Jeff M.
Yelp
While not directly on a beach or a boardwalk, I got this very cool west coast, California vibe from FR's. The lack of doors and little space seems like it should be tucked up in near the Santa Monica pier on the boardwalk. But still, the location is tough to beat on the east coast and Ronnie's delivers on all fronts.
It was a bit cramped and for a random Tuesday afternoon when we were there, was really busy with no empty tables, only the random bar stools on the other side where you stare into a mirror of yourself. But by the time we got through the line, we snagged a table that opened up. Unfortunately, the wall outlet I attempted to use for my phone was not working to grab some juice before roaming about again.
I tried talking the other half into something that wasn't beef but she just couldn't bring herself to try something that may not be their best. So we both went with burgers and I had the Portobello mushroom and swiss, her the Fat Ronnie's original and we shared an order of onion rings. They didn't offer tap water so with some bottles in tow, the total came to a little over $30 which sounds about right for island prices.
Easily, a top 5 burger of my life. Cooked to perfection, not even close to be being medium well and the toppings were super fresh. It also helped that it was absolutely massive, I never saw beef sizes but it had to be approaching a half pound. So you get what you pay for and a $10 burger here was super worth it. While a tad greasy, the bun held up to the meat the entire time and wasn't a soppy mess by the last bite. We also loved the onion rings which I think were beer battered, crisply golden with all ranges in size so you know they came fresh from the same onion and in a cute container that you would normally get fried clams in. While they do serve seafood, I'll hit up a Fat Ronnie's Seafood Shack for that.
The only thing that turned me off was adding "sides" to your burger, which they didn't allow...and they had to be topped on. I asked for lettuce tomato and pickles to be added. But after the sauce was squirted about, I wasn't able to take off the pickles and just eat them straight up without getting covered in goo. Why can't I ask for my pickles on the side? Very strange.
Service was quick and great, it was clean and the food was outstanding, not much more you can ask for.