The initial visit: The Grog Shoppe, Schenectady
http://www.thegrogshoppe.com/
"Home of the Hand Pampered Burger"
The trip that started us on our adventure. Burget Quest 2013 was born this day. I'm writing this post to document where our journey for the Capital Region's best burger began!
Here is the post that started it all:
Patrick DeSorbo
March 23 near Amsterdam
"I think I have officially had my last McDonald's cheeseburger."
After 19 comments back and forth, the foursome of bodacious burger brains was born on April 2nd, 2013, at which time we descended upon The Grog Shoppe in Schenectady, NY.
I had heard from a friend or two that this little "diamond in the rough," very close to downtown Schenectady, had fantastic burgers. Definitely worth a look, we thought!
When you walk into the Grog Shoppe, you're welcomed by the pub atmosphere that makes this place truly special. It's old and rustic and the history of the area (especially the Erie Canal that used to flow right outside) is not lost on the owners. They appear to embrace not only the rich history of the canal, but also of the Native American history of the city. The old picture of the woman above the fireplace caught our eye. We were convinced that she had once owned a turn-of-the-century tavern in this location, where sailors could pull their boats off the canal and belly up to the bar. Our curiosity led us to ask our wonderful waitress, who disappointingly told us she had no clue who it was and that it was "just an old picture." We decided to stick to our version!
The menu boasts an exhaustive variety of options. Appetizers include their house chili ($5.50) and wings ($5.95). Salads and even quiche (which the menu states is "for real men only,") are followed by their burger menu and pub sandwiches (including the "Son of Monte Cristo" ($6.95) and the "Best of the Wurst," ($5.50) which is honestly the only time I've seen a liverwurst sandwich on a menu around the Capital Region!) They have Mexican Specials, which sets them apart from some "typical" pubs. Dinner entrees include their "Steak Olivia," a 14-ounce Delmonico topped with a shrimp and horseradish cream sauce ($17.95), Blackened Chicken & Shrimp ($14.95), and a variety of fish dishes, all under $17. The pasta section of the menu was highlighted by their "Pasta Bianco" and the "Pasta Flamingo." The Late Night Menu has select offerings of typical pub fare.
The burger menu is quite simple. 9 burgers from which to choose including the "Kentucky Blue," which is topped with chunky blue cheese dressing and real bacon bits ($6.50) and the "Grog Burger," which comes with "bacon, melted Swiss, grilled pineapple, exotic spices, and [their] own special sauce" ($6.95). The menu suggests that you should "put this one in the burger hall of fame!"
THE BURGER:
Because I'm writing this a few months removed, I'm actually having trouble remembering what everyone ordered. I know that at least one of the guys ordered the Grog Burger. I'm pretty sure I had the Kentucky Blue Burger and I know that Pat ordered an "Italian Burger," which is actually a sausage patty topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese on Italian bread. Another really cool thing about the Grog Shoppe is their nightly specials. We chose a Tuesday night because I had erroneously heard that their burgers were on special on Tuesday nights. Turns out they're not, (Burger night is a different night of the week, but I still can't remember when) but Mexican specials were! Tacos were $1 and Burritos, I think, were $2. Pretty incredible. I know that Marc ordered at least a taco and commented that it was very good; well worth the extra $1!
One vivid memory of this trip is that of the energy and spirit of our waitress. It takes a very special person to be able to match the shenanigans of the aforementioned bodacious burger brains. While I can't remember her name, her spirited service and willingness to entertain our goofy antics can't be forgotten. She certainly added to the experience of the place. It helped, I think, that the place was pretty empty while we dined, but still...she made us feel at home.
THE VERDICT:
The verdict on the Grog Shoppe must be interpreted with caution, as the details of the visit have faded from memory. I do remember that it was very juicy and I remember feeling that it was worth the trip, particularly for the atmosphere.
Overall, this place truly is every bit the diamond in the rough that I heard it was. The atmosphere can't be beat and the lively waitress made the visit unforgettable. The burgers were very good and, at about $7.00 each, quite a bargain! The exceptional specials (where can you get a taco for $1?) raised the score of the "Fries, etc." category significantly.
I will definitely visit the Grog Shoppe again. Now if only I could catch it on actual "burger night..."
Burger Juiciness: 8/10
Burger Taste: 8/10
Fries, etc.: 9/10 (primarily because of the exceptional specials)
Atmosphere: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Total Score: 43/50 or 86%
