Houston, we have a cheeseburger and Jerry built it! If you subscribe to the American burger loving culture, then Jerry Built Homegrown Burgers is the place for you, your kinsfolk, and friends. Situated in the West University area of The Bayou City at 3501 W. Holcombe Boulevard, just before or after our renowned medical district, depending on which direction you are traveling. If you reside closer to Memorial City Mall area, then 10403 Katy Freeway is an option. Some people may consider this fast food. But, I prefer to call it fast food prepared with a slow loving handmade with quality ingredients.
As I entered Jerry’s, I noticed that the team members were all smiling. They are friendly. The restaurant has an Art Deco feel, is light, airy, and clean. After placing my order for Jerry’s famous cheeseburger, the seasonal, Divine Burger, Barbara’s Barbecue Chicken Salad, then I tried the fried pickles with Ernie’s signature sauce on the side for my dipping pleasure. And, an order of natural cut Truffle Parmesan fries, a feast fit for either a queen, mom, dad, kids, and friends. Then I sampled the fresh-made strawberry and blueberry lemonades. If that wasn’t enough, the hand-spun shakes beckoned to me, and I acquiesced. Mint Chocolate Chip is the new shake on Jerry’s block, and then there is the classic Cookies ‘n Cream shake. They both went down rather well.
Photo Credit: Syneetra Williams
As I said, if you love burgers Jerry’s is the place for you. If not, never fear because they serve chicken burgers with all of the fixings that nature wanted us to have. The Portobello Mushroom Burger has a place on Jerry’s menu for those of us who are committed to a vegetarian diet. Since I am a carnivore, I couldn’t wait to dine sumptuously on Jerry’s signature cheeseburger. Smothered in melted American cheese, grilled onions, green leaf lettuce, tomatoes and Ernie’s secret sauce on a toasted whole wheat bun. What a delicious mess! The beef was juicy and seasoned to perfection. All of the vegetables were garden-fresh.
The seasonal Divine Burger has goat cheese, bacon, arugula, honey aioli, cranberry and caramelized onions compote meticulously placed between my whole-wheat bun. These unusual combinations of ingredients made a new impression on my tongue and pallette. If you are moved by burgers, then please make haste to either of Jerry’s locations. Even a beef-eater loves salad sometimes. Barbara’s Barbecue Salad is a full of crisp Romain lettuce, corn, black beans, corn nuts, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, and big chunks of barbecue chicken. It has a strong southwestern flavor. All of the food groups were present.
Photo Credit: Syneetra Williams
Now, fried pickles is a new concept for me, and although I am not a fan, this appetizer has merit. They are aesthetically pleasing because they are lightly fried, cut into quarter-sized medallions, and served with ranch dressing and Ernie’s signature sauce. If you enjoy fried pickles, then you will love Jerry’s. The portion sizes scream “I am a true Texan!”
Photo Credit: Syneetra Williams
Since I have had a passionate love affair going on with fries from a young age, I am not about to end things now. At the end of the day, it is those natural-cut potatoes that have a perfect balance between tender and crispy and covered in parmesan cheese that made me a new Jerry’s Built fan. I could not stop eating them. You can ask for ketchup, but there is no need for this condiment because the flavor will make you forget about additives. These fries stand on their own. Did anyone ask for desserts? Well, I regularly give into my sweet tooth's demands, and Friday was no different. The hand-spun milkshakes served with whipped cream, and a cherry on top was thick, creamy and flavorful. I consider shakes to be a combination of a beverage and dessert all wrapped into one. If you prefer traditional sweets after your lunch or dinner, by all means, order an assortment of fresh baked cookies, brownies, and their famous ice cream sandwich. Jerry’s is the kind of place for family and adult time.
Photo Credit: Amanda Calderon
After lunch and dinner at Jerry’s with the kids is done. Come back for some adult libations such as beer and wine during Happy Hour. Every Monday through Thursday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. It features Jerry’s Classic Cheeseburger, which is your traditional fair, and Jerry’s Cheeseburger for $5.00. If you want to substitute beef for chicken or portobello mushroom, you can do so for the same price. Seamus Dalton has been doing a little bit of everything for Jerry’s for about three years. When he talks about the restaurant’s philosophy on insisting that they support local vendors when they can, he beams with pride. Jerry’s participates in regular fundraising events so that their community schools can have what they need to educate their children. He extends an open invitation to everyone. “Try it,” said Dalton, “the best way to know about something is to come and give it a try!”
Did anyone ask about ambiance? Well, Jerry thought of that too. As I mentioned earlier, the décor has an Art Deco vibe. The dining area has an artistic mural that reflects the Houston community in which Jerry's residing. The artist, Mike Guillory captured the color and essence of the West University area. If you look to the right, there is a chalkboard that the kiddos can write on. There is a handwashing station designed with your child in mind. And, if you love plants there are four cascading streams of Devils Ivy flowing down to the floor. Jerry’s prides themselves on supporting local vendors and supporting education and their partnerships with local non-profits such as The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston, and The YMCA. Jerry is committed to the Houston community!
If you are still in doubt about why you and your family should try Jerry’s, here are my top five reasons:
1. The beef and chicken are humanely handled with no added hormones or antibiotics.
2. They never use hormones, antibiotics, nor nitrates.
3. They never use trans fat or hydrogenated oils.
4. The soft drinks are made with cane sugar.
5. They bake cookies and bread daily.
