Gabby's Cafe

Review 32 @ Stop 36
Gabby’s Cafe
515 Wyoming Avenue (Wyoming)
513.821.6040
www.gabbyswyoming.com

Don’t let the “Café” fool you. Gabby’s Café is not a bar or a tavern – it’s a restaurant. Occupying a corner near the tracks in downtown Wyoming since January 2004, Gabby’s provides casual dining with a contemporary and classy feel.

Following AK’s recommendation, the diverse menu offers sandwiches, pizza, salads, main entrees, and desserts. The atmosphere impressed Freddie enough that he took Mrs. Freddie to Gabby’s for lunch the very next day.

Bucky and Freddie set their eyes on the Certified Angus Beef Burger ($8.99), which includes toppings (sautéed onions, mushrooms, bacon); choice of Saratoga chips (with BBQ dipping sauce), fries, or slaw; and any of the seven available cheeses. The team loves finding unique menu offerings.

Accompanied with lettuce, tomato, red onions, and mayo (on the side), this is an attractive burger. The toasted Kaiser bun was able to support the larger patty and the toppings. Although Freddie commends Gabby’s for using green leaf lettuce instead iceberg, the leaf was too large.

Not for the faint of heart, the large, thick, formed patty was definitely a half pound. It extended beyond the bun, but was cooked to order as the team could distinguish between medium and medium well. Although no seasonings are added, the char-grilled taste drives the flavor of the first bite. The burger wasn’t overly juicy, but not dry.

Even though Bucky found the sandwich to be cumbersome to handle, the “whole” sandwich impressed the fussy one later proclaimed this to be one of the better burgers he’s had in some time.

Bottom line – Gabby’s serves an outstanding burger however, those preferring a small to medium size burger should approach with caution. Congratulations Gabby’s Café for making receiving an Exceptional rating. When visiting, tell them the Cincinnati Burger Guys sent you; plus request to see their certificate.

Points: 8.5
Rating: Exceptional

Next Review: Anderson Township Pub

On-the-Road Burgers

Hickies (New Boston, OH) 740-456-9953

A Reader wrote:
Since Portsmouth is my hometown, I speak from experience in saying that Hickies are absolutely the best tasting burger on the planet. If anyone is ever that way, stop and tell them you heard about their burgers and had to try one. Below is what Chuck Charles wrote on his blog about the 10 best places to get a burger in the country.

"Ahh, for the number one spot for best burger in the country is a very small burger, in a very small town, available exclusively at a very small restaurant. Hickies is located in New Boston, Ohio. (Portsmouth surrounds this town.) Near the banks of the Ohio River, this small diner has become a staple of good food for this remote area. Hickies maintains a closely guarded recipe for their burgers, which are one size; small. I suggest ordering at least 5 of these mini delights and maybe 5 to go for the drive home. Each burger patty is hand pressed and grilled up home-style. The made-to-order burgers are then placed on a steamed dinner roll. Not that this regional delicacy requires any additional flavors, but it is served with onion, pickle and mustard. The burgers are simple and aromatic in their flavor. Hickies is always packed with customers and is overwhelmed with phone orders. If you ever wind up traveling to this small and quaint river town in southern Ohio, Hickies is a definite dining stop for a great burger, actually the Best Burger in the Country."

One person responded stating, "I grew up on Hickies hamburgers and had to let you know that you are dead on about them being number one!! We have since moved away but when we are home to visit, it’s on the top of the list of required stops. Thanks for taking the time to visit and enjoy a place of great nostalgia to me."

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Next Review: An Exceptional Burger Award Winner