Why: Crave Grille opened several years ago but has been under new ownership for the past two years. Owners Shelly McClellan and Scott Jeffries created a happy hour menu for the restaurant and incorporated a burger of the month, both of which have proven to be a hit. Gourmet burgers are the main focus, but the menu has a variety of other options, as well.
What I tried: My dining companion and I started with the Irish Nachos, which are made with tots smothered in a delicious, slightly spicy cheese sauce topped with fried ham pieces and green onions. We were impressed with how tasty the dish was and the fact that there was excess cheese sauce to be had when the tots and ham were all gone. I would definitely order this appetizer again. My dining companion settled on the BBQ bacon burger made with cheese, bacon, ham, a beer-battered onion ring and BBQ sauce. I tried one of the burgers of the month, which for March features corned beef. I settled on the Irish American made with a corned beef-topped Kobe beef patty and house-made Russian dressing with bacon hot slaw. The burger buns are artisan quality and have a golden finish. We were surprised how well they held up to the stack of ingredients in each burger. My dining companion was impressed with his selection and noted its generous helping of thick sliced bacon. He found the burger very satisfying. I found the corned beef with the beef patty an appetizing combination on my burger. The dressing and hot slaw contributed a mild amount of flavor to the burger — not quite as much as expected but good all the same. We finished our meal with a scrumptious slice of turtle cheesecake, which combined pecans, caramel and chocolate.
Menu highlights beyond what I tried: All burgers are made with 8 ounces of high-grade American Kobe beef patties and are served with a choice of fries, tots, sweet potato fries or a small green salad. Beyond a traditional burger, there are a few tasty options such as the Oooey Gooey burger topped with cheese, a fried egg and brown gravy; and for big appetites, the Zombie double burger made with a pound of beef loaded with fixings. The Southern is a cheeseburger topped with BBQ pulled pork and slaw. Crave also makes a prime rib dip made with slow smoked meat that has been rubbed down with special seasonings and sliced thin. The sandwich is topped with Swiss cheese and served on a hoagie roll with house made au jus on the side. In addition to burgers and appetizers, fish tacos, a Cuban sandwich, a Portobelo sandwich, a chicken wrap and a special Crave mac and cheese dish are among other options. Salads include a grilled chicken and mushroom, a Caesar and a BBQ chopped salad. Kids choices include popcorn shrimp, chicken strips and a quesadilla. A full bar accompanies the food menu.
Atmosphere: The corner strip mall location is a modest size with tables and chairs and booth seating in the family area. Bar seating is available, and there is outdoor seating, as well, weather permitting. Red, black and gray are accented with dark wood tones and used to create a streamlined, casual vibe. Large-screen TVs provide entertainment. Lighting comes from florescent ceiling panels and spots and simple pendants at tables.
