(smartshanghai)
Updated: 2007-02-28 08:59

A few weeks ago a friend and I were wandering around the Xujiahui area wasting time and money. Lunch time approached, our appetites began to hit us and we strolled into the recently opened Korean burger chain, Kraze Burgers, for a quick dine on a rather busy day. Located on Tianyaoqiao Lu, near Nandan Lu, Kraze Burgers is only about a five to ten minute walk from the heart of Xujiahui and about a ten to fifteen minute walk from the Shanghai Indoor Stadium. Advertised as "American Dining Gourmet" and being two Americans who have grown up in the "fast food generation" of burgers and fries, my friend and I were rather intrigued by this burger joint and decided we had to give the place a try.

Walking down the hectic Tianyaoqiao Lu during lunch hour most people will probably just keep their heads down wasting no time to get to their desired destination, but with its big red borders and its bold green lettering this burger diner is hard to miss. At first glance the inside of Kraze resembles that of most big city diners, with tall red booths and benches running along the walls, neon lights on the ceiling and walls, and an open kitchen facing the main part of the dining area. However, as our meal went on and I had more time to scout the place out, the chill and comfortable vibe given off by most diners seemed to fade a little bit... Maybe it was the missing bar or the missing juke box that caused the feeling to fade, but in all fairness the décor is fine, and still fitting for its style.

Lunch hour on a work day is not usually the ideal time to check out a new venue. As expected the restaurant was packed, however, we were still able to get a seat right away and the service was still on par with that of any other diner type of venue.

Just going from the name, "Kraze Burgers", one could inevitably concur that the venue would more than likely specialize in burgers, and burger accommodations. However, to our surprise their burger list only took up about one fourth of the menu; the rest of the menu consisted of hot dogs, sandwiches, salads, pastas, and desserts. Being set on gorging on a beef patty, my friend and I each decided to choose our own burgers. All the burgers were relatively reasonably priced (as were most things on the menu), but again going off the name, "Kraze Burgers", my friend and I were expecting to maybe see some non-traditional style burgers, maybe with some different kinds of toppings or ingredients that would give the place the name "Kraze." Unfortunately though, other than strawberry jam on the kids burger, nothing was really out of the ordinary. Thus, my friend opted for the K.B. Original (28rmb), a traditional cheese burger with all the usual toppings and of course an egg for a little Chinese flair, while I chose the Maximum (36rmb), a bacon cheese burger with hot sauce. Both the Original and the Maximum proved to be solid choices seeing as my friend and I finished our tasty burgers just about as fast as they were served. My only disappointment with the meal was that french fries were not included and had to be ordered separately, nonetheless though, for the prices and the quick service this not so "krazy" restaurant is still a rather good choice for a quick bite at any time of the day.

On a side note, I saw most people in the restaurant eating salads, now I am not sure if that is because they were trying to eat healthy or because the salads are good, but next time I go I might just try one out.

Kraze Burger

Address:323 Tianyaoqiao Lu near Nandang Lu
Tel: 021-6426-3667