LoKal Burgers in Coconut Grove opened to much fanfare and burger hype from the usual folks. I’ll be honest: I was turned off from checking this joint out because of that.
LoKal‘s owner, Matt, is a big proponent of purchasing sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. His passion for local products convinced me that I should give it the old college try.
Recycled Sign?
The LoKal sign made from corkboard, the cassette tape wrapped bar, and the wooden pallet tables use all recycled goods.
Starter Talk
The fresh alligator strips called my name, but the New Mexico-style chili had my attention the minute I looked at the menu. Riveting is how I can best describe the chili topped with Monterey jack cheese and diced onions.
I almost channeled my inner Johnny Depp (Once Upon a Time in Mexico style) and went back to the kitchen to take care of the chef. It was so good I was eating as if someone was going to rip it away from me.
The next thing I knew, it was gone, and I still miss it.
LoKal and KUSH Burgers, Different and Yet the Same
On their original menu, I remember reading that Matt’s favorite burger is LoKal‘s version of a frita. The Frita by Kush has guava jelly, melted gruyere, potato sticks, and bacon. Their Lokal sauce is pressed and cut in half. Great burger, but it’s not a frita in any way.
I will typically go for either the house specialty or just the restaurant’s straight-up regular burger on my first visit, in this case, the Classic.
I didn’t; though, I chose Juan’s Fidy-Fidy (50% Florida ground beef and 50% Florida ground bacon, served with mayo, Monterrey jack cheese, tomato, and sweet onion marmalade). You can choose one side, and I went with the 50% sweet potato fries and 50% french fries with a side of homemade ketchup and honey mustard dipping sauces.
Take your pick; you won’t go wrong with either the regular or sweet potato fries. That honey mustard dipping sauce is stupendous.
The burger was everything you might expect and more. What got me was the smokey taste that ran throughout the burger and how fresh it felt. The sweet onion marmalade added an excellent sugary component that cut through slightly and complimented the meat.
Get the Key Lime Pie and Next Time at LoKal?
I’m sold, and I’m looking forward to some more chili and classic burgers—or maybe the Alligator Strips and the Royale with Cheese?
I’ll figure it out.
LoKal
3190 Commodore Plaza
Miami, FL
(305) 442-3377
Website – https://kushhospitality.com/locations/lokal
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lokalcoconutgrove
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LoKalMiami
Monday 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
Tuesday 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
Wednesday 11:30 am – 11:00 pm
Thursday 11:30 am – 11:00 pm
Friday 11:30 am – 11:00 pm
Saturday 11:30 am – 11:00 pm
Sunday 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
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