Whenever traveling there’s always a sequential order of things that I’m on the hunt for which can vary in order depending on time constraints and priority. Those particular must do’s usually center around digging for records, vintage toys or other vintage shops, an old school pinball arcade and of course food which depending on region varies from burgers to ramen to BBQ. I typically like to do my homework before heading out as to not waste time once I arrive but most times there will always be someone local that knows exactly what I’m into and can point me in the right direction. Locals will always know the best spots and even though there might be times where even they themselves can’t agree on the best, taking their advice usually ends of being the best decision.
For a few years now fellow DJ, record shop owner (Thanks For Listening) and all around good human homie JD has stated that if I every made my way to Virginia Beach that I really needed to try out the best burger in the city at a place called Frank and Patty’s. When co-signs and recommendations like that happen before we even discuss records, then I’m intrigued to say the least. This past weekend the opportunity arose to not only play a very intimate friends and family private event (which we’ll discuss at a later time) and to sample what has easily made it’s way into my top 5 burger list.
Enter Frank and Patty’s, what I would describe as an dimly lit, upscale dive bar where if you’re a local then this is the only place you would ever have a burger (or burger and cocktail together) anywhere in at least 100 mile radius. The co-sign was real and after getting the full kitchen tour by business partners Doddie and JD and seeing the process of how they turn out their burgers, I knew that holding off on eating all afternoon would be well worth the wait. The menu is simple, 6 burgers and a hot dog which I really like, take pride in what you specialize in and do it right. Choosing which burger on the menu was easy, or at least I thought so but I opted for the Oklahoma, a double smashed burger, caramelized onions, pickles and goodboy sauce on a potato bun. The first bite was like heaven, the softness of the bun, the crispiness of the edges of the beef and tied all together with the sauce while staying fully intact and not falling apart. A well made burger with absolutely no complaints until Doddie decided to order me the “Spicy” which took my Frank and Patty’s burger experience to another level. Double beef patty, white American cheese, goodboy sauce, sweet pepper relish and jalapenos on a potato bun. How could an already perfect experience get any better? Well the Spicy sure helped but in addition to their burger game being proper, the fries made the perfect compliment. Of course regular fries with salt and pepper are standard, but fries with caramelized onions and cheese are the goto when you’re feeling fancy. their cocktails are as equally on point and they take pride in both. Their drink selection and program is also on point with beer, wine and full range of cocktails (I opted for several Gin & Tonic’s) which makes what many would see as a local burger joint more like an essential destination that rivals other burger spots.
A place like this you would expect to pay $15 -$20 per burger but not at Frank and Patty’s where $10 is the price point and well worth it. We miss “old school” type of places where you can still eat cheap which seems to become less and less where investment firms and restaurant groups seem to be opening anything that they can and price high for often times average at best dishes.
Having spent the last 4 hour at Frank and Patty’s and closing out the bar at 2am, this was the perfect way to close out the Virginia weekend and I’m definitely looking forward to a return visit. If you’re in or around the Norfolk area, I highly recommend you bounce over to Virginia Beach to get your burger fix, you won’t be disappointed!