Top Notch

Top Notch has been holding down the north end of Burnet Road since 1971. But, one day in 1992, Richard Linkleter showed up with a movie camera and a couple of unknown actors. The actors would utter lines that have echoed down the ages and have been frequently quoted by BurgerMatt and FriedEd. The cult classic "Dazed and Confused" was the fantasy backdrop of our high school experience as we identified with every line and every moment as though it had been written about us. The kids in Dazed and Confused cruised the Top Notch parking lot and now, almost 16 years later the parking lot looks the same and the actors, Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck, to name a couple, are nearly household names. And it all started in that Top Notch parking lot. We came for the movie, but we stayed for the burgers. And oh my, it was a damn good burger.

Top Notch has an indoor coal fired grill. The little old lady behind the counter told me that some guy stood on the roof to keep the giant fan going otherwise the place would get smoked out and everyone would get real sleepy and then die. She assured me though we would probably be OK by running out. As for the burger it was coal fired good. The fries were great but the pepper shakers don't work. And the onion rings, mmmm real good. But hell, what do I know, I was drunk. Anything would have tasted good. My drunkenness would give it a 98, but if I attempted to rate it here I would get a RWI (Rating While Intoxicated) so I will leave it up to others.

BurgerMatt

While FriedEd was no doubt prepartying for his birthday tomorrow he was definitely right about the burger. The open flame coal fired grill was the first of its kind on the Odyssey and it did not let down at all. The atmosphere at this movie mecca was second to none and was the favorite of all the regulars- the sage, the rock star and the brother. The burger of choice seemed to be the Longhorn burger which consisted of two patties, a toasted bun, lettuce, tomato and a special sauce which was my choice and it was delicious. The fries were a bit on the crunchy side and lacked seasoning, however the onion rings made up for them and were the best to date.

The Rock star, who we are seeing this Saturday at Fitzgeralds in Houston at around 9:30pm, threw us for a loop and ordered a side of Fried Chicken which was quite delicious. Be prepared for a half a chicken with the order. It was crunchy, moist and full of flavor. Would go back just for the chicken alone.

Back to the burger, you could not ask for better prices as they ranged from just above $2 to almost $5. The flame broiled taste of the burgers gave a sense of a true backyard classic with excellent flavor. We must admit this was the best combo of burger, atmosphere and overall satisfaction seen by the odyssey. Will it rank as the best we are not sure but it will be revisited many times.

Special mention has to be given to the outside of the place which still has the drive up and order box outside along with the menus. Yes you can order from your car and have your burger brought to you. Does it get anymore real than that? If you remember in "Dazed and Confused" when McConaughey says "I like them redheads, I do," you will know exactly where we stood and mimicked those lines.

Burger: 92.5

Fries: 84

Onion Rings: 88

Fried Chicken: 93

The blog wants to remind everyone about The Salvos, our end of the year awards will be coming out in three weeks. This burger is sure to get an award!

Based on a request from one of our most loyal followers and now that we are more technologically advanced, atleast until my new phone breaks, we will attach a photo of the burger every week.