Baker’s Crust Bourbon & Burger Night

Happy New Year! As we close in on a full year of dealing with COVID-19, I’ve started to slowly and safely ease myself back into some “normal” activities. Recently, Baker’s Crust Artisan Kitchen invited me to take advantage of the restaurant’s Wednesday night special. Typically, I’ve been ordering all of my meals to-go, but I decided to treat myself to a socially distanced dine-in meal at Baker’s Crust’s Landstown Commons location.

Baker’s Crust Bourbon & Burger Night

On Wednesday nights, at all Baker’s Crust locations across Virginia, the restaurant offers diners the perfect mid-week pick-me-up. For dine in or carry out, order any of Baker’s Crust burgers for $8; any of their bourbon cocktails, a bourbon neat or a Manhattan for $6; and finish your meal with a $5 skillet cookie.

Bourbon and Burger Night Special: Blackberry & Bourbon cocktail and the Smoky Bacon Burger Stack for $14 (before tax).

I was seated at a table that had a booth on one side, and no one was seated across from me. All of the other diners were spaced out to comply with any COVID-safety guidelines. I watched as staff cleaned the tables between uses, making me feel more confident about my decision to dine in.

I’m not a big bourbon drinker, so I asked my server which of their bourbon cocktails he’d recommend. Between the Tiki Bourbon Smash, Bourbon Brûlée and Blackberry & Bourbon, he recommended the Blackberry & Bourbon, telling me it was a popular choice.

Made with Woodford Reserve bourbon, blackberry preserves, simple syrup, Angostura bitters, fresh thyme, lemon juice and club soda, the Blackberry & Bourbon was the refreshing sipper I needed after a long day at work (and while reading about the chaos at the Capitol that day). Not overly sweet, the blackberry juice and bitters cut down the taste of the bourbon that typically punches me right in the face.

I needed no recommendations ordering my burger. Bacon cheeseburgers have been my go-to since childhood, so I had to order Baker’s Crusts Smoky Bacon Burger Stack. All of Baker’s Crusts burgers are made with 100% grass-fed New Zealand Black Angus Beef that’s ground in-house.

The Smoky Bacon Burger Stack piles two of those juicy beef patties, along with cayenne bacon, American cheese, fried onion rings, dill pickle chips and a smoky aioli for a sweet and tangy barbecue finish. Served on a buttery soft brioche roll, each bite of this burger made me forget all of my worries. There’s something so simple about a bacon cheeseburger, but Baker’s Crust managed to make this feel elevated by using high-end ingredients.

As a side, I ordered the fresh-cut French fries. My server, after noticing my Baltimore Ravens notebook, was nice enough to bring out a cup of Old Bay seasoning for my fries. I sprinkled them over the fries and dunked each one in malt vinegar—a very Maryland combination.

Sadly, I was entirely too full to order the skillet cookie. That’s probably because I also ordered the Tavern Chips (one of my favorite things at Baker’s Crust), so I didn’t have room in my body. Although, I was tempted to get my dessert to-go, since the Bourbon & Burger Night special also applies to carry-out orders. It’s definitely on my list for next time I go to Baker’s Crust though.

Among the many reasons I love Baker’s Crust is the fantastic service. My server (whose name I desperately wish I wrote down for a shoutout right now) was so friendly and attentive. I appreciate all of the food industry workers more than ever now. Whether you dine in or order carry out, please be sure to tip them appropriately. They’re busting their butts and risking their personal health so we can enjoy delicious food and maintain some normalcy through this global pandemic.

For more information on Baker’s Crust’s Bourbon & Burger Night, and other specials, visit BakersCrust.com.