With its creatively utilitarian decor and lively colors, Bare Burger has opened its doors and sent Astoria aflutter just as the mercury began to rise this season. Now the votes are rolling in and the verdict....well, it's decidedly mixed. Accusations of dry meat patties are met with proclamations of juicy, tender burgers. While we're sure the debate will continue as the dog days of summer march onward, Bare Burger seems to be churning out tasty but less than spectacular sliders. The lamb burger was flavorful but didn't sing like Sparrow's bifteki or other carnivorous concoctions around Astoria. Even with an unholy mixture of curry ketchup and dill mayo, the ostrich burger never rose above the level of good...ish. The interior is funky and a much appreciated break from the typical sidewalk cafe scene but it's tough to eat decor. Always gets stuck in the teeth.
There's little doubt that Bare Burger has the creativity, resources and enthusiastic clientele to put this little corner of 31st Ave. and 34th St. on the map. However, if they're looking for neighborhood domination, improvement is called for. Better customer service, closer attention paid to rare-medium-well-done requests and a stronger focus on side items should set this hang out on the right path to burger enlightenment. We'll check back with the juggling bear mid-summer to see if nirvana beckons.


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