Main Street Burgers: Serving an American Classic With Style

Each week, Los Gatos Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice:

MAIN STREET BURGERS: 

Overview: On many of the popular food television shows, there is a lot of talk about updating and changing the classics—but there is nothing to reinvent about the burger. This juicy, mouth-watering staple is what every American craves when returning home from an extended trip abroad, and does it up right. Using top-notch ingredients and all-natural meats containing no hormones or antibiotics, this is a local go-to place for good things in a bun and traditional soda-fountain fare. 

Decor: The shop has a drugstore lunch counter with '50s throw-back vibe. You can sit at the counter or tabletops, or eat alfresco at the benches just outside the door. The dining room is small, so plan to be neighborly if you eat inside.

The Drinks: The milkshake ($5.49) is 16 ounces of creamy goodness made with premium ice cream containing 16 percent butterfat, available in chocolate, strawberry and vanilla, but it also comes in non-conventional palette-pleasers like caramel, banana, mango, coffee, Oreo, malt and peanut butter. Main Street also makes fresh homemade lemonade ($2.49-$2.99) and has fountain drinks available ($1.99-$2.59). For the diner seeking a more adult beverage, there is Sierra Nevada on tap ($5 for a pint and $14 by the pitcher), and one can purchase a bottle ($4.5) of Stella Artois, Corona, Fat Tire, Heineken, Samuel Adams, or Bud Light ($4).

Salads: Today’s health conscious need not shy away from the burger joint, as it does offer specialty salads that satisfies one's hunger: Grilled Chicken & Avocado ($8.49), Taco Salad ($8.99), Chicken Cobb ($8.99) and Organic Green Salad ($2.99 and $1.99 with meals).

Entrees: Burgers are the best of American food, and Main Street cooks up The Main Street Original medium-well with all the trimmings ($5.99 and $6.99 with cheese). There are also its siblings, elevated with different flavor profiles, such as the Barbeque Burger ($8.99), California Burger ($8.49), Santa Fe ($8.49), and Smoke Bacon & Blue ($8.99). However, Main Street also thinks outside of the cow and offers options like the Spicy Grilled Chicken ($8.99), Wild Alaskan Salmon Burger ($8.99), Veggie Burger ($7.49), Grilled Portobello Mushroom ($6.99), ¼ lb. All Beef Hot Dog ($4.49) and Grilled Cheese Sandwich ($3.49).

Sides: The burger’s best friend is the French fry ($1.99-$2.99), but Main Street offers many other possible companions like the Onion Rings ($2.99-$3.99), Sweet Potato Fries ($2.99-$3.99), Garlic Fries ($2.99-$3.99), Veggie Sticks ($1.99) with carrots, cucumbers and celery. And for the individual who wants variety, choose the 50/50 ($3.99) and get equal potions of any of the above choices.

Desserts: Made with the same rich and creamy 16 percent butterfat ice cream found in the milkshakes, Main Street Burgers can fix you up with a Hot Fudge Sundae ($5.49), Hot Fudge Banana Boat ($5.49) Ice Cream cone ($3.49-$4.49) and cup ($2.99-$4.59).

Service: The line to order does stack up from time to time, but the staff is efficient and moves people along with capable ease, which means very short wait time.

Signature Dish: The Main Street Original, a classic hamburger served with lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, dill pickle and signature sauce on an egg bun.

Address: 20 So. Santa Cruz Ave.

Cost: $1.99-$8.99 per item