misc PDX burgers II: Boardwalk Fresh Burgers & Fries; Tasty & Alder

another day, another burger. Boardwalk Fresh is a very cute little chain tucked away into a corner of the Jantzen Beach plaza. their menu is simple - burgers, fries, dogs, chicken & shakes. i hadn't checked any reviews prior to popping into the location, but by all appearances i was first struck by the adorableness of my perfectly plated little burger. it was juicy, had very fresh toppings, and a good old time. while it was tasty, the meat didn't pack a TON of meaty, seasoned kick to it. my only complaint was that the bun, albeit fresh, was just too dense and bready for my taste - it was a bit disproportional to the burger. would i have it again? yes. am i just being a picky pants? yes. would i order their fries again? yes yes yes - those stood out from among many a fry - they have that fresh cut thang down to a science. and amazing taste in honey mustard.

Tasty & Alder had been on our hit list for a while - it always

pops up in PDX reviews. they had a fun, varied menu, and i was almost disappointed to see they had a burger - as soon as i see that and i have good faith in a restaurant, it's almost impossible for me NOT to try it. even if i'm craving lamb. or short ribs. their burger is served with Cascade beef, chabut cheese, hazelnut romesco, and a big hunk of perfectly cooked bacon. the meat was cooked perfectly medium rare, juicy, well seasoned; cheese was balanced and thick enough to stand up against the burger & bacon; bacon was sweet, salty and to die for; and the bun was so bakery soft and perfectly proportioned - and substantial enough to catch all the juices from the burger. here is where we're assholes. every part of the burger was just right, pretty much perfect - too perfect. there wasn't one thing that jumped out and smacked us in the face because it was insanely over the top. every element almost cancelled out the rest. and yes we are jerks for turning up our noses in the face of a delicious burger. we remember it as perfect, wouldn't change a thing, but if i were to name my top 5-10 burgers, it may/may not hit the list. does that make sense? no not at all. do they have an amazing burger? absolutely. is this the least helpful review ever? yes probably.