Disappointing Ted’s

We were up around Meriden, CT the other day and thought that this was the perfect opportunity to try Ted’s Restaurant—home of the “steamed cheeseburger”.  I’ve been wanting to go to Ted’s (and Louis Lunch—which is next up) for a while.  Both receive quite a bit of press, and have been serving up their burgers for many years—Ted’s since 1959. 

Ted’s has the look and feel of a small diner, with a large counter, and a few tables both inside and out.  The menu focuses on the steamed burgers, which include the usual free sides (including nicely sautéed onions), and extras like bacon, and extra cheese.

The burgers are prepared in special steamer ovens (which you can also purchase) and then topped with a white cheese that is prepared in a small rectangular tin that is akin to a raclette cooker.  When complete, the cheese is poured onto the burger, and the trimmings are added. 

Ted’s also offers traditional home fried potatoes, with our without the same melted cheese.

The burgers were moist and tasty, although they didn’t quite fill out the entire bun—I’d say a bit less than a quarter pounder.  While quite good, I prefer my burgers grilled or fried—I missed that bit of crunch!  The potatoes were fine—it’s just I kept looking for my eggs and bacon, think that a crispier fry would be a better match.

My wife and dad were equally unimpressed, and Mrs. Bully was unhappy that the bun was not toasted!

Anyway, don’t mean to be overly harsh on Ted’s, I mean the place was cool, the burgers decent, I just wouldn’t go out of my way to make a special trip!

Headed up to the Cape for the next few days for some R&R, so there may be some oyster and clam discussion over the next few days!