Guy H.
Yelp
Harvey Bs has been on my Hamburger hit list for several years now. It meets all my criteria(supported by Yelp reviews) of an old-school, hole-in-the-wall, delicious burger value. Simply stated it's a 4-star experience given those parameters.
This is old east Dallas at the edge of gentrification. But,the foofoo hasnt caught up yet so, id say this is still explorers' territory. Your kids and wife driving in with you from North Dallas probably aren't going to find the charm that you do. But let's get down to the burger business.
The place has years of patina on it. The M and M vending machine hasn't been used in decades but its still sitting there(turned around so no one uses it). I like that its still there. The place has the usual ephemera for a genuine hole in the wall. Random signs pulled from a strip club, mailbox made into a bird house...etc
It's small and id say mainly takeout. There are about 6 counter spaces looking out the front window. I sat here as to breathe the air, watch the clientele and catch the full experience. These places are disappearing as fast as an Ice Cube in the August heat and I want to visit as many as possible before they're extinct.
The small kitchen behind the register with an old flat top,some fryolator etc. Just the basics you need to sling some cheeseburgers. I ordered a double meat cheeseburger all the way which meant 2 1/4 lb patties,lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles lettuce, and mustard. I ask if the french fries were frozen or fresh. He said fresh so I got an order.
I read a few reviews as I waited on my food and a common comment from a substantial number was over cooked meat. Guess what,yes,my meat was overcooked and a little dry and not as much flavor as i thought it should have. That one fact kept them out of five star territory and almost dropped them to 3. I mean if you are a burger place bring it right?
The fries where good but id opt for the onion rings next time. Why? Because on my way out I was tipping and thanking them and noticed 2 big delicious batches of rings going down.
This is a place you aren't going to just notice and stop. In this part of town, you have to be headed there. Id say if you love hamburgers and are adventurous, check it out. I may give it another shot, if im in the area hungry.