Dining Out
BurgerFi, Alpharetta
11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays.
Burgers, $3.97-$9.97; hot dogs, $3.67-$4.97; fries and rings, $2.97-$5.97; desserts, $3.47-$5.97.
5475 Windward Parkway West, Alpharetta, 770-817-4656, www.burgerfi.com.
Florida-based BurgerFi recently arrived in metro Atlanta with franchises at Emory Point and in Alpharetta. Sites in Midtown and Kennesaw are coming soon. The “better burger” concept updates the hamburger stands of the ’50s and ’60s with healthier menu items and earth-friendly design elements.
The look: A silvery metal-clad exterior, colorful patio furniture and big yellow BurgerFi signs mark the Alpharetta location on Windward Parkway. Inside, the urban-rustic wood-and-metal decor features recycled furniture and giant energy-efficient ceiling fans.
The scene: At lunch one afternoon, the summery weather packed the patio and warm breezes wafted through the dining room, as lines formed at the order counter. Behind the counter, an enthusiastic employee clad in a black BurgerFi T-shirt and baseball cap explained the cooked-to-order menu and offered suggestions. Later, she delivered orders to several tables ahead of a restaurant pager.
The menu: You can build your own burger, beginning with single ($3.97), double ($5.87) or triple ($6.97) beef patties and adding a variety of free toppings. Premium toppings, including cheese, bacon and chili, are $1 each. Among the signature burgers, look for the VegeFi with a crisp quinoa patty, white cheddar and a multigrain bun ($6.97) and the Breakfast All Day, with American cheese, hickory bacon with maple syrup, fried egg and hash browns ($6.97). The hefty Brisket Burger is a double stack of dry-aged ground brisket, Swiss cheese, blue cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and BurgerFi sauce ($9.97).
The drinks: On one side of the soft drink equation, there's old-fashioned bottled sodas made with cane sugar, including Mexican Coke ($2.47) and Boylan Creme ($2.67 ). On the other side, there's a pair of futuristic Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, where you can create your own flavors ($2.47). You'll find a selection of craft beer by the bottle or on draft that changes by the season and location. There's also a small selection of wine by the glass ($4.97) or bottle ($19.97).
The extras: Sides are simply fresh-cut fries ($2.97-$5.97) or onion rings ($3.97/$4.97), though they can be customized with toppings and sauces. For dessert, there's frozen custard ($3.47-$5.97) in shakes, floats, cups, cones and sundaes, with toppings and mix-ins. Like In-N-Out Burger, there's a "secret menu" that not so secretly folds out from a flap on the paper menu.
