Saturday, July 16, 2011

Burger Nation - Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon

You'd think that people who visit a restaurant that only makes burgers are people who really like burgers. They know they want a burger, and nothing else. That's a logical thing to think, isn't it?

I know a restaurant that only serves burgers (a few salads and starters too, but mostly burgers), but defies this logic. This restaurant shows us that even if you're not particularly interested in burgers, if burgers are not usually your first choice on the menu, if burgers really don't mean anything to you, you will still go to that restaurant. Out of curiosity. You'll go because you want to know, what is this Burger Nation that has ads plastered all over Hamra? Why are they making such a big deal out of their 100% grass fed angus beef? Why does everyone keep talking about this place? You'll go. And you won't regret it. You'll find yourself craving a burger every time you're hungry (well maybe not every time, but most of the time). Burgers won't become your first choice on other menus, because you know that no burger will top the burger that you had at Burger Nation. You'll return to Burger Nation because the staff is friendly, the atmosphere is refreshing, and most importantly, the burgers are divine.

Burger Nation is located on the main street of Hamra. It is a small yet polished restaurant, its size reflecting the fact that it is specialized; its clean, modern, light-colored furniture reflecting its modern and fresh theme. Fun and colorful paintings hang on its walls, enhancing its upbeat, fresh theme. As soon as you step onto the restaurant's terrace (there is a small outdoor seating area), one of the restaurant's welcoming employees greets you and asks you where you would like to sit. Once you're seated, you'll notice a notepad and a pencil on the side of your table. But before you even have time to think about what it's for, a friendly waiter will approach your table, hand out menus, and ask you if you know about how you can make your own burger using that notepad. If you say you don't, he'll explain the notepad to you in a very friendly and upbeat way. He'll leave you after that, and give you just enough time to choose what you want to eat. You won't feel the need to call him back to your table to take your order, because he's very attentive and keeps watching the table from a distance. He'll come back soon, take your oder, and now, all you have to do is wait.

And that won't be for long, either. Your fresh, juicy burgers will arrive within 15-20 minutes. And the waiter will know where to put each burger, so you won't end up eating your friend's Nations Pride burger when you've ordered the Shroom Swiss (let's face it, they all look the same).

Now, even though this blog is about service quality and not the actual food, I have to stop for a moment here and describe, just in a few words, how amazing the burgers at this place taste. The bread is soft, but also, not so soft that it becomes soggy, the patty is incredibly juicy and tasty (and has 70% less fat than a regular beef patty!!), it contains just the right amount of sauce, is topped with fresh, crunchy vegetables, and all of these are served at the perfect temperature. Bite away at that burger; and trust me, no matter what diet you're on, you won't regret it. Trust.  

While you're eating, the waiter won't forget about you just because you've already been served. He'll come back, ask you if everything tastes okay and if you're enjoying your meal, and if you need anything else. He'll also clean up any clutter on the table so that you have a comfortable eating space. And all the while, he'll be smiling. That's what I call service.

So my suggestion: Go to Burger Nation ASAP. You'll like it instantly. You'll like the people, you'll like the place, and you'll definitely like the food. Even if you don't like any of the burgers on the menu, you can make your own - you choose the bread, type of meat, vegetables, toppings, and sauces. So basically, you can have whatever your mouth desires, while at the same time, being served by some of the most friendly employees I've ever come across. Be sure to go there soon!

2 comments:


  1. My sweet friend, I translated your blog, very nice and interesting you site.
    When you want to take refuge in good ballads of yesterday, today and forever in all languages and genres I invite you to visit my blog and listen me.
    From this Saturday July 16th I pay tribute to Arab culture , Middle East songs,in Arabic lenguage.
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    Albert.

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  2. Great critiques, great imagery, great details, great blogs :)
    Looking forward to the next one.
    P.s.- loving the pun of the first blog title

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