Bissmarck92 in Herne – burgers with style.

Wednesday, shortly after 7 p.m.

Once again we are hungry, but after what felt like a very strenuous working day for all the usual suspects and the lack of interest in culinary preparations from our own pots, I remember a recommendation from Alex, my young physiotherapist. “Best burger ever” it still rings in my ears and Claudia says “Call first to see if they still have a table … ”
Done. Yes, there is room for four people and we are on our way. About 10 minutes later we find a parking lot right next door – I park in the firm belief in the luck of the hard-working right next to the signs for the “Burger Loge” and the “Pizza Parquet” and under a threatening sign of towing. We are hungry and move towards the entrance. Only one prominent sign on the doors: No dogs. It’s good that Emma stayed at home to guard our premises.

“The reservation from Bochum?”, the young lady asks in a friendly voice and we now even have the choice between the huge table in the middle or the cute little side table for our quartet. The choice is easy.

After some short acclimatization, the owner appears (I recognize him from the website), who collects a lot of bonus points with his open manner while taking the order for our drinks. He asks whether the table has already been “properly” cleaned and adds some cutlery. He is in a good mood and easy going with the customer. Refreshingly different. Claudia watches the sales counter ahead and whispers, noticeably impressed: “They’re packing the burgers in cardboard boxes.”

We receive our drinks only a little later – not in or with glasses, but in the decapsulated bottle with a kind of “glass straw”. Certainly there is also a European standard and technical term for this – it doesn’t matter, we understand that they care about the environment and sustainability.

For our part, we try to identify the “burger card” – there are lots of cards and information on the table. The ambience has really caught us now and even my better half is going beyond the norm and opting for the “Italian burger” – with arugula and parmesan. I then take the “Classico” and Martha decides on the “Crispy” poultry roll.

Taking the order is handled by the owner and here the origin of the meat used (Castrop-Rauxel), the bread (also locally from neighboring Bochum), the detailed preparation and the lengthy search for suitable suppliers and the perfect recipes are briefly explained. Those who are less interested may react internally with a “Dude, stop texting me” – I am really impressed. Here Claudia and myself are also asked about the degree of doneness of the meat. I’m a bit overwhelmed at first – I only know hamburgers in a “done” state. The owner explains. This Canadian has already grilled a hamburger or two – but here you wonder how you managed this far without this info.

We receive our order – also visually somewhat different.
Rectangular, black china, the burger held in the middle by a steak knife, the fried potato sticks in a small scoop and the mayo or aioli in miniature buckets.
An eyecatcher – no doubt.

I remove the knife, pick up the burger, and bite into it.

In doing so, two things become clear to me at the same time:

“Best burger ever” was no exaggeration.
And it would be an insult to this creation to continue to treat it in McD or BK fashion.
Enter knife and fork. The fries are good, but the burger clearly outdoes them. The staff briefly checks back at the table – and there are only extremely satisfied faces. The “Black Pepper Fries” deserve a special mention here – fluted, deep-fried potato slices with a spicy flavor. Even Felix, who couldn’t bring himself to order due to a lack of appetite, rummaged over the “chips” like a locust. Incidentally, the portion would have been enough for all of us as a side dish.

My plate is empty. As are my loved ones’ plates. I am no longer hungry, but I also do not have an excessive feeling of fullness – as one often experiences after a visit to a restaurant. The portions were right on.

In the end I pay € 45.50. Actually € 55 – because it is worthwhile for all of us to fairly reward and promote local food and such commitment.
On the way to the checkout, Claudia and Martha discover the ice chest with delicious frozen goodies from the dessert area. A small ice cream manufacturer from Berlin is the originator. Here, too, on the way home, you hear a lot of praise from the rear seat occupants for the ice cream and of course for the overall “Bissmarck92” experience.

Conclusion: A burger can be much more than the sum of its ingredients. Fast food as an experience with perfect preparation. Exceptional in every way.

… and certainly not our last visit to the Herne Bismarkstr. 92.

Ready to try? HERE‘s the website / reservation link … and Facebook … and Instagram.