Holes in the wall that don't involve getting tested later...

So I haven't been updating my blog the past few days. These things happen. You see, I've been doing some research into some projects that don't involve the unlawful act of breaking & entering. That part is behind me. For now anyways.

I get off work at 11am. Prime time to grab some good lunch. Problem is, once you are sick and tired of all the cookie-cutter type restaurants, what is left?



Hole-in-the-walls.

They're fucking awesome.

This sign is definitely vintage. Fuck, the building itself is pretty damn vintage. It's all business. 1950's meets 1960's retro glass & modern brick styling where you drive thro the fucking building and watch as the servers actually COOK the burgers from fresh ground meat.

Yes, you can clearly see you must order by numbers. If you don't know what the fuck you're ordering by the time you get to the only working speaker box, you're hosed. Short order cooks (who themselves are short tempered) ask you with no other tone of voice but that of business what you want, and how you want it. Then, when you pull one car length forward, you are welcomed with the sweet smell of actual grilled burger smell as white smoke billows out the top of the kitchen air vent, filling your car with the most delicious aroma of real burgers.

Then you stop and think to yourself "I can get this same burger, maybe a little larger from the Burger King down the road".

Well, sure you can. You can also pay more for the same burger that comes wrapped in a simple bag with a simple logo that needs no multimillion dollar ad campaign that keeps them in business. You can go somewhere else where you have no earthly idea where they get their meat, their cheese, their onions for their honest-to-god real onion rings hand battered and fried.



Sure you don't have to wait in an ungodly line for the food. You can clearly see that I am still like 3 car lengths behind the main window, and still like 5 from the end of the line. Shit, there are days you can't get into this place because the line goes out onto Mesa street.

But its a good burger at a good price.

Oh, and the owner of the joint still works the cash register and greets you with a hello and a thank you.

If you want to try an amazing, yet somewhat familiar tasting hamburger without all that marketing voodoo and support a long time El Paso establishment, you may visit the only remaining Charcoaler at:
5837 N. Mesa

PS -- Study the menu really good and know what you want to order. No matter what you order, you will enjoy it.