IHOP – Bacon ‘N Beef ™ Burgers

I rarely get to chain restaurants, especially for burgers. But Mrs. Burgerdogboy and I were out and about last nite, and feeling a little peckish late in the afternoon. By coincidence, I had grabbed the mail as we left the house, and in it was the local coupon flyer, which had a BOGO coupon for IHOP. Why not? Though lately I have really tried to cut down on carbs, the notion of a “Rooty Tooty Fresh N Fruity” sounded kind of good.

Once inside, it was the Mrs that went for the flapjacks, a special they were running on some apple and cinnamon concoction, served with bacon and eggs, and I tried out IHOP’s new attempt to set themselves apart in the the burger world, the “Bacon ‘N Beef” ™ burger.

For you bacon (or burger lovers) – this new variation includes bits of bacon mixed right into the ground beef, even before you add your choice of toppings? More bacon? Sure.

Here’s what the IHOP menu has to say about the entree: “Hickory-smoked bacon is blended right into the beef to make our burgers juicy and delicious with bacon flavor in every bite. Served with your choice of seasoned fries, onion rings, fresh fruit, soup or salad and a dill pickle spear.”

Props to IHOP for sure for giving one all those different side choices without the usual “for….add $1.50.” And with fruit or salad, it also gives a diner the choice of trying to have a somewhat healthier meal, casue these burgers top both the calorie and sodium charts.

Burgers are served with tomato, lettuce, and a thick slice of purple onion. Pourable-type condiments will be brought to the table upon request.

Bit-by-bit description: The kosher pickle spear was great. I chose the rings as my side, because I had not consumed any for some time. They are ample in size, and quantity, thick-sliced, and the coating is smooth in appearance, and crunchy in texture. I would venture a guess that they are made on location.

The burger comes on a toasted soft bakery roll, and I liked the bun. The patty is good-sized and appeared to be hand-formed, but I couldn’t swear to that. I finished my personal prep and cut the sandwich in half, in order to take a glance at the embedded bacon.

I couldn’t really see any. Nor was I able to taste any discernable bacon or smoky flavor. The added pork sure gives the patty a juicier texture and flavor overall, tho.

Going with the bacon and cheese option, two strips adorned the top of the melted cheese, were ample in size, and had good flavor.

Would I return to have another? Unlikely, but not because I found anything unappealing about the experience. It is certainly a better effort than any of the chain’s fast-casual competitors, and even better (to me) than burger-specific competitors, say, like Fuddruckers or Red Robin. And it’s relatively inexpensive, as well.

With our BOGO coupon, we consumed the following: burger, onion rings, coffee; bacon, eggs, hashbrowns, and pancakes, cola. For less than $12.

If you regularly frequent fast-casual dining establishments, IHOP’s Bacon N Beef Burger is about as good as you are going to do; add the fact that many locations are open 24/7, and a true burger hound will be happy with the experience.