Big Fat Burgers: The Top 10 Best Burgers in Eindhoven, NL By, Cassie Jones
- Cassie Jones Feliziani
- Mar 19, 2014
- 10 min read
Uniquely American, is the cheeseburger. And, what is all of the fuss? Well, the perfect burger is made of high quality, lean, ground beef, which is then perfectly complemented by those ubiquitous American ingredients: a fresh, grill toasted bun, mayonnaise(just a little) crisp lettuce, fresh slices of tomato, sweet red onion, a slice of cheddar cheese, beef, done to medium-well perfection, juicy and tender, then come the pickles, mustard and ketchup and on the bottom, the other half of that bakery fresh, toasted bun.
But, we could argue about details… Should it be a sesame seed bun? No pickles!? Cheddar cheese or American or Swiss, for that matter? All I can honestly say is, that a cheeseburger is a winner if the ingredients are top quality and compliment each other well. If you like gherkin pickles instead of dill? Fine! Do you prefer Dutch jonge kaas or even French bleu? Great!
“Hey, is that technically an American cheeseburger if you start adding all those other ingredients?" you ask?
Well, that’s the beauty of all of this burger business! America is made of up of Americans, which are uniquely comprised and blended of all of the cultures of the world; the biggest melting pot of them all. And we, as Americans, subscribe to embracing all diversities of flavours. So, put some Canadian bacon and Hawaiian pineapple on that burger for all I care! Just, don’t forget that the most vital ingredient is the best ground beef you can find, plain and simple! And, good is good; a really great cheeseburger, so difficult to find at times, outside of the US, is such a delicious and wonderful indulgence.
I am, Cassie Jones, photographer and writer, put on a quest to find the absolute best cheeseburgers in Eindhoven. I visited many more places that we could possibly list, here. These are absolutely the-best-of-the-best that I could find after searching through countless online recollections and reviews and taking to the pavement and cycling around Eindhoven looking for that diamond in the rough. I arrived, tasted, photographed and conquered - and gained a few extra shameless kilos along the way.
Cheeseburgers are the most commonly ordered incarnation of the burger and therefore an excellent baseline for my reviews. For the restaurants that didn’t offer the typical toppings, I ordered a burger on the menu done “their way.” I also asked for a side of fries, if it didn’t already come with them, to develop a better rounded opinion - and really, do you ever order a cheeseburger without the fries?
My ratings system consists of five main parts:
beef & bun Here we were looking for a good quality meat. We weigh hand-mixed versus pre-made. The spices and doneness were also major factors. The bun is considered as well, as the harmony between meat and bread and the balance of their qualities are some of the two highest factors at play.
appearance The appearance is important because we eat with our eyes before the burger even graces our hungry jaws. I looked for how appetising the burger showed and the quality, freshness of the ingredients and overall look of the plate were factored in.
ratios This sounds like an odd one, but having a burger that is much smaller than your bun can be an issue and can also having much too much sauce or simply not enough sauce can make all the difference. Ratio of overall ingredients were contemplated.
value The value of the burger has many considerations; location, cost, whether or not fries were included, were all factored in. The quality of the establishment versus all of these elements gave me my final result.
experience This includes aspects of customer service, wait time, ambience, interactions and overall feel of the establishment and its environment.
Finally, what you’ve all been waiting for, now that we’ve got you drooling, the reviews! Here is my, Top Ten Best Cheeseburgers in Eindhoven:
10.
50’s Diner and Take-Away 5/10
Heezerweg 304, Eindhoven
Phone: +31 40 213 5296
info@50sdiner.nl
web: http://www.50sdiner.nl/
Lunch & Dinner Menu’s
Burger, fries and drink 14.50 Euro
In my ten spot is 50’s Diner and Take-Away, which is hidden away just outside of the centre of town. With its’ light pink pleather booths and checkerboard floor, I feel transported like Marty McFly to the 1950’s. Jerry Lee Lewis, plays on the radio and floor to ceiling it’s like stepping into a time capsule. The cheeseburger is served on a crusty, chewy kaiser roll, topped with white onion, lettuce, cheddar, ketchup, mayo, augurken pickles, house-made bbq sauce and tomato. They boast their natural, good quality beef being straight from the butcher, mixed with their own special blend of spices and providing dedication to providing cared for ingredients. The BBQ sauce is homemade and a special recipe of the kitchen, which really completes the burger. The crispy, thick cut fries are served with ketchup or mayo. I would recommend 50’s Diner and Take-Away to anyone looking for a charming, family friendly burger experience, back in time!
Beef & Bun 5/10
Appearance 5/10
Ratios 5/10
Value 5/10
Experience 5/10
9.
Ons Eten & Drinken 6/10
kerkstraat 16 | Eindhoven
040 293 89 17 | www.ons.nu
Lunch & Dinner Menu’s
Burger with Tzatziki, 9.00 Euro, Very large, side order of fries, 4.00 Euro
Number 9, number 9… on the list is Ons Eten & Drinken, with a fun and casual feel, indoor, outdoor seating, overlooking Sint Catharina in the heart of town. First, I would like to say that, Ons’ menu changes frequently and while it appears there is always a burger on the menu, it is up to the creativity of the chefs to decide what form it takes. When we visited, the menu boasted a Greek, open-faced burger with Tzatziki sauce. The beef was hand-mixed in the Dutch-style, tender and lean. And while without bun, the single slice of white, toasted artisan bread was excellent. On the side was a garden salad with a vinaigrette. The tzatziki sauce complimented this style of burger very well. I recommend Ons Eten & Drinken to those looking for fresh, natural ingredients and who look forward to every new incarnation of burger they invent in an eclectic, colourful, friendly environment.
Beef & Bun 5/10
Appearance 3/10
Ratios 9/10
Value 7/10
Experience 6/10
8.
Grand Café de Wildeman 6.5/10
Market 10 | 5611 EB Eindhoven
+31 40-245 2300
web: http://www.cafedewildeman.nl/
Lunch & Dinner Menu’s
Bacon Cheeseburger with handcut fries, 11.90 Euro
Up next is Grand Cafe de Wildeman, a cafe in the afternoon, restaurant in the evening and club at night, right on Markt, is full of woodsy charm from the antler chandeliers, to the rustic wooden bar and cheerful staff. With its very own burger menu, there is something for everyone. The cheeseburger here is Dutch-style on a sesame seed bun and complimented with a “special” secret sauce that gives it a big spicy kick, also topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, yellow onion, cheese and bacon, with a side of chunky vegetable salad with a light vinaigrette. They also boast really unique and excellent, lightly seasoned, hand-cut fries, with fritessaus(mayo). I recommend Grand Cafe de Wildeman to those who love a lot of big burger options, a little spiciness and quality hand-cut fries.
Beef & Bun 3/10
Appearance 8/10
Ratios 9/10
Value 8/10
Experience 5/10
7.
Queen Hotel Cafe Restaurant 6.5/10
Markt 7 5611 EB - Eindhoven
Tel +31 40 2.45248
email: info@queeneindhoven.nl
web: http://www.queeneindhoven.nl/
Lunch & Dinner Menu’s
200gram Cheeseburger with fries, 9.90 Euro
At number seven is the, Queen Hotel Cafe Restaurant, which sits in, possibly, the best location in town, overlooking Markt and having access from the Heuvel Gallery. The cheeseburger here was a Dutch-style burger, Dutch, meaning the beef is very finely ground and heavily seasoned; the cousin of the American, all beef patty. It has all of the ingredients I have come to expect from a "broodje" in the Netherlands, including jonge kaas, tomato, sprouts and lettuce with the addition of a very good bun that was fresh, with a slight crunch to the outside and and soft on the inside, toasted on the grill. Accompanying the natural cut fries, are surprising sauces which add a bit of something new. First a taco sauce and then something particularly unique is a sauce which is a combination of onion, curry, mayo and mustard. I would recommend this cheeseburger to those looking to have a Dutch-style burger in a classy setting with its timeless interior complete with stained glass, hardwood bar and marble details.
Beef & Bun 4/10
Appearance 10/10
Ratios 6/10
Value 7/10
Experience 6/10
6.
Smeagol 6.5/10
Kerkstraat 10, 5611 GJ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Phone: +31 40 737 0298
email: info@smeagol.nl
web: http://www.smeagol.nl/
Dinner Menu
Large Grilled Cheeseburger on a sesame seed bun, with fries, 12.95 Euro
Neatly at number six is, Smeagol, overlooking Sint Catharina, is a modern, festive restaurant complete with disco balls and neon lights. The cheeseburger at Smeagol is served on a sesame seed bun; the beef is high quality, well done, served with cheddar, tomato, lettuce and red onion. On the side you’re served a small portion of mashed potatoes with shaved red onions, herbs and black pepper. The fries are golden and crisp and served with ketchup. Their cheeseburger is the perfect stereotype of the American classic and I’d recommend this burger to anyone who loves a good hunk of beef and if you don’t try the burger, they also serve excellent steaks!
Beef & Bun 7/10
Appearance 5/10
Ratios 9/10
Value 6/10
Experience 5/10
5.
Broodje Smits 7.5/10
Wilhelminaplein 4
5611 HE Eindhoven
Phone: +31 040 2441249
e-mail: info@broodjesmits.nl
web: http://www.broodjesmits.nl/
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Menu’s
Hand-mixed “American Burger” with salad and fries 8.75 Euro
Right in the middle, at number five is, Broodje Smits, a lovely family-style joint, though elegant and friendly with it’s open-air kitchen, located right on historic Wilhelminaplein, just inside the heart of Eindhoven with a friendly, thoughtful staff. The burger is delivered on a soft roll with jonge kaas, lots of ketchup and mayo, tomato, lettuce and sweet pickles. The meat itself is very good quality and is hand-mixed in the kitchen with chives and parsley; such care! Their generous portion of golden fries are served with ketchup or mayo. Given Broodje Smits location and setting, the price is right for this burger and I’d recommend it to people of all ages - oh and did I mention, they also serve breakfast all day!?
Beef & Bun 7/10
Appearance 7/10
Ratios 5/10
Value 10/10
Experience 9/10
4.
Rodeo 7.5/10
Dommelstraat 23, 5611 CJ Eindhoven
Phone: 040-2373737
eindhoven@restaurant-rodeo.nl
http://www.restaurant-rodeo.nl/
Dinner Menu
“Giant Hamburger” a 250 gram burger, served with fries, 12.95
Heading into our top picks is Rodeo, with their over-the-top, Tex-Mex theme, complete with dripping candle sconces, ropes and saddles and Mexican music playing in the background. Rodeo is in the heart of the Dommelstraat. The top quality, 250 gram beef burger is served atop a fresh, white, Italian roll. Though they don’t have the option to adorn your burger with cheese, they have a generous list of other sauces and topping to choose from. In the spirit of the Tex-Mex feel, I opted for salsa and sour cream. The juicy burger is also topped with white onions, lettuce and tomato. The fries are thin and crisp. I would recommend Rodeo to those looking for a good piece of beef and a thematic night of Tex-Mex and lime-laced drinks.
Beef & Bun 10/10
Appearance 5/10
Ratios 9/10
Value 8/10
Experience 5/10
3.
Trafalgar Pub “A good deal, for a great meal!” 9/10 (Bronze)
Dommelstraat 21, 5611 CJ Eindhoven
Phone: +31 40 244 8820
info@thetrafalgarpub.nl
http://www.thetrafalgarpub.nl/
Dinner Menu
“The Famous Pub Burger” served with fries, 10.95
Winning the bronze in our tour of burgers is, Trafalgar Pub. This warm, cosy atmosphere has me wanting to stay. I sit and wait for my beer and feel at home amongst the Tiffany style lamps, cast iron and oak tables, brass lighting and the ever-welcoming richly coloured bar. The tin pressed ceiling painted in oxblood, seals the deal with art deco wallpaper, red velvet booths and friendly staff. “Where’s my room? Because, I’m staying!” Not to mention, they have an extensive beer menu. It’s in the heart of Eindhoven on the Dommelstraat, where you can find infinite dining and nightlife. The bun is a fresh, white, Italian roll. The large portion of excellent quality beef, is topped with cheddar, lettuce, cucumber and “special sauce.” The “Special Sauce,” is said to be a combination of mustard, mayo and chili sauce - and possibly a super secret ingredient, but they just won’t say. The pile of golden fries is served with ketchup or mayo. I would recommend to those looking for a night out with friends, or a just a great burger and beer experience with a charming staff.
Beef & Bun 10/10
Appearance 8/10
Ratios 9/10
Value 10/10
Experience 9/10
2.
De Burger 9/10 (Silver)
Kerkstraat 5, 5611 GH Eindhoven
Phone: +31 40 282 7652
info@de-burger.nl
http://de-burger.nl
Dinner Menu
Classic Bacon Cheeseburger with fries and two types of fancy mayo, 14.00 Euro
Coming in second, with the silver, is De Burger. It’s a fairly new burger joint, modern, eclectic and colourful, near Sint Catharina. This small place is always busy, which is a good sign in the restaurant business of something good happening in the kitchen. Almost any burger you can think of, they can make. This time around we order our Cheeseburger with bacon, because their bacon is pretty exceptional! We can watch it being made, along with our fries, in the open-air kitchen by our busy cooks. The fries come out golden and crisp, and you can opt for some fancier dipping sauces like wasabi mayo and truffle mayo, both of which are definitely worth a try. The burger itself is done right with very high quality ground beef, tender and juicy, thick-cut bacon, cheddar, lettuce, red onion, ketchup, mustard and tomato and topped with a fresh, toasted white bun. We really get the American burger experience here, including the option to put whatever you want on our burger, including a fried egg, avocado, bleu cheese, jalapenos.. and the list goes on. They also offer a few different vegetarian options and a few options for the seafood lover as well and even a sampling of smaller burgers. I recommend De Burger to anyone and everyone looking for the real American burger experience and endless customisation options.
Beef & Bun 10/10
Appearance 10/10
Ratios 10/10
Value 7/10
Experience 7/10
1.
Brasserie Van Den Berg 9.5/10 (Gold)
Nieuwe Emmasingel 58
5611 AM Eindhoven
Phone: +31 40 844 30 64
web: http://www.brasserievandenberg.nl/
Lunch & Dinner Menu’s
Chopped steak burger on toasted artisan bread 7.00 Euro + fries 3.50 Euro
And the restaurant with the, #1 Best Cheeseburger in Eindhoven, is Brasserie Van Den Berg. Now, for something completely different and I think you’ll like it. Brasserie Van Den Berg has one mean cheeseburger. It’s not even served on a bun, but on two slices of lightly toasted artisan bread. The beef is top quality chopped steak with the finished result of extreme flavour and tenderness. She’s topped with lettuce, cucumber, tomato, cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, red onions and sliced cornichon pickles and curry mayo - but we asked for our mayo on the side because this quality of meat just doesn’t need it! The fries are natural cut, served with your choice of ketchup or mayo. Besides bringing you to a whole-’nother-level of burger, this brasserie is elegant, eclectic and choicely located near the Wittedame, the Blob and the Philips Museum and adorned with glossy art photography, stained glass and a classy juxtaposition of new and old; elegant and casual. This burger comes at an excellent value and we’d recommend it to all. Congratulations, Brasserie Van Den Berg!
Beef & Bun 10/10
Appearance 10/10
Ratios 10/10
Value 10/10
Experience 7/10
I am really satisfied with this amazing top ten and really enjoyed visiting all of these great burger-serving establishments I wish we could make the list even longer, but there just aren’t enough pages. After this marathon of beef-eating, I’ll be taking a vacation from meat for a while and cosying up to to salads , but don’t worry, I’ll be back! The bond between an American and her cheeseburger is strong.
Life is short, get out there and eat!
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