Simplicity is a concept that can easily be complicated. When you think about it, the burger is a simple concept — buns, meat, cheese, toppings. Simple. So in a city where there are so many places that offer different flavors of basically the same meat-bun-cheese-topping formula, what is there to differentiate one burger joint from another? Well at Lankford Grocery, they simply do simple better than anyone else.
And although some may snark at the idea of “keeping it simple”, the Lankford family has made “keeping it simple” their recipe for success since 1939. I think they’re on to something!
From the understated dining areas to the basic, one-page menu, everything here is apologetically direct and to the point. As the neighborhood around them has changed and progressed, the Lankford Grocery has managed to stay steadfast to their motto of good, but not fast food. It’s this mentality that is the key to their mouthwatering and frankly, addictive burgers.
For my first visit to the Grocery — if no one else has nicknamed this place “The Grocery” yet, I am
officially doing so NOW — I decide to stick with my philosophy of ordering the most ridiculous — er… most intriguing — item on the menu. At Lankford, that item is the Grim Burger, a gigantic burger topped with creamy mac and cheese, smokey bacon, a savory fried egg, and jalapenos for a spicy kicker. Admittedly, I was initially reserved about what I had ordered… yes, all of those components were delicious solo, but would they work together? After the first bite, the answer was an overwhelmingly delicious yes.
The Lankford Grocery burgers are set apart by their juicy, perfectly seasoned patties and the fresh buns that they’re nestled between. No matter what toppings are stacked on top of your patty, whether they be classic or progressive, the star of the meal remains that oh-so-tasty burger patty. Pair your burger with a side of crispy tater-tots or a basket of sweet potato fries to complete an amazing meal.
Aside from the burgers, the greatest appeal for this MHLer that Lankford Grocery has is simply how homey the ambiance of this place is. Sitting at this picnic table, a plastic cup of iced tea in one hand and a burger in the other, a cool breeze in the air… it literally felt like I was at a backyard barbecue and what’s more comforting than that?
A few tips for your visit to Lankford’s Grocery: (1) Parking is limited. There are a few spots along the side of the house but be prepared to park along the streets. (2) The wait can be long. As their mission statement goes, “If you don’t have 30 minutes to spend with us, you should try us another day”. Trust me, it’s definitely worth the wait. (3) Pay at the counter and they don’t take plastic. Grab cash ahead of time!
If you haven’t tried the burgers at Lankford’s yet, go out and try them! You won’t regret it. And let us know what you think! Where’s your favorite burger joint?
[ Lankford’s Grocery — 88 Dennis St — Monday – Saturday 7am to 3pm ]
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