Best Burger Series v.2 Seamus McCaffrey's

If you have ever been the victim of an error while out dining this one is for you. Likewise, if you are employed in the service industry (particularly the restaurant business) and you are unsure what do in order to remedy an error, this is also for you.

 

                This week’s endeavor at reviewing a good burger was done at none other than downtown Phoenix’s own Seamus McCaffrey’s. I will admit, I have been to this place several times, but never really as anything other than a bar patron. However, I tried to give the food a fair run this time around.

                For those that don’t know, opposite all the trendy downtown eateries, nestled just past the historic San Carlos Hotel, Seamus has been a Phoenix staple for over twenty years.

                On a recent jaunt downtown to attend a concert, I decided to stop in for a beer and a burger as I haven’t been there in quite some time.  We sat at the bar, mostly because I like the view- and the convenient proximity of all the available spirits. My selection for the evening was dubbed the “Patty O’ Melt” (Clever right, ‘cause it’s an Irish Pub? Yes? No? Maybe? Ok, nevermind). The restaurant’s website describes it as “1/3 pound of juicy burger topped with grilled onions & melted Swiss on grilled rye bread”.

                So I along with my girlfriend placed our orders, got our drinks and began conversing, about things that couples that have been together for over a year converse about. Ok, so we were vehemently basking in the white glow of our cell phones, while checking our Facebook news feeds.

                After about ten minutes my girlfriend received her Shepherd’s Pie.  And I was still without my Patty Melt. Ahem, Patty O’ Melt. So sorry.

At any rate, a few more minutes went by and I munched on the bread that had been presented with my girlfriend’s entrée. Still no melt, Patty O’ or otherwise. I checked the rolling ticket that the bartender had sat down before us on the bar. Scanning it, I saw that no Patty O’ Melt was on the bill.

We got the attention of another employee, who apologized profusely and promised to reduce my meal by half if we still wanted the order. I did, and accepted the offer, thinking that was the end of the affair.  When our bartender returned, he too apologized, but explained his omission of ringing the meal as oversight. And then raised both hands for a duel fist bump. To my surprise he disappeared for a quick second, returned promptly with my food, and told us that my meal had been comped!

And let me be clear, it wasn’t the free meal that made this interaction worthwhile. It was the fact that he admitted and then corrected the issue. In addition, I will point out I wasn’t rude or impatient, stuff happens, and it’s not the end of the world (I mean after all, it’s not as though he left me without my trusty beer- that would’ve caused a raucous).

 

Now down to brass tacks: When I tasted the Patty O’ Melt it was rich and savory, the beef not overly heaped onto the rye bread, but still generously portioned. The onions, while some might consider slight, were numerous enough for my liking and complimented the burger rather than overpowering it. The cheese was melted to perfection, giving it the overall gooey-delectable factor that I personally enjoy.

So overall Seamus not only produced a damn fine burger, they really turned what could’ve been a bad experience around, by cementing it with hospitality and personality, which is really what’s appetizing.