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So, for the record, I have never met or corresponded with Damon Gambuto (but, I would love to!). Also, for the record, I had Baby Blues delivered a few weeks ago, and had an extra-ordinary experience - story to follow.

To all the folks who are upset that Damon did not review the BBQ at Baby Blues, from what I can tell Damon Gambuto is a Los Angeles based burger correspondent, and he is great at what he does. Sometimes BBQ joints can offer up a good burger. In fact, Damon recently reviewed three burgers at Zeke's Smokehouse, which is directly across the street from Baby Blues. It is a great write up, and you can search for it on this site.

I went to Zeke's Smokehouse last night based on Damon's review and I loved it, and commented earlier today on that piece - thanking him, because the burger was so tasty. Damon gave baby Blues the same shot, and didn't love the burger. Oh, well. Get over it. At least he was brave enough to give that combination of flavors a fair shake.

BTW - I once had a a grilled veal chop topped with melted brie and lingonberries that was exquisite. Perhaps the burger would shine if the blue cheese and bacon stood out more and the sauce had whole berries rather than being more of a pureed sauce. It would probably require arugula to balance the sweet, salty and pungent with some peppery goodness. But, as a purist, I would still prefer a good, quality burger without all the hoopla and dressy fanfare. That's just how I roll.

I am assuming Lincolnberry is an Ebonics-esque play on lingonberry. If you are truly curious, give Baby Blues a call.

My experience at Baby Blues? My husband and I wanted beef ribs, and when I asked the gal on the phone how many came with the order she replied, "one - it's like a big steak." We decided to give it a shot, and each ordered one, which came with a choice of two sides. I opted for collards and mashed potatoes, hubby had corn and cole slaw. The sides were delish, but one of the ribs was burnt and less than half the size of the other rib.

I let my honey have the good rib and insisted he eat it while I called, because I am sweet like that (and we had just moved into our new place and he had been doing hard physical labor and desperately needed the fortification). The hostess got the manager who apologized profusely and asked if I wanted another rib. I did. Forty minutes later, the manager showed up at the door and told my hubz he cooked it himself. Maybe it was my sultry phone-sex voice, but I'd like to think it was solid dedication. Anyways, it was nice. A chuck blade, essentially. It didn't rock my socks off, but it was a good chuck rib weighing in at 16 ounces or more, and it was properly (lovingly?) cooked. The sauce was not my favorite, as it was a bit sweet and overly tart with vinegar for a tomato based sauce, and the XXX sauce was a bit salsa-like for my taste. The service, on the other hand, made a strong, favorable impression.

Thanks for the well-written review, Damon. As I left Zeke's last night, I glanced across the street and wondered if Baby Blues had a decent burger. Now I know what to expect.

Maack out.

Just perfect---the meat to bun ratio is ideal to the last bite. I had the Manly Burger, and the porkbelly was a perfect addition. The ketchup was heavy on the anise, but the burger didn't need it. This is my favorite burger next to the one at Olives in Las Vegas at the Bellagio and the one at the Left Bank at the On The Ave hotel in NYC's Upper West Side. Umami is my new "go to" burger in LA.

I love Beeps. The breakfasts are outstanding. I think the burgers are pretty good, as are the hot dogs and the fries.

You finally found a good burger. Next time you go there just ask for half the cheese, just rings, and kill the shake, and I bet it will be 100% perfect!

*living vicariously*

I'd been pining over whether to spend the coin on 25 Degrees for months and months now. Friends have often raved about it but they're the same friends who rave about lots of high-priced mediocre food so until now I've been in the dark. Thanks for hitting the light switch, man. I think your comment about the shake is mucho hilarious!

Damon
this article is amazing....at your convenience could you please contact me privately at chris@domainerestaurants.com...i work for the management company that owns and operates 25 Degrees...thanks!
-Chris Engler

nice review. I always tell people 25 degrees is my favorite 'luxe" burger in LA and I think you've proved it. The meat there is fantastic.

great review Damon, and as I can attest, a great burger. The only problem I have with the build your own burger model is that my gluttonous side too often wins out and I end up with an odd gallimaufry of toppings that, while individually delightful, do not go well together. Sorry to hear about the guinness shake, I was intrigued.

wow, that looks like a great burger.

I, too, am glad to see you've found a burger you've liked! Good deal. I wonder if anything will beat the Umami burger.

Sounds like this place needs to apply the occam's razor principle to their burger makin'... simple is best.

Google doesn't think lincolnberries exist. I don't either. Also, the combination of what are presumably lingonberries with mustard and bleu cheese sounds just awful.

Why do people make it so hard? Burgers should be easy and simple to make and taste GOOD.