5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Iβm back in St. Augustine for a work trip.Β That means two days and two different burger places, right?Β Well, that was the idea.Β Didnβt work out as planned, but Iβm not disappointed.
πππ£πππ§π¨22 – ππ©. πΌπͺππͺπ¨π©ππ£π / πππ πΏπ€πͺππ‘π πΏππͺππ & πππ πππ© ππ§πππ
This is the son & father team of Jake and Jeff Manders.Β The 22 represents the number both Jake & Jeff wore playing sports growing up, learning about hard work, discipline and good values.
Their menu focuses on Smashburgers, Subs and something called a Spiedie, which is an upstate New York favorite, Jeff loved growing up.Β Itβs marinated, chargrilled chicken on a fresh roll.Β Iβm here for the Smash, which is absolutely fantastic!
I went with the double patty smash called The Double Deuce.Β The patties come in at 3.6 to 3.8oz., which I think is in the perfect size zone for a Smashburger.Β They season the patties well, they are juicy and have a very nice char on them.Β They donβt smash the patties too thin either, allowing for more juicy beef.
American cheese covers the patties, it comes with sliced raw onions, I asked if they had grilled onions and they did.Β Iβll take them.Β Sliced pickles line the bottom bun.Β Their burger sauce called Manders sauce is delicious.Β You get it top and bottom.Β The toasted brioche bun is from a local baker.Β Itβs soft and wonderful.
I woke up happy and still thinking about that burger.Β It was then I knew I wouldnβt be hitting a second restaurant on my trip.Β After work, I made a beeline for Manders22 again.Β I rolled the burger dice and it came up triples this time.Β Give me more beef!Β The Hat Trick burger scored big.
Iβve had six very good burgers in St. Augustine.Β Manders22 now tops that list.
Jake was born in Jacksonville and grew up in South Florida.Β He moved to St. Augustine to open Manders22 Restaurant with his Dad.
The beignets and the churros are delicious.
