You know you are in good hands when a life-sized cutout of Elvis greets you at the door.
Cheeburger Cheeburger is a nostalgic 1950’s style diner that specializes in classic American food, namely burgers, shakes and fries. An old-fashioned soda bar lines the front of the restaurant, with pink neon lights overhead. Located a few doors down from a local movie theater, the joint is frequented by teens and baby boomers looking to reminisce.
Known as “Ponytail George” to differentiate him from the multitude of Georges in this restaurant, this St. John’s graduate turned on the grill just six months ago. George and five of his college buddies used to dine at another location in Port Washington, and they decided to open up their own part of this small franchise along this bustling stretch of Queens Boulevard in Forest Hills.
Named after the famous “Saturday Night Live” skit with John Belushi, the restaurant originated in Sanibel Island, Florida in 1986.
The fun at Cheeburger Cheeburger comes in the customization of all of its dishes. With five sizes of burgers and well over 30 topping choices with no limit, “you could come here every day and get a different burger each time.” Their famous milkshakes come in 378,000 possible combinations. “It is simple for the customer,” George explained, “But complex for the operator.”
It was time to see what we were made of as our customized burgers arrived. We opted for “semi-serious” and “classic,” which is 7 oz. and 5 oz. respectively. For those daring enough to take on this titan, the “Famous Pounder” is 20 oz. of beef and if you can finish it, your photo will be placed on their wall of fame.
The lean beef makes this a healthier burger, squeezed down with the toppings on a very sturdy bun, jabbed with a pimento olive on a toothpick to cement the monstrous grilled beast.
“My Bleu Chicken,” a moist chicken breast smothered with swiss and tangy bleu cheese, served on round, buttery sourdough bread, was a tasty alternative to their cattle stampede of a menu.
The fresh cut fries and thin onion rings were also light and not greasy, with a choice of five dipping sauces including Creamy Jalapeno, Habanero Jelly, and Texas Horseradish.
Loosening the belt buckles, we dived in to some thick frosty milkshakes! With so many possibilities, we settled on refreshing oreo mint, coconut crme pie that tasted just like the real thing and sentimental birthday cake/marshmallow, complete with sprinkles in the mix.
For a trip down memory lane or a fun date night, check out Cheeburger Cheeburger! I would gladly pay tomorrow for a Cheeburger today!
CHEEBURGER CHEEBURGER
108-50 Queens Boulevard
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Phone: 718-997-8600
Web site: cheeburger.com
