Eureka! Burger

As Claremont's hipster cred grows, due in part to the college scene, as well as new hotspots in downtown Claremont like The Back Abbey, Casa 425 lounge and bar, Hip Kitty Jazz and Fondue, and Eureka! Burger. The first Eureka! Burger opened in my college town in Redlands, just off the 10 freeway on the way to Palm Springs, and I was very excited when I discovered a location closer to my house was about to open. 

Claremont’s Eureka! Burger is a popular hangout on weekend nights (waiting for a table for 4 people took almost an hour and a half at 7pm!) and the bar and outside deck area were jam packed. Clearly, Eureka! Burger is doing something right. 

Their burgers are of high quality meat and the menu offers many unique burger options including the Vodka Burger, Tortilla Burger, and the Jalapeño Egg Burger. There is also a vegetarian burger option and a variety of fresh salads to choose from.  The starter section of the menu offers a variety of non-burger options incuding truffle fries, lollipop corn dogs, and fish or pork tacos. 

While my appetizer varies depending on my craving, I always order the Classic Eureka! Burger with sweet potato fries. I've had a bite of the Cowboy Burger which comes topped with crispy onion straws, bacon, and barbeque sauce. Bacon on a burger is delicious enough but the additions made it so juicy and truly decadent that I couldn't help sneaking a few more bites during the meal. 

Despite the crowd, careful attention was given to my burger and was cooked medium rare as I requested. The sweet potato fries arrived dusted in cinnamon and drizzled with honey. It's practically a dessert in itself. Other tasty side orders include the peanut coleslaw and onion rings. The peanut coleslaw is perfect if you’re craving a healthier side dish and the peanuts add a nice crunch to the slaw. The onion rings are fried to crispy perfection and aren’t greasy. My only complaint is that you have to pay an addition $1.25 (on top of the $10+ amount of a burger and side) for only 3 onion rings. I don’t mind paying extra for a premium side (hello delicious sweet potato fries), but I expect a larger portion than 3 measly onion rings as a side dish. 

They also serve Redlands local brewery Hangar 24 beer and show a commitment to featuring other local brands. The cider is light and refreshing and tastes more crisp than sweet--this is not your childhood apple cider, proceed with caution as the alcohol tends to creep up on you. The bartenders are also fair with pouring drinks-- not watered down or loaded with ice. Luckily, their stinginess only involves onion rings.

I wish I could say I tried more things after the many times I’ve been to both the Claremont and Redlands locations, but the truth is, I’m so impressed with my original order, I just can’t bring myself to order anything new and rely on my dining companions to be generous and share bites with me. 

Eureka! Burger 580 W 1st St  Claremont, CA 91711