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100 Things To Do In Holland Before You Die: #2 -Call In Your Order At Russ' Restaurant

 While we couldn't actually phone in the order (that side of the restaurant was closed for a private event), we did eat at the OG Russ' Restaurant at the corner of 8th and Chicago Drive in Holland!  Spittin' distance from Holland's Energy Park, sharing a parking lot with West Michigan Cycle Shop, and just a few blocks away from (potentially?) the oldest building in Holland, I'd actually like to offer Russ' Classic Double Cheeseburger as a late entry into The Best Burger In Holland debate.

Founded in 1934 (meaning, 2024 is their 90th year in business), J. Russel Bouws bought Doc's Diner at the corner of 8th and Chicago Drive in Holland.  The original building(s) were torn down, and a new shop was built in the 80s or 90s.  There are pictures of the original sandwich/ice cream shack in the current restaurant, as well as pictures from slightly later when they went to a diner/drive-in format.  They also have locations in Holland at 210 River Ave on the north side, and at 1060 S. Lincoln Ave on the south side.  Growing up, my family often ate at the Grandville location on Saturday night.

But, let's talk about those burgers:

They still have the classic 3oz patties on the menu - they have a Michigan-classic olive burger on the classic menu, as well as double and single hamburgers and cheeseburgers.  Get 'em with ketchup, mustard, onion, and pickle or "the works" with tomato and lettuce.  The Big Dutchman, which my wife got, is a single 1/3lb patty with Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion...there's a variant that has bacon on it.  The fries are thicker than a shoestring potato, but not as thick as a crinkle or steak fry.  They're delightfully seasoned and have a little crunch in the batter.  I have memories of my little sister ordering nothing but a basket of fries when we'd go there for dinner, and just goin' ham on the starchy, greasy goodness.

The classic patties are served thin.  Not smashed with charred edges, but pressed thin on a hot grill.  Veronica Bareman calls out the scratch-made buns in 100 Things To Do, as well as offers a gluten-free alternative of Cloud Bread.  I haven't tried that bread yet, but it's definitely on my list.

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