Thursday, March 17, 2011
Burgers Burger joint of the week: Frostop
Posted by Kat Robinson on Thu, Mar 17, 2011 at 10:38 AM
- Grav Weldon
- A BURGER FOR SHARING: Frostop's one pound Big Daddy burger
I’ve rambled on about my memories of Frostop and how great the root beer is. What I haven’t shared with you is the awesomeness of the Big Daddy Burger.
A quick recap for those who haven’t read my Tie Dye Travels piece on Frostop. When I was a kid there was a location over by UAMS with a big root beer barrel sign out front. The location moved across the river to North Little Rock and has been in one building after another. Today it’s in a strip mall next to a rug shop along JFK.
On the jump… the burger that makes Frostop worthy, and my daughter’s first reaction to root beer.
I made a special trip back to Frostop for this story. I’ve enjoyed their shakes, their gyros, their crab cake sandwiches and their Frito Chili Pie. They know me on sight when I go in, and one of these days I’ll actually remember to take in one of those free cheese stick coupons Joe Garah sends out to the folks on the restaurant’s mailing list. And I’ve even had the regular burger before.
But the Big Daddy… now, that’s a big burger. It’s a one-pounder. It’s on a big bun. And I was going to try it.
Hunter came along for the ride that day. Now, you have to understand — while I expose Hunter to all sorts of food,
I’ve kept careful rein on what she drinks. She doesn’t drink cola, sweetened tea or such yet. I’m trying to keep her from developing a strong sweet tooth early on, and for the most part she does fine. It’s not just sodas — she takes her waffles without syrup and drinks tea straight. I do let her grandparents spoil her a little, but at home that’s the usual plan.
I’ve kept her away from soda because of the corn syrup, the sweetness and the caffeine. But root beer has no caffeine… and Frostop makes their own, so I decided it was all right for her to try some.
I think the photos say it all. She finished off my mug (fortunately they bring you more at Frostop) and asked for more. She also a lot of the burger… which I should get to now.
The Big Daddy Burger comes dressed on a big buttered eight inch seeded bun. Buttered bun? You’re darn tootin’. The meat is spiced generously with Greek seasoning, nice and savory. The burger patty is flat and juicy, griddle-fried and somehow smashed — they must have a very large spatula to turn that puppy. A generous amount of American cheese is applied to the meat and nicely melted. Pickles go under the patty which give it a certain signature flavor and tang. On top, there’s several tomato slices to cover the whole surface of the burger and a fluffy pile of shredded lettuce. I had them hold the mustard and onions but both usually come with the burger. This is a cut-it-in-half burger. It fed three people — me, my daughter and my photographer. Easily. We had leftover fries — which is something, since Frostop does fries right with the nice double-fry and great seasoning.
Now here’s where I let you in on the big secret. A regular burger deal with fries and a drink is $7.95. The Big Daddy Burger combo came out to $11.20. We also added cheese for 75 cents and upgraded to a larger order of fries for 50 cents… add in the extra root beer and our total tab with tax came to $14.76. It turned out to be cheaper to get one burger and share.
And man, did Hunter eat her share.
I can gladly recommend a Frostop burger of any size. But if you don’t order a root beer you’re missing the full experience.
Frostop is located at 4131 John F. Kennedy Boulevard in North Little Rock. (501) 758-4535 or check out the Facebook fan page.
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Comments (5)
Showing 1-5 of 5
Frostop has some of the best burgers around! Never had the courage to go for the Big Daddy (I can barely eat one of the regular ones!)
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Don't let me rain on anyone's parade, but about a year ago several of us went on a Saturday night about an hour/hour and a half before the posted closing time. We were the only customers, and not only did they stand with hands on hips til we finished, they literally mopped the floor all around us. I could have let that slide, but what tore it for me and ensured I would never go back? The food was mediocre at best, and Fox News was on the big screen at full volume. And it was Huckabee's show.
Frankweiler -- I'm with you on the frustration with restaurants blasting the Fox Propaganda News Network at me. I'm nearing the tipping point, I see a complete boycott of those restaurants in my future. I love the food at Frostop and Jason's Deli, but I've had it with their incessant Republican/Teabagger TV. I'm ready to let the right wingers have those two restaurants, and I'll go elsewhere for my daily lunching, and take my friends with me if I can. I just want to eat good food in a peaceful restaurant.
Mr. Frostop - I suspect you'll read these comments. I'm giving Frostop one more chance. If something less offensive to my anti-propaganda-news-network sensibilities isn't on the TV, it'll be my last trip. Nothing against your food though, I always like the food. And you're friendly, and your root beer is good.
Hogger and Frankweiler, I hear your frustration and understand what you are saying. I am friends with Mr Frostop and have passed on your comments to him; He has in turn spoken to his staff. The issue with the TV is that the channel is chosen by customers while they are eating. Staff normally doesn't change it unless it is offensive material, unfortunately political views might be offensive to some and embraced by others. Mr. Frostop likes to stay neutral on politics although he loves a good discussion.
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