Sunday, May 26, 2013

Dinker's Bar

Date: May 23, Thursday                   www.dinkersbar.com
Time: 2:00 pm
Weather: Sunny, breezy 68 degrees
Patronage:  There we about 12 people, not too busy
Lighting:  Complete Dive feel, open doors
Attendees:  Myself and lovely wife
Total Bill: It was free for me as it was my birthday lunch (my wife paid).  It was under $20.00 ($10/person)

It has been a while since I have blogged as life has been a little busy with graduations, etc.  I have been craving a good burger and my wife surprised me with a day early birthday lunch, so we went to Dinker's. 

For those that may be unaware, Dinker's is a legendary burger venue in town.  It has been around for 60 years or so, and a hotspot for Creighton fans as well as College World Series fans.  It is located right off the interstate so it's proximity to downtown is nice.  It has been voted "Best Burger" by multiple sources and organizations. 

So I am ashamed to say that this was going to be my first visit to Dinker's.  I have been really looking forward to conquering such a legend, and finding out just why it is repeatedly voted number 1.  When we walked in you could almost feel the legend itself in the air.  It is a dive spot, and remember that this is not a knock against it, as most dives are famous or infamous for something.  They have age and wisdom about them that newer places just don't have.  They also sport a grill/griddle that has been seasoned for multiple decades and that lends a lot to flavor.  Just don't walk in to Dinker's and think that it is new, modern, or contemporary.  Dive places are typically neighborhood friendly and have a devout loyal following. They do have 6 HD televisions showing sports, but I didn't get a sports bar feel to it, although it would be a great place to watch some football or baseball.

So the other thing to be aware of Dinker's is that you pretty much do it yourself.  The menus are all out on the tables and you have to walk up to a counter to order your food.  It's not that uncommon of a practice done at a lot of dive places, just be warned.  If you want something get it yourself.  The same goes for drinks.  You have to go up to the bar and order what you like.  They do have a full bar so order away.  After you order your food you get a number and they will bring the food to you.  They do have waitresses that will make sure that if your drinks get low to ask for a refill.  It is a completely relaxed atmosphere and reminded my wife of our vacations in Colorado.

When looking at the menu you aren't intimidated by it at all.  Nothing fancy, or frilly ingredients.  It's simple and in your face and just reading the descriptions of the food you can almost taste them.  We are Midwesterners and like things to be laid out for us.  We have the best beef in the country and we already know that, there is no reason to try and fancy up a hamburger.  Use top shelf ingredients and let them do the talking when they hit your tongue. 

First thing that caught my eye was Rocky Mountain Oysters for an appetizer. Robyn has never had them and said that she was willing to try them.  (She always amazes me) for our burgers Robyn got the ever faithful plain burger with her trio of condiments (lettuce, tomato, and mayo).  I on the other hand saw something on the menu that said they were known for the Haystack burger.  Which is a hamburger topped with honey ham and an egg, how can you go wrong with breakfast topping a burger? 


It only took about 10 minutes or so for our food to come out to us.  When didn't have the option of temp on the meat.  The hamburgers looked amazing.  They looked thick and juicy.  The fries looked to be cooked perfect and golden.  After the first bite we knew that these were good burgers.  If you have never had an egg on a hamburger you need to try it.  It adds a lot of richness to the hamburger itself.  You can taste the egg, but it really just adds another layer to the meat.  The honey ham was excellent at adding a sweet/salty profile to it as well.  It is very rich, but not too much so due to the ham cutting through the palate.  The meat was cooked to a mid well or well done state, but they weren't dry, lifeless, or flavorless.  I would definitely eat here again.  It would be a great place to go with a bunch of people.  It was surprisingly relaxing even having to do it yourself.  You almost feel that you are a part of your experience here, and they forbid you from taking it out all on them if you do have a bad experience.  The hamburgers are great, I just have a very difficult time saying that they are the best.  I can not make that distinction at this point anyways.

Rocky mountain oysters get a side note here as I assume that some/most have never had the balls to try them, yes pun intended.  They do not taste horrible at all.  If any of you out there have tried chicken gizzards (yes I know that some are put off on this as well) they are similar.  The cool thing is that you don't break your jaw chewing on them.  They are very rich in flavor, and if you happen to have a good hoppy beer, there may be nothing better than that.  Take a risk and try them out.  They are not gamey or bad smelling.  They smell like something that has been deep fried.  They are big, but not whole.  They cut them in thin slices and fry them up.  They come with ranch dressing to dip them in.  For a state that hosts the Testicle Festival you would think that there would be a bigger "ball" presence around, but there isn't.  You just may like them.




My Haystack Burger
 
 
 
 


 Robyn's Hamburger
 
 
 
 
 
 Rocky Mountain Oysters
 
 
 
 

 This is a pretty amazing picture.  I was 35 at the time and in the backround 36 is approaching.

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