Photo By The Hamblogger

Jack’s Prime Burgers & Shakes 3723 S. El Camino Real San Mateo, CA 94403 (650) 638-1479 www.jacksprime.com

When I was first starting out in my career as a photojournalist, I used to do a fair amount of work in and around San Mateo for the San Mateo Times. Nowadays I rarely get to that area, mostly just passing through. A big news story brought me back into the neighborhood this past week and I was thrilled that I would be able to grab lunch at a place that has been high on my list for a while now – Jack’s Prime Burgers and Shakes.

Jack’s has been around close to two years, taking over a space that used to be occupied by a hubcap shop. I bought a hubcap at that place about 10 years ago after a hubcap flew off my wheel going down the freeway – contributing to the collection of car parts and trash on the side of the highway. The once dirty and cluttered wheel cover business has been replaced by a bright and airy sit down burger restaurant that has a simple mid-century design that is tastefully done and not overdone or pretentious in any way. I appreciate that they went for the classic coffee shop look without turning it into a ridiculous looking 50’s diner wannabe full of Marilyn Monroe posters and a replica jukeboxes playing the oldies.

The burger menu is extensive with about a dozen burgers to choose from. All of their burgers feature one third pound charbroiled Meyer Ranch Angus beef patties or if red meat isn’t your thing you can have a Diestel turkey patty or Rocky Junior chicken filet. Some of the more interesting specialty burgers include the “Wine Country” ($10.95 includes fries) with goat cheese, cabernet/balsamic onions and sauteed mushrooms and for those with an iron stomach there is the “Phoenix From The Flames” ($9.95 includes fries) with fiery pepper jack cheese, poblano chili, jalepenos and chipotle mayo. If that isn’t hot enough for you, ask for some extra heat – available upon request. I was in the mood for some bacon and decide to go overboard with the “Ultimate Bacon” ($11.45 includes fries) which includes bacon inside the meat as well as on top with cheese and slathered with maple bacon mayo. Nom Nom Nom, pig-a-licious.

Click here read more about this overdose of bacony goodness.