Earlier this semester Muncie residents were given another restaurant option in the village. However, the thing that sets T.J.'s Great Burgers apart from the pack is the actual lack of burger in exchange for the loose meat or "Maid-Rite" sandwich. Kasey and Chad wrap their hands around this conundrum in the latest installment of Chew on This!
Kasey: This week we had a meal at T.J.'s, another new village restaurant. What was your general impression?
Chad: Well, it's called T.J.'s Great Burgers, but they don't serve traditional hamburgers, per se. They're loose meat hamburger sandwiches, and I've gotta tell you, they've really grown on me.
K: Interesting you bring this up first off. I don't personally care all that much for the loose meat sandwich. I like a patty -- it's easy to eat and cuts down on mess. However, they do serve a mean hot dog.
C: See, I didn't care that much for the hot dog. If you like your red hots Chicago style, piled high with relish, onions, and other assorted condiments, then T.J.'s would be a great place to have a frankfurter. Me, I'd rather have a plain Carter dog with ketchup and mustard, please. But don't discount the loose meat sandwiches so easily -- they're no slouch. It's not just fried hamburger they're throwing on there. It's hamburger that's been slaved over, slow cooked and secret spiced just right. Two of them with cheese can make a satisfying meal.
K: My problem is that they are just so small. I mean, I feel like I'm getting hustled shelling out over a dollar for one of these burgers. While they novel appeal alone may be enough for some people, I don't think I could make a meal out of these tiny little sandwiches. However, they're really not that bad. Knocking the price down could really help.
C: Hey, White Castle built an empire selling tiny little sandwiches. But do you know what would go good with these burgers and help satisfy patrons' hunger needs? French fries. And with nachos and chili already on the menu, all the steps are there for a new late night village classic. Don't give me that small bag of chips ... bring on the chili-cheese fries!
K: Amen brother! I really could have used a heartier side. When I get a burger I don't want a chip, nor a spoonful of chili ... I want a fry. I know it's a managerial choice, but come on. Come on.
C: Speaking of the chili, after eating it I was a little confused. Something about it didn't sit right with me; it wasn't as much a soup as it was a paste. Too tomato-ey, in my opinion. Other than that, there aren't really any other menu options that could take the place of a side dish. However, there are lots of different sandwich options, like hot ham and cheeses, hot dogs, and the Big Jim, a Frankenstein of a sandwich with loose meat, cheese, and ham.
K: But for the price of one Big Jim, you could go to McDonald's and get twice as full. That didn't sit right with me. How about the atmosphere? I like walking into a room that's been written all over. It almost makes me feel like I could get away with anything in there.
C: If they would turn off or ditch the tiny televisions and add some music, the place would be perfect. Anyway, the writing on the wall is telling me that I'll be headed back to T.J.'s sometime in the near future.
K: Yes. I think so too. This is one of the only places I've been able to get a decent Chicago-style hot dog in all of it's loaded up, down, and sideways glory. It's definitely worth a stop if you're in the village and in the mood for something a little different, that's not too different.
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