Stacked Huntington Beach

I have no pre-conceived notions when I arrive at Stacked. When we are seated, I immediately realize that this is one of those “order via iPad” restaurants. Stacked in Huntington Beach is surprising in many ways. On my first visit, I am at first skeptical due to the iPad ordering system – an experience from another restaurant earlier this year which left much to be desired. Our server quickly arrives and welcomes us, then, tells us she’s here should we wish to order through her and not the iPad — music to my ears. Knowing she will take my order relieves some of the frustration, but I’m curious to play around on the iPad regardless.

I decide to start off by ordering the traditional way, and then play around on the iPad while we are waiting. Candied Bacon, our first order, consists of four thick cut strips of cherrywood-smoked bacon with a maple syrup and brown sugar baste. It is sticky, gooey and rather delicious.

I order Pastrami Flatbread through our server while continuing to explore on the iPad. If you’re a fan of Reuben sandwiches, you may find this flatbread utterly appealing. I am surprised at how well the flavors meld together, and how it tastes completely like a pastrami sandwich except you’re eating flatbread. Mozzarella and Swiss cheeses, garlic sauce, pastrami, pickles and spicy brown mustard combine together rather well for this item.

It’s been at least 20 minutes now of me fiddling on the iPad and I am finding many positive things about this particular system. For instance, the Twosome ($9.60) we order comes with all the ingredients listed such as tomatoes, lettuce, onions etc. As a diner, you are able to customize everything, so if you don’t want onions on your burger, then take it off. If you want an extra beef patty, add it on. The best part? You only pay for what you want.

If you think about it, this system makes absolute sense. Why should vegetarians have to pay the same for a salad if they choose to opt out of the protein? At Stacked, each time you remove an item, the price of that item is taken off. It is one of the fairest dining experience I’ve ever encountered, and one which will undoubtedly appeal to a wide range of diners in this day and age of various dietary restrictions.

Back to the Twosome, a solid burger with two Angus beef patties with cheddar and American cheeses, caramelized onions and pickles between a soft potato bun. Even though the bun is soft, it is hardy enough to hold up all the ingredients. It is a little difficult to bite into due to its size, so we end up making it a knife and fork affair.

The Chicken Cobb Sandwich catches my eye. It is everything you’d expect from a Cobb salad, but presented in a sandwich. The juicy grilled chicken breast is topped with green leaf lettuce, with savory Point Reyes bleu cheese, bacon, avocado, and tomatoes served on a toasted brioche bun.

There are several sides to choose from with both thick cut onion rings, as well as Onion Strings ($4.29), thin lightly battered shoestring onions. They are super crispy, super addicting, and very hard to stop eating.

Garlic Parmesan Fries are also a good choice. The fries are topped with minced garlic and chopped parsley with a good crispy texture on the outside.

Stacked Huntington Beach is also the only location which serves breakfast. On a recent visit, I try Chilaquiles Benedict with chorizo, shishito peppers, two soft poached eggs on a bed of tortillas soaked with piquant ranchero sauce and topped with Hollandaise. The portion is smaller than other chilaquiles in the area, however, it is still substantial enough for those with a hearty appetite – I am only able to eat half of it.

In honor of the Special Olympics, all Stacked locations are offering the Torch Martini — a portion of the sales will be donated to Special Olympics — while the Olympics is in session. This cocktail is served in a martini glass combining Captain Morgan and Malibu rums, peach schnapps, OJ, pineapple juice and a swirl of grenadine. A morsel of dry ice is plopped into the drink to mimic the “smoke” coming from the Olympics torch.