Charles A.
Yelp
This venue got a number of poor reviews when it first opened, which influenced me to delay my first visit for over a year. That wasn't the only reason. When I learned that they only sell their burgers as a combo, and you can't just buy the burger without the side dish, I was nonplussed, because usually I'd rather just eat the burger and skip the calorie-laden fries. I also thought it was a little head-scratching that they opened this burger place when just across the parking lot is a Habit Burger which has one of the best value-to-quality ratio of any burger place in the area. I finally visited and ate here recently, and I think this place got a little bit of a bum rap with previous reviews. Overall, I think the restaurant is of good quality, although I have a few reservations about it which I'll explain below.
First of all, the signature burger for this place, the Maple Bacon Burger, costs 13 dollars (but that includes the fries). That, obviously, is restaurant-level pricing, and this place is just counter service. Nevertheless, they do seem to be trying to justify the price by providing a gourmet-type burger. It tasted to me like they were trying to use better ingredients. Their sauce on the burger was very tasty. The burger isn't unusually big, just the regular size as most hamburger places. Is it worth the price? I have to say that I don't think so. A Five Guys cheeseburger with fries costs $10.50 or so and tastes better, IMO.
Anyway, Wegman's "Tuscan Fries" were fantastic. They were some of the best French Fries I've ever had. I'm not sure why they call them "Tuscan," however, because they seemed to be Belgian style. Whatever, those were some great fries. Perfectly crispy and well-seasoned.
Another plus about this place is that the glasses of beer and wine are very cheaply priced. They have some good craft beers on tap and appear to cost about $5-6 for a 16-oz which you can upgrade to a 20-oz for an additional $1.50. Great value.
Here's the main rub with this place...the atmosphere is awkward and confusing. It appears like they're trying to be both a family place, and a "pub" at the same time. It gives off a mixed vibe. For a comparison of a place that pulls it off I have to mention the nearby Fair Lakes Whole Foods, which has a seafood counter plus a pizza and burger restaurant, also with cheap craft beers and wines. However, the Whole Foods has a better drink selection and the atmosphere is more comfy and cozy. The problem with Wegmans is that they're sticking to their business model of having a humongous deli section, with an extensive hot food line (it looks like a buffet, but isn't). So, they need a big seating area for all the customers who buy something from one of the deli counters (salads, pizza, tacos, sandwiches, etc) and it's mixed in with the seating for the burger bar. It just doesn't feel comfortable. I guess you could buy something from the deli section in the store, then buy a beer or wine from the Burger Bar counter, then sit anywhere in the large seating area and eat, but I don't really see the point. I think, when it comes down to it, I'd rather buy a bottle of wine or some mix-and-match beer from the beverage section in the Wegmans, then get some take-out burgers from Habit Burger across the parking lot (and skip the fries) then take them all home and eat them there.