Thunder Burger & Bar: The Thunder Burger

Thunder Burger & Bar is a newer bar in Georgetown. They seem to have gotten it all right on the first try. We had to get the namesake Thunder Burger. It would be a bad sign if the burger named after the restaurant wasn't good. We were not disappointed. The Thunder Burger is a great piece of meat. The menu says they use "Premium All-Natural Range-Free Beef." All that special treatment that cow receives gets passed on to a special burger. The size is more than generous; a full size burger that still manages to encompass the subtleties that every great burger needs. The outside grilling was very good, and the inside was grilled to a warm pink center that was nothing less than perfect. The burger comes on a toasted Challah bun. Challah is a Jewish bread and a unique choice for a burger bun, but it held its own. It brought great flavour, and the addition of sesame seeds never goes unnoticed. The burger did eventually overpower the bun in the age-long battle between burger and bun. The bottom of the Challah bun got soggy at the end and failed to hold the burger.

The cheese situation at Thunder Burger & Bar needs some improvement Basic cheeses like American and Swiss are a dollar extra, and good cheese like Havarti is two dollars extra. Ouch. If that isn't a kick in the teeth. On top of that, you could barely taste the cheese. I could see it so I knew it was there, but if you are paying extra for a slice of sharp cheddar, the cheese should make a noticeable impact.

The burger comes topped with lettuce, tomato, and remoulade sauce, and there are still 10 or so more free toppings to choose from on the menu. It's always nice to see a choose your own toppings section. It's a dollar more for chili and two bucks more for Hickory smoked bacon or a fried egg, but that's pretty standard. Luckily, the roasted red peppers and ancho mayo are free and are some of the best toppings around. It is possible to overdo it on the toppings and get a little messy so be warned and get extra napkins. In reference to the toppings, it was said that "excellence has finally been perched upon a beef pedestal." Enough said.

The atmosphere at Thunder Bar & Burger is unique to say the least. When you enter, it feels like you are walking into Ozzy Osbourne's basement. I mean that in the best way possible. It's dimly lit and rock music is playing throughout. David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust greeted us as we walked into the back room where the dining tables were. The brick walls and exposed wood gives it a castle-like vibe. The decor is cool and edgy, without crossing over into the zone of being too gothic like a Hot Topic. The waitress was friendly and helpful and the overall service was good. We forgot pens and paper and the waitress was nice enough to help us out. The fries were standard (nothing to be recommended), but they did come in a weird little bucket. Beer means a lot to us at CBC, and the beer selection at Thunder Burger & Bar is great. Troegs Mad Elf Ale was on tap as well as about 15 or so other brews. Over than being in Georgetown, and therefore not right by a metro, Thunder Burger & Bar has great synergy.

If you have ever found yourself wondering around Georgetown looking for a burger joint among all the high end shop, this is the place. It doesn't have the typical Georgetown yuppie vibe. It's more of a high class dive bar without all the roaches. Everyone there seemed to be having a good time. The place was full but not crowded, and it still managed to be rowdy without being totally chaotic. The burger is delicious. While the cheese situation was sub-par, but that seems to be the only real downside. The toppings selection is great, and they all tasted great to match. The beer was superb and it one of the things that raises Thunder Burger & Bar one step above. Even if you aren't getting food, this would be the perfect place to grab a drink. This might not be the scene for everyone since it was compared to Ozzy Osbourne's house, but Thunder Burger & Bar is a outstanding place for a burger and a beer if you ever find yourself wondering around G'town. A great burger and great beer served in one of the coolest places around.