Teak Neighborhood Grill – 6400 Time Square Avenue Orlando

Teak

 

Teak Neighborhood Grill – 6400 Time Square Avenue Orlando.

I collect great Burger Bars like other people collect memorabilia, so when I saw that Teak had been awarded numerous accolades for the “Best Burger” from Fox 35, WESH 2 News, My City Eats and many more I had to experience their Burgers for myself.

Teak is situated in the Metro West district and not your usual location for this style of operation, but it works. With a monumental amount of condo and apartment complexes, a smattering of local business and nearby Valencia College, the catchment area for customers is vast and Teak truly deserves its tag line as a “Neighborhood Restaurant & Bar.

Teak is situated on the corner of the Times Square condo complex of shops and administration buildings, with great parking. If eating inside, expect a sort of “Biker” Bar meets Tavern vibe which works well and adds to the appeal in my opinion when eating a Burger. Seating is a mix of low tables and high tops.

Outside there is a fantastic large covered patio and modern bar and surprisingly not too hot, even on day like today when temperatures reached 90+. On a cooler day and in the evening this space “Rocks”.

Service by our waiter Tony was exceptional. Understanding this was our first visit he took us through the menu and restaurant history and started the process of making you feel like a regular customer right off the bat. Obviously Teak has more than a Burger offering, with a selection of Salads, Flatbreads, Soups, Sandwiches and interesting Entrees, but we were here for the Burgers.

There are circa 16 burgers on the normal menu with innovative names such as “Drunken Monk” and “Engine Oil” as examples. All selected for their combination of ingredients to balance and complement each other (according to Tony our server). However, say the magic password (Currently America) and your server will produce a “Secret” Burger menu of an additional 19 Burger combinations. All of this vast selection and combinations should be enough to satisfy the most selective of customer, but if you don’t see your favorite combination, Teak will be happy to accommodate your requests.

If you do opt for this self-selection route order the “Plain Jane” and build your Burger from there.

I ordered the “Plain Jane “a Half-Pound patty, American cheese, Lettuce and Tomato, with additions of Bacon, Over easy Egg and BBQ sauce on a Toasted Brioche Bun. In addition, we also ordered the American Kobe Burger, again a Half-Pound patty topped with Sautéed Onions, Mushrooms, Herb Mayo and melted Swiss Cheese, we added fresh Jalapenos to spice it up a bit.

The Burgers were cooked to perfection, exactly medium rare and a great “Beefy” taste that is so lacking in burger chain offerings, this simple fact of cooking to the correct temperature will make or break any Burger you order. Add to this this quality and weight of meat (no burger should be under 8oz) then you have the “Trifecta” of Burger production or what I like to call the QTW Factor (Quality – Temperature – Weight). In regard to toppings its very much “one man’s meat is another man’s poison” in my opinion, so just go with what you like but don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone from time to time.

Regarding the beer, they have an ever expending array of Craft Draft and Bottle beers, featuring Funky Buddha, Swamp Head and Cigar City, to name but a few. Add Ciders, Cocktails, Wine and Stouts and you will be spoilt for choice.

Insider tips for Teak:

Follow Teak on Facebook to acquire the monthly secret password for the extended Burger menu (well worth it but currently “America”)

Great Parking

Loads of events from Live Music to Trivia nights, a true Neighborhood Local

They also have a “Wacky” Cronie Burger – Two French doughnuts tossed in cinnamon sugar with a half-pound burger slipped in between, topped with maple-pepper bacon, smoked Gouda cheese and an over easy egg. Not my usual selection but would be hard to overlook at my next visit.

Ask your server for new beer arrivals and seasonal brews

The Burgers at Teak Neighborhood Grill have now firmly set their position as one of my top recommendations for a great Burger in and around Orlando and well deserved, I know it’s a little off the beaten track but a fun spot with great food and service. “Well Done Tony” and great value for money with an extensive menu if you don’t fancy a Burger. So become a Teak local and pop over to sample for yourself I am sure you won’t be disappointed.

I know I will be back.

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