Good Stuff Eatery
If the name Good Stuff Eatery sounds familiar, don't question yourself. Chances are you might have heard the name before as its Owner and Executive Chef, Spike Mendelsohn, has been featured on the television show Top Chef. However, the restaurant came to my attention after reading a magazine article raving about the tremendous burgers they offer. In the area following a class tour of the Capitol Building, we made the short trek to the restaurant.
Upon entering, we encountered a busy restaurant, despite getting there around three in the afternoon. However, after moving through the five minute line, my order was placed for a Spike's Sunnyside Burger accompanied by a side of fries. While waiting for our food to be prepared, we grabbed a table and assortment of the various flavored mayos they had on hand. Despite my dislike of traditional mayo, I gave each flavored one a try (they have Mango, Old Bay, Srichacha, and a few others) and found the Old Bay one to be a worthy dip for the fries. Unfortunately, the fries as a whole were pretty poor. Many were chopped too small and hardly even resembled a fry and the overall taste was somewhat bland.
If this review has you discouraged about ever visiting though, fear not! One bite of the burger will change your mind INSTANTLY! Spike's Sunnyside features an organic patty that has been carefully grass fed, then tops it off with a fried egg, some strips of bacon and a slice of cheese before finding itself on a brioche bun. My teeth immediately clamp down, ripping through the egg and sending the yolk spewing from all sides. The bite encompasses every part of the burger and it is magnificent. The meat is thick and juicy. It really feels like your are eating a burger as opposed to some thin patty that is then loaded with more produce than your average farm. As for the egg, perfectly cooked, with running yolk, this is what really brings the whole burger together, adding a flavor not found in most burgers. I have to say, the bacon is probably optional. Although it did not hinder the burger much, it added little. The other triumph of this burger is the bun it sits on, a brioche bun sturdy enough to withstand the dripping egg, yet soft enough to enjoy eating. Though some of their burgers come on a regular potato roll, I would suggest requesting the brioche bun if your pick does not.
This is the best burger (2nd place is the Green Iguana in Tampa) I have ever had and whenever I get the chance to enjoy this treat, I do not fail to pass it up. Get over to the Capitol Hill area and check out this more upscale Five Guys style joint. It is a trip you will not regret.
Burger: 10
Fries: 3
Shakes: 7
Overall: 9 (Just skip the fries)
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