BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Linda LaZar

You know what they say: “Some of the best things come in small

packages.” That is certainly true in the case of an unpretentious

fast-food restaurant called Hamburger Hut.

Many times we stop for a quick burger and fries at one of the globally

known fast food chains available in countless locations in just about

every country in the world. They are convenient, and they serve pretty

good food. But there is nothing like those old-fashioned hamburgers

served at the little family-owned hamburger stands.

I remember going to those places as a child. There was something

really special about the way they wrapped the food and presented it in

brown paper bags, minus the logos and the plastic toys. And the recipes

were all original, and served with pride of ownership. Hamburger Hut is

one of those places.

The diminutive structure, located on the corner of Colorado Boulevard

and Cedar Street, is an unforgettable and charming “hut” surrounded by

the city and its high-rise atmosphere.

The building may be small, but the hamburgers are large. There are a

dozen burger combos to choose from starting with the Deluxe Burger Combo

priced at $2.76, which comes with fries and a drink. For only $5.59 you

can order the Hut’s largest burger combo, the Monster Bacon Double Cheese

Combo, and it takes more than one person to eat it. If you like lots of

vegetables on your burger, you might want to order extra, because

Hamburger Hut focuses on the burger and loads on the meat and cheese.

I like hamburgers, but as most of my friends have found, my favorite

part of a menu is the appetizer section -- in this case, the French

fries. I am not exaggerating when I say that I have found my favorite

fries in the world. They are sliced medium-sized and deep fried crunchy

and greasy on the outside and soft and “potato-ie” on the inside.

The menu is delicious and diverse. If you’re not in the mood for a

burger, choose from a list of meals including fried shrimp, fish &

shrimp, or sandwiches of pastrami, tuna, and teriyaki chicken and beef.

Teriyaki is one of the Hut’s specialties. You can order a chicken or beef

teriyaki bowl for $3.99, which includes coleslaw, kimchee (a cabbage

dish) and a drink. Milk shakes are on the menu made with bananas,

strawberries, mango and papaya for $2.45.

The Hut also serves beef and pork cutlet plates, onion rings, noodle

soup, and burritos made with fish, chicken or teriyaki beef.

The restaurant is clean with a grade “A” rating, and there are patio

tables available at the rear of the building.

Hamburger Hut is at 831 E. Colorado Blvd., just a few blocks east of

Glendale Avenue. The hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m Monday through Saturday.

You can phone in your orders for pickup at 240-0377.

LINDA LAZAR writes about local businesses every Friday. Reach her by

writing the News-Press, 111 W. Wilson Ave., Suite 200, Glendale, CA

91203. Or e-mail her at LaZarLinda@aol.com.