4 Stars

It started as an empty restaurant in July of 2009. On the corner of Cleveland and Russell Avenue, it was a hot spot for unsuccessful taquerias. The transformation into Brody’s Burgers and Brews was no easy feat.

“I did most of the remodel myself over the period of several months,” said Dale Eckebrecht, owner and designer of Brody’s.

My experience began with a cruise on my bicycle. Looking for a place to park my bike next to the half-dozen or so already outside, I could see: Brody’s makes a perfect destination for an afternoon bicycle, motorcycle or car ride. As I entered, four black cruisers were on shelves between booths in the center of the restaurant. An updated paint job and new décor was exactly what the building needed.

The menu showed we were definitely in the heart of Northern California. The menu includes veggie burgers and other healthy alternatives such as turkey and chicken.

For burger lovers, bison and beef burgers are not only offered single-stacked, but are available in double and triple as well. All the beef is 100 percent vegetarian fed, with no added hormones or antibiotics.

The staff was friendly and helpful. The crew of three people were visibly busy but happy to provide excellent customer service. Eckebrecht was hard at work assembling burgers and frying potatoes, sweet potatoes and zucchini.

My “Big Sky Burger” was ready within 10 minutes, timely considering it isn’t fast food.

“I wanted to create something different and healthier,” Eckebrecht said when asked about his fast food rivals.

I bit into a perfect blend of sautéed mushrooms, cheddar cheese and onion on top of a tender bison patty. I knew within the first few bites that I had found a new weekend lunch spot.

“Oh man, this is good,” I uttered minutes into eating, but aside from that, I remained silent, too focused on food to converse.

The restaurant created an atmosphere comfortable for friends and I to sit around and talk about the meal. “The chicken sandwich was cooked just right, not too dry and with plenty of flavor” said one friend, finishing off our fried zucchini. “For the price, this is definitely five-star taste,” said another.

With plenty of healthy and more natural menu options, $1 draft beers and friendly service, Brody’s Burgers and Brews is a great destination for anyone looking for a tasty burger and warm atmosphere for a reasonable price.