Zinburger, Where UVA Comes to Play
Marlie Soderquist, staff writer
Located in the Barracks Road shopping center, Zinburger Wine and Burger Bar stands out from the run of the mill store fronts with its large glass windows and backyard-feel patio seating.
Walking into Zinburger, customers are hit with the crispness of white napkins on polished wooden tables with white chairs, mirror-lined walls, multiple televisions, and a delightfully large mural of cows grazing in a green pasture, a slight reminder of the fresh and healthy beef you are about to be fed.
The wait staff wears denim shirts and pants, that give the atmosphere a more relaxed bar vibe. The many times I have been to Zinburger, my service has been expected for a burger joint. Drinks are refilled, food comes out within 10 minutes, mistakes are fixed promptly, and the amount of friendliness you receive depends on your server, which is expected in a restaurant always filled with college students.
“It’s all about the guests, the guests keep me coming back to work every day. It’s at the base of UVA if you want to see a basketball player, coaches, anybody they all come to Zinburger,” stated Shaun, our helpful and caring waiter, showing the true colors of Zinburger and their employees.
The price of the burgers range anywhere from $9 to $15, depending on your choice of meat, and in comparison to other top burger joints in Charlottesville, their prices are similar if not lower in some cases. They offer salads, sides such as onion rings, fries, coleslaw, and mac and cheese, build your own burger, which is a nice option if you do not like any of their pre-made choices, and delicious shakes and pies for dessert.
I have been rather displeased my last few visits to Zinburger due to the employee meetings they have right in the center of the restaurant. Granted, these times have been right before prime lunch and dinner hours, the restaurant still had customers and the meetings seem rather last minute.
Although, I am happy they are getting caught up on their tasks and goals for the night, when your waitress is standing in a huddle and their manager will not let them leave to refill your water, it seems rather juvenile and something you would see in a new restaurant and not one that has been open for a few years.
On my last visit, I started with an order of a favorite of mine and anyone else I have brought to Zinburger, their Double Truffle Fries which are topped with Truffle oil and parmesan, and served with a Truffle Aioli dipping sauce. Is your mouth watering yet?
After I was finished, delivered on a white plate was their wonderful Ahi Tuna Sandwich. Served on their signature bun which is soft on the inside and lightly toasted the Ahi tuna is served medium rare and must be the best Ahi I have ever tasted.
Their mayonnaise with Tamari glaze which gives it a phenomenally sweet taste, three slices of avocado which complement the fish without overpowering it, coleslaw and three pickle slices off to the side.
Zinburger has been a nice alternative to Five Guys and Burger King by offering many specials to their guests and always having a new burger on the menu. If you are looking for a delicious and filling meal, Zinburger is the place to be.
