I was one who lamented the fate that befell Avenue Eats back when its Washington Avenue location burned down. I remember talking to the owners when they first opened, back when I was toiling for peanuts for one of our local newspapers.
I also remember the first of a number of times I thoroughly enjoyed an Avenue Eats burger. When it was voted the best burger in West Virginia, I was not surprised. I espoused the quality of said burgers to anyone who’d listen.
So when the opportunity to drive into my hometown and grab a BBQ or poutine burger presented itself, I took advantage. Until I couldn’t.
It was with great anticipation that I took a trip out 88 last week to Nicky’s Garden Center (476 Warden Run Rd.) where an extended food truck version of Avenue Eats has been operating.
Would it be the same great tasting burgers I remember? Would it hold the same charm as before. While the Washington Avenue location wasn’t fancy, the outdoor deck was a nice touch to enjoy a meal during an early midsummer evening.
I remember the various businesses that came before, from the dive shop, to my old barber setting up toward what was the back portion of the restaurant many, many moons ago.
Nicky’s offered tables and chairs, complete with umbrellas for shade, so that part was still representative. I could have done without the gnats, but such is the case when you eat in the elements. Far from a deal breaker by any stretch.
The Food
Three of us went, though two of the party got the identical order, the classic burger, but with bacon and hold the veggies.
I, per usual, picked up a BBQ burger, grass fed deliciousness with sharp cheddar cheese, bourbon BBQ sauce, and carmelized onions on a Kasier bun. We all opted for the brioche buns, but they were out that day, so Kaiser it was.
It didn’t dampen the taste any.
And speaking of taste, it was the same delectable burger flavor that I remembered. Anyone who knows me knows I’m not a vegetable fan, but the caramelized onions complete the flavor here, not overpower it.
A-1 on the burger, as expected.
The fresh cut fries were tasty. I’m not overly picky about my fries, but in a perfect world, prefer beer battered or waffle fries. So while these were good, it’s the burger that’s the centerpiece of this meal.
I think next time I’ll try the breakfast burger; it’s one I’ve always wanted to sample yet haven’t.
The verdict from my two companions? Tasty as well. So three thumbs up.
