Hamburger Hamlet
Pasadena, CA 91101
Phone: (626) 449-8520
Editorial Review for Hamburger Hamlet – by Jennifer Schwartz
The Scene
The first Hamlet opened on the Sunset Strip in 1950. After gaining success within the Hollywood community, the thriving burger joint opened franchises across the Southland. In recent years, the chain's popularity has ebbed, but thanks to friendly service and an old-school atmosphere, the remaining spots see a steady flow of families and locals.
The Food
The chain updates its traditional Americana menu with Cajun and Mexican trimmings, but the hearty ground-beef delights are the Hamlet's mainstay. The Just Plain and Delicious burger is exactly what the name implies--six ounces of juicy beef garnished with lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion. Other burger concoctions come with decadent toppings--ham, bacon, sour cream--but why clutter charbroiled perfection with anything more than a slice of cheese? Beyond burgers, there's creamy lobster bisque soup, loaded Cobb salads, and roasted chicken. Desserts lean toward the basics--chocolate cake, ice cream--and easily serve two or more.
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User Reviews for Hamburger Hamlet
04/22/2008 Posted by JackR413
My wife and I love to eat at Hamburger Hamlet in Pasadena. This is one of our favorite restaurants for atmosphere and a really good hamburger. So, when we received an email coupon for my wife’s birthday we thought it would be an easy decision to visit for a nice meal. We decided to invite my parents since we always enjoy their company. So we had four excited people at our table to have a good meal with good company. We ordered and presented the coupon for a free meal (with the purchase of another entrée equal or higher in price). After our meal we received the check and noticed they took off the cost of my dad’s hamburger ($9.95). We asked why they didn’t take off the cost of my wife’s salmon ($16.95) since I had ordered a meal which was higher in price. The waitress went straight to the manager on duty that night (Bob). Bob came over with our coupon and read it to us while emphasizing the part where it states, “free with purchase of equal or higher priced entrée.” I simply told him I had ordered exactly that…a higher priced item. After two more loud reiterations of the same sentence from Bob I told him that we will pay the bill as is but would just like him to know we disagree with the fine print of the offer since I had ordered a meal for the same or higher in price. Bob said, “I agree” and left the table for us to pay the bill. Unfortunately, I really enjoy the food at Hamburger Hamlet, so I cannot swear off of the place all together. But I certainly will not go back for a long time because I am very upset with how a so-called manager treated us in front of other patrons. There are too many other places in town with good hamburgers.
Pros: Good Hamburgers
Cons: Extremely Poor Management Service
09/27/2007 Posted by clsam
Server was uncaring and ignored repeated requests to get drink order correct. We were nervous that he wasn't going to get our food order right, his attitude was nonchalant at best. Thankfully he did get the order correct but checked on us once and then disappeared. We never got refills on our drinks and it took 10 minutes for us to find him to get our check. Good food but very disappointing service. Server had a very poor attitude and should not be in the restaurant business. I don't know how they stay open in Pasadena when there's so much competition around and much better options out there. I definitely DON'T recommend this place and would advise you to seek another establishment to spend your time and money.
Pros: Good tasty food
Cons: Horrible service, dated interior/ambiance
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