
While I believe that Burger Time could survive in another location in Apple Valley, I am not convinced that they will be able to hold their own in a place which has housed so many other restaurants unsuccessfully. Fast food places really do need a drive-through and with stiff competition from White Castle and McDonald’s across the street as well as a pretty awful traffic pattern in that parking lot, I just don’t see Burger Time making it. In addition, I am particularly concerned by the recent closure of the White Bear Lake location and sudden opening of the Apple Valley one days later. I wouldn’t be surprised if they took the remaining assets from the WBL location and brought them to Apple Valley to sell what they had and recoup some of their losses on rent (since September) knowing they are likely to get the opening rush + Groupon customers’ dollars and then closing up shop for good in a few weeks.
Overall I thought the burgers were fine for the price and size and my wife said she’d much rather eat them than any of the other fast food joints in town. However, there are just too many unknowns with Burger Time for me to say that I believe they’ll survive but in the mean time get out there and see what you think and let us know below.
Address:
Burger Time
7594 150th St W
Apple Valley MN 55124
See all the pictures from Burger Time in Apple Valley on Flickr here.
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September 16th, 2010 at 7:39 am
Personally, I wouldn’t put a burger place and White Castle in the same category. Burgers are made from actual ground beef, grilled or broiled, produce, sometimes with cheese products made from a milk base and bun of some, sometimes fresh usually sponge bread mix sort deal.
A White Castle slider has none of those characteristcs as far as I can tell. They’re in a food group all by themselves, I don’t see any competitive issues.
September 16th, 2010 at 7:41 am
its a pretty well known local burger chain up in the Fargo area. As often as I go there for business, I have never been to one. Interesting choice of location for their first shot at the TC market.
September 16th, 2010 at 8:02 am
I am all for new burger joints, but was hoping for a Five Guys or Burger Jones or Smashburger. Oh well, I’ll try it.
September 16th, 2010 at 8:17 am
Red Robin and even Wild Bill’s, etc will probably be more of their competition than White Castle. Of course, I know nothing about the place…just guessing.
September 16th, 2010 at 8:25 am
jf,
Neither of those are in the same category. Based on the location and its previous setups, there just isn’t enough room for a bar or much inside seating. Their other locations seem to be mainly drive-through or takeout oriented. I would guess that their Apple Valley location would be similar.
September 16th, 2010 at 8:36 am
The last thing that was in that location that I ever visited was when TCBY was located there. My wife and I would go there regularly in the summer, even though we lived in Burnsville.
I wonder if they’ll get the burger business for foot traffic? Parking in that area is a joke. Driving through that whole area can be challenging. I can’t imagine walking over to White Castle if I was already at the mall.
September 16th, 2010 at 8:39 am
I’ll check them out since I love burgers. Didn’t really think Smashburger was so great so not sad that didn’t go in. I’m ok to eat a Slider though I hate WC fries so won’t be there too much. Also don’t really like getting into/out of or parking in that whole area of shops.
That pizza place was barely opened before it closed it seemed, I wish them luck.
September 16th, 2010 at 9:19 am
I will never go. I am not much of a burger fan.
September 16th, 2010 at 9:24 am
I would totally eat there if it wasn’t way the hell out in Apple Valley.
September 16th, 2010 at 9:39 am
Burger Time?
September 16th, 2010 at 9:47 am
It’s kind of strange, isn’t it, that the Chipotle kitty-cornered to that space is so busy, while that corner always seems so dead. Parking can be pretty horrific, and while I like to visit the Half Price Books, the traffic – and the atmosphere – wouldn’t make me want to wander down the way for a burger.
I agree, fast food burgers are not in the same league. My husband is the big burger fan in the family, and he says he may crave a White Castle once in a blue moon, but he just doesn’t feel good after he eats one.
September 16th, 2010 at 9:59 am
Sliders are in a food group?
I love burgers. Five Guys, In-N-Out, etc. If this place can make a good burger and keep it under $10, I’d probably be pretty happy.
September 16th, 2010 at 10:07 am
I wish them luck.
September 16th, 2010 at 11:24 am
That pizza place was doomed from day one. They were a take-and-bake shop.
Not many people are all that interested in organic pizza. They’re especially not intrested in a take home pizza that costs $20.00. AND, they never advertised, barely had a sign up, and had extremely limited hours so the few times I went there to buy a pie, they weren’t even open.
Take and Bake is a sketchy propisition. Papa Murphy’s is the only one that makes in that space, but even they’re struggling.
It’s just too easy for a grocer to offer the same product, cheaper where people are used to shopping for food.
If the food is good, they will come.
BTW The Starbucks went out of there when they remoldeled the Target across the street. Their lease ran out about the time Starbucks started having issues and consolidated locations.
September 16th, 2010 at 11:27 am
Sank,
Except the groceries charge $10 for a take and bake with inferior product/toppings whereas PM charges about $7 and gives you incentives like free cookie dough.
September 16th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Culinary Circle (Cub brand) and Archer Farms (Target brand) both make a decent bake-at-home pizza that even Mr Marcos enjoys (he’s kind of picky about pizza). I never pay more than $5 for either brand and both go on sale regularly.
As for Burger Time – crappy location, horrible parking, no place for a drive thru (as someone mentioned, drive thru seems to be something they capitalize on in their other restaurants). The prices seem good but not sure I’m going to be willing to fight to find a parking spot, dodge traffic to get in the door, only to be faced with the same basic burger menu I could get so many other places.
September 16th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
Mrs. M. I have never seen a CC pizza at Cub for under $8 in the cooler by the sushi. Are you talking frozen?
September 16th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Yes, in the frozen pizza area. For what its worth, Mr Marcos hates those pizzas by the sushi but he loves the frozen ones. No explanation available.
September 16th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
Mrs. M, those are then frozen pizzas and not take and bake.
September 16th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
I spoke with the President of this particular unit of Burger Time and have included his responses to my quick questions in the post above.
Highlight: they source their beef (as they have for the last 23 years) from a single farm in Fergus Falls which has grown with them to meet their demand. Even as they expand nationwide (their plan) they will continue to source from that same Minnesota farm.
September 16th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
I agree the parking and traffic are horrible in that area. It is very convenient though to park and divide up the family to get whatever their hearts desire – Chipotle, Subway, White Castle, LeAnn Chin’s and soon, Burger Time. I know when my kids are going out with their friends they do the same thing.
September 16th, 2010 at 4:49 pm
+1 MSPD – never heard of the chain, but I remember the video game from my apple ][ days
September 16th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
Having spent 4 years in Fargo for college and 4-5 yearly visits as that is where my wife’s family resides, I have had many opportunities to sample Burger Time. I never knew they even existed outside of Fargo, but that location is very well known in that area.
It is cheap and pretty tasty but I wouldn’t classify it as anything exceptional or amazing, but I would recommend it. We use to buy a sack of them in college and split them up, 2-3 each. It’s really good when you are drunk too. The Fargo location is tiny and I am pretty sure it’s drive through only.
Not having a drive-thru here seems like a killer to me, really this is poor judgement if you ask me. I also hate that parking lot.
September 16th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
I will probably end up trying it out purely for the fact that the source beef from the state. Hopefully that fact is within their marketing strategy.
September 17th, 2010 at 7:01 am
[...] Eric Harper gets flooded out in Denver, BLVD Kitchen & Bar is set to open in Minnetonka, and Burger Time (no relation to the Atari game) is getting set to open in Apple Valley. » Five More Guys [...]
September 17th, 2010 at 8:54 am
If they got a killer deal on the lease, I have to consider what Mrs. Robinson said about foot traffic. I can easily see folks heading there to pick up some stuff, say at Burlington, or Rainbow, book place, arts and crafts place, then stopping to eat at one of the wide variety of food places there.
If anything that area is hurting itself with the parking. they seem to have a good mix of retail stuff. I don’t know how the site ownership works there, but I’d be tempted to start up a little shuttle service with some electric carts. You park out in the wasteland that is Burlington/Rainbow parking lot and for $3 or something I’ll truck you over to the sidewalk in front of where you want to go. Need a pickup, text me and I’ll pick you up with all your stuff.
September 17th, 2010 at 9:27 am
I’d love to see the parking/pathway situation in that lot re-configured – maybe have the lanes go “long ways” following the length of the building, instead of so many short lanes perpendicular to it on the Half Price Books/Subway side of the mall (maybe this would not work on the grocery store side with people and their carts.
September 17th, 2010 at 9:30 am
sank, did starbucks have a ‘beef’ with the city of a.v. also?? i seem to remember or not remember something to that effect.
bb
September 17th, 2010 at 9:33 am
That was Dunn Bros by the circle of death.
September 17th, 2010 at 11:56 am
i had heard 2nd or 3rd hand or so that starbucks had a deal going with the city.
bb
September 17th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
this place is not gourmet burgers or a place with a bar, as the one commenter noted, there are 1 or 2 of them in Fargo… one is on Main Street between I-29 and downtown… strictly fast food, but based on the meat sourcing you could say this is somewhere between BK/MCd and Culvers in quality… (actually i think i ate at one in Fergus Falls , there is one right off the exit of i-94 near the McDonalds, BK, etc.
i wouldnt say this is on par with Five Guys or In-And-Out…. (both of which I like).
at this point as per previous comments by Bill, the go-to places for a good burger SOTR seem to remain Junior’s, Kings in Miesville, and House of Coates in Coates. At least they are the only non chain places, actually i think Buffalo Tap in Savage is OK as well, but they really fall down on the fries which are strictly frozen krinkle cut.
anyone have an update on the Juniors new place in Burnsville?
September 25th, 2010 at 10:01 am
I am all for a better option for a quick burger in the south metro. Funny thing… I spoke to a manager of a five guy burgers who said the have short term plans to open new locations in dinky town, Eden prairie and apple valley in the next 12 months – The same game plan as burger time. The manager of five guys said they were in the process obtaining a location in apple valley. Anyone know of this?
October 3rd, 2010 at 9:48 pm
Burgers seem to be the new local restaurant trend, since a second Burger Jones location (the original is at Calhoun Village in Minneapolis) is coming to Burnsville:
http://www.thisweeklive.com/2010/09/29/burger-jones-to-open-in-burnsville/
I haven’t been to the original location; I’ve only looked at their website and read their menu. It will be interesting to see how well their approach works down here, though.
October 11th, 2010 at 6:58 pm
I’d love to see a Five guys in the south suburbs. It’s great, since I can get a gluten-free opton for my son (hot dog without a bun and fries). Wish I had more options locally.
October 11th, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Rick,
You can go to Johnny’s in Apple Valley or A&W and get the same thing…probably for less.
October 12th, 2010 at 7:24 am
Burger Jones sounds cool for Burnsville. Wish they were going to move into the empty space next to the BPAC though.
October 12th, 2010 at 7:26 am
Chad, they tried but were denied by the mayor because they aren’t a WTR (white tablecloth restaurant).
October 12th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Which old Blockbuster is Burger Jones going into in Burnsville? The one by Pier 1 Imports or the one by Blue Max Liquors? I would guess the one by Pier 1 Imports, seems more upscale for a restaurant like Burger Jones, although I wouldn’t call burgers very upscale.
Never had Burger Time or Burger Jones. Tried Five Guys when I was in Miami over the summer. Was very tasty and the seasoned fries were pretty good but my stomach didn’t agree with the burger soon after finishing it.
October 12th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
Dan: http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2010/09/27/story10.html
October 12th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
From a business point of view, I would think anything on 42 would be much more lucrative than the HOC. From the Mayors point of view, she should have been begging any established company with a decent track record to be putting any sort of decent place in the HOC space.
I wish I was surprised. I dont have an opinion one way or another on Parasole, but I would think its pretty much proven that they are capable of opening a successful place. WTC or not, a bar/happy hour place that would draw people into the area before and after events at the BPAC should have tremendous value to the mayors vision.
October 12th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
Well, at least parking will never be a problem in that shopping mall!
(Nor will too much traffic be an issue, I’m afraid.)
October 12th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
I would totally go if the burgers are good. The fact that they use real ground beef, locally sourced, and no fillers sounds great. I do not eat burgers at fast food restaurants (Culvers being the exception). I cannot stomach them. There was a local burger chain I used to visit while in Chicago, real burger for around $5 and it was great.
October 13th, 2010 at 11:57 pm
If you’ve ever had a burger from Burger Time, you know you will drive out of your way to go there. I grew up in Rosemount, lived in the Fargo area for a short period of time (which was when I was first exposed to Burger Time), and I am now back in Rosemount. I work in Apple Valley and couldn’t be happier that one is opening near by!
I think I will dream about it tonight…
October 25th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
I drove by Bugertime over the weekend and it still looked like there was a “for lease” sign in the window and brown papers covering the windows.
I know it can take time to build the “Infrastructure” but the leasing signs speak to me as this place is in trouble already.
November 5th, 2010 at 5:05 pm
We lived in Fargo from 1985 until 1991 and stopped at Burger Time frequently. The one up there had a drive-thru and very limited space to eat inside. The burgers were large, fresh and inexpensive-just perfect for a college student. The fries weren’t bad either, but could get soggy pretty fast. I’m eager to check this Apple Valley site out, but like others, I’m skeptical of the location and lack of a drive-thru. The fact that it’s now early November and they had a target date of mid-October leaves me wondering what’s up. I like White Castles too, but they aren’t anything like sliders.
November 7th, 2010 at 2:53 am
Cane’s is still around right? If they can survive more than 30 days I would think anything could.
As far as taste is concerned, I can’t believe we went there, even on this blog where we tend to forget what the questions were after comment #2. There are always things that can be discussed objectively about wings, pizza, chinese, etc.. But when it comes to burgers, especially the ones that come in a bag, it makes about as much sense to try to discuss their merits as it does to……..watch Jerry Springer’s new show “Baggage”. (sorry, it’s late……’scuse me while I flip the channel)
I will say that in the midst of the only burb with worse left turns than Woodbury, I begrudgingly sit through two extra left turns for my favorite fast food burger which is one of only a couple on the east side of Cedar. So I’ll be checking Burger Time out for sure.
November 7th, 2010 at 10:13 am
Still not open…I smell trouble already.
November 7th, 2010 at 11:37 am
Maybe they realized they can’t do what they do without a drive-thru and are trying to buy out Subway to knock it down and put in a window. ;)
November 7th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Mr & Mrs M – Is LL your method of communication with each other? Ha.
November 7th, 2010 at 7:18 pm
easier than running upstairs to have a conversation, right?
November 7th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Honey, could you bring me a glass of milk when you come up. Thanks!
November 7th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
We’re out of milk…it is on the list.
November 13th, 2010 at 7:28 pm
Looks like there might be activity in that corner. I couldn’t see the leasing signs in the window but I couldnt really get a good look through the snow as I drove by today. I thought I saw a crate of some sort in the parking lot.
November 13th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
We were by there on Thursday or Friday and the door was open. They are still sheet rocking the walls. No way they’re going to open anytime soon.
November 15th, 2010 at 11:37 am
If I can’t a) Make my own burgers or b) Eat at the Nook, I will go without a burger altogether.
November 15th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
The Nook is the BEST.
November 15th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
lefty – we often go to Shamrocks for burgers, which I think is the same owners. How do the burgers compare in your opinion? As good?
November 15th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Chad, I know you weren’t asking me, but I’ve eaten at both the Nook and Shamrock’s many, many times. Aside from one person on Chowhound who swears they are different, I’ve found them to be exactly the same as has everyone else I’ve heard from.
November 16th, 2010 at 12:32 am
Nothing against the Nook, they have great burgers, but I prefer Blue Door Pub over almost anything else around.
I have yet to get to Burger Jones, I’ve heard that they are adding another location in Burnsville.
November 16th, 2010 at 8:12 am
Chad-
I have to say I have not been to Shamrock’s, but you are right about the ownership. I suspect they are close to the same, though there is a part of me that thinks a nice seasoned grill can pull off the job better than a newer one (probably just a lefty superstition).
But I presume they are using the same technique and I am sure the absolutely perfect buns for those Juicy Nookies as they are pretty clear about the purpose of Shamrock’s, which is to make more room for people who want their food since the Nook is perpetually packed.
I have also heard good things about Blue Door…I need to try that sometime. I know they have a spirited debate with The Nook about who makes the best Juicy Lucy (I think Matt’s over in south minne gets in on that debate as well.
Lefty
November 16th, 2010 at 9:11 am
Blue Door is great if you like cheese stuffed burgers — they call theirs Juicy Blucys. Shamrock’s and the Nook do offer the same burgers, but Shamrock’s menu in general is a bit larger. The big difference between the two? You can get Hamm’s on tap at the Nook.
November 16th, 2010 at 9:19 am
I like a good Juicy Lucy at Matts and at the 5-8 next to the airport. I love the Juicy Nookie or whatever its called at Shamrocks.
I will have to give the Blue Door a try.
November 16th, 2010 at 9:39 am
It is nice that The Nook serves Hamm’s beer, but it will be nicer when they get their hands on Surly Furious. That would be a dream meal.
November 16th, 2010 at 10:34 am
If you don’t like Jucy Lucys (or whatever they are called), Blue Door Pub is not going to interest you. I don’t really like stuffed burgers, so I have no use for Matt’s, the 5-8, BDP, etc.
South of the River (barely) I was recently introduced to Lucky’s 13 down in Mendota. They have an extensive burger menu although the $10+ price tag will probably send Bill into a f-bomb frenzy. People swear by their Jucy Lucy (whatever they call it).
I had the Breakfast Burger (ham, egg, hashbrowns, cheese) the other day and it was solid. Not Nook-worthy, but good in an area devoid of good burgers.
Their tater tots are also really, really good…think huge tater tots with cheesy goodness inside. One order will fill you up for a week. So will their nachos….6″ deep on a tray the size of a cafeteria tray. Enough to feed 3-4.
November 16th, 2010 at 11:29 am
I have just discovered that the Blue Door does in fact serve Surly Furious.
This is an amazing discovery.
I have decided that if the Blue Door’s burgers are 82% as good as The Nook, then the offering of the Furious would offset the 18% decrease in meal satisfaction (all other things equal).
If, however the burgers are 81% or less as good as The Nook, I would still have to go with The Nook.
This is a very big day for me.
November 16th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
lefty, that post is beyond awesome.
Personally, I am not a huge Jucy or Juicy Lucy fan, but will eat them if I am someplace that has a good one.
I think Lucys is ok in a happy hour sort of way, but its a little bit trendy and expensive. Given the choice I would choose Shamrocks and they are sort of not that far apart.
November 16th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Sorry, that should say Lucky 13′s above, not Lucy’s.
November 17th, 2010 at 10:17 am
There is a Lucky 13′s also in Bloomington over where Bennigans used to be and it is good, but too pricey for a burger. I Like the Nookie burger a lot at the the Nook, But King’s is still my favorite especially the one with Peanut Butter on it.
November 24th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
They are still working on the inside as of today and it looked like they were doing electrical work. Now that the paper is down off the windows it’s pretty clear that this will be a takeout only place.
November 26th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
That is pretty lame, would have to be a seriously awesome burger for me to muddle through the strip mall parking fiasco to order something to go, maybe if they had a drive through…but even then, that parking lot sucks, badly.
November 28th, 2010 at 5:57 pm
Hey lefty, just a heads up on the Blue Door if you want to further offset the percentages ;), their happy hour gives you Surly Furious on tap for two bucks. And two dollar tater tots. I wept for joy when I found this out. And then I had the brie stuffed burger with apple compote and experienced Nirvana.
November 28th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
bear in mind, the blue door used to be the ‘playa azule’(sp), a caribbean joint with so so food.
bb
November 29th, 2010 at 10:23 am
Claire,
I am weeping as I write this. Your post may be the most important post in however long this Lazy Lightning thing has been going. I may quit my job in order to make this happy hour right soon. If I were not already married to a Furious loving woman, I would ask you on a date, (but you would have to pay since I am about to quit my job).
Quick Blue door story:
On Thansgiving Thursday, we had a really late Thanksgiving dinner planned as some of our dinner eaters were working that day (think 7:30 pm for dinner). The aforementioned Furious loving woman and I were looking for a place to eat that was not serving turkey. We tried about everywhere and then I called the Blue Door (we are at this point feeling starved). Unlike everywhere else, including the Nook, they answered the phone. My heart was aflutter when I said, “Are you open?” The answer? Nope, we are just doing food shelf prep today. Damn do-gooders.
As a result, we went to Buca and had a margharita pizza that completely exceeded our very low expectations. And boy, were there some lonely souls there celebrating Thanksgiving.
Lefty
November 29th, 2010 at 10:55 am
It was actually Puerta Azul (“Blue Door” in Spanish), and was a Puerto Rican restaurant. I thought it was better than “so so” personally.
November 29th, 2010 at 10:57 am
1. I edited MSPD’s comment above to repair a broken blockquote tag.
2. MSPD, everyone I have spoken to had nothing but bad things to say about Puerta Azul.
November 29th, 2010 at 11:04 am
1. Thanks.
2. That’s because the people you hang out with are a bunch of chumps.
November 29th, 2010 at 11:08 am
Well no one can ever say you’re full of yourself.
November 29th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
chumps or chimps?
bb
November 30th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
Lefty,
I appreciate the offer of a date, but I don’t go out with married men who don’t have jobs and therefore can’t buy me dinner. At least that’s what the hubby tells me are the stipulations. ;)
My Surly-loving husband also wept when I first spoke of the happy hour special; it’s always good to know that beer can bring a man to tears. I highly recommend a sick day for you and your wife so that you can appreciate the absolute joy of Blue Door and cheap high end beer. :)
My next goal is to get the boss to take us all out there for dinner. The one thing better than good cheap beer is good free beer. :)
December 2nd, 2010 at 1:13 pm
Claire,
You can say whatever you want about your “rules”, but I saw you wink at me.
The next time you are at The Blue Door, and you see a really good looking guy order a Furious and a burger, you will probably wonder if that is me. Well, you will be right. Stop over and introduce yourself. ;)
Love,
Lefty
December 2nd, 2010 at 8:41 pm
And if it’s not you, Lefty, well then, I’m going to make a lot of good looking male friends. This is win win! ;)
December 3rd, 2010 at 2:30 pm
And if it’s not you, Lefty, well then, I’m going to make a lot of good looking male friends. This is win win! ;)
Sounds like your Surly-Loving husband doesn’t list meeting good looking men at dive bars is among his stipulations as long as they are employed and can buy you dinner and either married or single. Good luck!
December 3rd, 2010 at 2:55 pm
Hmmm, you may be right about this, I didn’t consider my husband’s reaction to my meeting strange men, though he himself is a strange man, so I don’t know why in the world he’d have a problem with it ;). . .I think a girl’s night to Blue Door is order. Is your Surly-loving wife available? *chuckling*
December 3rd, 2010 at 3:44 pm
As much as it seems that the four of us would probably have a good time out to dinner and drinking Surly products, I am afraid that can’t happen.
That would mean you actually know what I look like. This way, every time you see a really good looking guy, you will wonder if it is me!
December 3rd, 2010 at 3:46 pm
lefty,
I just got off the phone w/Mrs. Ellis and she said you’re an ugly fuck. So not only do you lie about astroturfing but you lie about your looks. You probably don’t even like Furious.
December 3rd, 2010 at 8:27 pm
Bill,
You mean to say that some of the things people say on the internet aren’t necessarily true?!? *GASP* Noooooo!
Lefty, my life will never be the same again. Please at least tell me you still like Surly! *sniffle*
December 4th, 2010 at 9:08 am
Bill,
You can attack me from whatever angle you would like, but if you ever question my zeal for Furious ever again, I will hunt you down and verbally accost you in a manner you have never comprehended. Look what you did to Claire.
Claire,
In this internet world, I will always be the handsome and athletic Surly drinking man that only has eyes for you and my wife. Don’t lose that dream.
With warm regards,
Lefty <3 *warm smile with just a hint of naughtyness*
December 4th, 2010 at 9:45 am
I’m officially creeped out.
December 4th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
*sniffle* Okay, well I can go on, then. Phew, and here I thought my world was going to be shattered.
And now I want a burger.
;)
December 14th, 2010 at 9:01 am
You’re going to be making your own: http://www.startribune.com/local/east/111842904.html
December 14th, 2010 at 9:14 am
This is bad news indeed. Good thing I have the Blue Door on my list and the Shamrock’s place, both places I would not have thought to go to without the good people that comment here.
Also, I had a pretty excellent Juicy Lucy burger at Groveland Tap a few weeks ago.
With that said, this seriously ruins my day.
December 14th, 2010 at 9:19 am
Super sad. Anybody know where we can get Hamm’s on tap now that the Nook is gone?
December 14th, 2010 at 9:23 am
jf,
Out of the way for sure but it’s on tap at King’s Place.
December 14th, 2010 at 9:33 am
I think Rik’s Cabaret still has Hamm’s.
December 14th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Drove by tonight and it’s looking like the internals have been completed but plenty of finishing touches will still be required.
December 14th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
They said tonight that they will reopen in a month.
December 14th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
That’s what Burger Time said three months ago ;-)
December 14th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
Good point.
December 15th, 2010 at 11:18 am
Given St. Paul, I imagine just getting permits, insurance settled, etc. will take longer than a month. I can’t imagine the Nook re-opening before summer, if that. Fires suck.
December 15th, 2010 at 10:19 pm
This leads directly to something I am VERY curious about:
Exactly how much in extraneously stupid fees, etc., does it cost to start a business in Minnesota? Is it truly that much more financially prohibitive to do so in this state, or is that political/media hype?
Anyone know the facts?
December 15th, 2010 at 11:33 pm
Sandy, it depends on the nature of the business and the type of business (corporation, LLC, partnership, etc). My wife owns a small business and it isn’t that difficult, but it isn’t a restaurant and didn’t require dealing with zoning, building permits, etc.
December 16th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
Of course it does; but the question is: Is it more financially prohibitive to own a business here than in most other states? Or is that just whiney hype?
December 16th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
I would say it is. But, on the flip side, the Twin Cities has a very deep pool of talent, outstanding University systems, and highly educated workforce. So companies might choose to locate here despite the pure financial aspect.
December 16th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
I’ve wondered why we have so many global companies in light of the so-called financial disincentives. But are our university systems that wonderful, comparatively speaking? I am a student at the U and my kid is at a top school in another state; I think he is getting a far better education than I see prospects of. Could be the U has better science than liberal arts…?
December 17th, 2010 at 8:50 am
I intentionally said “systems” (plural). The private schools like St. Thomas, Carlson School of Management, William Mitchell, etc. are all fairly well ranked in various aspects. And, yes, the U has some prestige in a few areas (Engineering and Dentistry are a couple that come to mind).
If you are measuring just the U of M, especially Liberal Arts, etc. then, no, I wouldn’t say it’s that special although my bachelors is a BA from the U of M and clearly I’m one of the crown jewels of their alumni.
December 17th, 2010 at 10:11 am
Not to be pedantic, but CSOM is part of the U of M.
William Mitchell, while a very good school to be sure, is outranked by the U’s law school as well. But I do agree with MPSD that the quality of the U varies from program to program.
December 17th, 2010 at 10:11 am
Sandy, I dont really think we have that many global companies in the Twin Cities, given the size of the metro area. The ones that are here seem to have all been founded here. I cant think of any global companies that have actually relocated on a large scale to the Twin Cities.
Several quickly come to mind who have merged or been bought out by other companies and chose to relocate to other states.
December 17th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
The U’s law school is a top 25 law school, I believe. Which is apparently a big, hairy deal.
December 17th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Not in 2010 it wasn’t at least not according to US News (and they’re the ranking that counts): http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/rankings
They’re #22.
December 17th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
And now I realize you said top 25. I’m going to a top 5 school which is ranked 15th in math. I are smart.
December 17th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
I also said “I believe” which would imply I wasn’t certain. But thanks for trying to be a butt and proving me right :)
December 29th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
Did another drive by today. Not much has happened since my last check back in. Honestly I wouldn’t be surprised if Burger Time never opens.
December 29th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Thanks for the updates Bill. Even though I love burgers and drive past there all the time, I’m not motivated enough to drive in there to check it out. If it ever does actually open I won’t know about it unless I read it here.
December 31st, 2010 at 11:12 am
[...] Burger Time: Apple Valley, MN [...]
January 17th, 2011 at 6:27 am
Today’s Groupon is $5 for $10 worth of burgers and drinks at Burger Time (The Groupon gives the name as ‘It’s Burger Time’ and lists locations in White Bear Lake and Apple Valley.)
Can anyone confirm that this place is open? I was thinking of buying the Groupon, but if it’s still looking like there’s a long way to go, I’ll pass as I’m never up in WBL.
January 17th, 2011 at 7:21 am
I went to Radio Shack last weekend (after not finding what I needed at Target or Best Buy), and it did look like Burger Time was getting close to being ready. I can’t confirm it actually is open though.
January 17th, 2011 at 7:58 am
As of Thursday it was in the same exact state it was two weeks before. Aside from what appeared to be a realtors key holder attached to the door nothing changed.
It’s basically just a shell of a restaurant.
January 17th, 2011 at 9:16 am
The Groupon shows the Apple Valley location as “Opening early spring”.
January 17th, 2011 at 9:20 am
So they’re going to open 6 months after beginning to pay rent in the Apple Valley location? That’s digging an enormous hole for them to drag themselves out of when they open.
I can’t imagine they’ll last even if they do open.
January 17th, 2011 at 9:25 am
This is Minnesota. That could be March or May. Either way, I’m guessing it’s closer to early spring 2012 than 2011. Tricky how they left off the year…
January 17th, 2011 at 11:14 am
Maybe they are going to pay rent with all the Groupon money since the Groupon will expire before the damn place opens.
January 17th, 2011 at 3:16 pm
Groupons don’t always work for the place.
I purchased one for Town Talk Diner a while back, after the place changed hands. We ate there to find the service and food had gone downhill since the new guys took over.
Last week I declared the Kiss of Death on TTD when hearing that a friend also experienced a poor overall meal. It seems the lefty Kiss of Death is powerful.
RIP Town Talk Diner
January 29th, 2011 at 11:25 am
I went back to Radio Shack last night to return what I bought and noticed there was opaque plastic over the windows at Burger Time.. seems like they are sure putting a lot of work in if they are really ever going to open..
January 29th, 2011 at 11:55 am
Not quite sure what they would have needed to do behind the iron curtain. The place looked more or less complete aside from a menu board. Just seems very odd that it has been delayed this long.
I have heard rumors that the President or CEO (or whatever he called himself) of the company that was doing the expansion left the company soon after the first place opened. No one within the organization that I have gotten in touch with will corroborate that rumor and my repeated attempts to contact them about the Apple Valley store in general have gone unanswered.
Take all that for what it’s worth.
February 20th, 2011 at 8:04 am
Bill,thanx for all the updates..
Went to Chipotle for lunch and noticed that Burger time still not opened yet !!
When it opens it better be damn good burger and fries too…
Any updates Bill?
February 20th, 2011 at 8:14 am
My inside sources tell me nothing has changed inside the building as of yesterday.
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:35 am
Well, I finally made it down to the Blue Door Pub yesterday to give it a try.
First, I would like to thank my employer for the free day off with pay yesterday due to the storm. I couldn’t think of a better way to use it but to go to a place that I had never been that I understand serves Surly (and Lift Bridge and Bell’s and Hamm’s even).
The place was pretty much full at 2 pm on a Monday. I don’t know if that had much to do with the snow or if it is always like that, but they do some good business there. We each ordered up a Furious ($2 each!) and ordered our burgers. It was at this point that I was waiting for Claire to reveal herself to me given that it is my clear modus operandi. Sadly, this did not happen, but I suppose it would have been a bit awkward explaining myself, so there is that.
Well, here is the problem. It seems as if The Blue Door Pub’s Juicy Lucy was exactly 82% as good as The Nook. This means that the 18% Surly addendum places the Blue Door neck and neck with The (hopefully soon to be open again) The Nook. While The Blue Door’s burger was quite good, they just don’t match the flavor of the Nookie.
I don’t know what I am going to do the next time I crave a JL, but it is a good problem to have.
Now if Claire would have been there, that is a whole other story.
February 23rd, 2011 at 8:03 am
Anybody know any Restaurant space for lease in Apple Valley ? 2500-3200sq.ft
April 4th, 2011 at 10:53 am
Went back to Blue Door again yesterday. Still no sign of Claire.
Highlights: Stone Brewing has reached their tap menu. Arrogant Bastard Ale is available. I have some Oaked Arrogant Bastard home in the fridge, but it is not as good as the unoaked one, and neither one is as good as the Stone IPA, which is amazing. At 2 bucks per brew, that is quite a frigging bargain.
Lowlights (other than no sign of Claire): The burger. This time it was maybe 57% as good as the Nook. I miss the Nook. Anybody know when they are opening back up (or have they already)?
Tots were pretty good, I suppose.
April 4th, 2011 at 11:13 am
Which will open first, this joint or Burger Jones in Burnsville?
April 4th, 2011 at 1:15 pm
Lefty – if you like the Nook, you should stop by Shamrocks on 7th in St Paul. Same owners. Should be able to get your fix.
MSPD – Burger Jones. Not even close. I know not everyone is a fan, but Parasole will have this open on time I think.
April 4th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
Thanks Chad.
I have given up hoping to match or exceed The Nook’s product. Shamrock’s it is next time we have the craving. I think Matt’s is the only remaining candidate that I have not tried, but that is a longer drive with no guarantee of satisfaction.
I should say, though, the Blue Door is easily “The Place I Would Go To Have A Beer” if I were going to meet someone for a beer (with or without tots).
Also, with the great dive burger establishments that are available to us, many listed on this page, I just can’t fathom paying Parasole for a burger. Well, I can’t fathom paying Parasole for pretty much anything any more except for one specific happy hour item at Salut if I am in the right mood.
April 4th, 2011 at 3:31 pm
See, lefty, how do you know I wasn’t there? Maybe I was! (I wasn’t.) You never know. (I really wasn’t there.)
Oooh, Stone on tap, and I agree, I much prefer the Arrogant Bastard without the Oaked, and their Smoked Porter is like beer candy.
I need to get back over to Blue Door, and I’ve been watching Burger Jones creep into existence in B’ville; it’s not my favorite, but I do like their fries.
Chad: Thanks for the tip on Shamrock’s, I’ve got to head over there and try it out.
April 4th, 2011 at 3:49 pm
Claire,
That is because you and I have a thing. I order a Furious at Blue Door. You notice how good looking I am, figure that I must be lefty and you introduce yourself.
Since that did not happen, that is how I know you were not there.
Now, this can not occur at Shamrock’s as they do not serve Furious, so if you see me there I will just be a very attractive dude who may or may not be lefty drinking a second rate beer.
lefty
April 4th, 2011 at 4:34 pm
Matt’s and the Nook are two different burgers entirely. I find that people that love the Nook style burgers won’t like Matt’s. I’m in that camp for sure. Matt’s does absolutely nothing for me.
I’ve been urging people to try the Good Day Cafe burger for years. If you’re in Golden Valley at lunch time, I would very highly recommend it. It’s thick, juices flow freely, cooked however you want and served on an outstanding bun. The GDC burger and Nookie Supreme (at the Nook or Shamrock’s…I find them to be identical, though people will argue) are my two favorite burgers in MSP.
April 4th, 2011 at 7:43 pm
Have to agree with MSPD in that Matts and the Nook (Shamrocks) are totally different.
Personally, I love Shamrocks (much better than Blue Door imo), but I can appreciate a greasy bar burger at Matts from time to time. Have to love the grilled onions. Not quite the same, but I would compare Matts to the Lions Tap I guess. Also, while not the same style as either one, I have always been a fan of Convention Grill, although they dont get much press.
April 8th, 2011 at 11:00 am
Hi Bill,
It’s April already, do you know if the Burger Time is ever gonna open?
April 8th, 2011 at 11:04 am
From what I understand my comment from February 20th (#126) remains unchanged as of today.
April 12th, 2011 at 12:59 pm
A reader has noted that he saw a sign in the window which states BurgerTime’s Apple Valley location will open open on Friday 4/22/2011.
April 12th, 2011 at 4:11 pm
If that is true, and it probably isn’t, it means that it will beat the Burger Jones to market. I think I heard that clip joint opens on May 9th.
April 13th, 2011 at 9:14 am
I may be wrong, but I thought I recall seeing the AV location listed on their website at one point. It is no longer listed.
http://www.itsburgertime.com
April 13th, 2011 at 9:16 am
Dave, they’re a different subset of that chain: http://burger-time.com
April 14th, 2011 at 8:55 pm
Here is what is up in the window:
April 14th, 2011 at 8:57 pm
Thanks for this Sean!
April 20th, 2011 at 1:47 pm
Is the grand opening the same as the actual opening? I can’t wait to try a burger and a beer.
April 20th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
lefty, you better walk next door to Chipotle if you want a beer because you’re not going to get one at Burger Time AFAIK.
April 20th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
OK, everybody who thought I was serious about me going to Burger Time raise your hand.
Anyone?
April 20th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
Ok, everyone who pays any attention to lefty at all raise your hand.
*crickets*
April 20th, 2011 at 2:50 pm
C’mon Claire! I need ya here! $2 Surlys/$2 Tots! Pay Attention!
Hello?
April 20th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
Aww, I still love ya, lefty!
Now, where are my tots and surly??
April 21st, 2011 at 8:44 am
Oh Claire. If I am ever having a bad day, knowing that I can shout out to you on the Burger Time thread is ever so comforting. Thank you for being my number one fan and for contradicting Bill’s assertion.
I will be sending you a $4 Happy Hour gift card to The Blue Door as soon as you send me your home address and telephone number (in case of delivery issues).
April 21st, 2011 at 8:45 am
You’re creepy as shit dude.
April 21st, 2011 at 8:49 am
Agreed. This exchange between lefty and Claire has to die. Please.
April 21st, 2011 at 9:37 am
Well now, where’s the fun in that? ;)
April 22nd, 2011 at 6:50 am
Oh the wonderful things technology makes possible.
April 22nd, 2011 at 8:47 am
So, lefty and Surly comments aside, if they’re having a burger joint grand opening today, apparently no one mentioned to them that at least one major religion that has a large following in this area isn’t eating meat today, thus immediately reducing their potential opening day clientele.
April 22nd, 2011 at 8:55 am
I am actually starting to wonder if Claire from the internet is actually Ms. Lefty in real life. This thought is blowing my mind.
April 22nd, 2011 at 8:55 am
I was more annoyed that I have to wait till Monday to post the review than it being on Good Friday. Shows my priorities ;-)
April 22nd, 2011 at 9:17 am
Oooh, now that WOULD be spooky, lefty. And my husband would have some questions, too, I’m sure. ;)
April 22nd, 2011 at 10:17 am
And I just received an e-mail from Groupon that the White Bear Lake location closed, and this one opened. Glad to see verification here that this one opened!
Although the fact that WBL already closed… well, it may not last long here…
April 22nd, 2011 at 10:31 am
These are I guess really the thing up north. We stopped at the one in Moorhead last Sunday on our way home, and I’ll admit, the burger was pretty darn good. – There are a handful of them I think up in the Fargo/Moorhead area, and the people I know up there, consider it marks above your other chain fast food burger joints.
April 22nd, 2011 at 10:32 am
We passed one in Sioux Falls when we were out there but those are not run by the same company.
April 22nd, 2011 at 11:27 am
Ate here today. Review up on Monday.
April 22nd, 2011 at 12:56 pm
oh, the suspense…………an inkling?
April 23rd, 2011 at 1:46 am
Burger time is open. Had combo meal. BBQ Bacon burger with onion rings. The burger was good. Service was surprisingly good for opening day. I took mine to go since it was busy inside. They serve Coke products:)
April 25th, 2011 at 6:56 am
I have moved all of the comments which existed under the preview post under the actual review for historical purposes.
April 25th, 2011 at 9:15 am
It seemed odd at first that they would close one place and open another until my eyes opened and it completely makes sense that they moved the fryers and the rest from failure #1 to future failure #2.
My uninformed take:
This place will operate until the lease in WBL forces them to bankrupt the whole operation. The only chance it has is if a 3rd party buys the existing equipment and lease off of the current ownership for a nice discount and said 3rd party has the financial resources to market the place and generate traffic and a customer base it can rely on. All of this assumes there is a market for this particular brand of fast food and that they can appease this market with the proper level of quality and service in a bad location.
I give them until June 30th.
April 25th, 2011 at 9:37 am
That’s about all I needed to hear to commit to never going there.
If that didn’t clinch it, the burgers in those photos look like the bovine equivalent of dying and having your ashes cast into the wind over Burnsville Center. Or getting all worked up for a blind date and having Mayor Hamann-Roland show up. They should have had the Enola Gay do a flyover to commemorate the way it looks like those things were cooked. What a tragedy for that poor cow (or whatever it is) that has to end up in a state like that. Did you need to rent a power washer to blast the burnt charcoal flavor out of your mouth?
Uff da.
April 25th, 2011 at 9:50 am
Oh STFU MSPD, you’re just pissed that your precious microwaved burgers from McDonald’s are going to have some stiff competition from Burger Time across the street.
BTW, you can see Burger Time’s signage all the way at ValleyGirl next to Rascals and Taste of Thaiyai.
April 25th, 2011 at 9:56 am
Whatever. You’re just jealous that when you were eating that object that looks like a leftover camping trip burger that got discarded into, then fished out of a fire ring at Lebanon Hills after the snow finally melted, I was cozied up to the bar at Busters in south Minneapolis eating a burger that didn’t look like the charcoal covered ass you ate.
April 25th, 2011 at 10:02 am
MSPD, driving that brand new gas guzzler you bought all the way to Busters ended up making part of the ozone look like the charcoal you claim Burger Time’s burgers look like.
Fucking Earth hater.
April 25th, 2011 at 10:06 am
This from the guy who incessantly pisses and moans about his bus riding experiences.
Anyway, I’d be bitter like you are this morning too if I had to eat the burger in the photo above.
April 25th, 2011 at 10:07 am
I’m changing your username in the database to ‘Rotten Ronnie’.
April 25th, 2011 at 10:12 am
.
April 25th, 2011 at 10:26 am
The High Fructose Corn Syrup Council of America thanks you for your patronage.
April 25th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
I haven’t been able to make it in yet, but it seems that Bill’s review holds pretty accurate from what I remember in college. I did remember that the burgers did taste exactly like a Whopper. I also remember that us college kids loved the product because it was good quality, you got a lot of food, and it was cheaper than the fast food chains. (Translation – it was a great place to go to satisfy your case of “the munchies” after you got shitfaced at the local bars.)
I do also share the concern of Burger Time making it in the long run. The lack of a drive through along with the stiff competition of other fast food options in the very near vicinity will make it a daunting task to make this business a going concern.
April 25th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
Well they have one up on Culvers in that they put the condiments on the proper side of the patty. The patties in the pictures look too done, was that just the exposure or were they really that dark?
I prefer pineapple slices from a can, +1
I believe there is nothing wrong with high fructose corn syrup +1
Their location is the pits -10 ( I may be sore over the loss of TCBY)
I can barely stand to go to Lean-Chin over there because you can rarely park. by the time you get parked to hit this place, you’re likely to be closer to White Castle, or Chipotle .
April 25th, 2011 at 9:22 pm
Bill, long time reader, first time poster!
You hit the nail on the head with this one…every point I was going to make, you already have.
@Mikeh…parking, yes…I actually walked past LeAnne Chin, Chipotle and Subway to get there.
Overall, I can’t say I was disappointed. I got a ton of food for under 6 bucks.
April 26th, 2011 at 10:54 am
I will give it a shot next time I’m down there.
They messed up that corner when they put in the Chipotle/Leann Chin/whatever phone place building in there. I think that anything located in that space is going to find it a challenge. I know it’s been years, but I still miss the TCBY too.
April 28th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
Just so everyone is clear:
1. Someone tried to post a comment claiming BurgerTime gave them and their family/friends food poisoning. In this comment they included a photo which they tried to pass off as coming from Burger Time when it clearly did not.
2. I asked them to resubmit the comment without the photo. They did and then immediately followed it up with another comment using another e-mail address and username ‘Anti-Burger Time Propaganda’ from the same IP about how, “Burger Time has complete control over this review site.”
They are banned for sock-puppeting but I wanted to be sure everyone knew the situation and is aware that I am not controlled by anyone–let alone some tiny restaurant in Apple Valley.
April 28th, 2011 at 12:14 pm
LOL. It was probably a Raising Cane’s employee. ;)
April 28th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Bill is controlled by Sriracha Sauce. It’s true.
April 28th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
If Burger Time had control of this site, I should think they would have said their product was better than a Whopper. That was hardly a “must go to Burger Time” review.
I find it interesting that someone would be so negative about such an non relevant restaurant that probably won’t be around anyway in a year.
April 28th, 2011 at 1:18 pm
Crazy. Your review was enough to make me not visit. For whatever that is worth.
Went and had a philly at Ramys instead. Clearly better use of my money.
April 28th, 2011 at 11:53 pm
Not to threadjack, but how are the philly’s at Ramy’s? I wasn’t impressed by their ‘Mediterranean’ food, but then, I’m part Greek, play eastern music, and grew up eating ‘Mediterranean’ food.
April 29th, 2011 at 9:15 am
The Nook is slated to reopen next week: http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2011/04/29/the-nook-set-to-reopen-next-week/
April 29th, 2011 at 9:16 am
TB, the Philly steak sandwiches are fine for Minnesota but I don’t consider them anything close to authentic. But they are definitely filling and they’re definitely budget friendly.
April 29th, 2011 at 9:19 am
No, god forbid that ever happening on THIS thread…:)
April 29th, 2011 at 9:24 am
*innocent whistling*
April 29th, 2011 at 10:32 am
I love the Philly at Ramys. I have never been to PA, so I cant say how they compare to something “authentic.” To be honest I dont care. They are hot, the bread is good. They are large, and full of cheese and onions and not the least bit dried out or tough as you get in many places. One is easily enough food for two people, and I would honestly say “whats not to love”.
April 29th, 2011 at 10:45 am
Be’Witched offered up their version of a Philly a number of months ago. I have a pretty good idea that it was not traditional as to what they sell in Philadelphia, but it is one of the best sandwiches I have ever eaten of any ilk.
Was it economical? Nope. I think it ran me 10 bucks. It was worth it.
April 29th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
Thanks for the input. After reading up about the philly in the twin cities area, I think in order to get ‘authentic’ I would have to go to philly… and that’s not going to happen. As long as it’s good, I am happy.
Furthering the diffusion, what about TOPS’ version? I went there a month ago for the first time and had pizza (meh) and spanakopita (also meh)
April 29th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
http://www.lazylightning.org/tops-pizza-and-hoagies-cheesesteaks-rosemount-mn
April 29th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
Agree with the comparison to burger king. Interior space is small, and on the chilly evening we ate there, drafty. One table was also blocking the emergency exit, which needs to be remedied, but this would result in a loss of about ten percent of their seating.
April 29th, 2011 at 3:12 pm
Whit, the emergency exit was locked anyway.
April 29th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
Niiiice. Well that’s even better! It’s a good thing for burger time the AV Fire marshal is so busy checking for stolen fire extinguishers at the AV transit station.
April 30th, 2011 at 1:58 am
Thanks for that link, bill. That was quite a read. My, my, my.
May 4th, 2011 at 3:48 pm
Stopped in for lunch today. Burger definitely tastes just like a Whopper. Fries were pretty good, shoestring which is what I like. Not soggy or overcooked. For some reason my burger and fries rang up at $3.50. I didn’t complain. Took maybe 3 minutes to get my order.
I do try and avoid that shopping center and they should have built where they could have a drive thru. But I’ll probably go back next week to use the $2 coupon they handed me before it expires. After that not sure how much I’ll go due to the inconvenient location. Though if they want to keep giving me a burger and fries for $3.50 I’ll go there a lot!
May 5th, 2011 at 1:02 am
If I can get something there that tastes like a Whopper circa 1980, I am so there. Otherwise… Hmn, $3.50?
May 5th, 2011 at 8:32 am
I drove by the one of the Fargo BT the other day. Oddly, it was a drive-thru/walk up with no apparent indoor seating. No wonder they have been around for 20 years with such a small overhead.
Probably not a coincidence that they can’t sustain a non drive thru location with probably much higher rent.
May 6th, 2011 at 8:30 am
Well, the Nook reopened yesterday! That one month plan took five, though early reports sound like it is a little more sterile in there than it was before.
May 19th, 2011 at 10:48 am
I have tried the burgers here and think it was pretty good and the price was decent. The burgers are a nice size and the only downfall that I see for them is where they are located. That location is not a good one. Plus they have no drive through. Most people coming from work or what have you enjoy the the convience of being able to drive up and get their food and go. There is a Burger Jones that has opened in Burnsville across from Cub Foods and their burgers are not as big as Burger Time’s and they cost way more.
May 19th, 2011 at 10:57 am
Burger Jones is open?
May 19th, 2011 at 11:02 am
heh.
May 19th, 2011 at 11:24 am
I’ve been to Burger Time for a 2nd trip. It’s alright. Hate the parking. I like the fries better than Burger Jones and of course the price. As long as Burger Time keeps giving me a $2 coupon I’ll use it.
May 27th, 2011 at 10:50 am
Finally got around to eating here. Not bad. The basic burger was kind of like a largish Whopper or maybe an old Burger Chef Super Shef. Fries were also Burger King-like, maybe a little better. Combo meal with drink was five bucks and change. Much better deal (and better tasting) than Burger Jones. Don’t know how long this place can survive without drivethrough and with that lousy parking lot, though. Not very busy on a Thursday night around 6:30.
May 27th, 2011 at 11:03 am
Not sure I’ll even try Burger Time… I detest that parking lot (we also avoid that Chipotle, LeeannChin and Perkins like the plague, due to the parking lot). Where we live, we can just as easily head the to the Town Square & Promenade areas in Eagan, where, coincidentally, SmashBurger rocks. (And has a place to sit.) Can’t wait to try the new Burger Jones location in Burnsville!!!
May 27th, 2011 at 11:18 am
CasualDiner,
Did you read the Burger Jones thread?
May 27th, 2011 at 11:22 am
CasualDiner,
Save your money and your time and skip Burger Jones. Expensive, mediocre burgers with poor service. Nothing to recommend them.
Burger Time, on the other hand, is a very good fast food burger at a decent price. I’ll go back, if I can find a parking place.
May 27th, 2011 at 8:24 pm
What Michael M said was precisely my experience at Burger Jones. Definitely a skip it.
May 28th, 2011 at 11:10 pm
Smashburger rocks? I guess if you like a grease soaked bun and an overcooked piece of meat.
May 28th, 2011 at 11:12 pm
If they like Smashburger they’ll probably love Burger Jones. Both overpriced and overcooked burgers.
May 29th, 2011 at 7:07 pm
It is now time to address this MR vs. overcooked burger topic. Should burgers be cooked medium-rare? Of course. When the person cooking the burgers has the passion, awareness, education, and power to control the sourcing and the preparation safely. This description represents perhaps less than 1% of our hamburger “chefs”. Everyone else out there in hamburgerland should cook them burgers to pert near a cinder so’s the rest of us don’t poop our pants for six months after eating their fine fare.
There, I’ve said it.
May 30th, 2011 at 8:09 am
I used to order burgers and steaks Medium Rare, but now I order everything Medium. To be honest though, I find it seldom matters how I order it. Medium seems to mean cooked to most places. I get a burger or steak that is anywhere from rare to well done, with very little rhyme or reason to it. As Sandy has said above, most people simply are unable to propery cook to a certain doneness.
June 3rd, 2011 at 10:40 pm
We finally got around to trying Burger Time tonight. We liked it, Mr. Marcos deemed it “almost as good as Wendy’s” which for him is high praise. We both had the cheeseburger combos and it tasted exactly like a Whopper in my opinion, being that I like Whoppers I enjoyed the meal. The french fries weren’t my favorite but DEFINITELY better than Burger King’s sorry excuse for french fries. The place was busy tonight but we got our food fast and it was prepared exactly as we ordered. We were a little surprised at how small the dining area was. We sat at the “fire escape” table, for safety’s sake, naturally. I can’t see us going there on a regular basis but will definitely add them to the list of acceptable fast food dining establishments.
June 3rd, 2011 at 11:16 pm
“…acceptable fast food dining establishments.”
Huh?
June 5th, 2011 at 11:58 pm
I’m not sure what you’re confused about. Some people like fast food once in a while and Burger Time was tasty enough that we’ll add it to our list of fast food places. Does that clear up your confusion?
June 6th, 2011 at 8:44 am
Catfight!
June 6th, 2011 at 2:28 pm
We had Burger Time last night. While I did not think it was great, it was pretty much exactly what I expected. Portions were large, food was ok, and it was cheap. $17 for three people to have burgers, fries, and drinks. Hard to complain to much about that.
We wont be regulars, but for a better than McDonalds burger, cheaper than Mcdonalds, its fine. Not as good as Burger Jones, but at 1/3 the cost, I would not expect it to be.
June 28th, 2011 at 8:08 am
I stopped in with my kids yesterday for a quick bite. I asked a couple of employees who seemed to be in managerial positions how business was. They both replied that business has been “steady” and that they were pleased with the amount of business they were doing.
Best wishes to the Burger Time franchisee. They seem to be making the best out of a cursed location.
July 23rd, 2011 at 1:05 pm
I have gone to Burger time a few times now and had the Bacon Cheeseburger which was good, The swiss and mushroom burger which in my opinion was bad I would not order that again and the BBQ Hawaiian burger which was AWSOME my favorite I must say of course if you are into that style and like pinapple I really loved the combination of smokey and a lil spice to sweet and juicy. Reading reviews and being in Apple Valley for 3 years seeing store after store close in that location I think they will do fairly well and have been so far. I wouldn’t sit and eat in this location as it is very crampt and small but for good food and better then any FAST FOOD resturant in the area they have repeat service from me atleast.
July 24th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
Their location is certainly hurting them. I was looking for a place to get some lunch to go yesterday and I would have seen a sign for the place to remind me they were there, I would have talked my son into it. As it ended up we hit Rasing Cane’s.
August 13th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
Tried Burger Time for lunch today, and liked it — for a fast food burger place, it’s pretty good. I’d go there again if I was in the area and in the mood for that sort of thing. I had the BBQ bacon burger, but will probably try the Hawaiian burger next time since it sounds like I’d enjoy it.
I also thought having only the large size available for drinks was odd. Today I felt like a soda, so I got one, but I would have preferred a smaller size.