Chef Chris Kronner has been doing the pop-up thing in San Francisco and Oakland for a while and recently opened KronnerBurger on Piedmont Avenue. I met Ben of Focus Snap Eat, Sandy of Food Hoe and her husband for brunch opening weekend and didn’t realize it until later, but we used several strategies to get a lot out of the experience. I wanted to show you how we did brunch at KronnerBurger, so hopefully you can have a great time too.
Go hungry
I ended up working out right before brunch, so I was ready to FEAST. Plyometrics and burgers…everything in moderation, right?
Go early
We made plans to meet at 11am, even though Ben wasn’t sure about eating a burger that early. I don’t know about you, but I can eat anything for breakfast (pizza, fried chicken, cherry pie, etc.) as long as it’s delicious. And it’s worth getting there before the crowd – just sayin.
Go with a group
This is an easy strategy I use whenever I want to try lots of dishes on a menu: get a group of cool people together and share.
photo: Christina Mitchell
The Orange Cream Soda (housemade orange syrup, club soda, vanilla bean, and a little cream) was sweet-tart and super refreshing. It reminded me of childhood.
photo: Christina Mitchell
The fresh and crisp Wedge Salad (Pt. Reyes Blue, Face Bacon, Fines Herbes, $8) served as the lone veggie before the parade o’meat.
photo: Christina Mitchell
Bone Marrow ($13) was cut lengthwise, so we spread it on the toasted bread and then sprinkled the lightly dressed herb salad on top. Yum!
photo: Christina Mitchell
The KronnerBurger (lettuce, onion, cheddar mayo, pickles, $11) was unapologetically beefy. It had a nice char and was really salty, like it was described on menu. Be prepared.
It’s hard to go to KronnerBurger and NOT order a KronnerBurger, but next time I want to try the Patty Melt – and I also heard the Earth Burger was really good.
photo: Christina Mitchell
I actually liked the poutine-style Fries (with curds and beef cheek gravy, $7) even more than the burger. The flavors in the silky gravy were more developed and I could’ve eaten the whole thing by myself.
Save room for dessert
This is mandatory because whoever was doing desserts at Kronnerburger is a rock star. These desserts were worth another trip – with or without the burger.
photo: Christina Mitchell
The Creamsicle Sundae ($6) echoed the Orange Cream Soda from the beginning of the meal. Orange soft serve was drizzled with caramel and sprinkled with crunchy meringues, which provided texture and airiness.
photo: Christina Mitchell
The Honey Pie ($5) tasted like a modern interpretation of a classic. The smooth filling was infused with the essence of honey and cradled by an incredibly flaky crust. Sigh…that crust was a work of art. For real. And the sprinkle of salt on top took it to the next level.
You know how sometimes after eating a lot, you need a nap afterwards? Not here. Even after all that food, we didn’t feel stuffed and after we said goodbye, all of us were productive that day. In my opinion, that’s a win-win for sure.
4063 Piedmont Ave, Oakland
510-656-9871
Christina Mitchell
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