I admit, when I first saw the signage for the now open Mooburger (240 Court St.) back in January, I was skeptical. Organic burgers, snacks, drinks and more is what it was touting. I figured we’d get a small space with plastic tables selling outrageously over-priced burgers to families and the after-school crowd. But when I stopped in Friday night, I was fairly overwhelmed. The restaurant was packed, and the draw of seasonal wine and beers made clear it was open to everyone. The decor was wood and steel, the lighting low and the menu impressive for a burger joint.
We didn’t stop to eat because we’d just finished dinner, but were glad to see 15 different types of burgers on the menu, including The Hangover with bacon, cheddar and fried egg; and the Bah Mi with pickled daikon, carrot, onion, cilantro and lemon aioli. You are free to choose your meat (beef, chicken, bison, elk and lamb) and one of 12 sauces or take a sandwich as it comes (not sure if I’d substitute The Nova Scotia’s smoked salmon for bison when it comes with mustard creme fraiche and wilted spinach). Five hot dog entrees are also available, including an order of Pigs in a Blanket. Greens grace the menu as well if you’re trying to be good and sides like Zucchini Fries and Sweet Potato Fries healthily round out the usual French Fries and Onion Rings.
Shakes, juices and seasonal sodas will quench your thirst and don’t forget the booze–beer is on tap, and in bottles and cans, while red and white wines can by purchased by the glass or by the bottle. And yes, your organic meat fix isn’t going to be cheap. Burgers start at $8 and go to about $14 (that’s just the burger). Dogs are $8 and salads are $8 to $12. But I’m making a point to stop in for a Red Velvet shake, a Braat (burger with bratwurst, sauerkraut, pickled cabbage, mustard and pretzel bread) and some Fried Mac’n'Cheese as soon as I’ve spent ten consecutive days at the gym.