A Diner Set Menu.
It’s a chain restaurant, but I have been impressed with both food and ambiance at Frankie and Benny’s Burleigh House branch on the Strand in London. If one walks across Waterloo Bridge from the station, turns left on the Strand and crosses the road then one reaches Frankie and Benny’s. It has become my value casual restaurant of choice in central London.
The lunchtime set menu (available from Monday to Friday) is perfect for a midday meal of filling and comforting dishes that won’t break the bank. My guest started with Southern Fried Chicken, a favourite and especially with kids, although tempting for an adult on this occasion. Fried chicken strips have a crunchy and lightly seasoned coating and are served with your choice of either BBQ sauce or Hot sauce. He chose the BBQ sauce, and it was sweet and tangy. Ketchup is on the table for the delight of the less adventurous and younger tastebuds.
Fully Loaded Potato Skins was my starter. They were piping hot and welcome on this cold day. They were filled with a traditional combination of bacon, cheese and spring onions. A pot of cream cheese on the side was a cooling foil to the rich potato filling. Both starters were substantial and would likely be enjoyed by the whole family.
All the food arrived in a timely fashion
My main dish was a Classic Beef Cheeseburger with a garnish of Monterey Jack cheese, mayonnaise and lettuce. It was served on a delicious seed-topped bun. Together with the fries on the side, you have a lunch that would probably defeat a hungry rugby player. The meat patty was thick and juicy with great texture. The onion rings we shared were light and hot from the fryer. In fact, all the food arrived in a timely fashion and at the appropriate temperature.
My companion is a hot dog afficionado, so his choice of a Classic Dog with crispy onions was no surprise – although the hefty proportions of the sausage was. The fries elevated this menu item from a predictable snack to a filling and fun meal.
The portions at Frankie and Benny’s are generous! All these dishes are available on the more extensive regular menu. This restaurant isn’t the cheapest around, but it does represent great value for money and offers the opportunity to enjoy one’s food in pleasant surroundings with friendly staff and clean tables. Frankie and Benny’s do a selection of classic cocktails, too. My guest was impressed with his Mojito, which was tall and tart, and a perfect pairing with the American Diner plates.
Learn more about Frankie and Benny’s here