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Food Review: Bobby Flay’s Burger Palace at Mohegan Sun Casino
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Our recent experience at Bobby’s Burger Palace in Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun Casino can best be described in one word: Ehhhh.
HOW IT WORKS:
BBP isn’t a traditional restaurant in that you don’t sit down at a table and give your order to a server. Upon arriving at BBP, you’re corralled in line and are forced to stare at all sorts of Bobby Flay merchandise, before giving your order to a cashier behind a computer (think Johnny Rocket’s). You’re then given a number, and food is ultimately delivered to your table by perky waitresses who forget to give you silverware (we had to ask 3 times. Seriously, silverware and napkins in that place were harder to get than an invite to one of Ina Garten’s dinner parties).
THE DECOR:
The restaurant, which opened on July 1st, 2009, was clean and nicely lit. You share seating with people at long elementary school cafeteria-style tables with attached stools that looked like hair salon chairs from the 1950s. And what about the smell? Disappointingly, there was no “grill” aroma in the air, because the burgers are cooked on a FLAT TOP in a kitchen that’s hidden from view.
THE FOOD:
We ordered Bobby’s supposed specialties: burgers, fries, and shakes. I ordered my burger plain so I’d be able to taste the true flavor the meat (because let’s face it: a piece of shoe leather would taste good when drenched in enough bacon and cheese).
.
.
Burgers and fries are my favorite food, and I’ve been fortunate enough to taste some of the best in the world (my favorite being Solly’s in Wisconsin). As such, I had high expectations for Bobby Flay’s, considering he all but built his food empire on the grill. However, Bobby’s burger fell way short for me. It was decent, but average at best. It had a hard shell exterior with a crumbly mushy interior that put me off little bit. Also, it was not seasoned very well. The mild flavor of the meat was overpowered by the seeds on the oversized buns. We all agreed the burgers were a dead ringer for a Chili’s Old Timer, which is noticeably bigger, $2 cheaper, and comes with fries.
RATING: 6/10
.
The fries were a HUGE disappointment for us. We were expecting crisp crinkle-cut fries as shown on the BBP website, but instead got a pile of greasy, mostly broken fries that reminded us of the ones served at Five Guys… except they were hard, overcooked, chewy, and made us feel like we were gnawing on pieces of fried beef jerky. It was almost like eating a fried potato skin; the fries had a hard crumbly exterior with virtually no moist potato goodness inside. Like the burger, the fries also had minimal seasoning, but came with an orange dipping sauce that I personally found vile. I’ve had better fries at Friendly’s, and folks, that’s not saying much. Just awful.
RATING: 2/10
.
$5 gets you a small shake, served in a tiny plastic cafeteria-style tumbler. We ordered two, one dark chocolate and one vanilla bean (with whip), which were brought to us 7 minutes after our burgers arrived (someone clearly dropped the ball there). Bobby Flay has stated many times that he feels good milkshakes must be very thick, and should be eaten with a spoon. Really? The shakes at BBP were literally one minuscule scoop of barely-blended ice cream aimlessly bobbing in a sea of watery milk. The dark chocolate shake tasted almost exactly like a chocolate fudge milkshake from Baskin Robbins, and was actually tasty even though the consistency was less than desirable. However, the vanilla bean milkshake was amongst the worst shakes I’ve ever tried. It was bland, and except for an offensive hint of some unidentified chemical aftertaste, had virtually no flavor whatsoever. I did not drink it.
RATING: 2/10 (vanilla), 6/10 (chocolate)
BOTTOM LINE: The food was average at best, and was comparable to other chain restaurants that don’t have celebrity chefs or “grill experts” fronting them. We expected way more from Bobby Flay, who talks so frequently about the high standards he has for burgers, fries, and shakes. Perhaps Mr. Flay should ensure his restaurants reflect his own cooking philosophies, because the contradictions between what he says… and what BBP serves… are obvious.
Other posts on Food Network Humor:
---Bobby Flay Adds 2 New Steps To “Grill It” Intro---Ridiculous Food Network Recipe Of The Week: Bobby Flay’s TOASTED BURGER BUNS
---Grillin’ With Bobby Flay: All Week on the Food Network
---Bobby Flay Will Host 2nd Kentucky Derby Party
---EPIC FAIL: Bobby Flay Tweets His Personal E-Mail Address
- Bobby Flay
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48 Responses
I have seen pics of these burgers, fries, and shakes, and you are right – they do not match up with all of the stuff bobby preaches about in interviews or on his show. He should take some time and effort to make sure the food at BBP fits. Instead he is raking in millions selling his new book and spice rubs to you on the way in and out. Sad
We have gone to the burger palace at ms quite a few times. Burgers are good. Service, drinks and fries are not so good. We eat at the bar, the bartenders stand around never returning to ask if you need anything else. If busy, forget about getting a drink. Staff not so friendly, they seem angry. It is too bad! Could be better if mgnt cared.
Just found your site and I am so glad I read this. I have been wanting to try a B.B.P. for some gourmet burgers and shakes (even though I have heard he just uses Edy’s icecream) If I wanted food like this I would just go to Applebees.
so…an even more overpriced Fuddruckers with Bobby’s name on it…
This review of BBP is excellent. I felt, after reading the descriptions and viewing the pix, that I had tasted (and hated) the items. Well done!
Moreover, I think the absence of quality in this newest FN “star” restaurant really brings home the point that these “stars” are not in it for the food, but for the money. Over the past few years I have had the pleasure of eating in several of Emeril’s restaurants in various locations as well as Wolfgang Pucks in a couple other locations. I have never been disappointed. The food, service, wine and ambiance have never ever left me wanting for more. I am of the opinion the reason for that result is that the gentlemen who’s names are on the marque are serious about food and serving the best by the best. On the other hand, I have recently eaten at BF’s Borgata casino restaurant “Bobby Flay Steakhouse”. The service was slow and disappointing. The food was greasy and flavorless. Disappointing and irritating, especially at the cost of this crappy meal.
Yep, I think this proves it. FN “stars” only care about themselves, their wallets and poop on us. Well, ok, poop on us by Pauler Deen….
Sadly, I have heard really bad reviews from several friends that were really looking forward to trying a Bobby Flay place and felt that they would have enjoyed Friendly’s more. Too bad.
“We expected way more from Bobby Flay …”
From everything I’ve seen and heard about Flay, you pretty much got the level of quality that he’s capable of.
That’s really sad, he’s supposedly the “KING OF THE GRILL” and they use a flat top? Weird. Those fries do look sad and limp. People may have a good idea but the execution is way off. I’d rather go to Fuddruckers, at least you can see them cook your burgers.
It does look like a bunch of blah food to me. I know we are all used to highly stylized food photos these days but none of that looks appetizing.
Since Michael won the burger challenge on NFNS his italian burger is supposed to be on the menu, I wonder how it is selling and I wonder if it is anything like his original recipe?
No defense of BBP here; I haven’t eaten there, nor do I live close enough to eat there. But I will defend cooking a burger on a flat top. IMO, it’s the best technique to maximize sear, texture and flavor.
I hate burgers on flat tops! I prefer the flavor of a grilled burger anyday.
I’ve actually also eaten at BBP.
Jillian, your review was a dead ringer to my experience there.
I work in the Mohegan Sun, and I get a discount if I choose to purchase food there, but I guess I’ll pass. Maybe I’ll try a burger with toppings, if someone drags me there.
That sucks. I would have hoped it would have been good so I could try it out.
OMG! I just ate there last night with my boyfriend, and we both hated the food sooo much. I looked for reviews, and this was the first one that popped up. My vanilla milkshake was so gross and watery and was not worth $2 let alone $5. Bobby Flay is clearly cashing in on his name and stupid reputation as a grill expert but the food at BBP doesn’t reflect this at all.
It’s a sad world when you can just make money off of your name without having to live up to any standards that you preach on a daily basis. Makes me ill.
On another note I spent the last half hour laughing my ass off at this website. Wish I found it earlier! YOu have a new reader!!!
And guys, avoid BBP. If you’re at Mohegan Sun go to Big Bubba’s BBQ instead. They have one of the best burgers I’ve ever tasted. Yum!
That milkshake photo actually grossed me out…and I’m so addicted to ice cream that I’ll eat it almost any way I can take it! I won’t be having one of those, though. Luckily, there’s no “Booby” Flay digs anywhere near my area.
Like I needed another reason do dislike Bobby Flay. I actually used to respect the man until the Iron Chef counter incident…and he’s just gone downhill from there. And now he’s gone and ruined burgers and fries.
I will undoubtedly be avoiding this establishment like the plague.
Damnit, this made me hungry for cajun fries from Five Guys…
Carl’s Six Dollar Burger anyone?
Better:
Food,
Service,
Price,
Seating
And the folks who created Carl’s have been dead for years. Sorry Bobby, you ain’t cuttin’ the mustard with this place.
Well that sucks! I’ve been going to Mohegan Sun to celebrate friends and family member’s 21st birthday since I turned 21 three years ago. I know that’s not very long, but I’ve been 14 times so far, so I think I have a pretty good idea of their standards. Every restaurant you go to is amazing! Maybe that’s only my opinion while in a drunken stupor, but it’s my opinion for the time being.
It’s upsetting to know they allowed in such a shitty place. Granted I haven’t tried EVERYTHING there, obviously, but wherever you go, it’s decent food, quick service, GOOD service, and…decent to expensive meals. I was really excited to try out his burgers this August when I go again, now I think I’ll pass. I’d rather eat at a buffet than force down an overpriced celebrity burger.
Thanks for the tip!
Were you in a drunken stupor when you wrote this?
I am going to Mohegan Sun this Friday. Guess I’ll be eating at Michael Jordan’s steak house!
Unfortunately, it sounds like your experience is par for the course at BBP. I looked up the Yelp reviews for Bobby’s Burger Palace after they talked about it on Food Network Star. Most of the reviews read just like yours. Disappointing fries, and small overpriced milkshakes.
This has just totally discredited Bobby for me. Now everytime he speaks on NFNS about someone else’s food being bland or dry or whatever, I just roll my eyes. How can an Iron Chef who is so critical of other chefs put his name on subpar food?
Sounds like this review was written by an ex-girlfriend of Bobby’s. The reviewer could dislike the burger … OR the shake … OR the fries and I would still pay attention. But by ripping every single item, the author loses credibility with me and reveals one helluva grudge.
Hate to burst your bubble, Mike, but none of us are ex-girlfriends of Bobby’s – nor do we have any sort of grudge against him.
We gave our honest, frank opinions of the food, which was mostly awful. We didn’t rip the burgers, we ripped the disgusting fries and awful vanilla milkshakes.
Take the review or leave it. We’re not performing brain surgery here – just sharing our thoughts.
Maybe it depends on who is making it? I have been to the bbp in smithtown nNY several times, and while it’s not steller or totally worth the price, the burgers aren’t mushy and the seeds on the bun don’t overpower it. (i don’t even remember if there are seeds on the bun). The milkshakes are actually REALLY good there – they are thick (not spoon only, but not runny) and have a good taste. They also aren’t as small as yours seemed to be? Every single time mine has come out before my meal.
But I agree the fries aren’t that good, and all the sauces are gross. It usually takes a bit of time to get silverware too.
The Hartford Courant (local paper) just gave Bobby’s Burger Palace an awful review as well. They actually called it “a bit of a downer.” Understatement!
Ah The Courant…The newspaper where a review can be a 3 and be the best thing the reviewer has ever eaten and the next day the review will be a 3 and be the worst thing he’s ever eaten :P
And Jillian, you’re OBVIOUSLY a bitter ex-girlfriend of Bobby’s because no one in the history of food has ever disliked everything they tried. It’s just not possible!
@kael,
We’ve only written 2 food reviews for FNH. We loathed Pepe’s Pizza, and we were disappointed with Bobby’s Burger Palace. We didn’t “HATE” it. We were completely underwhelmed.
Also, I’m not sure where is it written that I’ve disliked every food I’ve ever tried. That’s hardly the case, and that statement is just silly!
Finally, I would never date Bobby Flay. Ever. Period. The end.
I was just joking about the ridiculous statement that you seemed to be an angry ex-girlfriend just because you didn’t like the food there. I certainly did not mean it seriously, nor do I think you hate everything you eat, lol
So glad to have found this website! I just ate at Bobby’s Bueger Palace with my fiance tonight, and I had to come somewhere to vent. It was AWFUL!!! The french fries were greasy and tasteless and my vanilla milkshake was, in a word, vile. I would have enjoyed Burger King more. Wish I read this review before wasting our time, and money. Flay should be ashamed!
I can’t wait to go read the rest of this site!
I went to BBP last night, and ordered the Napa Valley Burger. I’ll put it like this: I would rather go to Five Guys and spend ten bucks on a double hamburger with fries and a soft drink instead. Ten bucks at BBP got me a burger on a bun that looked medium rare to me, with wilted watercress, goat cheese that looked like a blob of mayonnaise, and lemon honey mustard that seemed like an afterthought as opposed to an accompanying condiment. No fries were included in that order. It wasn’t the best burger in the world, even if it bears Flay’s name. The next time I go I will try the Dallas burger. If that one doesn’t float my boat, it’s “hasta la vista” to BBP.
What??? are there NO posative responces???
I’ve eaten @ all of Boobyb Flay’s Restaurant’s in NY and loved them!!!
And, I’m with Kael….The “Courant”???? REALLY???? Don’t even go there with me…what a LAME excuse for a newspaper……
I just left the Burger Place. I must tell you I was not at all impressed. The burgers were way to done even though they were ordered med.. They were not juicy. There was nothing about the burgers that would make them stand out. The french fries dry and greasy at the same time. I also do not like the seating arrangement. If you are out with other people you can’t have a conversation. I think tables would have been a better choice. y, I think he needs to get better management, or be there himself. That place is definitely an embrassment to his reputation. I’m not to eager to run to his New York establishments after that dissappointment. The local hamburger joint in town offers a better burger.
That looks like a house burger.
My husband and I went here..for the first and last time.
I swear they use those Bubba brand burgers I buy in the grocery store. Same shape & thickness.
For $30 we got 2 overcooked…dry burgers. Ice cold & hard bacon with wilted lettuce….all on a stale roll.
The sweet potato fries were good…only in the middle….as all the ends were burnt. The shake was tasteless & watery. The only high point were the onion rings….they were very good…but you don’t get many.
Whoever thought up the seating should be fired immediately. Bolted to the floor stools…set too close to the long….bolted to the floor table.
Don’t expect to be able to sit comfortably if you are a bigger person or pregnant.
2 men we saw tried to turn the stool sideways..just so they could eat without being pressed against the edge of the table. They ate fast & left. My guess is that they won’t go back.
Over $30 for poorly prepared food? Next time I’ll just go to Chili’s….get a burger & fries…a beer and sit at a real table….far away from strangers.
I give it another 6 months.
This post makes me laugh! You need silverware for a burger and fries, why? It has a 50′s donut shop seating atmosphere which makes it a true burger dive. If you get the burger cooked medium there is no way it was a dry burger. Also, there couldn’t have been wilted lettuce when they use watercress on the burgers which are great by the way. Seriously, don’t pass this up for good fast grub, the burgers are $7.50 ( get the toppings! That is what makes the burger!) and the fries, sweet fries, and onion rings are around $3.00. The shakes are a bit pricey at $5.00. I like it!
Come to FLIP BURGER BOUTIQUE in Atlanta, GA if you want great burgers, fries, and milkshakes.
[...] 2. Bobby Flay is opening yet another Bobby’s Burger Palace (page 32). This time, he’s going to Philadelphia, where you’ll soon be able to order a burger topped “with Whiz.” Congratulations to Bobby, who managed to come up with a menu item that sounds even more unappetizing than the ordinary burger and fries I had there last year. [...]
If you are you going to be ignorant you should not post reviews. Obviously you are only suited to eat at places like mcdonalds.
@ChiefUncas, have you eaten at this place?
Based on all the comments, you’d be better off at Steak and Shake.
wife and i were very dressed up and ready to relax, bartender was unwilling or unable to control drunk and unruly guests, we left withour ordering and went to m.jordans 10-5-10 at 7pm
The first time I ate at BBP I actually did not dislike it…in fact I liked it well enough to eat there a second time.
On my second try, everyone in my party (fiancee, buddy, and I) got food poisoning. I was afraid to go back.
On my third try, I didn’t eat. My fiancee did and once again got food poisoning.
There will not be a fourth try. I am scared sh*tless of this place!
In all honesty, the burgers are OK and the fries (get the sweet waffle ones) are at least passable. So it’s not that I dislike the food…it’s that I dislike the food poisoning!
If you go, best of luck!
So…… the “get what you pay for” adage does not pass the reality test?
In our era of mass marketing and the many types of hype used by the many groups and individuals lusting after your disposable wealth it is not surprising!!!
On the whole, I find myself devoting ever-more time preparing my own comestibles. Tossing together my own vittles.
Assembling my own meals that even when using packaged and processed ingredients from boxes, cans, packets, pouches, etc. is often less expensive and better tasting than the offerings tendered by prepared-for-you joints.
I admit that the “value menus” of many scarf-n-barf fast food joints can be hard to compete with on a cost basis but that level of fare is so basic that a salad at home is so much healthier and grease-laden dead cow slithering down into ones’ digestive system.
Sadly, it seems to fat-laden me that french fry quality has diminished over the decades.
It is becoming more difficult to obtain the crinkle-cut style french fries. A very few local burger joints, non-chain type, have crinkle-cuts and the regional chain burger joint, Culvers, has crinkle-cut fries but most area burger joints offer sub-par fries while asking top-dollar for their so-so offering.
Sheeesh. Profit before EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!
Well, corporate greedsters, perhaps a growing number of USA denizens will wake up and realize how they are being screwed and join the ranks of Disgruntled Old Coots.
Diminish the number of meals eaten away from one’s abode and eat more made-at-home vittles.
Save money, eat healthier and perhaps even lose some weight.
There is much to indicate the many benefits of eating home-prepared grub while minimizing eating outside the home.
And when eating out…… reward those offering decent foodstuffs at a competitive yet fair-to-all price.
Asking premium prices for sub-par food should be weeded out by a non-brainwashed herd of consumers.
I’m commenting solely because you mentioned Solly’s. :) I live in Milwaukee, WI, and even though I’m a vegetarian, my friends and I go to Solly’s after finals each semester. It’s such a great place!
I’ve not been to this Bobby Flay owned restaurant but I have been to his signature restaurants throughout NY and Las Vegas and each was exceptional. He may have stretched himself too thin with this burger chain from a business point of view but to say the poor food here is a reflection on him as a chef is unfair and inaccurate. Poor business decision, perhaps; poor cooking ability on his part, no way.