The latest burger joint to open in Greater New Haven is GW Carson’s Burger Bar in Branford, which is located next to 9 East Hibachi & Asian Kitchen and shares some ownership.
I paid a first visit with a friend in June, a second with my younger daughter in July. You have to pass over this floor exhibit to reach the hostess station.
It was very busy during the first visit, still flush with opening excitement and a Friday to boot.
We looked over the menu
and drinks list,
selecting a bowl of sweet fire-roasted corn and chipotle soup for a starter.
We both ordered burgers, which were brought to us by this friendly staff member.
My friend got a port wine mushroom burger
with a side of mac & cheese,
pickles coming with all burgers.
I got a bacon burger
with truffle fries.
We were too full for dessert, but here’s what was on offer.
The second visit was late on a Wednesday when the restaurant was doing decent but not crazy business.
My daughter and I tried the creamy tomato soup, which was delicious.
A vegetarian, my daughter wrinkled her nose at this meat-oriented humor on the wall,
and then ordered from our friendly waitress
a nice veggie burger on pita bread,
shown here in close up.
I ordered a New York strip steak with truffle fries—
you’ve already seen the truffle fries but here’s a close-up of the steak
and the ketchup and steak sauce that accompanied it.
Since it wasn’t insanely busy this time, we looked around, applauding the handsome bar area,
the humorous gender indicators for the bathrooms
and the joystick-operated sinks.
There’s no disputing that Carson’s offers good food and good fun.
GW Carson’s Burger Bar, 308 East Main Street, Branford, 203-208-1469