Farmhaus Burger

To match its high intentions (supporting local farms), Farmhaus Burger sells moderately high-priced burgers ($7-$10) from a menu that abounds with possibilities. The fun offerings include such “Haus” burger combos as the B&B (blue cheese and bacon) and the Farmstyle (egg, bacon, and smoked gouda cheese) as well as a Build-Your-Own proposition by which you select a meat of choice (beef, turkey, veggie, or chicken), a bun of choice, sauce, and toppings.

Each hamburger is a double: two fairly thin patties, cooked gray, not so much juicy as they are greasy. A greasy burger is not necessarily a bad thing – hail the slider! – but these don’t pack a lot of intrinsic flavor. That’s why the plethora of toppings is welcome. Addenda range from hydroponic lettuce and Duke’s mayo to such extra-cost luxuries as pork belly confit and Hatch chilies. Piled into a freshly-made bun – whole wheat, artisan white, or gluten-free – a double burger with cheese, garnishes, and condiments is a happy package, although not one to satisfy a burger connoisseur who demands big beef flavor.

Beyond burgers, the kitchen’s repertoire includes such contemporary urban favorites as fancy grilled cheese, Cobb salad, humanely raised beef hot dogs, and grilled or BBQ breast of chickens free of hormones and antibiotics.

Interesting side dishes include huge buttermilk-battered onion rings, fried pickles, and sweet potato tater tots that are less like regular tater tots and more like battered and deep-fried mashed sweet potatoes. The beverage menu also is intriguing, reaching way beyond sweet tea and soda pop to craft beers and real (and good) milk shakes made with organic ice cream as well as shakes and floats energized by shots of booze. A “Nana’s Pudding” shake is made with ice cream, banana rum, Irish cream, and vanilla wafers; a “Soda Jerk’s Float” includes vodka and Abita root beer.

Note: There is a second location at 466 Flowing Wells Rd. in Augusta. 706-496-2846