Honest Abe's: Honestly Good

Thanks to everyone who participated in the burger poll!  The winner was Honest Abe’s, so we went and got us some burgers and freedom.

Sarah's "Greatest Burger Ever"

Sarah’s Rankings

Food - 10

The last time I ate at Honest Abe’s was about a year and a half ago, and I have to say, this time I was absolutely blown away.  The burger was cooked perfectly and the parmesan truffle fries I made Anna split with me were totally amazing.  I ordered the “Greatest Burger Ever” and I really have to say it exceeded my expectations.  It had the standard 6 oz patty along with applewood bacon, grilled onions (which I asked to be held), romaine, American cheese, awesome sauce (really was awesome), and ketchup.  I’m not as brave as Anna when it comes to adventurous food, but this hamburger was phenomenal.

Price - 8

I felt as though the price of the hamburger, $7.75 was a touch on the pricey side, however once I took the first bite, it was worth every penny.  Splitting fries was a much more economic way to enjoy them; they were $1.50 each.  Although it was a little more expensive than I would have liked, I didn’t think that it was overpriced for the quality.

Service - 10

On top of us visiting the restaurant during the dinner hour, the restaurant being fairly busy, and me messing up while I ordered, my food was delivered just as I wanted.  I had forgotten to ask for my burger well-done while I was ordering so that cashier had to go into the back and tell the cooks.  I was worried the request wouldn’t translate, but I got a perfectly cooked burger when my order was delivered.  They also delivered our food right to our table, which I actually really appreciated.  Saved me from needing to slide out of the booth to fetch my hamburger.

Atmosphere - 10

What basically looked like a brand new restaurant was seriously so much bigger than before.  This new restaurant had about three times the amount of tables that the old restaurant used to house.  It felt much more spacious.  I also noticed that it wasn’t Antarctica in the building -- I hate going to restaurants and constantly freezing.  The temperature in Honest Abe’s was totally comfortable.

Convenience of Location - 4

From campus, Honest Abe’s is a solid 15 minute drive.  Driving through the tail-end of rush hour, however, caused me to be sitting in traffic to closer to 20 minutes.  There is no quick way to get there and the speed limit is 35mph the whole way down Vine Street.  While it only takes about three turns from the heart of campus, it definitely would be more convenient if they had a location closer to campus!

Anna’s Rankings

Anna's "Hair of the Dog"

Food - 10

I’ve been a long time fan of Honest Abe’s, and I usually get the 1809 burger, my personal favorite.  However, Honest Abe’s just released their new rotating menu, so I had to try something new.  I got the “Hair of the Dog,” which includes cheddar, bourbon bacon apple jam, kettle chips, and crunchy peanut butter.  Wow.  It was a grown-up PB and J with a little added crunch on a burger.  Lights out delicious.  I was a little concerned about about the chips being too greasy, but they were just a nice crunch and not too much.  I also split parmesan truffle fries with Sarah, and those held up to the yum factor of the burger, so you know they were good.

Price - 9

I paid about 10 dollars for a gourmet burger and dressed up fries.  That’s more than reasonable.  Granted, you have to buy the fries separately, and it would be more convenient if it all came together.  In the end, I don’t think I’m overpaying for anything.

Service - 10

OK, so Honest Abe’s doesn’t have waiters, but the food got to us quickly.  We went around 6:15 or 6:30, and they were relatively busy.  I was impressed it was that fast during prime dinner hours.

Atmosphere - 10

It was my first time at Honest Abe’s new location.  Previously, they were in a much smaller place that didn’t have nearly enough seating.  I often felt like other people were hovering over me waiting for my table.  This new location is HUGE.  I’d say double the size, and they have a patio.  The hover factor was gone, but they still have the same clean, minimalist, yet americana vibe to the place.  Talk about an upgrade.

Convenience of Location - 2

I told Sarah I was going to give it a -2 when it took me 25 minutes to get there.  This location couldn’t be more out of the way for me, as it’s on the complete opposite side of Lincoln and there is no road/highway/interstate that can get me there quickly. However, I know dinner time falls during rush hour, and it only took me 15 minutes to get home. Again, I’ve been a fan of Honest Abe’s for a very long time, but I would eat it far more often if it had a location downtown or in south Lincoln.

Guest Rankings

Abbey's "Bounty Hunter"

When you post a poll asking where you should eat burgers next week, you also get friends who ask if they can tag along.  We welcome company, as long as they score along with us.  Friends Abbey and Alexis, both got the “Bounty Hunter” burger with pineapple, grilled salami, BBQ sauce, and roasted garlic and onion cream cheese.

Abbey

Food - 8

Price - 6

Service - 8

Atmosphere - 9

Convenience of Location - 5

Alexis

Food - 9

Price - 5

Service - 7

Atmosphere - 10

Convenience of Location - 6

Average - 156/200