FOOD | ARTS | COMMUNITY | STYLE + LEISURE
JERRY BUILT West University CUISINE : Burgers | 3501 W . Holcombe Blvd . | 281.974.2747 | www . jerrybuiltburgers . com | Sun – Thurs : 11am – 9pm ; Fri – Sat : 11am – 10pm
When Jerry Built Burgers first opened in West University in 2009 , my kids and I were some of Chad Glauser ’ s first customers , and have been hooked . Jerry Built ’ s success comes from Glauser ’ s desire to be better every day : Using local farmers and ranchers for the freshest ingredients , having an open kitchen design so that the customers can see the buns being made from scratch , switching from a microphone calling out names written on the bags ( my son was always “ Mr . McAwesome ”) to an electronic tracking system to let diners stay seated . All of these measures make the fast-casual concept at Jerry Built ’ s two locations ( West U . and Memorial City ) stand out .
The stars of the show , as one would expect , are the burgers . The classic Jerry ’ s Cheeseburger , Bacon Avocado , Mushroom Swiss or my favorite – Ernie ’ s Bacon Cheddar BBQ ( Ernie ’ s sauce , bacon , cheddar , grilled onions and a killer BBQ sauce ) – are exceptional . Glauser has the meat specially ground for the restaurant , ensuring that each handmade patty will be up to his high standards .
To go with the burgers , the chili cheese fries , sweet potato fries and grilled sweet corn are great options . For me though , it ’ s the fried pickles . Lightly spiced , fried crispy and served with homemade ranch dressing , they are wonderful . Order the large plate , though , if you think you might need to share .
I would be remiss if I didn ’ t mention the milkshakes , Mr . McAwesome ’ s favorite thing on the menu . The hand-spun milkshakes blend the ingredients to that perfect state of creamy and smooth from the first sip to the last .
Jerry Built ’ s dedication to providing a great burger with a very family-friendly setting will keep my family as customers . The desire to make it better promises to keep everyone happy for years to come .
Photo by Julie Soefer
Bacon Avocado Burger
I focused on the raw bar and small plates and was thoroughly satisfied . Oyster shooters with the housemade Bloody Mary mix had the perfect blend of spice and salt . The octopus salad with feta , cucumber and preserved lemon had the tender bites of octopus usually found at higher-end Mexican seafood places . The snapper ceviche was fresh and tangy . The surprise for me though , was the edamame and spinach dip . I wasn ’ t sure how the soybeans would work . Served with naan , the flavors and texture blended incredibly well .
The craft cocktails fit well with the seafood . Made with Texas liquors and local ingredients , there is something for everyone . The Old Mary , using the spicy homemade mix , plenty of Old Bay and 1876 Vodka , was particularly delicious .
While I know that I will still go to the Village , I have a great option for a business lunch or Happy Hour before Astros games or TUTS . OK , really Astros games , but with this kind of Happy Hour , you don ’ t need an excuse .
Local Foods DT march 17 | LOCAL 31