04/20/08

New Look, Poor Food

by ConciergeJohn

This is a USC Campus watering hole, since 1949. Previously located at 901 Jefferson Blvd, now relocated to Figueroa Blvd, just east of the campus Row of Fraternities and Sororities, at 28th Street.

The move occured in the late 1970's and the place had a run-down charm, all its own. Today, its been re-vamped and modified; the ceiling lifted and large plasma screen Televisions broadcast all the latest sports and USC events. Go for the drinks, order carefully for the food.

For many years, Maxine Matheson, the owners wife, made a delicious hamburger. Large baseball size beef patty, grilled down to perfection, a dollip of mayo on a toasted bun, lettuce - tomato - onion on the side. Perfect.

Today, the kitchen is the same size, yet turns out an undercooked pair of 7 oz. patties on a bun of various items like chili, cheese and/or other ingredients. True Slop on a bun. The wrinkle cut french fries salvage the burger basket, but anyone can make these.

I encourage others to try the chicken and other items on the menu, but based on their inability to produce a basic hamburger, I wouldn't hold out much hope for their chef d'jour.

• Pros: Campus Location, open daily
• Cons: Lazy Chef in Kitchen