Does DG really mean “Damn Good”? – DG Burger, South Coast Plaza

I finally got over to the new DG (Damn Good) Burger at South Coast Plaza. DG Burger is the latest addition to the Charlie Palmer restaurant brand. There has been a lot of hype since they launched so I’ve really wanted to check it out.

DG Burger is considered a high end burger joint so I was a little thrown off by its setup. They are a quick service establishment, you order and pay at the “counter,” get a number and your food is brought out to you. No issue but like I said it threw me off a bit. The restaurant is simple and clean. Paper napkins, brown paper on the tables along with plastic forks and knives and self- serve ice water. However, DG seemed like it was located in one of the Charlie Palmer restaurant dining rooms versus its own stand-alone place. My guess is this is on purpose but after you sit there a while you notice that the entire setup appears very temporary. The counters are on wheels and so are the refrigerator and TV.

But the food is a different story. They have a very small and simple menu, which works for them. The DG Burger really is a “Damn Good” Burger. I added aged cheddar cheese and bacon. The burger is a little pricey for what you get but it was very good. They automatically cook their burgers medium-well unless you instruct them otherwise. Mine was ordered medium-rare and it was cooked perfectly. The burger was juicy and full of flavor. The bun was also good and topped with good ingredients. Overall, I think it was a very good burger but not quite sure I would want to spend the money on it too often. My burger cost $13.95 because I added the bacon and cheese.

I also tried the fries, chocolate malt shake, citrus glazed vegetable skewers, and one of their salads. The fries were good, crisp and the right amount of salt. I got the curry ketchup and chipotle aioli which I am told are their two most popular. The chipotle aioli was good but I would have liked a touch of heat. I could not taste any curry in the curry ketchup.

The chocolate malt shake was nice and thick, with a distinct malted flavor. It was not the best shake I’ve ever had but it was solid. I would probably get it again. One thing I did really like was the salad dressing. I failed to ask what it was but it was lite and the perfect complement to the salad.

In the end it was a positive experience. A little pricey for what you get but considering it is at South Coast Plaza that didn’t bother me much. I think it is worthwhile to check out, at least once.