Introduction: Every time we go to Starbucks, we always pass Pie ‘n Burger, a small hole-in-the-wall on California Boulevard. Finally, our curiosity caught the better of us, and we decided to go inside.

Goal: To grab a quick, conventional lunch in an unconventional setting.

Stockroom Options: Pie ‘n Burger has a very small menu—so small, in fact, that it’s written on the wall. As the name implies, most of this menu consists of sandwiches and a plethora of pies. (There are some salads, too, but come on; it’s called PIE and BURGER!)

Materials and Cost: The prices at Pie ‘n Burger are a bit higher than one would normally pay for this type of food. We enjoyed a Chili Dog ($7.95), a Cheeseburger ($6.50), and French Fries ($3.55). To round out our meal, we had a slice of Pecan Pie ($4).

Observations:
The chili dog definitely had more emphasis on the “chili” than the “dog” (a good thing!). The chili was not overly spicy, but was not watered down, either. The bun was toasted, adding extra crunch to the dish. Potato salad was served on the side, and was appropriately sized for an accompaniment. The salad was fresh and light, contrasting nicely with the flavor of the chili dog.
The cheeseburger was a handful to eat! It was a bit messy, since there was sauce and toppings on it. However, lettuce gave it a fresh crunch. Usually, Andrew prefers plain burgers, but he enjoyed every last bite of this one. The meat was moist and not too fatty; the only complaint was that it was a bit on the small side. The fries were thick, crunchy, and not overly greasy!
As a grand finale to our meal, we ate a slice of pecan pie. We enjoyed it warm with a dollop of whipped cream on top. This whipped cream was super sweet, and definitely homemade. The pie itself was full of pecans and had melted brown sugar oozing from within. The crust was light and flaky, and was not too heavy.

Atmosphere: Pie ‘n Burger is set up diner style, with bar stools at a common counter and the kitchen right there in front of you. It feels like they’re preparing the meal especially for you. It’s a very friendly environment, and the servers care for the regulars. Be prepared to be shoulder-to-shoulder during peak times!

Conclusion: Though the food is not anything groundbreaking, Pie ‘n Burger wins out in its service; it’s a throwback to a different era. It’s a sure stop on your next trip to Pavilions! They’re open 6 AM – 10 PM Monday – Friday, 7 AM – 10 PM Saturday, and 7 AM – 9 PM Sunday.