Mary T.
Yelp
I have flagged visiting Hot Chip Burger Bar for a while. On my last trip, I was fortunate to stop by Rochester a few times. On a Saturday afternoon, I dropped by for lunch.
Hot Chip Burger Bar is located across from Trader Joe's, in the same large plaza. I had no problem finding a parking spot and backed into one.
I walked in and it was busy. I looked over to my right and there was a Pac-man arcade game. I knew that I would love this place.
A man greeted me. He asked if I was okay sitting at the bar. There wasn't a free table, so I went for it.
I like when the bar area has hooks for your purses under the table. I knotted my crossbody's strap and used the hook to safely stow my purse as I ate.
You get popcorn in a small plastic bowl as a starter. It was my second clue that I'd love this place. I love popcorn. It was freshly popped and delicious. I sat close to the theatre-style popcorn maker. Deadly! I resisted going over there to get seconds.
The eatery has vegan options, from meatless burgers, to shakes. I was impressed.
I ordered a Diet Pepsi. I was thirsty and loved how cold this beverage was. My server was extremely attentive and got me a refill roughly halfway through my meal.
I looked at the chef's special on the menu and it was the poutine in my mouth burger. I had to have it to see how great the poutine part was. It makes sense for the Canadian to check out, right?
I also got sweet potato tater tots. I love tater tots, but I've never had sweet potato ones before.
It didn't take long for my order to arrive. I loved that I didn't get massive portions. They are made for normal human beings!
I had a bite of my poutine in my mouth burger. OMG! Delicious!
If I weren't in Rochester, this burger would pass as being a Canadian twist on a yummy burger. It had a four-ounce grass-fed beef patty, fries, gravy, cheese curds, mayo, and ketchup, all between a sliced, toasted egg bun. It was heavenly!
The beef patty was juicy and seasoned nicely. It was cooked through, which I appreciated. The fries, gravy, and cheese curds were indeed as if you were consuming a mini poutine in every bite. The curds were likely from Wisconsin, which is a benefit of being next door to this state. The bun was perfectly toasted and soft.
The sweet potato tater tots. You must get them. They were addictive and yummy. They were crispy on the outside, and naturally sweet and creamy on the inside. I still dream about them.
If you like the 80's, the decor will make you happy. From seeing a Karate Kid poster on the wall, to Madonna's eyes touched up from her Express Yourself video to be cross-eyed on the women's washroom door, you'll love this place.
The women's washroom was clean. There were well wishes written on the walls. Cool!
When you come out of the washroom, there are a number of clocks on the wall. Winnipeg was nicely represented.
I paid with a credit card. The transaction was seamless.
I keep saying that when I lived it Rochester, it didn't have cool places. I moved away and it does, like Hot Chip Burger Bar. I'm glad that this place exists. Rochester is better for it.
I had excellent food and a great experience. I'd return again for a casual, decent meal and my nostalgia fix.
(139)