Soul Burger

One of the great things about being a theme park enthusiast and traveler is that you run across some unique and memorable places to eat, some times right in your own town.

My coworkers and I ate at Soul Burger (a couple of us for the first time) about 2 weeks ago. The food was tasty, the atmosphere was homey and energetic, and it was just a fun place that most definitely demanded to be part of our lunch rotation.

Sadly, the week after our visit, it closed.

Needless to say, I was bummed. I'd planned to go a second time, see if the food was just as good, and then write a review here. Instead, a certain librarian in her ultimate wisdom suggested a tribute. Capital idea good lady, and I owe you one. ;)

Soul Burger was a mom and pop style restaurant in Huntsville, Alabama near Bob Wallace and Triana. The first things you saw as you entered the hole-in-the-wall restaurant were the black and red checkered counter, and the menu written on cloudy white, backlit panels up above the window to the kitchen. On the walls were picture of the hostess, whom we'll get to in a moment, with various people. There were pictures of family and friends, taped and tacked, up on the wall, along with framed articles and reviews. In tribute to President Obama, his wife, and a couple other notable politicians, there were special burger concoctions. I remember the Michelle Obama burger being "sweet and spicey" or something similar.

Looking around the small room, you noticed there were a lot of chairs and tables crammed into a very small space. The feeling was like being in someone's kitchen, and there was much warmth to the atmosphere. Rolls of paper towels sat on the tables, further underscoring the laid back vibe. Up on the other walls were pictures of different HUGE stacked burgers that people had eaten and won challenges against. The Triple Big Daddy would make even Paul Bunyon think twice. Yep, that crazy big.

Now we come to the soul of Soul Burger, the hostess. I never did catch her name, but her personality was unmistakeable. Imagine a glowing, happy, and loud cross between Pearl Bailey and Aretha Franklin behind the counter. "Hey baby! Welcome to Soul Burger! What can I getcha sweetie?" was what you'd be greeted with. You just instantly liked this lady. You couldn't help it. It made you smile and it made you feel at ease. And WOW the energy she put out! And, oh by the way, you were also hit full force with the freight train of heavenly smells from the clattering kitchen behind her.

As I ordered the staple Soul Burger with cheese combo, I joked with her. "What would you like on that?" Pearl said. "I'll take it as it comes, that's the best way, " I replied. "You're right baby." Pearl happily fired back. "Now do you think I'm going to come in here and tell you how to make your burger? No. You give the chef room to be creative and enjoy his art. That's the best way," I countered, leaning on the counter and putting my hand on my hip. Pearl laughed loud, grinned proudly and said, "Oh I like you!"

The chef's art was wonderful. Very seriously, the best burger I've ever eaten in 34 years on the planet. Tasty, juicy, tender, and yes, you could taste the southern style love. The Soul Burger truly lived up to it's name. Dunno what the seasoning was, and it really didn't matter. I was hooked at the first bite. Epic! When we left, I had to say thank you to Pearl and company. Doing anything less just wasn't right, especially for all the warmth and hospitality in the place.

We'll end this tale on a happy and comical note: the Virgin Welcome. Yes, one of my coworkers had said it was his first time at Soul Burger. Before he could finish the sentence, Pearl whirled around like a cyclone, grabbed a huge hand bell from the pick-up window behind her, and yelled at the top of her lungs "We got a VIRGIN!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!" The whole placed joined in to almost defening roar, while several of us laughed to practically tears.

After the noise and cheers settled, Pearl smiled sweetly and said "Welcome to Soul Burger. Our house is now your house baby and you're always welcome."