Table for Two

New owner creates gourmet fast food

Posted

Burger Bandit
2 Broadway, Lynbrook
(516) 516-593-4015
www.burgerbandit.com

Now is the time to try burgers that rival the fast food big boys, and even some gastro pubs and restaurants. Why now? Because once the new Lynbrook movie theater opens, Burger Bandit, located across the street, will probably be all the rage. And, while franchising is definitely a future plan, you’ll get to taste the original versions.
After months of enhancing Burger Bandit, new owner, Ryan Straschonow, re-opened in July. Coming from a family who owned a catering hall in Brooklyn, he learned his way around the food industry from an early age. As a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, he earned degrees in Culinary Arts, Food Service Management, and Hospitality. His talents include combining unlikely ingredients (such as melted cheddar over apple pie), creating surprisingly delicious items. He credits his mother, Aksana, and brother, Lawrence, for their work at the eatery as well.
Décor reflects a sleek, industrial-chic look. Order food at the counter and a server will deliver it to your table. Before you sit, notice the seasoning station — 10 varieties for your fries. Select your beverage from an Interactive Coca Cola Freestyle Machine, which offers 186 combinations of soda and non-carbonated drinks in flavors you’ve only imagined. Besides the standard condiments are homemade options, including Truffle Mayo, Guacamole, Chipotle Mayo, Bandit Sauce, and Tomato Onion Jam.
We sampled three scrumptious burgers, all made with 100 percent prime beef. Brunch Love Burger was topped with a sunny side up egg, fried onions, cheddar cheese, curly fries and bacon mayo. Surf & Turf Burger was topped with grilled shrimp, tomato, arugula, red onion and House Buffalo sauce. All American, a bit more standard, has American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions and Bandit Sauce. Another option, Build-your-own burger, includes a choice of turkey or vegetable patty, on a choice of potato roll, lettuce wrap, Texas Toast, or gluten-free bun, and many toppings. Fries are consistently crunchy, served in a bag. Beer Battered Fried Pickles were crisp on the outside, soft and juicy inside.
Old Style Shakes come in two sizes. Ice cream can top any dessert. We shared Sweet Potato Special — sweet potato fries sprinkled with cinnamon, brown sugar, drizzled with Nutella and melted marshmallow — reminiscent of sweet potato pie and/or S’mores.
Burgers are $8 to $12, and other options like a chicken sandwich, hotdog, grilled cheese, BLT, or a chopped Salad are $3 to $9. Sides include a Bag of Fries, $6 to $10 for regular, sweet potato, curly, crispy onions, or beer battered pickles. Desserts and shakes are $3 to $6. Kids’ meals, which include fries and a drink, are $6. Delivery is available to a two-mile radius or 15-minute ride, based on navigation. Hours are currently 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Once the movie theater opens, they will stay open until 15 minutes after the last show.

Recommendations:
■ All American Burger
■ Brunch Love Burger
■ Surf & Turf Burger
■ Bag of Fries
■ Beer Battered Pickles
■ Sweet Potato Special Dessert
■ Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream