We Found A Great Burger... A Judyburger!
Last night after driving back from speaking at a class at UB, David Torke and I decided to grab a burger somewhere in the city. I suggested the Sterling Tavern on Hertel (a BuffaloRox favorite), and David agreed. When we arrived we pulled up a couple of barstools and struck up a conversation with a couple from the neighborhood who told us that the Sterling was their favorite place to go for food and drink. After taking a quick look at the menu I decided that the bratwurst sounded too good to pass up, but David was sold on the burger, so we settled into a couple of beers and waited. I was psyched that the bar was serving up Smithwick's beer, and David seamed pleased with his oatmeal stout... the beer choices at the Sterling range from classic imports to micro-brews and Herteloids swear that the place has the best selection around.
When David's plate was put in front of him he exclaimed out loud, "Man!" I agreed with his sentiments, as I had never seen such a delicious looking burger. The Judyburger, as it is affectionately named, is cooked with the utmost pride, and served to the exact specifications of the customer. Rich Hollister, chef at Shadow Lounge, pulled up a seat and chimed in that this was indeed the best place in town for a burger, and between that, the beer and the juke box there was no other reason to go anywhere else for dinner (other than the Shadow Lounge). The Judyburger is the juiciest creation... the juices literally drip to the plate. And the burger is cooked... a little charred on the outside... and both sides of the sesame roll are charred too. This burger could win an award or two that is for sure.
My Spar's bratwurst was equally delicious, and the fries that I asked to be crispy actually came out crispy. The homemade pasta salad was also extremely good and of course (once again) the beer selections kicks butt. They feature twelve micro-brews, 20+ bottled beers, and feature Flying Bison in house. The beer selection is extremely well thought out and you can tell that someone has gone the distance to actually taste each and every selection before ordering it. It's a tough job, but if anyone is up to the task Johnny Garden (owner) is the man.
Sterling Place Tavern 1487 Hertel Avenue Buffalo, NY 14216 (716) 838-2448
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Comment Options
brousey
must've been a big burger if david thought it was! "SMILES"!
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Buffalo Geek
By far, the best burger in Buffalo. The Sterling is right around the corner from my house and it served as the "Official Bar of Buffalo Old Home Week". We held many a planning session over burgers and beers in the fine company of Judy and John.
If you've never been there, it's one of the coolest bars in all of Buffalo. A "real" neighborhood joint where everyone knows your name and remembers the last time you were in.
I stopped in there tonight to have a beer with some friends and there was a group of Irish musicians jamming in the dining room, a neighborhood dog walking around the bar area, the Sabres on the TV, and lots of people shooting the bull over some fantastic food.
If you want to know what Buffalo is all about, stop in and have a beer.
You should also ask John to hook you up with a slice of his excellent apple pie...
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olygirl
omigod I have never seen a burger as BIG as that!! It should have it's own zip code!
Has David recovered from it yet?!?!? ;)
Great review, can't wait to SHARE a burger there one day with someone!
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M Rodgers - FCS
Actually, I have to say that the BEST burger is at a location outside the walls of our city - Bill Gray's on Main just north of Transit - but this is worth a try.........
If you go to Bill Gray's, ask for the World's Best Cheeseburger, add some rings, and then top it off with a chocolate almond custard (Abbott's) - both are from the Rochester area and were staples when I was a teen.
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r.129
You know, I really like the term "Herteloids" - is that new? It almost makes me want to move to the neighborhood just so I can be one.
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fill
I'd go in for the beer - What a selection !! Spaten, Urquell, another bavarian beer I can't quite make out (Wahrsteiner ?) and Smithwicks ("smitticks") as well as other terrifics brews, not the least of which is Flying Bison. Someone in there sure knows beer.
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fill
Oops......Wahrsteiner is not Bavarian - It's southwest of Hannover. Having toured the brewery, I should have known better. Senior moment !!
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david
Spotted Pig on W. 11th, NYC had the best cheeseburger in the whole wide world - that's before I found Sterling Pub with my friend Leo about a year ago...looking forward to taking someone - like it to be soon - who I just found out has never been there...
...and, Olygirl...this guy still recovers pretty quick...thanks!
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Herteloid here
Well sounds good to me. I live just down the street and have never been, the place doesnt even look open half the time. However I am now curious about this burger and seems like a great reason (excuse) to go have some fine brew.
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BuffaloRox
Herteloid here,
John and Judy work some...umm...non-traditional hours at times (especially the summer when they are closed every Saturday night in August). However, persevere since the food they serve is outstanding. Incredible fish fry, great burgers as noted and without doubt the best wings I've ever had (including Duffs, Gabriel's Gate and Anchor Bar).
BR
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lulu
Agree about the wings. The difference with the wings is that they are fresh, never frozen, so they often run out as soon as a shipment comes in, so get them when you can!
Best burger in the city, bar none.
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Anne
Any idea about their hours? Tried to go on Weds night for dinner and they were closed...
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needs cheese, all the time
i am so hoping to get there soon.....i want to get in that picture.
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KevinP
It's rare when they aren't open at night during the week. it's just that sometimes they don't open until 6:30.
I'll be there tonight.
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Joe
Other things to try are the pike fish fry on Fridays and any beers from Cleveland's Great Lakes Brewing (e.g. Burning River Ale). A great bar.
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saving cheeses
this weekend...would be nice!
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viking
We go out of the way for the monsters served at the Sterling, just don't filled up on the free popcorn while waiting. Bill Gray's is good but not equal. John and Judy are a great team and deserve this post.
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BuffaloRox
Anne,
During the week the opening hours vary 6:30 - 7:00 is a fair bet. On Fridays they definitely open earlier and are in full swing by this time. The food is cooked to order so this place isn't a get 'em in get 'em out to turn over the table type of joint. Bring some friends, have a beer, a glass of wine (surprisingly good selection for a tavern) or a cocktail and enjoy.
BR
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Rob
I had the Hungarian sausage last night. Awesome! Although I only had one and could've used another. The dude next to me had four! At least that left me room for 3 Smithwicks and a shared piece of apple pie made by the 91 year old aunt of the owner. The crust was incredible! This place is incredible!
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Oma...
Place was jamming last nite...
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k/Sse
oh, my mouth is watering.
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kase
my mouth is watering.
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Wurst
sehr sch/dne gemacht!
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Confused
Judyburger? How inappropriate. Everyone knows that John is the genius behind these fabulous burgers.
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A LITLLE CLEARITY
FYI MS. CONFUSED THE BURGER YOU ARE VIEWING IN THIS REVIEW WAS MADE BY JUDY. JOHN MAY HAVE NICER LEGS, BUT JUDY CAN CERTAINLY MAKE A BURGER, AS WELL AS MAC SALAD AND POTATO SALAD
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Judy Russo
John is the master of the burger. As his student and companion for life I have also mastered the burger as well. Almost 15 years of being in business speaks volumes as to who we are and what we do. I thank all of you for your gracious comments. We love having you as customers as well as friends. John and I cannot thank you enough for all of your support. We both look forward to cooking for you all and seeing you soon. Judy and John
PS We have lots of great new bottled beer come check it out !
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Rob
Judy, What are your Saturday hours?
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saturday hours
We usually open around 6pm on Saturday , however we have booked several holiday parties. If you are interested in food please call ahead to make sure we are open to the public. Thanks 838-2448
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North Buff Newbie!
Came in for a late meal on a weekday evening, the place had a couple people still drinking and eating and my husband and I were pleasantly surprised to hear that the kitchen was still open, as it had to be about 10:30pm.
I ordered the burger and he ordered the ham sandwich. BEST burger I have ever had in my life -- bar none! I couldn't eat the whole thing because it was so big! I took half home, for my lunch the next day, and my husband got to it for breakfast! His ham sandwich was also excellent, but he ate it all up before I could try it!
John and Judy are the best neighborhood bar/restaurant owners. As a resident of Sterling Ave, I rarely, if ever, hear any loud noises come from the bar, and they are always so pleasant when you stop in for a drink or a meal! Good atmosphere, great people, and excellent prices.
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