Bud’s Broiler

GO FOR: #3 with no onions and no mustard, #4, the hickory sauce and friendly staff.

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Before the recent burger boom in New Orleans, we had Bud’s Broiler. This is a classic local chain that provides good food fast at a decent price.

Bud’s Broiler is a no-nonsense restaurant that has locations scattered throughout the City. I am going to focus on the Jefferson Highway location because it is the one I frequent the most since it is in my neighborhood.

If ordering by number turns you off, please don’t bother coming here.  And, don’t freak out if you order burgers and the cashier turns to yell “2 puppies” at the line cook. (Hot dogs are just called “dogs” and burgers are “puppies”.) Before you finish paying, your patties are already on the grill.

The menu has grown over the years, so make sure you check all the wall space for what they offer (fried shrimp, chicken nuggets, etc.). I only go for the burgers (unless it is a Friday in Lent and Kenner Seafood has already closed) so I am not going to comment on their seafood options except to say they are very inexpensive. As noted above, this is a no-nonsense place so don’t expect gourmet toppings on your burger: You can add the basics: lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles and onions.  And by cheese, I mean grated cheddar cheese which they add after the burger is cooked so it is never fully melted (extra points from me on this!). If you are not a fan of onions, make sure you tell them no onions (the cashier is pretty good about asking). These are raw onions that they add on so you could have onion breath the rest of the afternoon. Also, the hot dogs come on a hamburger bun and not a hot dog bun so don’t think they messed up your order if it is wrapped like the burgers.

The yellow booths and picnic tables give it a retro feel but not in a Pottery Barn kind of way. This is the real deal. The owner has tried some of her own decorating (and also has a CD for sale) but I like it in its original form. She also offers video poker,  wi-fi and one free refill on your drink so don’t expect a bottomless cup.

What else would you expect! – karen decker mccrossen