Trip's Burger

I tried out Trip's Burger in Laguna mall yesterday, it was pretty good. I nearly cried with joy when I discovered a Bimbo bun was not involved in the deal. Those Bimbo buns taste really sweet to me but this little toasted potato bun beauty was perfect. I happen to like a thinnish hamburger patty on my burger as opposed to a thick one and that's what this burger had. All of the veggies were nice and fresh. It comes with a special sauce that I think I will pass on next time, I just prefer a squirt of mustard. The french fries were very good too.

There were 9 people working behind the counter...9! He must be training or something. Hours are from 12 to 6:00, closed Monday and Tuesday.

Hate to be such a naysayer since I was looking forward to his opening, but compared to other places (who don't serve a Bimbo nasty sweet bun), Trip's is way down the list in terms of price to value ratio.

Yesterday's burger at Perry's was their more expensive (75 pesos)burger. They have a smaller one at 55 pesos, which would suit my appetite better. However, at 75 pesos, the extra special had: very good meat, non-Bimbo bun, all the fixings, add-your-own sauce with mayo, mustard and Heinz ketchup and a special salt on the table, 2 onion rings (perfectly cooked) and a big pile of good fries.

To get fries with Trip's double burger (little bitty patties), you'd need to pay 100 pesos.
That's come serious competition. Trip's needs to work on that, IMO.

Given his location, I don't think his current prices will factor in with most of his customers...it is a fast food joint in a mall, after all. I don't remember how much it cost, but I was o.k. with whatever it was.
I think he plans on being open late somewhere down the road, that would be another plus.

I wouldn't say the patty was itty bitty at all..the bun was smaller than some and there wasn't a bunch of bread hanging off the sides but I liked that. The meat was delicious. There were way more fries than I could eat, certainly enough for two. It would be nice to be able to order a smaller serving.

Gotta say I loved the packaging too, styrofoam makes me cringe. My purger came wrapped in paper in a cardboard sleeve and everything was put into a brown paper bag.

Trip seems to be very serious about putting out a consistent, quality product in a sparkling clean environment. I'm sure it isn't easy training so many young, green employees all at the same time, like herding cats I imagine. I hope he succeeds.

I haven't tried Perry's yet but when I do it will be for the pizza. I have heard Perry does everything well .

I was disappointed with the small burger. The meat was about 2.5 inches across with almost an inch of bun beyond the meat. Really couldn't taste the meat there was so little of it. Too many fries; I saw lots of fries in the garbage because the serving is just too large. Serve a smaller serving of fries and a large meat patty and he'd come out ahead, actually. No need to double wrap the burger, although I understand why he does it. Save money here and there can make it possible to serve a larger patty of meat.

Well to me it is all about memories. Growing up in the valley in Los Angeles and eating In and Out Burger. I miss the taste and the price might make some not go or go less frequently but for me the taste is worth it, I am taking my wife on Sunday although she hasnt been to In and Out.

If it is all about saving money you can grill your own. Sometimes we just miss the sights, smells and flavors that we grew up with and dont have here.

Yep, I always grab a Johnny Rocket burger after clearing security at the GDL airport.

Intercasa wrote:Well to me it is all about memories.  Growing up in the valley in Los Angeles and eating In and Out Burger.  I miss the taste and the price might make some not go or go less frequently but for me the taste is worth it, I am taking my wife on Sunday although she hasnt been to In and Out.  

If it is all about saving money you can grill your own.  Sometimes we just miss the sights, smells and flavors that we grew up with and dont have here.  

It's not about "saving" the money. That not worth caring about except to mention that he's way off re the competition.

The big thing is that it's one very, very far cry from the In ad Out burgers I used to enjoy in Southern CA. Those were outstanding for fast food. I do miss those flavors. This doesn't even bear comparison, IMHO.

Just my opinion, of course. We all eat, so we're all food critics, and this critic was very disappointed after all the hype I read on TOB.

CanuckBob wrote:Yep, I always grab a Johnny Rocket burger after clearing security at the GDL airport.

Now THERE is one superb burger.

And "johnny Rocket" burger immediately reminds you of what shit is going to cost you NOB. That and a "starbucks" really gives you that NOB feel. $ ouch.

gringal wrote:

CanuckBob wrote:Yep, I always grab a Johnny Rocket burger after clearing security at the GDL airport.

Now THERE is one superb burger.

You two got it right....not even in the same ballpark.  No matter the price, JR is a better value, just not convenient for lakesiders.

I felt that the burger at Trip's was ok but that the meat was too small. Great flavor just over priced for the product served.

elgringo wrote:I felt that the burger at Trip's was ok but that the meat was too small. Great flavor just over priced for the product served.

Ordered the "double"; the patties had a closer resemblance to the Host at Sunday Mass than a quarter pounder. Once to try, but never again. Definitely NOT as shown below...

I look forward to trying Trip's burgers for myself and seeing where it falls in my listing of lakeside burgers. There sure has been a mix of opinions.
I remember the wide range of opinions about Alex's Pasta Bar. People were loving it while others hated it. It took me a while to try it myself and I am solidly in the "Love It" camp. So, you never know until you try it yourself.

I agree one should try food for themselves. Everyone has an individual palate. Try a restaurant for the sense of adventure. That way you won't be hurting a small businesses reputation.

I have always wondered why MacDonald's and BK don't have a presence around the lake. MacDonald's would make a killing if they put an express outlet in those alcoves in the entrance to WalMart like they do NOB. Is there some municipal bylaws forbidding them?

kiri. artistic licence mate..the taste was ok, but chips paley waley. and the burgers not at all as shown. typical american junk food !!

CanuckBob wrote:I have always wondered why MacDonald's and BK don't have a presence around the lake. MacDonald's would make a killing if they put an express outlet in those alcoves in the entrance to WalMart like they do NOB. Is there some municipal bylaws forbidding them?

I'm sure they would do well, however they would contribute to the obesity rate as they do NOB. Sometimes we need to be protected from ourselves. I miss BK and Carl's Junior but I'm weak like most and am better off without the temptation.

The initial cost of the franchise added to the ongoing cost of importing only franchise approved food and material may have something to do with the scarcity of fast food chains. That and the low cost of "real" food available locally.

Here's a salute to the non-chain restaurants who turn out a healthy, substantial and tasty burger !  They are here in Lakeside and there's no good reason to long for the McD and BK brand, any more than longing for a few other things of our past...........like flat paved streets.

As a picky eater with an easily upset stomach, my favorites are:  Arileo's with a side of sweet potato fries, Cocinart lamburger (or beef burger) with the little red potatoes fried in olive oil, Gossips with the side salad; Perry's; Bruno's, Tony's on a good day and probably more you all can add who have no connection to anyone outside their own kitchens.

When I first moved to Lakeside, there wasn't a lot of choice for dining out, and I am delighted to see how much that's changed.

thats a great selection, would add tabarka. no chain restaurants here please..flat pavements and less cobbles would be useful.

I must have hit Tony's on one of the not-good days. Very disappointing.

lunateak wrote:The initial cost of the franchise added to the ongoing cost of importing only franchise approved food and material may have something to do with the scarcity of fast food chains. That and the low cost of "real" food available locally.

All McDonald's, BK, KFC, etc. are a)locally owned, and b) source their ingredients locally. They do not import.

David wrote:

lunateak wrote:The initial cost of the franchise added to the ongoing cost of importing only franchise approved food and material may have something to do with the scarcity of fast food chains. That and the low cost of "real" food available locally.

All McDonald's, BK, KFC, etc.  are a)locally owned, and b) source their ingredients locally.  They do not import.

But, don't they have to pay to have the franchise name?

Even so, I believe in supporting our locals, and I forgot a good one there, too: El Serape.

Yes, they do have to pay a franchise fee and do everything the way the company trains them to do. Local variations are allowed, e.g. in Japan at BK, an McDonald's one can get a Teriyaki burger!

for a franchise of this type, you need big bucks, approved location and most importantly enough people in the surrounding area to support it. demographics..not enough round here, thank god.
anyway on thursady mr tripp was pretty busy, with attentive staff, and no franchizing costs, so good luck to him.