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B3 Brings the Mission Exactly What it's Been Missing: Incredible Burgers (now closed)

Note: Sadly, B3 has closed since writing this review.

For the last two months I've been on a burger binge. For absolutely no reason, I've had an uncontrollable urge to stuff myself with simple, raw, beefy goodness, and both my friends and my figure have begun to take notice. I've indulged my cravings at NOPA, Bar Tartine, Serpentine, Fish & Farm, Cafe des Amis, Burgermeister, and Big Mouth Burgers, only to be left wanting more. And last week, just when I thought the cravings had died down, I stumbled upon B3, the Mission's new burger-focused restaurant located a mere two blocks from my front door. After my first bite, I knew this restaurant was created purely to destroy me.

Clearly, B3's goal is to demolish any intentions I had to start living a healthy, burger-free life. The menu is simple - start with a 8 oz grass-fed beef patty (from Marin Sun Farms), and add on whatever it takes to create your definition of the perfect burger. For me, this meant caramelized onion, cheddar cheese, bourbon brown sugar bacon,  lettuce, and just for the hell of it, a farm egg to add that extra little touch of cholesterol my burger was missing. And, of course, a good smattering of mayo and ketchup to top it all off. The result? After waking up from my paralyzing food coma, pure bliss.

And, obviously since that burger alone didn't provide me with ample calories, I ordered a side of PBR-battered onion rings for good measure. B3's onion rings are unlike any others I've tasted in the City; these rings are not the standard thinly-coated, greasy rings you're used to, but are instead reminiscent of fluffy, perfectly fried fish and chips. If you can find the room to handle them, they're worth it.

Although my stomach may always welcome an indecent helping of B3's beef, luckily my wallet is not as inviting. With a patty that starts at $10, and most toppings ranging from $1 to $3 each, the costs can start adding up quick. The price of my ideal creation? $17 before tax. While there's nothing I wouldn't pay for that singular bite of pure joy, it's not something I'd pay premium prices for on a regular basis. Luckily for me, prices like these mean that B3's burgers will only be an occasional indulgence, rather than follow in the footsteps of Knead Patisserie and become full-blown addiction.

And, although their menu goes beyond burgers and offers a selection of classic American dishes, I don't see myself stopping in for a mushroom sandwich or a sausage plate. If you're close enough for this restaurant to become a weekly destination, then ordering more adventurous selections makes sense. But, if a visit to B3 can only be a rare occasion, then stick to what they do best: a classic, delicious, unholy helping of burger.

B3
1152 Valencia St
(between 22nd St & 23rd St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 401-7258
http://www.bcubedsf.info/

B3 on Urbanspoon