The distinctive, drool-inducing aroma that could only come from a charcoal grill wafted throughout Clarke's parking lot at lunchtime today, setting up high expectations. And, none of us were at all disappointed by the boys' cheeseburger, my wife's mushroom burger (featuring fresh mushrooms) or my cheddar burger. All three burgers had patties were 1/3 pound and could be dressed up using extras from Clarke's generous condiment bar, which included lettuce, pepperoncini, jalepenos, red onions, white onions and every kind of wet condiment one could want with a burger. The fries were served hot, but there were a few soggy ones in the basket.
I'd go back to Clarke's which among made-to-order burger joints is a full notch above, say, Kirk's (the one that serves canned mushrooms and a condiment bar that closes down at 1:30--though they'll still shamelessly still sell you burgers at that time leaving you stranded without mayo, lettuce and everything else you'd expect with a burger). However, considering the family experience, convenience and overall value, I still prefer In-N-Out.
Clarke's also offers a complete breakfast menu featuring staples such as omelets and pancakes.
Clarke's Charcoal Broiler
615 W El Camino Real
Mountain View, CA 94040
www.clarkes.com
