In the summer you can dine on their patio, overlooking Sargent Avenue and you will never at a loss for interesting sights. The true kitsch lies inside though. Adorning the walls of this character diner are items no doubt picked up at Value Village: jell-o molds, bunt cake trays and carved wooden serving spoons with very limited practical applications. There are about five instantly forgettable paintings on the walls, and all the plants are real. The clincher for the kitsch was the TV, playing "The Price is Right" for all the patrons to appreciate. We sure did. It was great, sitting on the outdoor-style wooden benches, sipping our refilled coffees and listening to Bob Barker banter in the background.

Burger Plus is cafeteria-style. You have to order at the counter and get your own coffee. Luckily the place is fairly small and not generally too crowded.

The Greek couple who run the place are extremely kind, and were even a little surprised when I presented them with a tip! I imagine a lot of their profits come from alcohol (as it is with any successful restaurant), and they must do alright because there were people already imbibing at 10:30am, gratefully supporting the local business.

The bonus BLT option makes me giddy, though next time I'll ask for my potatoes to be well-done. While holding almost aggressively casual attitude towards service, this place has character, character, character. Whether you want to enjoy a beer in the sun before noon or munch on a breakfast BLT, you could do worse than Burger Plus.

October 4 2007

BURGER PLUS

538 Sargent Ave

Breakfast special

$5.00 including tax

coffee & free refills.

Nestled in a slightly unsavory part of the West End, Burger Plus serves up a breakfast that is anything but. What sets this restaurant apart from others are the frills. By frills I mean that they serve with breakfast lettuce, tomato and a dollop of mayo so that you can turn your meal into an impromptu breakfast BLT! How can you go wrong with that? I got three pieces of bacon, but another in our party somehow managed to get four. The eggs were as eggs go, the toast was as toast goes and the hash browns come with fried onions but they were truthfully too soft. Perhaps next time we will take the care to order them well-done.