Hamburger Helper
(Thanks to Matt Meehan for this reporting.)
Call the Police, ‘cause it a hamburger emergency! A Balehoo reader recently let me know that she is in desperate need of that good ole American classic, the hamburger, here in Basel, but didn’t know where to turn. Well, here are a couple of suggestions—and let’s just exclude the fast food joints, we all know what and where they are.
PAPA JOE’S
The closest thing to an “American” restaurant here in Basel, Papa Joe’s is where you can get your fix of chicken wings, spare ribs, nachos…and a pretty decent burger. And while the prices might actually, physically knock your socks right off (CHF 22.50 for a cheeseburger?? It’s MEAT + BREAD + CHEESE, people…), you can certainly get your burger and fry fix taken care of. And don’t forget the CHF 7 margarita and caipirinha happy hour – til 7 every day.
Papa Joe’s Restaurant and Bar
Barfüsserplatz, Stadtcasino, 4001 Basel
Phone +41 61 225 93 94, Fax +41 61 225 93 99
PADDY REILLY’S
Ok, so it’s loud, crowded and smoky. And maybe an Irish pub isn’t your kind of place. But when I’m in the mood, a Paddy’s cheeseburger and fries does the trick for me. Not a bad burger for Switzerland. Find yourself a table inside or out, and then order at the bar. Best of all – you can wash it down with a Guinness. Latecomers beware—the kitchen is only open until 9 pm. And if you feel a little guilty about the calories, you can head downstairs after 10 pm to dance and sweat it off.
*KARENA-HOO NOTE: While I’ve enjoyed many a Paddy burger, every once in a while they come out a bit too raw for my personal parasite-fearing pleasure. So keep your eyes peeled and your shot of tequila at the ready.
Paddy Reilly’s Irish Pub and Restaurant
Steinentorstrasse 45
4051 Basel
EO IPSO
The cool, somewhat upscale restaurant/bar in an old tank factory in the Gundeli, eo ipso doesn’t seem like a likely place for a good burger. And, in the spirit of transparency, I myself have never consumed one there, nor been present during the actual burger eating process. But I have heard from several people that, during the summer, outside, at the bar, you can get a very good hamburger. So if you happen to be in the neighborhood, swing by and see what you think. I may just be there finding out for myself.
eo ipso
Dornacherstrasse 192
4053 Basel
061 333 1490
Of course, if any of you out there know of other places in and around Basel where you can get a burger, please let me know so I can add it to the list! Send your recommendations to karena.meehan@balehoo.com.
*This juicy photo was taken at my recent trip to Wild Abandon, a fabulous Portland restaurant, which offers up these mighty meaty beauties for just $5 a pop during happy hour.