4.5 rounding up to 5This restaurant is beside the Holiday Inn Express in Burlingame. I was really happy to see a full sit down restaurant instead of a fast food chain adjacent to the hotel.My first impression was that it looks very well established (old) but still in decent shape. We arrived at 3pm Sunday so I wasn't surprised (and glad) that it wasn't too busy. It's quite large, with separate dining rooms for booths and tables, bar side with smaller stand-up and stool tables, and a private event room. Tons of window seats all around.We were quickly greeted and seated with menus. Not too long after our server began to attend to us. Water came out immediately with our heavy cutlery in full, substantial napkins. We ordered a pan of nachos for the 3 of us to begin. They came out fairly quickly and we placed our entree orders. The condiments included 5 Beaver brand mustards and horse radish. I saw Tabasco included on other tables so not sure why it's not always provided. Our mains came soon after (original burger with fries; Philly cheese steak -beef with fries; and another Philly cheese steak -beef with Caesar salad.) Choice of sides is included and they were fries, kale salad, Caesar salad, Cole slaw, BBQ potato chips, potato salad and for an additional $2, sweet potato fries.The nachos themselves were pretty oily, but well loaded with guacamole, sour cream, black beans, tomatoes, red and green onions, pickled jalapeños,cilantro, and some cheese. The 3 of us ate maybe half, and then only 1 of us finished his burger. We were given containers and cutlery, napkins and a bag for the rest of our sandwiches and nachos. We stuck with water and one coffee, which I'm glad I skipped as it tasted like hotel coffee and came with those tiny creamers you I need 50 of to get the amount I take. The bread on our sandwiches was awesome, hot and soft but hefty enough to handle all the fillings. The fries had seasoned salt instead of plain which I didn't think an improvement, but the fries themselves were very good, fresh, crispy outside and fluffy inside. The Caesar salad interestingly comes with Kalamata olives, good quality but it makes you wonder if you're not eating a Greek salad instead.We'd have loved to try some dessert but we were too full. I was especially intrigued by a new offering called Sour Puss Cake which looked like a lemon cake with possibly raspberry jam between layers. The case is sort of odd in that it looks like an old diner appliance right at the front entrance, whereas the rest of the place is definitely above diner level decor. The huge booth we had was so comfy and cozy, and the warm colours and wood finishings are like a lounge. Our server was so on the ball, she automatically noticed the hotel key holder and added the 10% discount without our mentioning it. She was that perfect combination of attentive yet never hovering uncomfortably.I'm pretty sure that even though we're only here a few days and away sight seeing the whole time, we'll be back before we head home.
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