San Diego's own Burger Lounge opens its 12th restaurant in the Carlsbad Costco center on Palomar Airport Road in early January. "Our philosophy is simple," explains co-founder J. Dean Loring. "We believe in doing a common thing, uncommonly well. It all begins with California grown grass-fed beef. It's a burger you can feel good about eating."
Burger Lounge was founded in La Jolla, California in 2007. Founders J. Dean Loring and Michael Gilligan are both passionate about food. "This is not a fussy burger," says Mr. Loring. "It's quite simple really. For us it's about healthier ingredients that taste great, it's about a small menu executed at a high level while offering mindful alternatives to a burger, like healthy salads and vegetarian options."
Burger Lounge sources its grass-fed beef from two family ranchers. "We know many of our suppliers, including our grass-fed cattle ranchers," explains Mr. Gilligan. "Their best practices and authenticity result in a truly fabulous beef flavor. We know where and how they are raised, what they eat, and how they are treated. It is a humane process and we think that matters."
The signature Lounge Burger highlights authentic grass-fed beef taste through juxtaposition of flavor, texture, and temperature. The beef is seared on a flat grill creating a caramelized crust and warm pink center. Topped with organic cheese, the beef sits on a bed of lettuce, tomato, onion, and house-made Thousand Island.
"The Classic" is homage to the American favorite "Quarter Pounder," served with grass-fed beef, organic American cheese, organic ketchup, mustard, pickles, and chopped onion. The Free-Range Turkey Burger, made with Shelton's Farm Turkey and fresh Basil, Organic Quinoa Veggie Burger, and Seared Albacore Sandwich offer non-beef eaters options.
The Carlsbad location will open with a Smoky Wild Boar Burger; a limited time offering with organic smoked cheddar, house-made onion rings, and barbecue.
Opt for burgers on the House Lounge Bun made with a proprietary blend of organic whole wheat and unbleached white flour with a hint of Blackstrap molasses or choose a gluten-free bun. Paleo-inclined? Then wrap it in crisp lettuce leaf. Burgers are also offered in a quarter pound version for a lighter appetite.
Guests can add fresh cut French Fries and house-made Onion Rings or go lighter with a "Nice Little Side Salad" featuring romaine, spinach, arugula, grilled corn, red onion, and carrot lightly tossed with house-made lemon basil dressing.
Burger Lounge's commitment to 'doing a common thing, uncommonly well' extends to its Organic Quinoa Salad and Fresh Vegetable Salad in full or half portions lightly tossed with house-made dressings.
The beverage selection follows suit with Fair Trade, Cane Sweetened natural sodas by Maine Root Handcrafted Beverages, a selection of Brewed Organic Teas, premium bottled sodas, beer, and wine.
Finally, shake things up with a Lounge Shake or a Brownie Shake featuring the house-recipe Chocolate Carmel Sea Salted Brownie. The Lounge Float rounds out the dessert menu.
The new Burger Lounge is located at 961 Palomar Airport Rd., Carlsbad, California 92011 and will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. It offers walk-in, take-out, and online ordering.
