Burger Parlor partners with Gringo Bandito

I am at Burger Parlor checking out the new Gringo Bandito Tostada Burger, a collaboration between one of my favorite hot sauce companies (founded by The Offspring frontman, Dexter Holland), and Chef Joseph Mahon’s restaurant.

While we are here, we take the opportunity to try some other menu options at Burger Lounge. We are at the Orange location – there is another in Fullerton – on Glassell, and while we found parking right outside, it is not often possible seeing how busy the street gets, so swing around the back to the public parking lot if that happens.

Before you even think about what to eat, think about what you want to drink with your meal. I hear the milkshakes are out-of-this-world, so we choose a couple to indulge in. Cinn Toast Crunch ($4.89) and Cookies & Cream ($4.85) are served in frosty glasses, with a perfectly thick consistency. Although they are both too sweet for my savory palate, my friends really enjoyed them.

Our food arrives, beginning with Smokey ($9.95) a burger topped with smoked bacon, crispy onions, sweet caramelized onions, and Wisconsin Cheddar cheese. There are oven roasted tomatoes which add both hints of sweetness and tartness, and a handful of arugula for brightness. The chipotle aioli is not overpowering and works well to bind everything together.

Gringo Bandito Tostada Burger ($11.95) is crafted with 100% hormone free Nebraskan beef, topped with a crisp tostada chip, runny fried egg, Gringo Bandito crema, crushed avocado, roasted Anaheim chile and Gringo Bandito aioli. It is a fully-loaded burger offering varying textures in one bite.

To change things up a bit, we order the Crispy Chicken Sandwich ($8.89) a solid offering with crispy, yet moist chicken strips, American cheese, bacon, pickles, tomatoes, and mayo. It is quite possibly one of the best chicken sandwiches I’ve ever eaten.

My friend’s little boy has his own order of Hand Breaded Chix Tenders ($6.99) which I take a little piece of. It is juicy and tender, an item I am quite sure adults will love as well.

Kevin Bacon & Pastrami Fries ($6.95) has a lot going on. Traditional fries are topped with aged Wisconsin Cheddar cheese, a creamy cheese sauce, chopped up bacon, house-made hot sauce — absolutely incredible by the way — and pastrami. This is more than enough as a meal on its own, but try to share it with the table so you have room to try other menu items.

Half & Half ($4.39) is another good item to share. This portion of half fries and half onion rings gives you the best of both without having to decide on one or the other.

If you’re a fan of burgers, then Burger Parlor should definitely be on your list of places to try. It is solid home-grown fare, using quality products, and prepared with loving care.

Burger Parlor
149 N Glassell St
Orange, CA 92866
Tel: 714-602-8220

204 N Harbor Blvd
Fullerton, CA 92832
Tel: 714-441-2003