Mojo Burger; Willow Glen, CA

Many foods are intrinsically linked to their countries of origin (i.e. sushi=Japan, pizza=Italy). And while the actual origin of the hamburger (including the name it was given) might be from Germany, everyone looks at it, of course, as a quintessentially American product. The current best choice for me when it comes to a hamburger can be found at Mojo Burger. I’m not sure what they do to make it taste so good but I will always choose their cheeseburgers over everyone else.

I stumbled onto the restaurant for the first time kind of by mistake. I was at The Pruneyard in Campbell CA and noticed the red and white retro space wedged in between the Barnes & Noble and the Trader Joe’s stores. It was getting close to dinner time and I hadn’t thought about what to make so I poked my head in the door. The first thing that struck me was the smell of the meat cooking. Hamburger cooking on a grill gets me every time. I studied the menu board, placed my first order, and I have been a fan of the restaurant ever since.

These days I frequent their business at the Willow Glen area restaurant in San Jose CA. It’s a short drive from my house to their store front so it’s an easy place to get my fill of cheeseburgers. My order tends to be the same on every visit – a double cheeseburger (called a “Double Mojo”) with onion rings and a soda. There is a lot to sink your teeth into when you get a Double Mojo. There are two patties and slices of cheese for each along with tomatoes, pickles, lettuce and onions all on a toasted bun. It does get a little messy but that might just be from the fact it’s a double cheeseburger instead of the smaller single hamburger or one of the other sandwiches that they have on the menu.

As a side dish, I always go with the onion rings. The mix of crunchy batter outside and sweet onion inside always makes me a very happy eater and I think that they make a very good onion ring. Their fries are just as good, by the way. Round it off with a soda and my meal is complete. If you eat there as opposed to taking it out, it’s the stereotypical red basket lined with napkins and that is it. You don’t need a lot of adornment when the food tastes this good.

I must admit the food is a little more expensive than at the larger fast food chain restaurants. My normal order comes out to around $12 for everything but for me that added expense is definitely worth it. The food is always top notch and the service is always strong and helpful with whatever you might ask for. If you’re anywhere near one of their three current stores, I would definitely recommend you giving them a try.