Gilbert's 17th Street Grill: "Hottest burger in South Florida"

A few months ago Gilbert’s 17th St Grill teamed with Bone Lee Tadpole and his signature Bone Lee’s Smoky Ghost Sauce to create the “hottest burger in South Florida.”  So obviously I had to make the trip up to Broward to try this delectable creation.

My brother and I decided to head up for lunch.  Luckily, we arrived just in time to beat the lunch crowd.  We were greeted at the door by Richard, who was manning the front of the house.  He didn’t even have to ask me what I was their for.  Now, being this was my brother’s first visit to Gilbert’s, he carefully studied the menu.  After a few minutes, he chose their Goat Cheese Burger - 8 ounces of certified Angus beef, with goat cheese and caramelized onions.  A fine choice, I might add.  The hottest burger in South Florida did not disappoint.  It had the perfect amount of kick and Bone Lee’s hot sauce was on point.  This sauce can add a zip to what is often ordinary table fare.  Meaning you can put it on anything!  People, you can rely on my palate.  This sauce had the perfect amount of spice and a tanginess that hit the spot.

We both ordered their home-made cole slaw as a side and I included an order of sweet potato fries.  For months I’ve been teased with these amazing pictures of their baby back ribs.  However, my bulging stomach was beyond capacity so I took an order to go.  When they say “fall off the bone” they mean it.  Being a barbecue aficionado, these ribs were in a word - perfect.  The meat was perfectly tenderized, had great flavor, and the barbecue sauce was finger licking good.

The thing I really love about Gilbert’s is their consistency in service, ingredients, prices and friendly atmosphere - all important for an ideal dining experience.  But possibly the chief aspect of the restaurant experience has to be the food.  The style of food is largely a matter of taste.  Whatever the style, I tend to appreciate simple “home” cooking with good, quality ingredients over fancy and elaborate food.