You cannot go wrong with experience. That’s true with JJ’s
Burgers in San Juan Bautista. When you have been around for 50 years, you tend
to get things right. Once again, my friend and burger connoisseur Marty joins
me on this adventure – mostly for his onion rings expertise. 

JJ’s is one of those “destination” burger joints, where
people from all over the central coast make a day and visit for a great burger experience.
 

The décor is a small town, home grown feel where pictures on
the wall tell the story of JJ’s. We arrived on one of those days where you
could eat indoors, or out. We choose indoors and looked over the diverse menu.
We saw something that caught our eye – a burger that was sweet & spicy. It
goes under the name ‘The El Jefe Burger’.  Yep, that’ll do.

A side of Garlic Fries and Marty’s mandatory order of onion
rings will join us on the side.

It’s good to know that JJ’s serves up 100% Angus Beef from
Harris Ranch. Harris Ranch is all about flavor. As our order was delivered, I
noticed a collection of pictures of a bunch of guys with a “Burger hang over”
look on their faces. You know, where you have a great burger and eat way too
much? Apparently, these guys took the “JJ’s Burger Challenge” -  NOT
faint at heart. A 4 patty Burger with  1/3 lbs of Angus beef,  4  buns, lettuce tomato, grilled onions, cheese,
a heaping order of fries, and a thick rich  milkshake. The challenge? Eat it all in 20
minutes or under – it’s free.

We considered it for another visit. Our minds were on the El
Jefe Burger. This one is spicy –  Jack
cheese, Jalapeno’s, Peppers, grilled onions, avocado, bacon and pineapple? Yes.
Pineapple. Spicy and sweet? Sweet!

All senses were firing as the scent of peppers were evident
as we bit into the El Jefe. Our first reaction was it had a “good fire” in it.
The collection of spices were working, but the surprise was the pineapple. Great
combo here. Delicious and full of flavor. This one is going in the Burger
rotation, right now. We love spicy and this one brings the heat. How hot? Let’s
just say if you have a sinus infection, this will clear it up - right now. Messy?
You bet! Any burger that is this messy gets extra points with us.

The Garlic fries were true garlic fries and not sprinkled
with a little garlic. Nope, JJ’s garlic fries had flavor INSIDE the fries. More
bonus points for JJ’s. Marty gave JJ’s onion rings a 9 on scale from 1-10. His
review on them? “Crunchy, but soft and juicy  on the inside. Kind of like a New York steak.”
I have no idea what that means. You’ll have to forgive Marty – he’s from
Prunedale.

We also tried the Dino Burger and The JJ Burger. Both were good
for safer fare.

So, if you’re up for a something spicy and sweet, love great
garlic fries and are down for a visit to a Hamlet, JJ’s Burgers in San Juan
Bautista is worth the visit.