Adam & Eats: Ed Walker’s, Too

On this week’s adventure, we head to an old favorite. And yet, at the same time, a brand new disappointment.

You’ll see what I mean in a minute.

It’s sort of like if Coca Cola bought the rights to Sam’s Cola and only changed the can. In the end, it’s the same product with a new name on it. Can it make a difference? I’ll let you decide.

Located on Phoenix Avenue, in what was until very recently the Phoenix Drive-In, is the new Ed Walker’s, Too. Other than slapping their name on the sign and the menus, not much has changed.

The outside of the building looks as shabby as always. But, we try not to judge books by their covers around here. If we did, we’d never have discovered carne asada fries at El Super Taco or baked beans in a syrofoam cup at Lawrence’s. Sometimes behind the roughest of exteriors beats the sweetest of hearts (and serves delicious foods).

So, we take a grain of salt and a leap of faith and pull into the parking lot. Immediately, I get upset. Right there on the header it says “Home of the French Dip” and as much as I searched the menu, the famous sandwich was nowhere to be found.

Okay, the menu hasn’t changed either. Cool. But, where is the foot-long corn dog? Dammit. Luckily, our carhop and whomever took my order was very friendly. That made up for a lot.

After ordering and receiving my food, I realized that I must have been so upset that I failed to ask about the missing items on the menu. Dammit again. I really need to get myself a Pepper Potts. (I don’t pay well,  and it’s a lot of work, but feel free to apply via my email address. And yes, I will check references.) But, I digress as always.

Now that we have our semi-transparent greasy paper bag, let’s dig in.

The bacon cheeseburger is pretty good. The best part about it is, surprisingly, the bun. They make their our sourdough buns and they are fantastic.

If you need/want a little spice in your life, try the Firebird burger. Same delicious bun, but with bits of jalapeno all throughout. Also, be sure to add cheese to it. If feels a little naked without cheese. This burger is probably my favorite. For those out there who have already broken a sweat, fear not. It is no Inferno Burger. The heat in this one is quite pleasant. It is more like a summer breeze than a fiery volcano.

The ex-long chili cheese hotdog left me a little underwhelmed though, due to the waxy unmelted cheese shredded on top. If I were you, I’d skip the fries and get something else. There’s nothing special about their crinkle cuts. Unless you’re really in the mood for crinkles, go for the tater tots or onion rings.

I’m hoping that this is just a transitional phase that we’re in at Ed Walker’s, Too. We can only hope that they bring a little bit of the old favorites and the spirit of the namesake over before they sully their good name too much.

But, as always, don’t take my word for it. Give it a try and tell Ted how he’s doing.

Until next time, good eating to you and yours.