Jeffrey's - San Mateo, CA

Jeffrey's has a big sign in their front window. It says "Best Burger Top 5, Chronicle", throwing down the gauntlet before you even enter the restaurant. The restaurant is shiny and clean, evoking a 50s diner feel with red naugahyde and stainless steel. "Sherry Baby" played on the speakers. It all feels shiny and new. The large menu board proclaims "Fresh Ground Today - Beef or Turkey". You place your order at the counter inside the door, take a number and take a seat. Elvis and Jerry Lee at the counter were efficient and cheerful. I ordered the Bacon Cheeseburger $6.69, my buddy Jeff had the cheeseburger.

We also ordered onion rings $2.99, fries $1.39 and chocolate shakes $3.59. I ordered my 1/3-pound of fresh chuck to be cooked medium. It came out closer to medium rare with melted American cheese and crisp bacon on top. I added ketchup. The white bun was fresh and tasty. I thought the burger was juicy and flavorful. Jeff thought it was a little greasy. If you get a burger from chuck, the traditional hamburger, it contains more fat than a burger from sirloin or other steak. Franky, Annette and I like them that way. I gave it 3.5 out of 5 spatulas. Jeff went with a 3.

Like a Doris Day picture, the shakes were a little syrupy and sweet. Mine wasn't that cold. They came with whip cream and a cherry on top. We both gave the shake a 3. "There is a freshness about the onion." Jeff proclaimed and he was right. The onion rings were thick and crisp - heavily breaded and cooked just right. I rated them a 5. The fries were medium thick with the skins on. They were slightly overcooked and a little greasy. Nothing special. 2.5.

I found the ambiance cheerful, the service quick and efficient. I enjoyed Jeffrey's and the rest of the people filling the place to the brim seemed to agree. I hear Jeffrey's is coming to Menlo Park. I think Ike would approve.

Burger 3.5 spatulas (out of 5)
Fries 2.5 spatulas
Onion Rings 5 spatulas
Shake 3 spatulas

Jeffrey's Hamburgers
42 South B Street
San Mateo, CA 94401
650-348-8698