4910 Sonoma Hwy, Suite B, Santa Rosa CA 95409, (707) 538-4000
924 Diablo Ave, Novato CA 94947, (415) 898-8294
Parking: parking in front
Hours: 11am to 9pm daily
http://www.phyllisgiantburgers.com/
Last Visited: October 19, 2010
Food: 3 stars
Atmosphere: 3 to 4 stars
Service: 3 stars
Price: $$ to $$$ (prices shown are from 2007)
Phyllis’ in Santa Rosa came with quite a bit of fanfare from the local newspaper anticipating its arrival. The fact that it’s on Highway 12 where everyone can see it probably helps too. It replaced the once popular Heavenly Hamburgers. Phyllis’ made a name for itself in San Rafael as being the Best Burgers in Marin. It then opened up a store in Novato, and now Santa Rosa.
The interior is reminiscent of an old diner (black and white checkered floor) with a big plasma television in the back playing recent DVDs. Outdoor seating is available also. I had a hard time deciding what to select from their menu since there were so many choices, but found service to be okay, though not spectacular. Considering nobody else was in line, I think service overall could have been a touch friendlier, especially since one could tell it was our first time coming to the restaurant. Menus are displayed on large signs behind the counter. There are six signs each with different information, so it can be a bit overwhelming. A Dreyer’s ice cream display sits next to the counter.
- Giant Burger (1/2 pound) – I chose the classic giant burger which was grilled and served on a sesame bun with mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato, and onion. Ground chuck is used. I thought it was good and the size was generous for the price. It had a grilled flavor, but had potential to be even better. $4.95
- Chicken Club – All of their chicken burgers are served on a French roll with cheese. We selected jack cheese to go with our club which included mayo, bacon, lettuce, and tomato. I have to admit this was nothing special and I probably could have made the exact same thing at home with less grease. Okay. $6.95
- Curly Fries – Of all the food we had, this was the most surprising. We ordered a large curly fries and the quantity was enough to render us unconscious. For those with a large appetite, you probably could have shared the large curly fries amongst three people, and for small appetites, even four people. The fries are a terrific deal and very fresh too. Very good. Regular $2.50, Large $3.75
I didn’t know it until I got home and read the menu, but grilled onions are available at no charge. You just have to know to ask for it since they don’t offer it. The other note on service is that I saw others being offered a pickle with their burger. I wasn’t offered a pickle with my burger so I was disappointed about that.
It wasn’t the best burger I’ve ever had, but it was far from the worst. It’s definitely a few steps above fast food. It’s good for a beef burger, and if you’re looking for a fries fix, this would be an excellent choice. Since my visit to Santa Rosa in 2007, I went to the Novato shop in 2010 and found the quality to be consistent. The place is a little bigger in Novato and still good.
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