California dreamin'? Wake up to fare at OC Burgers.
BY PATRICIA RODRIGUEZSPECIAL TO THE STAR-TELEGRAM
You can't go wrong with a carne asada burrito or a bacon cheeseburger at OC Burgers in Watauga.
THE CUISINE: Burgers and breakfast, with a little Cal-Mex thrown in.
THE STORY: Manager Todd Hoffman and owner Mike French are from southern California, and they wanted to re-create the kind of burger joints that are all over there, Hoffman says. ("Burgers are the staple food of California," Hoffman asserts.) To round out the menu, they added something for everyone: big-as-your-head burritos, some salads, sandwiches and breakfast items. The owners anticipate a liquor license and will start selling beer in the next couple of weeks.
THE HITS: The burger was very good indeed, charbroiled rather than griddled, with charred edges and a juicy interior, served on a fresh, soft bun. We ordered ours with bacon, which turned out to be a good addition, adding a crisp texture and smoky flavor.
The menu warns the burritos are huge, and they are -- two of us couldn't get even halfway through one. The carne asada we sampled was cooked in what Hoffman calls the California style: strips of tender flank steak were marinated in orange juice and cilantro and grilled, then stuffed into a 14-inch flour tortilla with Spanish rice, refried beans, shredded American cheese, lettuce and salsa. The beef was just a little chewy but very savory, with more complex flavors than other carne asadas we've tried.
French fries and onion rings were food-service standards, probably of the frozen variety, but they were good quality and well-executed, served hot and crispy with just a bit of grease.
THE MISSES: The red salsa served with the burrito seemed homemade, but it was undersalted and lacked punch.
THE REST: Breakfast, which is served all day, includes burritos, breakfast sandwiches, omelets and pancakes.
THE PRICES: You get a lot for your money, and a family of four could easily dine for $25. Kids' meals, which include fries and a drink, are just $2.99. Quarter-pound burgers are $1.99; the big half-pound burgers start at $4.59; burritos start at $5.69. And everything on the breakfast menu is under $7.
THE SERVICE: Order at the counter, give your name and take a seat; the food will come to you, arriving a little slower than your average Whataburger but faster than a typical sit-down restaurant.
THE PLACE: Neighborhood residents may remember this place as the former home of Gianni's; you can still see the big pizza oven behind the counter, and the warm gold paint, stained cement floor and even the tables and chairs are all the same. A giant TV on one wall shows sports or family movies; on our visit, young guests were glued to the screen, watching the animated Open Season. There's a patio out front for dining in more temperate weather.
THE DETAILS: Open 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Visa, Master Card accepted. Smoke-free. Wheelchair accessible.
OC Burgers
6300 Denton Highway (U.S. 377 N)
Watauga
817-428-4290
www.ocburgers.com