Burger Bach: New Zealand Burgers with Virginia Beers

Picture of the West Broad location from Burger Bach's Pinterest.

I must confess that I was a bit dubious about trying out Burger Bach a few weeks ago.  Not that I dislike burgers (or Bach, for that matter), but I wasn't really in a burger mood.  It was a hot June day, and a greasy, condiment-y burger just didn't sound appealing.  But willing to try anything once, I bowed to the popular vote of my group and decided to give Burger Bach a try.  Boy, am I glad I did!

As their website explains, Burger Bach (pronounced "batch" - sorry, Johann Sebastian!) is a "New Zealand inspired gastronomical house, or 'gastro pub'... [specializing] in gourmet burgers."  The Short Pump location offers outdoor or indoor seating, and if seated indoors, you have an open view of the kitchen.  Our server was eager to explain Burger Bach's concept of "best tasting and humanely raised beef" and was quite knowledgeable on all the Virginia craft beers offered.  I quickly selected a Bold Rock Virginia Apple Ale, crafted near Wintergreen, Virginia.  It was everything I could wish for - crisp, fruity, but not terribly sweet.

It was hard to decide on a main course, however.  My friend finally put an end to my mental eenie-meenie-miney-mo method of choosing and told me to order the South Lamb burger.  "It's really good," she said, "you won't be disappointed."  She was right.  Served hot with a slightly pink center, it melted in my mouth.  The goat cheese, Manuka Honey Dijon vinaigrette, and cilantro sauce were perfect.  (My mouth is watering just thinking about it!)

Source.

Unfortunately, I didn't even think to take a picture of this gastronomical masterpiece.  I was too excited about eating it to think about sharing what it looked like!  Thankfully, I found a picture on Burger Bach's pinterest page.

The menu prices reflect Burger Bach's emphasis on antibiotic-free, grass-fed, sustainable raising of animals, with beef burgers ranging from $8-12 and their other signature burgers pricing between $9-11.  Certainly not within my usual "thrifty" range, but my dollars were well-rewarded by the flavor of the meat.  The craft beers ranged from $3.50-$7.00, if I remember correctly, which is pretty typical for the market.  Burger Bach also offers a variety of seafood, from oysters to mussels to shrimp, from local and national seafood providers.  My friend ordered a dozen oysters from Hog Island, VA, paired with the same Virginia Apple Ale I was enjoying.

In addition to the good food and selection of local craft beers, I was also very touched and impressed by the managerial staff at the Short Pump location, who I observed displaying generosity and patriotism by comping the drinks and sides of a military family enjoying a meal there.  As the wife of a (former) Marine, I love to spend my dollars at military-friendly establishments.

I certainly will be returning to Burger Bach (sorry, but I just can't seem to pronounce it "batch"!) with my husband in tow, so that I can satisfy my lamb burger cravings.  Speaking of which, thank goodness they're open on Sundays...

Richmonders, have you been to Burger Bach yet?

Linking up with the #SundayTraveler!