jonathan b.
Yelp
Uncle Beef at Mario's Butcher Shop - A Must-Try Burger Experience!
I had the absolute best version of a Big Mac-style burger at Mario's Butcher Shop--the Uncle Beef, which is only available on Thursdays. What a perfect way to kick off my trip to Cali!
This burger was next-level: two perfectly seasoned patties with crispy, flavorful edges, a sesame seed bun that had the ideal balance of crunch and softness, and fresh, crisp lettuce. The pickles and "secret sauce" brought everything together flawlessly.
The fries, cooked in beef tallow, were golden brown, perfectly crispy, and absolutely delicious--so good my 15-month-old, who has a lot of allergies, devoured them. I also grabbed a pickle from the jar at the counter, which was juicy and flavorful, though I prefer mine a little crisper. The macaroni salad from the fridge was another home run--great texture, fresh chopped veggies, and just the right amount of mayo.
To top it all off, I had an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie from the jars by the register. They looked hard but had the perfect texture--not too chewy, not too crunchy. And, of course, washing it all down with an ice-cold Mexican Coke was the perfect touch.
Beyond the food, the service and atmosphere were excellent. Mario himself was in the shop, handling orders, answering questions, and he even had a tattoo of the different pork cuts on his arm--clearly, he knows his craft. The staff at the register were also super friendly.
I would absolutely come back before heading back to NY and hope Mario's is here to stay. This place is a goldmine, and I can't wait to visit again on my next trip to Cali!
P.S. I fought the urge twice in January to grab a Big Mac from McDonald's. Glad I held out and satisfied my craving with the Uncle Beef instead--totally worth it.