I’ve been reading The Omnivore’s Dilemma and am a little mad at American beef right now, so I thought I’d go to 8oz burger bar to satiate my love of burger specifically with their Estancia grass-fed version. I’ve been reluctant to go to 8oz because of its proximity to Urban Outfitters and Starbucks, and the fact that the burgers sounded  boring to me, but since they reserve a grass-fed option for the menu I decided to put my location-snobbery aside. The decor is great actually, reminiscent of a larger Bowery; I’d like to go back at night for a couple beers or a peppermint chocolate milkshake. I ordered the grass-fed with no mushrooms, and it was good. The charred escarole is what makes it; it gives it a smoky flavor and with the pickles it tasted like a step up from an In n’ Out-style burger- but grass fed! If you have no idea what I mean about the distinction between grass-fed and grain-fed, read the book. It’s not an amazing burger, but it was legit and tasty. My companion ordered the signature 8oz., a houseblend of sirloin, tri-tip, short rib and chuck, which is also claimed to be humanely-raised and hormone free, and cured in their himalayan salt-tiled locker …which sounds amazing and the burger itself was definitely heftier than mine- a full 8 0z. if you will- but it seems there was not much noticeable difference in flavor at all. I’d go with the grass-fed version just for the escarole alone. The kennebec fries were standard but satisfying. So, if you’re at all interested in eating conscientiously and you’re still not afraid of red meat, give 8oz a try. Otherwise, it’s a pretty standard burger “gastropub” of sorts.

8oz. Burger Bar
7661 Melrose Ave.

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