Review: Red Robin - Oktoberfest Burger

Red Robin's Oktoberfest Burger is a seasonal burger they offer around this time of year and features a flame-grilled 1/3 lb. burger patty, Black Forest ham, Swiss cheese, beer mustard, sauteed onions, and lettuce on a toasted pretzel bun.

I ordered the burger for $9.99. It comes with an order of bottomless steak fries (you can also swap out the fries for bottomless broccoli, side salad, or coleslaw without an additional charge).

The pretzel bun was pretty soft and relatively fresh. It reminded me a little of a slightly bigger Wendy's bun. I like the dense texture.

The Black Forest ham didn't quite fit for me. It adds salt and there was plenty of it, but I wouldn't typically go with it in any burger. I understand that Black Forest ham is a German staple but not with pretzels and beer I don't think. I think sausage would have been a better fit if we're talking Oktoberfest (like the Nuremburger!)

The beer mustard came with a pretty strong tang and a distinct beer flavor. It goes with the ham decently. But you know what it would have been better with? That's right! Sausage!

I think I would have liked fresh onions over the caramelized onions here. They would have certainly added a welcomed crisp texture and bite. The caramelized onions delivered a nice sweetness but the texture is too similar to the thinly-sliced ham.

The Swiss cheese was nicely melted and added a creamy flavor.

Red Robin will cook their burger patties only from medium to well done. I asked for "medium" but my burger was probably closer to "medium well." It had a decently course grind, was relatively moist, and had a beautifully charred crust on it. I really liked the burger patty.

The single leaf of lettuce was a "why bother?" to me. Maybe for color?

Overall, Red Robin's Oktoberfest Burger didn't quite work for me. I could see where they were going with it but I wasn't impressed by the destination I arrived at. The base was good but some of the Oktoberfest touches just didn't mesh.

Nutritional info not available.