Hits n’ misses — Metroplex hamburger hideouts

Billy Miner’s

    For a calm, quiet meal, Billy Miner’s is not the place to go. However, for a great burger, it’s the perfect spot.
    Music blares from the front door of the restaurant in the middle of Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth. Loud laughter, ESPN and the smell of grilling burgers bombarded me the minute I walked in.
    After walking past the bar that runs the length of the building, I ordered from a menu consisting basically of burgers, hot dogs and fries. Deciding on a six-ounce combo with cheese and a side of sautéed mushrooms, I managed to find a seat by a window, despite the crowd, and soon heard my name.
    The cook handed me a small tray displaying a large open-faced burger, still steaming underneath melted cheddar cheese, and a pile of potato wedges. The next step, and my favorite part, was the bar offering two different kinds of lettuce, both red and white onions, as well as tomato slices, pickles, melted cheese sauce and relish. Basically, any kind of hamburger condiment was for the taking. After piling my choices onto my burger and pouring my large Dr Pepper, I sat down to enjoy.
    I can’t help but say that the hamburger was delicious. Not too rare, and not too well done, it was perfectly juicy and full of grilled flavor, added to by the mountain of vegetables I had layered on it. The mushrooms, although not wonderful by themselves, added the perfect touch.
    I was disappointed to think that my fries, judging by their color, were burnt. However, after tasting them, I found them just fine, and even better in the cheese sauce I’d found at the condiment bar.
    Another bonus was the price—all these choices including my burger, fries and drink, came to only about $5.
    In general, I had a great experience, I have only a couple of complaints. My friend ordered bacon on his cheeseburger, but after examining it to determine what it was, he could only describe it using the term “cow spit.” However, when he tasted it, he decided it was much better than it looked.
    Also, don’t get me wrong, the “ambiance” was perfect for the environment, and I LOVE music. However, it was so loud in there, I found myself straining to hear our conversation, although we were almost yelling at each other.
    I will definitely go back, like I have so many times before. I know I wouldn’t regret suggesting it to a friend. Anyone who knows Fort Worth knows that Billy Miner’s is a good place to go for a fun environment and a great burger. —Lauren Crider

Rick’s on the Bricks

    A burger lover looking for a place with a more comfortable atmosphere should try Rick’s on the Bricks.
    Located at 3716 Camp Bowie Blvd. in the heart of Fort Worth’s cultural district, Rick’s is an eatery well known for its home-like atmosphere. Part of this charm comes from the building itself, which appears to be a house that has been remodeled for restaurant use.
    The bar, with its jukebox and televisions (tuned to ESPN for you sports fans), is somewhat separated from the dining area, allowing patrons to relax and carry on a conversation without straining their vocal cords.
    The service makes one feel at home, too. Throughout my visit, the waitress was very friendly and attentive. My order was placed quickly, and my soda never emptied completely.
    Of course, the real test for any restaurant is the quality of the food. Rick’s passed my test with a high B.
    Rick’s offers plenty of burger choices. In addition to the standard hamburger and cheeseburger, Rick’s also serves bacon-cheeseburgers and my personal favorite, the chili-cheeseburger.
    My burger was excellent. The meat was juicy and tasted fresh, and the portion was ample. The chili was also superb. It was hot, very meaty and seasoned wonderfully. It turned my regular burger into a spicy and flavorful treat. The vegetable toppings were also very fresh and complimented the meat nicely. The burger was so large that by the time I had finished it, I hardly had room for anything else.
    However, my premature satisfaction worked out for the best since I was somewhat disappointed with my side order. The onion rings, though plentiful, had room for improvement. They tasted like they had possibly not been cooked in the freshest of shortening. This slight downfall is the only thing that kept me from scoring Rick’s an A+.
    Rick’s prices are reasonable, starting at $4.50 for a regular hamburger. Dress is casual.
    Call Rick’s at 817-732-2401. —Bernie Scheffler

BJ Keefers

    In the heart of Fort Worth’s medical district stands a fine eating establishment, which has served the area for 18 years. BJ Keefers is a charming restaurant located in and among beautiful historic buildings built around 1940 on Magnolia. Surround-ing the dining area are huge windows which light up the interior and present a grand view of downtown Fort Worth.
    There is always a line, but it moves rapidly, and there are plenty of tables in the wide open dining area. The menu, which is literally a wall of food items written on plaques and chalkboards, ranges from basic American fare to exotic dishes such as ostrich burgers and grilled portobello mushroom sandwiches. The staff is efficient and amiable. There is only a short wait before your name is called and you are served a large round tray with hearty portions of piping hot food.
    The salad bar is plentifully stocked with fixings including green leaf lettuce, fresh tomatoes, onions and pickles. Sauces and salad dressings are readily available, and melted cheese is available upon request for sandwiches or for dipping.
    The hamburgers are made from sirloin. They are enormous, juicy and cooked to order. The homestyle bun is baked fresh on the premises along with the cookies, brownies and turnovers served for dessert. Topping the meat patty is their seasoned salt, which they also use on their fries.
    The French fries are like thick potato chips with the skin on. They are lightly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. The onion rings are large and thick cut. The breading is delicious, and they are cooked to perfection.
    The clientele consists of businessmen and women, medical professionals, policemen and firemen who work in the area and pack the restaurant to capacity during the lunch hour. The restaurant is also family-friendly, offering children and senior menu items. Happy hour runs weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. and they serve beer, wine and margaritas. The coffee bar offers espresso, mocha, latte and cappuccino. The prices are quite reasonable, and the portions are large.
    Bill and Jan Keefer proudly own and operate the restaurant.
    The food is “prepared fresh each morning on the premises,” Bill said. They currently have an after 6 special consisting of burger, fries and tea or a soft drink for $5.
    BJ Keefers is a great place for those with a voracious college appetite yet meager college budget. —Mary Berrera