Burgers in the air! This afternoon I went to Flipside; very good burger. Like a fancy Burger King. Good fries. Unfortunate large wall menu typo: "Choose you bread".

This is my first post on here--I registered some time ago and never used the account but have enjoyed this thread, as I love burgers! Luckily for me, I also live a couple of blocks from Sidebar, where I have enjoyed many a burger over the 4 or 5 years I've been here. I like going for a late lunch--so hard to find a place that stays open between 2 and 5 and I often work from home, so a midafternoon bite at Sidebar offers a nice chance to get out in the world and see some other real live people.

I think Sidebar is probably my favorite area burger, followed by Mua and Chop Bar. Trueburger is just OK in my book. Recent big burger disappointment: Sparky's on Piedmont Ave., not good at all (horrible bun, among other indignities).

The reason I am posting, though, is that Ahn's Burger hasn't been mentioned in this thread and when I'm looking for no-frills, thin patty flattop grilled, and a non-artisan airy and "enriched" bun from a bag, Ahn's is where I often wind up. It's basically across the street from Sidebar and a total dive, but I do appreciate the simplicity of their burger. Carefully seasoned with just a dash of salt and pepper. Crinkly fries. Good shakes. Easily accessible walk-up window; a 90% chance of getting a contact high in the parking lot. Fun to get to go and eat by Lake Merritt or amble on down the street to Room 389 and enjoy on their patio with a Sierra Nevada or three.

That's pretty much all I have to add, except that I too will be trying out American Oak soon. Always like an excuse to go to Alameda. (Great name for a place, too, it just sounds warm and inviting somehow!)