siacali "My favorite animal is steak. -- Fran Lebowitz"

Robins is a classic. It’s a place to pig out. The portions are huge, the sauces are great, and the beef ribs are just about the best I’ve had anywhere. Meaty, smoked, huge, and messy, a plate of 7 (known as The Stud) beef ribs is about as much as anyone would ever want to try to eat in one sitting. The blue-cheese walnut cole slaw, beans, and blueberry muffin served as side dishes are delicious too.

Robins menu has a full selection of BBQ and other plate too. I haven’t tried any of the non-BBQ dishes, but all of the BBQ that I’ve tried is good (though I’d definitely recommend the ribs over the chicken). There are several “all-you-can-eat” specials, depending on what day of the week you’re there. These are strictly for the seriously hungry as even “normal” portions are huge.

The chocolate cake is divine, and like other dishes – HUGE. Highly recommended.

The atmosphere is very casual with booths, tables, and even counter-style dining. Outdoor dining is also available.

I’d passed by Jack’s several times per week after eating at several nearby establishments over the course of the past few months. They’ve always seemed to have a decent crowd, so finally I decided to stick a toe in the water and give ‘em a try. It was a fantastic decision! Jack’s is great!

A co-worker and I stopped in for lunch, and I, for one, had a serious hunger thing going on. We were quickly seated in their cluttered but cozy (think TGI Fridays meets the corner bar) dining room and immediately a very friendly and energetic waitress came to take our drink order.

Their extensive menu reads like an encyclopedia of what’s what for lunch. It’s the kind of menu that one could spend hours drooling over while deciding which item to eat. While the restaurants decor says pub, their menu definitely says NY-style deli. They’ve got en endless array of everything from Pastrami sandwiches to eggs to burgers to hot plates.

I resolved the dilemma of “what to eat” by looking for what seemed unusual, perhaps a specialty amongst various types of food offered. The fact that they had TWO pages of burgers, one that says “burgers” and one that says “chicken burgers” was a clue. Further investigation led to the discovery that they offer buffalo, venison, and hog burgers. Alerted to the fact that this is no ordinary burger joint, I narrowed my focus down and resolved to have a burger.

By this time I was starved! I spotted the Giant Jack burger and heard it call out my name. Two half pound patties plus cheese…YUM!!! My friend ordered the bacon-cheese burger.

Shortly after ordering, I went to the restroom to wash up. Upon my return (quick!) there was this GINORMOUS juicy burger waiting for me. Served with nice crispy fries, lettuce, tomato, and onions on the side, and pickles in a jar on the table.

You know when you bite into something and it’s one of the best you’ve had in a long long time? That was exactly the sensation I had biting into the burger at Jack’s. Their meat is great, the patties are huge, juicy (not overcooked), and the bread is soft and wonderful. These guys have outstanding service and make one of the BEST burgers I’ve had anywhere in the Los Angeles area. And – bonus – the fries were good too!

I walked out stuffed, satisfied, and anxious to tell some friends about it. I’ll be returning to Jack’s soon to try some other items and see if they’re as good as the burgers…I sure hope so!