Dick Mondell’s was not on the original list of burger joints to hit up on this road food trip. However, I remember reading about their opening in December of 2018 and thinking, this looks like the kinda spot I’d love.
But Dick Mondell’s somehow disappeared from my burger agenda until fate intervened. So I ate dinner one night at Satch Squared across the street.
Dick Mondell’s is a Drive-Thru
Dick Mondell’s building has plenty of character. The property was originally the home of the Sandwich Inn (since 1963), another excellent drive-thru burger joint in Gainesville.
This single drive-thru has some picnic tables for seating with no indoor whatsoever, but parking is pretty much non-existent. There is a window for walk-up or to-go orders too.
Since we had no intention of driving back to our hotel to eat, we drove down the street and parked across from an apartment building to get our grub on.
Dick Mondell’s Burgers & Fries
We pull up to order, and a giant smile comes across my face. Yes, I’d like a Big Dick; please add American cheese. My inner junior high self enjoyed that moment.
The double patty burger at Dick Mondell’s is named The Original Big Dick. But, if you’re looking for its single-patty counterpart, that fella is Dick Junior.
My wife Marcela ordered the Dick Junior with fries. I know what you’re thinking, so please keep your thoughts and jokes to yourself.
The natural-cut fries come in a snazzy retro French fry bag. I was so in love with my double chee, I never even snagged one fry.
I opted for pickles, onions, and Dick’s sauce with American cheese. The locally-made buns, which are toasted, added a nice crunch to the sandwich.
The double cheeseburger looks perfect. The old-schoolish griddled burger patties are right out of a luncheonette from the 1950s.
Dick Mondell’s nailed it; this is a freakin’ great burger. So why isn’t Dick Mondell’s getting more love from the press in Florida?
On its next update for National Burger Month in May, I will get the wheels rolling by adding them to my Florida Burgers You Have to Try list. It’s the best I can do to help spread the good word!
Dick Mondell’s
412 SW 4th Avenue
Gainesville, FL
(352) 225-3214
Website –https://www.dickmondells.com
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/dickmondells
Monday 10 am – 5 pm
Tuesday 10 am – 5 pm
Wednesday 10 am – 5 pm
Thursday 10 am – 5 pm
Friday 10 am – 5 pm
Saturday 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday 10 am – 5 pm
And now in Tallahassee!
Dick Mondell’s
1808 S Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL
Monday 8 am – 10 pm
Tuesday 8 am – 10 pm
Wednesday 8 am – 10 pm
Thursday 8 am – 10 pm
Friday 8 am – 10 pm
Saturday 8 am – 10 pm
Sunday 8 am – 10 pm
The Jax Beach unit is frequently closed. This is unbelievable on a one million dollar build out. $1,000,000,000 build out for the jax beach location is what was reported. I just went by today, Tuesday, at 12:30 pm and they are closed. You guys are going to go bankrupt. You have no phone. I travel 12 miles to get there and you are closed!!!! I’d go there more frequently if I could depend on you to be there and open BUT that long trip on a “take your chances” meal ; nah, ain’t worth it. Never seen anything like it.
Jacksonville, FL, is about to get one now as well!
If you talking about Jacksonville Beach, it’s open already.
Hate to say it, but Dick’s isn’t getting more love because their service is incredibly slow, the staff has no desire to even smile at you, and their prices are really high for what you get. Three small burgers for my kids is 20.00, and before you know, you’re dropping 40.00 on a one step up from a Burger King. I love supporting local but they’ve got to make it convenient to go there. You have to sit in the street and block traffic for 10 minutes just to get an order in.
Today I was the second car in line and it still took 10-15 minutes. The staff didn’t seem to care, communicate, or have any personality whatsoever.
Too bad- I would have loved to make that a memorable, fun stop more often