Review: Cheeburger Cheeburger, Longview, Texas

**In addition to the reflective, inspiring, or instructive posts most frequently seen on this blog, we will be occasionally be posting reviews for family-oriented places and events. We apologize to the audiences that fall outside the purview of such posts.**

As a mom of a child with multiple food allergies, I am constantly on the lookout for “safe” places to eat out with friends and family. I scrutinize online menus, make LOTS of phone calls, and badger unsuspecting servers with dozens of technical questions about ingredients and cooking processes. That being said, I am a VERY loyal customer when we find a place we enjoy and is safe for my little girl.

This week, our family tried Cheeburger Cheeburger in Longview, Texas for the first time. Cheeburger Cheeburger, as you may guess, specializes in cheeseburgers,and offers a LOT for the family dining out. We had a most pleasant dining experience from the moment I made the first phone call.

I spoke with a helpful young lady who gave me every bit of info she had regarding cooking oils, and when she was stumped, promptly sought out help from her manager. The manager was also very helpful, and assured me that while they do use peanut oil for frying their chicken tenders, fries, and onion rings (a BIG “no-no” for the kiddo), their kitchen set up and cooking practices prevent cross-contamination to other foods, such as grilled chicken. THIS was music to my ears. Then, she added, “Just call me when you are coming and we’ll make suret o take extra precautions with your daughter’s food.” SOLD!

The atmosphere of Cheeburger Cheeburger is very family-friendly, with lots of 1950’s memorabilia, piped-in oldies music, and a relaxed, casual air. The manager (who came to our table to check on the food and my daughter) stated that it was a high priority to be a family-friendly restaurant, and they "don't have drunks and such." There were indeed families, as well as businesspeople, singles, and college-age people, all co-habitating in the interest of deliciousness.

And speaking of delicious, boy was it! Hubby got his burger with black olives,guacamole, Swiss, and honey mustard, which he says was a flavorful combination and the ingredients fresh-tasting. I got my burger with cheddar, A-1, tomato, lettuce, and pickles (I’m a bit of a traditionalist with burger toppings), and have to agree, it was very flavorful and the ingredients fresh-tasting. With over 20 toppings available on a 100% Angus or veggie patty, the combination possibilities are numerous. Hubby and I had a combo basket with half-onion rings, half-fries, and both were very tasty (this coming from someone who generally hates onion rings!). The onions were sweet, the fries hand-cut with a little peel still on, and both were fried to a light, crispy texture. Daughter had the kids’ grilled chicken wrap in a wheat tortilla with applesauce, which she demolished. She also took home the paper classic car-shaped carton and it currently rides Barbie around the house.

All three of us had shakes. Hubby had Irish Crème, which was delightful—sweet, creamy (as you would expect), and not too thick to get through the straw. Daughter chose white chocolate, which I was informed was “mmm…delicious!” I went with my personal vice, peanut butter and chocolate, and it was exactly what a Reese’s cup devotee would ask for in a shake; needless to say, not a drop of shake remained in any of the three cups when we left. Again, they offer a large variety of flavors, and they can be combined in over 1 million ways, according to the sign posted.

Cheeburger Cheeburger is actually a chain restaurant, available in many cities across the US. The list of locations, their menu, and other information can be found at their website, www.cheeburger.com, as well as access to their Facebook and Twitter outlets. Their website also touts “Best Burgers in 29 Cities,” and it is not hard to believe at all.

All in all, to say that Cheeburger Cheeburger exceeded our expectations is an understatement. We were incredibly impressed with the atmosphere, service, and taste. Moderately priced (a little less than $10/person), it is definitely a little more expensive than a drive-thru, but decidedly worth it to eat in a place that clearly cares about the needs and desires of today's family. We will certainly be back. ~~ Melissa McGinnis

Melissa McGinnis is the LHF Children's Ministry Director. She likes her family and burgers, and was not paid by Cheeburger Cheeburger to write this review.