The Habit—Burgers and Beyond

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Agoura Hills Patch picks a great restaurant either in a town or nearby that is worth checking out.

Here's this week's choice:

Overview: Think of it as quick, easy, and delicious. This popular burger chain opened a couple of months ago in Agoura and has been busy ever since. Whether you stop in for lunch or enjoy a fun family dinner night out, it's a great destination. Their location allows for dining inside or outside, and their prices are reasonable for the amount of food you get.

Drinks: This chain had me at shakes and malts. Their hand-blended shakes ($2.85) and malts ($2.95) are made with real ice cream. Choose from chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, coffee or mocha. They also have a full selection of fountain beverages.

Salads: Not craving a big burger? The Habit has six different fresh salads from which to choose. My favorite is the BBQ Chicken Salad ($6.75) with grilled chicken breast, bacon, cilantro, chopped tomato, red onion and barbecue sauce. Another great salad is the Santa Barbara Cobb ($6.95) with chopped tomato, avocado, crumbled gorgonzola, bacon, egg, grilled chicken breast, tossed in a vinaigrette dressing. They also have a Classic Garden Salad ($3.95), Chicken Caesar Salad ($6.75) and Grilled Chicken Salad ($6.75).

Burgers: Their burgers are known as "charbugers" and are made with 100% ground beef. Enjoy the Original ($3.25) with pickles, mayonnaise, fresh tomatoes and carmelized onions.  My personal favorite is the Teriyaki Charburger ($3.25) with grilled pineapple, pickles and carmelized onions on a toasted bun. You can also feast on the BBQ Bacon Charburger  ($3.85), and you won't be disappointed. Try the Combo #1, which comes with fries and a soda for $5.95. Or make it a #2 Double Charbuger for $6.95.

Sandwiches: Not everyone is a burger lover, so they have other options. I like the Tri-Tip Sandwich ($5.95) with the choice of barbecue or teriyaki sauce. For vegetarians they have the Veggie Burger ($4.85) and for tuna lovers, there's the Fresh Albacore Tuna ($5.75) that comes with homemade tartar sauce. The Pastrami ($5.75) is topped with melted Swiss, carmelized onions, mustard and mayonnaise. If you love chicken, you'll enjoy either the Chicken Club ($6.45) with bacon and avocado, or the Chicken Sandwich ($5.45) with melted Swiss.

Kid's Menu: The kid's meals ($3.95) are for youngsters 10 and under. The meals include fries or applesauce, for a healthier option, and milk, juice, or a soft drink. Choose from Chicken Nuggets, Grilled Cheese, or a Burger.

Sides: I especially love the Sweet Potato French Fries ($2.95), which are simply delicious with a sweet and savory bite. Enjoy regular French Fries ($1.80) or crunchy white onion battered Onion Rings ($1.95). They also over a side Caesar or Regular Salad ($2.25).

Desserts: There is nothing wrong, in my opinion, with getting dessert, even if you had a shake. I'm not here to make judgments, so go ahead and enjoy a real vanilla Ice Cream Cone (.95) or a Sundae ($2.95) with Hershey's syrup, whipped cream and nuts.