Whole Foods Enters Burger "Wars"

[weinoo]

Last week, my wife mentioned to me that the new Whole Foods in Foggy Bottom, Washington, DC has a burger bar.

Lo and behold, shopping at my local WF this morning, Bowery & Houston, NYC...I first smelled them and then saw this...

I picked up a menu, and it's only $4 for a burger, or a cheeseburger for that matter. From locally sourced, 100% Grass Fed beef.

Fries are $2.

I tried nothing, because I wasn't there to eat lunch. But...at these prices, for a potentially good burger, does anyone think this could be a serious challenge to the 5-Guys and Shake Shacks of this world?

And, has anyone tried the place yet?

[davidkeay]

Pretty interesting. I'll try to get one this weekend and report back!

Is there actually anywhere to sit there? I don't remember seeing any space there, but I haven't spent much time in that end of the store (assuming it's near the buffet/prepared food area).

[weinoo]

Pretty interesting. I'll try to get one this weekend and report back!

Is there actually anywhere to sit there? I don't remember seeing any space there, but I haven't spent much time in that end of the store (assuming it's near the buffet/prepared food area).

No. Unless you take the burger upstairs, which has plenty of seating.

[davidkeay]

Ended up trying this, and don't think I'd go back for the burger.

At first they said they'd cook it medium rare, but then explained that they can't really go past medium well because of health regulations. They cook the burger on a griddle without smashing (and actually covered with a lid for a while), so you end up with a burger with far less crust than shake shack that's still mostly grey throughout. It reminded me of five guys, though I haven't had one there in a long time so I can't be quoted on that.

The lettuce and tomato were both good- I remember thinking the tomato actually stood out. The roll was a little hard... toasted, but too think and hard for the patty.

They get credit for it being just $4, but I doubt I'll be back. It did squarely have the feel of food cooked by a grocery store rather than a specialist!