Eight meat patty options. Three meat-free patty options. Four signature burger styles. Four different ways to style your side of fries, onion rings or sweet potato fries. And 40 million ways to satisfy your biggest and baddest burger craving (that number is not a typo). The rapidly-growing gourmet burger franchise Burgerim opened its newest location at 1271 Prospect St. earlier this year. The company has locations all around the world and will be adding 200 new restaurants in California alone, according to general manager Christopher B. The restaurant is open from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays and 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, though Christopher says the hours are subject to change. While 40 million combination options may seem overwhelming at first, the good news is that Burgerim has foreseen that this might pose a problem for indecisive customers. Customers have the option of the “Uno,” “Duo” or “Trio” combos, all of which come with fries (which are truly to-die-for) and a drink. Burgers are 3 ounces, so if you want to do a traditional beef patty made in the classic style, but also want to try something a bit more adventurous like a lamb burger made California-style (Swiss cheese, mixed greens, tomato, avocado and chipotle mayo), you don’t have to pick and choose. Just get both. Christopher adds that the 3 ounce “Uno” burger will soon be replaced with a traditionally-sized 1/3 pound burger. For those avoiding beef, Burgerim also offers turkey, salmon, veggie and falafel patties, as well as chicken wings, chicken strips and salads. Upgrading your burger by adding a fried egg or bacon (and almost any other upgrade) is an extra 79 cents, so don’t be afraid to get a little crazy in making your burger dreams come true. The menu can be a bit daunting at first sight, but Christopher wants to reassure guests that Burgerim employees are there to help. “Feel free to ask any questions,” he says. “There’s a lot to take in.” But the food and customer service aren’t the only great things about Burgerim. With huge glass garage doors that open out into the dog-friendly patio area, the location is great for enjoying the San Diego weather with your furry four-legged friends. Owner Jayyab Salahaldin says it took some convincing for corporate to be open to that type of setting. Typically, Burgerim had planned on making all locations look the same, but Salahaldin had a different vision. “I told them, ‘Hey, La Jolla is special. Prospect is special… We want this location to be as special,’” says Salahaldin. While corporate may be in charge of locations, food menus and restaurant styles, there’s one thing they remain hands-off about: alcohol. “There’s always more money in bacon and beer,” Salahaldin says with a laugh. In the next few weeks, Christopher says the restaurant will be getting their beer and wine license, along with TVs. The idea is to be a laid-back and affordable place for people who just want some good food and a drink to relax, especially the after-work crowd. So next time you’re walking down Prospect St. and find yourself day-dreaming about a multitude of burger options, onion rings and fries topped with jalapeños and cheese, and a cold IPA, look no further than Burgerim. For more information, visit burgerim.com. Burgerim
Where: 1271 Prospect St.
When: 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Info: burgerim.com.