Gas Burgers — Review by Daym Drops

North Haven, United States — Burgers

Daym Drops visits Gas Burgers on their second day of opening in North Haven, Connecticut, a newly converted gas station burger joint. The first burger was disappointing with overcooked thin beef, inadequate buns, and limp bacon, but the second attempt showed dramatic improvement with juicy, flavorful meat and proper execution. Despite initial struggles, the restaurant showed promise and willingness to improve with feedback.

What was great: The second burger was juicy, dripping with grease, and made with love. The seasoned fries were salty and double-fried. The blue cheese pairing was great. Staff was friendly and accommodating.

What could improve: First burger was poorly executed with thin, overcooked beef and a cold bun that attacked the meat. Buns were too doughy and not toasted, creating dryness. Bacon was flaccid instead of crispy. Price was high relative to quality on first attempt.

The Dishes

Gas Burgers operates on a counter-service model where customers order at the bar and wait for their number to be called. The first burger was an underwhelming experience, criticized for having thin beef that was quickly overcooked, losing moisture and flavor. The bun was cold and overly doughy, which compromised the overall taste. The bacon was disappointingly limp rather than crispy. However, the fries were a standout item, seasoned well and double-fried to a satisfying texture that satisfied the reviewer's preference for salty, crispy fries.

On the second attempt, the burger was night and day different. This burger was juicy, dripping with grease in the best way, and clearly made with more care and attention. The beef had proper thickness to trap moisture and grease, the temperature was executed correctly, and the overall composition showed the kitchen had listened to feedback. One customer, Carrie, specifically praised the blue cheese pairing on her burger.

The Experience

Gas Burgers opened six minutes late on their grand opening day, showing some initial operational hiccups. The atmosphere was casual counter-service with a small kitchen that couldn't accommodate toasted buns due to space constraints. The kitchen staff was professional and came out to explain their limitations and challenges. There was a modest line when they opened, but the wait for food wasn't too long. The owner was present and engaged, discussing his Netflix show Fresh, Fried, and Crispy and expressing openness to feedback.

Value and Pricing

The reviewer expressed concerns about the pricing, noting that for the money being charged, the quality didn't match up, particularly comparing it unfavorably to McDonald's on the first visit. After the second burger was significantly better, the value proposition improved considerably. The high price point makes quality execution especially critical for this establishment.

Notable Moments

My first burger was an ass burger. All right. And we ain't talking about the disease.

When the burger is missing the TLC, you might have to change the name of the restaurant.

This bacon ain't right. It ain't left either. Yeah. And you hear what I'm saying to you.

Round two is where happiness live.

The Verdict

Despite a rough start, Gas Burgers shows genuine potential. The dramatic improvement between the first and second burger demonstrates the kitchen's capability when execution is prioritized. The main recommendations are to upgrade to higher quality buns that are toasted, use thicker beef for their smash burgers, and ensure bacon is cooked to proper crispness. Given that they just opened and are clearly receptive to feedback, this restaurant could become a solid burger destination with some adjustments. It's best for customers willing to be patient with a new establishment while it works out the kinks.