Gastronome
Volcano Burger
NICOLE KATO PHOTO
TEDDY’S BIGGER BURGERS
1646 Kapiolani Blvd.
Honolulu, HI
(11 other locations on Oahu)
Phone number (808) 951-0000
Business websiteteddysbiggerburgers.com
I love Teddy’s Bigger Burgers. So much.
It began like most of everything I enjoy in life: begrudgingly. (I promise I’m not a complete curmudgeon. It’s just that hype always makes me a little wary.)
Still, as an “adult,” I’ve come to realize that despite the clich , trying things you think you’ll hate almost always turns out the complete opposite.
So here I am today, Teddy’s biggest fan.
But I don’t seem to be alone in this. In this week’s poll, Metro asked you, our readers, what your favorite burger joint is. The winning answer: Teddy’s. (The Counter and Honolulu Burger Co. came in at a close second and third place, respectively.)
Everyone loves Teddy’s for different reasons. Personally, I look forward to nary a dry hamburger patty, always consistently prepared — and that special sauce. OK, if we’re being honest, it has everything to do with that special sauce. I’ve tried analyzing its flavor profile and I still can’t put my finger on what exactly it’s made with. (Teddy’s: Hear my plea. Please, tell me what is in your special sauce, and I promise to take it to the grave.)
Western Burger
JAIMIE KIM PHOTO
Admittedly, I’m not the most adventurous eater at Teddy’s. I don’t go to there looking for some fine dining experience, just a good burger — though I suppose you could argue that its number of different toppings and combinations are on par with any gourmet burger.
So I like it basic: a Teriyaki Burger with regular fries (and an extra side of special sauce for dipping).
You could be more courageous than me and try something like its Western Burger, which comes stacked with cheddar cheese, bacon, onion rings and topped with BBQ sauce. Or there’s the Slaw Daddy, which features slaw, bacon and Swiss cheese.
But I’ve always been afraid that anything beyond the basics would just mask the flavors of what keeps bringing me back to Teddy’s: its special sauce.
METRO SAYS…
Discovering that Teddy’s came out the victor in this week’s Metro poll, a few of us were inspired to make a stop there for lunch. In the name of “research,” you know?
You know why I love Teddy’s, but here’s what social media manager Nicole Kato and staff writer Paige Takeya also have to say.
Nicole: When you asked if I wanted to go to Teddy’s, I was so happy. I go through a ritual each time I eat there. I know exactly what I want each time. Yes, all veggies on it, yes, special sauce, yes medium is fine, and yes combo with regular fries.
Actually, that’s a lie. I sometimes opt for garlic fries.
Furthermore, I must take off any jacket that I’m wearing (to prevent food globs on my sleeves). I must take off my rings, because the special sauce seems to creep into the crevices all the time, and I must take off my watch. It’s preferable if my nails are recently cut because the sauce and bun get stuck under there and my face and hands are a mess. One hand wipe isn’t enough upon burger annihilation. I need at least two.
My go-to burger is the Volcano Burger with spud. The spud is a necessity that my wedding planner introduced me to. It’s marvelous. In fact, my planner bribed me with a Teddy’s burger so I would be a pleasant person when taking wedding photos.
Paige: I have to commend Teddy’s on its shakes. That was an excellent shake. The consistency was perfect. It wasn’t watery at all, and it was thick without requiring vacuum-level suction powers to drink. The shake was probably better than the burger, to be honest. That may have been the best milkshake I’ve ever had. I definitely think it was better than the ones at Downbeat Diner, which was my previous best shake nominee.
Where The PHO Are You Eating
You heard my pleas for pho, and the response has been great! Keep your suggestions coming and be on the lookout in next week’s issue when I will visit one of your recommended pho digs.
Tell me what’s good at jkim@midweek.com, or on Instagram @jaimie.kim.
