Jim B.
Yelp
I have eaten at Chris Madrid's four times altogether, including once in 1979 or 1980 when a group of us drove down from SWTSU just to eat a burger there. This time, I had the pleasure of being part of a group of 8 retired teachers from Braun Station Elementary. It was my first visit since the fire temporarily closed the place down.
First, let me say that I really couldn't see a difference in the "after fire" version of the restaurant. Maybe I just don't remember it as it was. I did learn something new on this visit. I have seen people talk about being confused when they enter the door. I have felt that way in the past. This time, however, I met some friends in the parking lot and we went through the patio and entered from the back. From that entrance, everything becomes obvious, as it drops you right into the ordering line.
I had the same meal I always get there, the tostada burger. It was exactly the way I remember it, just like the venue. It is one of my favorite burgers because it seems so homemade. I love the crunch of the chips and the extra flavor of the refried beans. Even though I ordered the small size, it looked huge and was hard for me to finish. As a young man, I would never have said that. Now, I just don't like to eat to the point where I feel full.
The french fries are ridiculous. They have three sizes: a single, a double, and a family-sized serving. I didn't realize how many came in a single serving. I usually only eat 10 - 15 french fries. There was enough in my single serving to split it with two other people. Unfortunately our table didn't synch up our orders. We had three single orders and two family orders between us. I know there were a lot of fries left on the table when we left.
Our group got there at about 10:55. We were able to order with no long line and find a big table easily, as we were the first customers in the door. Within 30 minutes, the line was getting long and most of the indoor tables were in use. When we left at about 12:30, the place was full and most patio tables were also in use.
To wrap it up, let me just say that Chris Madrid's is a great place for burgers. I know some people think they use too much cheese on some of them, but you could request that they put less on yours, if you wanted to. Or, you could pick some off at the table. Other than that, the meat is tasty, juicy, and fits the bun well.