Dating in 2014: Five Star Burgers

Magic Mushroom Burger

Last weekend we kicked off our Dating in 2014 goal  by paying a trip to Five Star Burgers. It's highly possible that it's our last date before Baby McLaury makes his or her grand entrance (we're trying to sneak in at least one or two dates in February, but we shall see!), and probably one of the last dates in a very long time where we managed to talk about something other than our kid the entire time ;) 

After a day of doing work around the house, getting our car seat installed and inspected, and taking advantage of 40-degree temps with an outdoor run, nothing sounded better than sitting down for burgers. We'd been to Five Star once before and had been talking about returning, so our decision of where to head when the burger craving struck was easy!

Five Star Salad

The place was hopping at 7 pm on a Saturday night, but as a party of two we got really lucky and ended up waiting no more than 5 minutes for a table. Despite all the buzz around us, we never once felt rushed during our meal and settled in to enjoy the evening. Although Five Star is technically a chain (locations in Colorado and New Mexico, plus the 2 in Missouri), you'd never know it by the vibe and atmosphere you get inside. 

Magic Mushroom Burger

Each month they have a burger special, featuring a unique burger they've created, which is what I ordered the first time we went. This time I stuck to a classic, the magic mushroom (sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and swiss cheese). Ryan hemmed and hawed between a few options (I don't blame him; everything on their menu sounds fantastic), but ended up with the lamb burger.

Lamb Burger

While we waited for our burgers and fries to arrive, we split the Five Star Salad, largely drawn to it with the promise of figs and bacon. Unfortunately the salad was light on toppings, but still a decent basic salad. The burgers, on the other hand, truly deserve their five star rating! I can't note exactly what was so special about mine, except to say that it was perfectly executed. The toppings were plentiful, the meat was juicy but not greasy, and the brioche bun was the perfect vehicle for it all. As excellent as mine was, I have to say Ryan's was even better! The olive tapenade and tzatziki sauce on his lamb burger made for one of the best, if not the best, lamb burgers he or I had ever tasted! 

Sweet Potato Fries with Maple Cream

It goes without saying that we demolished the sweet potato fries & maple cream we ordered on the side, which are right up there with my love for Pappy's sweet potato fries. I purposely saved half my burger to take home, knowing I couldn't leave without dessert. Five Star Burgers serves Serendipity ice cream, which is our favorite STL ice cream (not to be confused with our favorite STL custard). At Five Star they offer a small cone coming in one of three flavors (vanilla, chocolate, and salted caramel), served in cake cones, for $1. It's the perfect end to the meal, and every single person in the restaurant seemed to agree with us! I can't wait to return when I'm not pregnant and try one of their alcoholic shakes!

Salted Caramel Ice Cream Cone

Bottom line--if you're in St. Louis and craving a burger and fries, Five Star Burgers won't let you down! Hooray for a successful January date!