RWBooneJr Posted July 30, 2008 Share Posted July 30, 2008 I finally made it to Good Stuff today, and can report that it is, indeed, a truly fine, fast food-type burger. For me, there are two burger camps: (1) the McDonald's style thin burger, which is typically fried; and (2) the thick burger camp, which is frequently (and best) grilled. Good-stuff sells the thin burgers, and is seems, from my single visit, to be among the best in the area at providing that experience. The toppings are good quality, there is a nice selection of condiments, and the fries are a fairly good rendition of the brown, semi-crunchy Thrasher's style. So this place is not going to steal any of Ray's thunder (because, I would argue, they are not selling the same thing), but it's a nice addition to the city. If you like 5 guys, you should enjoy this place more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banco Posted July 30, 2008 Share Posted July 30, 2008 I just popped my GSE hymen, and like many former virgins I found the whole experience rather underwhelming. The burger (applewood smoked bacon, fried Vidalia onion rings, Vermont cheddar) was decent, respectable, competent, but lacked the really sexy moves that would have scratched my itch. The limpness of the rosemary-pepper fries precluded them from even joining the party, though they were more than adequately lubed up. All in all an experience that failed to live up to the hype. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcandohio Posted July 30, 2008 Share Posted July 30, 2008 I just popped my GSE hymen, and I just spit coffee all over my computer! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deangold Posted July 30, 2008 Share Posted July 30, 2008 I just popped my GSE hymenAnd I just usually put my burgers in my mouth! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tripewriter Posted August 1, 2008 Share Posted August 1, 2008 I just popped my GSE hymen, and like many former virgins I found the whole experience rather underwhelming. The burger (applewood smoked bacon, fried Vidalia onion rings, Vermont cheddar) was decent, respectable, competent, but lacked the really sexy moves that would have scratched my itch. The limpness of the rosemary-pepper fries precluded them from even joining the party, though they were more than adequately lubed up. All in all an experience that failed to live up to the hype. If this isn't food porn, I don't know what is ... oh wait, never mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
collije Posted August 1, 2008 Share Posted August 1, 2008 I tried to eat there today & the lines were 30 feet out of the door by the street intersection. Stayed pretty consistent, about the same length at Noon and when I looked at 1 p.m. Meh, maybe it's a Saturday or late afternoon attempt for me sometime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebastian Zutant Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 I went, drank a beer in line and truly loved my burger and fries. Spike and Mike, good to see you, keep up the good work. s. old bay mayo, legit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bookluvingbabe Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 After a weekend with my in-laws, I needed a lunch that was just for me and about me but that I didn't have to hop in the car for. 5 minute wait to get in the door and a 30 minute wait total for the food from the time I started waiting in line. The food was decent--certainly as good, if not better, than Five Guys and the schlep to Navy Yard would take just as long, and I have to drive... But the burger was dry, even with ketchup, and the lack of plain mayo does them a disservice... Fries were good but needed a more generous hand with the salt. Now the chocolate shake was pretty good and I finished mine just as I hit the garbage can a half block from my office. Perfect timing. Spike was in the house and was quite the object of young Congressional staffer ogling and pointing and sighing... I felt like I was the wrong demographic for the place by about 15 years, especially when my first thought once I was inside was "my goodness the music is too loud." Will I go back? Eh...maybe... There really isn't much on the Hill to eat. Jennifer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keithstg Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 Will I go back? Eh...maybe... There really isn't much on the Hill to eat. Jennifer I guess Sonoma, Locanda, Belga, Levi's, Market Lunch, and Montmarte don't count? Just to name a few. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bookluvingbabe Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 I guess Sonoma, Locanda, Belga, Levi's, Market Lunch, and Montmarte don't count? Just to name a few. Sonoma is the only one within a quick walk of my office and that gets expensive fast. The others make a nice treat when I can take a longer lunch or when the heat isn't going to make me drop from the walk. But compared to other parts of town, I don't think the Hill has a lot of good, quick, inexpensive lunch options. Or I could just be a jaded 17 year vet of hill life who has eaten way too many so so meals at every place within an easy walk of her office. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abby7ophelia Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Dear Spike, Your mediocre burger is reducing Washington’s street cred with the nation’s food snobs… Sincerely, Washington Diners First Bite on Good Stuff Eatery Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdt Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Dear Spike, Your mediocre burger is reducing Washington’s street cred with the nation’s food snobs… Sincerely, Washington Diners First Bite on Good Stuff Eatery As long as folks pour in the door and he has financial backing for expansion, my bet is that he will not change much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
collije Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Sonoma is the only one within a quick walk of my office and that gets expensive fast. The others make a nice treat when I can take a longer lunch or when the heat isn't going to make me drop from the walk. But compared to other parts of town, I don't think the Hill has a lot of good, quick, inexpensive lunch options. Or I could just be a jaded 17 year vet of hill life who has eaten way too many so so meals at every place within an easy walk of her office. Guessing Taqueria Nacionale too far from your office? I can always eat their Fish Tacos there & drink their horchatas and sugar-cane Cokes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonaire Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 As long as folks pour in the door and he has financial backing for expansion, my bet is that he will not change much. I just can't dislike this place as much as a lot people on the board seem to (and that's not meant a criticism, just an opinion difference!). In fact, it's grown on me during my few return trips. My burgers have been pretty consistently medium (although it would be nice to be able to request a level of doneness as I like 'em rare) and I've really enjoyed them to the point of actually having a craving for them one evening. I think the meat is well-seasoned, the service is pretty decent and the shakes are yummy (if not a wee bit sugar-high inducing). I know one criticism has been the fast-food patty style of the burger, but I actually appreciate the size as I don't leave feeling like I'm about to explode! My own criticisms are the pricing (which Spike can control) and the lines (which I think are kind of out of control). I agree Spike's pre-opening comments were pretty ostentatious, but I think his offering has improved dining on the Hill and provides a nice burger option, which this city has lacked until recent openings. He's not the food-god I'm guessing he thinks he is, but he's also not this guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ericandblueboy Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 I have a hard time supporting a chef who calls his competitor with more talent a "little bitch" and all he's got to show for it is a burger joint. Hellooo. I rather go to McDonald's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Doctor Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Had a disappointing experience at GSE this afternoon. Specifically, I didn't get any food. They are closed from 3:30 to 5:30 every day, at least for the summer. This isn't mentioned on their printed menus or outside the shop, but I have now found mention of it on their website. I strolled in at 4:30. Yes, strolled in, because the door was unlocked. No one seemed to care as I stood there perusing* the menu, until I tried to order. Maybe I'll go back someday. *Real perusing, meaning reading thoroughly. I was in there at least 3-4 minutes before attempting to order. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Posted August 28, 2008 Author Share Posted August 28, 2008 Had a disappointing experience at GSE this afternoon. Specifically, I didn't get any food.They are closed from 3:30 to 5:30 every day, at least for the summer. This isn't mentioned on their printed menus or outside the shop, but I have now found mention of it on their website. I strolled in at 4:30. Yes, strolled in, because the door was unlocked. No one seemed to care as I stood there perusing* the menu, until I tried to order. Maybe I'll go back someday. *Real perusing, meaning reading thoroughly. I was in there at least 3-4 minutes before attempting to order. They started closing from 3:30 to 5:30 pretty early on, but they don't seem to have publicized that very well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheezepowder Posted September 6, 2008 Share Posted September 6, 2008 We tried this place last night. At a bit after 8pm, there was only one person in line ahead of us but the line got longer afterwards. The place was pretty full. Spike wasn't there. The fries are still stubby. Our bill was almost $20 (before tax), and I noticed on the receipt that they added $0.20 for "Enviro Charge." I haven't seen that before. I don't know what it covers, and I wasn't motivated to go back and ask about it (is there a sign somewhere? I wasn't paying attention). I thought that would be the type of thing that you would include when figuring out what to charge for each menu item? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bookluvingbabe Posted September 10, 2008 Share Posted September 10, 2008 They have gone cash only-- no signs anywhere and no atm machine on site. (Yes I could pay to get cash nearby but I am feeling way too lazy...). On the bright side, there wasn't a line at all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jiveturk21 Posted September 10, 2008 Share Posted September 10, 2008 Our bill was almost $20 (before tax), and I noticed on the receipt that they added $0.20 for "Enviro Charge." Are you kidding me!? My friend was telling me the other day that he went to a fast food drive thru in Fairfax City and he got charged a "drive thru" charge of $0.20. He was utterly confused and didn't know if it was from the restaurant or the city. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blakegwinn Posted September 10, 2008 Share Posted September 10, 2008 Are you kidding me!? My friend was telling me the other day that he went to a fast food drive thru in Fairfax City and he got charged a "drive thru" charge of $0.20. He was utterly confused and didn't know if it was from the restaurant or the city. Just consider this the equivalent of the charges for bags, pillows and blankets on planes. Instead of jacking up their prices retailers are passing along the increases in costs they are experiencing through these new charges and, in the case of many grocery items, slightly smaller portions. I am guessing someone somewhere did some market research that showed like 80 percent of people noticed the price hike while only 40 or 50 percent notice a slightly smaller box or .20 cent surcharge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Dedrick Posted September 10, 2008 Share Posted September 10, 2008 They have gone cash only-- no signs anywhere and no atm machine on site. (Yes I could pay to get cash nearby but I am feeling way too lazy...). On the bright side, there wasn't a line at all! Really? I was there last night (Tuesday night) and paid with a credit card no problem. My experience last night was much better than before. Almost no line, and as a result the food came out very quickly. Burger and fries were both good, and if it remains that quick to get in and out I'll certainly return. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbh Posted September 18, 2008 Share Posted September 18, 2008 went for the first time today at lunch. No line to order at about 130pm. About 5-7 minute wait for the food. I got the lunch bag. As previously mentioned, it is a good fast food burger. Not a "trek across town for it" type of burger, but a good "if I'm in the neighborhood" choice. I thought the fries were really good.... addictively good.... next time I may try a milkshake and just get an order of fries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bookluvingbabe Posted September 24, 2008 Share Posted September 24, 2008 In the news... Click Sigh... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanCole42 Posted September 25, 2008 Share Posted September 25, 2008 In the news...Click Sigh... Even TMZ picked it up!Click Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sthitch Posted September 25, 2008 Share Posted September 25, 2008 Spike had something to say to Eater about the topic. If his take is true then I think that it is WTOP that has an issue with its reporter not GSE with its storage. The last half of the original story lends some credence to statements made by the man in the ugly hats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pizza man Posted September 25, 2008 Share Posted September 25, 2008 It's rather ominous, the face to face thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liz2041 Posted September 25, 2008 Share Posted September 25, 2008 Spike had something to say to Eater about the topic. If his take is true then I think that it is WTOP that has an issue with its reporter not GSE with its storage. The last half of the original story lends some credence to statements made by the man in the ugly hats. I am curious as to why he responded to a New York blog but not to any local D.C. blog. (well, not really, just provoking on a dreary afternoon) Not a very good ambassador that Spike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebastian Zutant Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 You people make me sick. Leave him alone. If someone was accusing you of poisoning your children you would respond too. Besides, why would he want to respond to such a hatefull group anyhow. Give the guy a break. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sthitch Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 You people make me sick. Leave him alone. If someone was accusing you of poisoning your children you would respond too. Besides, why would he want to respond to such a hatefull group anyhow. Give the guy a break.Wow those are harsh words. I can't believe that you bothered 24 other posts to such a hateful group. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christyk Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 I had the Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake. It was very rich...but oh so good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linzb99 Posted October 3, 2008 Share Posted October 3, 2008 Both time i've been there, Spike has been there too, which i think is great. Burgers are small but tasty. Fries were overcooked the first time, but really good the next. Like the different dipping sauces - the spicy ones are my favorite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Foodie Posted October 3, 2008 Share Posted October 3, 2008 Went to Good Stuff for the second time last night, and while I agree that Ray's (and other around the city) are superior burgers in a quality meat/gourmet-ish sense, I think Good Stuff is great for what it is (competition for Five Guys and other more fast food type burgers). Spike wasn't there on my first trip but was in last night bustling around the kitchen and the dining room making sure things were running smoothly. Another twist on this trip, they were serving Obama and McCain burgers and keeping a tally on the front door (Obama 23 - McCain 9 when we walked in). Doesn't look like they are listed on the website, but Obama has bleu cheese, onion relish (or something like that) and horseradish sauce. McCain has pepperjack cheese, chipotle mayo and corn relish. My first trip I had the Colletti's Smokehouse and thought it was fantastic with the onion rings and BBQ sauce. This last time I had the Good Stuff Melt with muenster, chedder, onions and mushrooms. Also a good burger, but I think I preferred Colletti's. Neither time was I asked how I would want the burger cooked, but both times they came out around medium (which would've been my preference). After trying both the handcut fries (regular) and village fries (with thyme, rosemary and black pepper), we decided we liked the regular better because we could try dipping them in all of the different types of mayo available without the seasonings overpowering. Dipping sauces are typical ketchup and mustard plus Old Bay, Chipotle, Sriracha and Mango mayos. It was really hard to choose which one I liked best, so I kept dipping into each of them. Bottom line is that I'm glad this place is within walking distance of my apartment. Never gonna be the best meal I've ever had, but it certainly has hit the spot twice now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodeats Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 To "celebrate" the recent press, there is now a Back Alley Burger. Unfortunately, I don't remember what's on it other than bacon and cheddar, I think. I noted it, but then I was trying to calm a five-alarm tantrum from a little one with whom I was trying to share my Toasted Marshmellow Shake. At least the shake was well-received... (he had about the size of a mini-moo, and I was counting my blessings that the sugar didn't keep him awake...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ol_ironstomach Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Spotted on Cultural Tourism DC. Spike groupies with time on their hands will be pleased to hear that they can watch him in action this Sunday evening at Chef Spike's Latke Mania, at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue. The description promises that "Chef Spike will demo never-before-seen latke-making skills"...can Cannoli Mania be far behind? Admission is $6. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MelGold Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 The description promises that "Chef Spike will demo never-before-seen latke-making skills"I'm not so sure about never-before-seen skills, but I already have my ticket...so excited! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MBK Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 I'm not so sure about never-before-seen skills, but I already have my ticket...so excited! I had a feeling I might see you there... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MelGold Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 I had a feeling I might see you there...I have a feeling we'll see every single Jewish woman who likes to cook there...with make-up on, hair done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MBK Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 I have a feeling we'll see every single Jewish woman who likes to cook there...with make-up on, hair done. Ha. I'm bringing a group of friends of both genders, Jewish and not, as a foil See you there... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catharine Posted December 24, 2008 Share Posted December 24, 2008 Latke mania was a blast. It was my lucky day and I got to help cook. Chef Spike and his mom, Cathy, were hilarious and so fun. I am hoping that the photos and/or videos will show up on the web soon so I can relive my glory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillvalley Posted December 24, 2008 Share Posted December 24, 2008 That was you!?! For the rest of us you were the highlight. Between not knowing how to light a menorah and putting sour cream in the latkes batter, we had to leave early and get Hell Burgers to recover. And frankly, if I was a religious Jew I would have been offended by some of the recipes. And for the record, not all the single woman wore makeup and had their hair done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MBK Posted December 24, 2008 Share Posted December 24, 2008 That was you!?! For the rest of us you were the highlight. Between not knowing how to light a menorah and putting sour cream in the latkes batter, we had to leave early and get Hell Burgers to recover. And frankly, if I was a religious Jew I would have been offended by some of the recipes. And for the record, not all the single woman wore makeup and had their hair done. Yeah, he had a rough evening, that Spike. You'd think he might've learned how to light the menorah before the event.Sorry we missed you, hill and Mel. Catharine jumped at the chance to turn apples, didn't she (And no, we weren't made up either...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillvalley Posted December 24, 2008 Share Posted December 24, 2008 Adding red jello, which isn't Kosher, to the applesauce wasn't too bright either. Pretty much the best way to disrespect your hosts and guests for the evening. The 6th and I staff must have cringed through the whole event. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Posted December 29, 2008 Author Share Posted December 29, 2008 Our bill was almost $20 (before tax), and I noticed on the receipt that they added $0.20 for "Enviro Charge."I went for the first time today and had an eleven cent enviro charge on my bill; it looks like about .01 of the bill. I was wondering why they package dine in food in a paper bag, which got thrown out within a few minutes after packaging.I didn't have my glasses and was having trouble reading the menu. I ordered the first burger I could read, which was the 5 napkin burger. I couldn't read the description of what was on it (and their online menu is down for updating), but it seemed to be bacon, egg, and cheese. Everything was smushed together and very greasy. Given the name, I expected it to be messy (for the record: 4 napkins, plus 1 for the fries), but I would have expected egg gushing out or something rather than just a gloppy greasy mass. I was starving and ate it all, but it was not my favorite burger of all time. I don't eat many fast food burgers, though, so maybe I just wasn't prepared. The fries were extremely browned yet limp, despite being very hot. There were only a few people in front of me, and I got my food in 9 minutes. The food did not suffer from sitting around. Even though being sealed in the bag for a while would cause sogginess, nothing was in the bag long enough, it would seem, to have gotten soggy from that. The 70s classic rock playing was ear-splittingly loud. I guess I'm too old for this retro soda shop concept, or I'm just old and cranky. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Delicious Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 Got home from class to see the wife studying the Good Stuff menu online like the Zapruder film. We put together what should have been a delightful meal, but instead arrived there only to find out that it was the last day of their special inauguration menu...which is to say that they weren't serving a damn thing we wanted. Fuck! So we got two "Obama burgers" which, as I said, weren't what we wanted and sucked anyways. I didn't get any sense of quality ingredients, the bacon was flaccid, and the sauce was slathered on there and overwhelming. I think I'd rather spend half the money and go to Five guys. I will say, however, that I really liked the chili and the toasted marshmallow shake. The chili was a healthy serving for a reasonable price ($6) and came with a slew of toppings and a corn bread muffin. It wasn't spicy, so if that's what you think is needed for good chili, look elsewhere. In the interest of full disclosure, I'm from MA, so I don't really know from chili...now, if they served Steamers, I could give a more accurate assessment. I think I would go back and make a meal of the chili and shake...the burgers not so much. Perhaps I need to try their normal fare... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lekkerwijn Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Burger King. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanCole42 Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Burger King.One day soon there's going to be a reckoning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoramargolis Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Any burger competition that doesn't include a Ray's Hellburger offering is a total sham. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husband Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 The burgers I have had there have been okay... but the reckoning will come when people stop buying those criminal french fries. I just can't abide short, broken, pathetic fries. They are literally an abomination. Every time I've gone (3) I've gotten what I can only describe as the dregs of a batch. If you can't do it right, don't serve it... go to chips or something. I'm certainly not running back to the hill any time soon until he does. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abby7ophelia Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Am I the only one saddened by the fact that Good Stuff is going to expand? Spike Nails the Burger Bash... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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