Actually Pretty Awesome

Actually Pretty Awesome: The Burger at KronnerBurger

The burger, as it arrives, with the beef-cheek-gravy poutine at right.
The burger, as it arrives, with the beef-cheek-gravy poutine at right. Photo: J. Barmann/Grub Street

We truly had our fill of burgers for a few months after completing this 50 Best list last summer, but now, come winter, it’s time to get back in the burger saddle. And we were more than happy to check out Chris Kronner’s new Sunday-to-Thursday pop-up in the dimly lit side lounge at Bruno’s (2379 Mission Street), called KronnerBurger. His slogan for the place, “Rare. Salty,” holds true for the burger itself — so long as you order it rare — with a well seasoned patty and a generous dollop of cheddar aioli. We’d only recommend the addition of bone marrow for the deeply hungover or fat deprived, because the meat here stands up well on its on own.

Kronner seems to be shooting for a higher end version of Super Duper, with less greasy, higher quality beef (from Magruder Ranch), served on a superior Acme bun, and on a similar metal tray. And with just the addition of some pickles and onions, it is a fine example of burger artistry.

The thing also comes in a double-sized version for $18, pictured here, which is about double the portion that we’d typically need. Especially given that the fries with beef-cheek gravy and cheese are an excellent, and filling, side dish. We look forward to trying some of Kronner’s other variations, like his non-meat burger, and to seeing when he secures a space for a brick-and-mortar operation (or two).

See the full menu here, but be warned the cocktails change each week with rotating bartenders — and don’t try ordering off Bruno’s list, painted on the mirror over the bar, as that would be your first rookie mistake.


Earlier on Actually Pretty Awesome:
Bang Bang Chicken Wings at M.Y. China
’Fruit Loops’ at Chambers Eat + Drink
Smoked Pulled Goat at Southpaw
Manti Dumplings at Troya Fillmore
Flaming Sea Bass Roll at Elephant Sushi
Black Risotto With Uni and Egg at Prospect
Seared Salmon and Mussel Mashed Potatoes at Bisou
The Meatloaf at Jamber
Carrots at Commonwealth
Turducken at Honor Bar
Beggar’s Chicken at Betelnut
Lobster Bread Pudding and Smoked Cod at Maverick
Sand Dabs at Bar Jules
Green Farro-Sausage Risotto at RN74
Vegan Charctuerie at Gather
Pickled Eggs at St. Vincent
Beef Tongue at Namu Gaji
Peruvian Rotisserie Chicken at Brasa
Green Garlic Bread at State Bird Provisions
A Dinner of Small Plates and the Duck Confit Salad at Frances
Duck Fat Chex Mix at Truck Stop Café
The Lamb Tongue Salad at Txoko
The Branzino and the Cucumber and Scallops at AQ
Dinner at Local Mission Eatery
Suckling Pig Sandwich at Sweet Woodruff
Crudités at Saison
The Roasted Broccoli Sandwich at Split Pea Seduction
George Mendes’s Partridge in a Pear Tree
The Buffalo Burger at Double Decker
A Preview of Dishes at Haven
Alicia’s Tamales Los Mayas
The Cocktails at Outerlands
The Meatball Gigante and the Honey Pie at Tony’s Pizza
Three New Gins from St. George Spirits
The Date Night at Sneaky’s BBQ
Crab and Dumplings at Pican
The Fried-Chicken Sliders at The Lookout
The Tripe and the Pickles at Bar Tartine
Fried Chicken and Cornmeal Doughnuts at Beast & the Hare

Actually Pretty Awesome: The Burger at KronnerBurger