TERRY’S PICKY PALATE / Bountiful burgers and sensational sweet potato fries at the bier boutique on First Street
BY TERRY SCHMIDA
KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER
How on Earth did I miss this place?
The bier boutique, at 1421 First St., has been packing the customers in for three and a half years now, and yet somehow it escaped me and my appetite.
No matter. Owners Scott and Heather Brookey craft some of the best burgers I’ve ever tried.
Though it’s more of a take-out/delivery counter than a restaurant, some outdoor seating is available, and the Brookeys manage to offer some 80 craft beers, as well as the ambrosial burgers and oversized sandwiches that keep their delivery phone ringing off the hook most days.
On the day of my visit, right at opening time, I was awestruck by the number of orders Heather was juggling – even as walk-ups began to arrive.
This was to be my first meal of the day, which made choosing from the array of gourmet burgers that much harder.
I finally settled on The Radford Burger, and sat watching employee Blaise Boyle crank out the sweet potato fries I selected as my side, from an old-fashioned fry-pulling machine.
All the bier boutique’s burgers are made with a fresh bison and bacon patty, and served with fresh-cut Idaho potato, or the aforementioned sweet potato fries, “dirty” chips, or potato salad.
The Radford also includes sharp Wisconsin cheddar, thick-cut, cherry wood-smoked bacon, house stout barbecue sauce, lettuce, tomato and onion.
It was love at first bite.
I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed such a flavorful and satisfying take on that humble staple of the American diet. The fries were unforgettable, too. Thin, crispy, and chewy.
I had a Coke instead of a brew, but those who love beer will think they’ve died and gone to heaven after viewing their selection. Heather’s Krispy Treats, squares and other homemade bar desserts were wonderful, too. The eatery is eco-friendly as well, with packaging made from corn, and other bio-degradable materials.
A sandwich board near the entrance decrees the daily special to be “Fresh food, cold beer, and witty conversation.”
I passed on the beer, but the other two items are plentiful at the bier boutique, (which announces its daily specials its Facebook page.)
I’ll be by there soon to sample the other burgers, wings, salads, and chili.
And so should you!
The bier boutique is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and from 4 to 8 p.m. Sundays. Mondays are beach days. Free delivery available in Key West and Stock Island.
For more information, call 305-741-7779, or visit http://thebierboutique.com/ or like them on Facebook. Also, look for the bier shoppe, at 929A Truman Ave., selling numerous craft beers, in the near future.
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