Johnny’s Burger Stop

Johnny’s Burger Stop
I-5 Exit 212
Stanwood, WA

There are time where I believe I am a glutton for punishment (but in a really bad way). On my way to the US, before crossing the border, I decide to “skip” lunch and hopefully find something on my way to Seattle. However, there are times you are not certain what/when to eat and you skip option after option (of course, these options are usually well known chain restaurants). Now, there is nothing wrong with your McD’s if you are hungry but, you always think “I want to get something ‘better’”.

In a wacky way, that’s what sort of happened to me: I was so darn hungry but was still at least an hour away from Seattle so I decided to take an exit and eat first. However, it was the same usual suspects for several exits and suddenly I gave up and take the very next one. When I did, I realized that, after the exit, I had to drive several Kms before hitting those chain restaurants. Almost admitting defeat, I then look at the other way and see Johnny’s Burger Stop, a place that I have seen everytime I drive through I-5 to Seattle because of a sort of unique feature: that chimney with smoke puffing out. As they say, when there is smoke…

Now, Johnny’s does not have BBQ, instead, they make burgers and only burgers (OK, OK, some variations plus sides like fries and onion rings). Being literally in the middle of nowhere, I wasn’t going to be too demanding. In fact, my only demand was “feed me!” Looking at their menu, I knew decision making wasn’t going to be that difficult, as it narrowed itself down to two candidates: their mushroom burger and their verde buger.

The first option, the mushroom one is self explanatory; the second one would be something in lines of a certain burger shop in Seattle: … Yes, verde burger here means a grilled green pepper. I admit that is quite a brilliant idea so I saw no reason not to order it.

Now, they do not offer “combos” so, in addition to the burger, I ended up ordering their onion rings. I will have to admit, their onion rings are quite good. The “batter”, which looked like a cornmeal type batter, gave it a quite crunchy external crust, while it “sealed” the onion inside. The onion, on that note, was cooked through, though, I wished it was “warmer”. Granted, you need to let these rest before serving but…

As for the burger, I will have to say that the construction of it looks quite good. Pieces of veggies… stacked and then the patty on top, with the green pepper… Taking a bit didn’t reveal an extremely juicy burger; however, tastewise, it was quite meaty. Won’t compare it to Friesenburgers; instead, on its own rights, I think it would be a burger I would eat again. There were some shortcomings, though, but I also believe it might be due to me overlooking it. For example, there wasn’t much of a sauce in the burger but, given there is catsup and mustard on the table, I guess it is up to you to add it yourself. Otherwise, I don’t think I have much to “complain” about this burger, as it is, for the most part, a textbook burger!

OK, there is one thing I must “mention”: it is not necessarily cheap. A single burger (one patty) was ~$6, which, for a basic burger, in American standards can be above the average cost. But, then again, it is located in the middle of nowhere (~10 miles; ~16 Km north from the Premium Outlets) so that demands a bonus. But, you know what, since it was quite well made, I certainly won’t mind dropping by for another one if I happen to be in that exit and I am hungry!

Tagged under: Burgers • Seattle