Eats

Jefferson Street Pub's JSP Burger Burger Brunch at JSP, Bro.

by Christiaan Mader

This is honestly one of the best burgers I’ve had in recent memory.

Jefferson Street Pub had two things working against it when I arrived full of burger hunger. First, the bozo next to me at the bar, overhearing my order, proclaimed unprompted, “That’s the best burger you’re ever going to have.” Second, said bozo stood up and put a Mumford & Sons record on the turntable for his Vinyl Brunch selection. Third, he asked to no one in particular: “How old is this band?” — as though the needle’s crackle indicated any vintage to Mumford et al’s credit.

I’ve always been somewhat contrarian. Tell me I’m going to love something and I’ll find a way to hate it. Put on sappy, banjo-stomp jams and my blood boils. Nevertheless, said bozo was very nearly correct. The JSP Burger is honestly one of the best burgers I’ve had in recent memory. Patty both pert and succulent. Brioche bun perfectly warmed with the telltale brown dot of an expert flat top toasting. A healthy slab of gouda melting just enough to mellow out the heat from a roasted poblano and a smear of chipotle mayo. The default cook is medium. Science has proven that to be the correct way to cook a burger. — CM

Pro Tip: This is Vinyl Brunch so bring some records to avoid any unfortunate run-ins with Mumford & Sons. Steely Dan’s “Aja” would suit the jazzy tempo of this complex but smooth burger.