This post is no longer valid for the Midtown location of Pop Burger – closed as of mid-2012. RIP>>>

———

Take a look at the photo below and tell me if you think it seems invisible to you.

The “Invisible” Burger

Or better still, why would this burger claim to be “invisible” ?   Please, please leave a comment on this post.

In case you are wondering, this is a vegetarian burger from Pop Burger – a chain with 3 outlets in Manhattan.  I tried the one in midtown.  The decor was very inviting (had Andy Warhol’s Campbell Soup prints on the walls of the dining area – just realized that I did not get pictures of those prints) and I stepped in hoping to find a decent veggie burger.

Pop Burger at midtown

Inside Pop Burger Midtown

I was not even sure there was a veggie burger on the menu, although I was hoping there was at least one.    So, on skimming through the menu, it seemed like there was no such option, but there was one cryptic option – the Invisible burger.

My first question at the counter was “What is the “invisible” burger”?

Response: That’s the veggie burger.

So, my next question, ‘What is it made of – soy or potatoes or mix vegetables or quinoa”?

Response: Its fried portobello mushroom.

I went for it, while making sure that I would get cheese, lettuce and tomatoes.  “Pickle?” I asked, and was told, “no”.

How was the burger you ask?  It did taste like breaded and fried portobello mushroom.   There was nothing more to it.  I wish that the portobello mushroom slice had at least been marinated in something before being breaded and friend or at the very least including some seasoning.   I got 2 slices of tomato, shredded lettuce slathered in mayo, and a melted cheese slice on a warm toasted (brown) Brioche bun.   Overall, a so-so burger, not something I would want to try again or would recommend to anyone else.

The next time I go to Pop Burger, I am keen to check out one or more of the following:

• Grilled Chicken Sandwich
• Crispy Fried Shrimp Sandwich
• Popcorn Shrimp
• The lounge upstairs – apparently the cocktails in the lounge are great

But may be I will not go to Pop Burger at all, and will instead check-out the “Shroom Burger at Shake Shack!

Please, please tell me why  (in the comments section below) the burger in the picture above should claim to be “invisible” (I know I ought to have checked while ordering)