Neighborhood Nibbles — Burger Monger, iCream, Baja’s & A Pearl

Published on 5 April 2012 in Dining
Gary Nager (author)

Gary Nager

Editor and Publisher of the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News. Email gary@ntneighborhoodnews.com
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Location(s): Burger Monger

Despite the economy (or maybe because of it?), new restaurants are still popping up all over Wesley Chapel and it’s my absolute pleasure to keep you informed about all of the latest newcomers in our area.

Burger Monger - I had never tried the original location on N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in Carrollwood, so I was looking forward to the opening of Burger Monger in the former Panchero’s location, in the same section of the Shops at New Tampa plaza on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. as Bonefish Grill.

And so far, I have to say I am a fan of the 100-percent Akaushi Kobe beef hamburgers and the grilled chicken sandwiches — both available with more gourmet toppings than I can possibly list here — as well as the tasty skin-on, hand-cut fries at the Monger. The place isn’t cheap, but it is yummy, immaculate- looking, the order-at-the-counter service is quick and it is nice to be able to have an ice cold beer with your burger, too.

Burger Monger is located at 1656 BBD. For more info, call 991- 4242 or visit BurgerMonger.com.

Baja’s & iCream - I don’t currently have a lot of information about the two signs that recently went up on BBD opposite the under-construction Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, in front of the same plaza that already is home to Dickey’s BBQ and The Hungry Greek, but both Baja’s Fresh Mexican Grill & iCream are apparently up-and-coming franchises originally from other parts of the country hoping to cash in on our area’s much-needed new hospital.

I do know, however, that Baja’s, based in Irvine, CA, does have locations in Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale, South beach (Miami) and at Tampa International Airport and stores in at least 15 U.S. states. Meanwhile, iCream, based in Chicago, IL, doesn’t seem to yet have any other Florida locations.

We will keep you posted as these two new locations get closer to opening. We also hope to be able to tell you more about where in Wesley Chapel Dade City favorite Pearl in the Grove will open its second location. — GN

2 Response(s) to “Neighborhood Nibbles — Burger Monger, iCream, Baja’s & A Pearl”

Kelly and Jen 14.04.2012 at 21:06

We'd been waiting for Burger Monger to open for some time. On our first trip tonight, Mama ordered The Burger Monger, a 100% USDA above prime, all natural Akaushi Kobe beef burger, no cheese with just grilled onions, lettuce and tomato topped off with the secret Monger sauce. I ordered the Double Monger, two 6oz. Kobe patties, with American cheese, Mozzarella between the two patties, cherry wood smoked bacon, grilled mushrooms and grilled sweet onions. I thought of getting an egg on it too but my cholesterol is high enough. The Baby got Mac and Cheese and we ordered one order of fries for all of us. Overall the food was tasty but it was nowhere as good as "5 Guys". The Monger fries are similar but skinnier and many were overdone. On the menu, it says the burgers are cooked, medium well but both of ours were well done/burned. Our daughter’s Mac and Cheese was quite good but was delivered to the table 10 minutes after our burgers and she was already full on soda and fries. Hint to servers; always bring the kids food first. Some reviews I have seen, say it’s nice to be able to get a beet with a burger but I prefer my beer with wings. So in conclusion, it was good but way over priced and for $10 cheaper, we’ll go to “5 Guys”.

Curtis Beebe 7.04.2012 at 11:23

Wow! You've got a great crystal ball regarding our second location!!! We are VERY early in the thinking....way TOO early for site selection. Thanks for the enthusiasm, though!