LoopScoop

March 7th, 2011

Hubcap Grill and Beer Garden – An Update

I had a chance to meet up with burger extraordinaire, Ricky Craig, to talk about his newest venture, Hubcap Grill and Beer Garden. Set to open sometime in mid-April (sooner if antagonists stop calling 311), it’s what Ricky calls his “playground”. I always get the sense that Ricky is really passionate about his craft and this discussion was no different. It’s rare to hear someone so energized about what they do. This is also Craig’s chance to get out of the kitchen a little and relax, and there isn’t anything wrong with that, we think he’s earned a little play time.

Located 1133 W 19th Street, Ricky has taken his Hubcap Grill concept and an old building and created a burger beer garden. The building now houses the kitchen, a small dining room, and a mens and womens restroom. Service will be walk up ordering with large menu placed above the ordering window. Seating will be abundant and will include an under awning area and seating around it with plenty of umbrellas to protect you from that Texas summer sun.

The backyard will house more tables along with a couple of basketball goals, horseshoes, washers, and bean bags (for cornhole). “I wanted this to be a place where people could have fun while enjoying a Hubcap burger and a beer,” is how Ricky described his plan. There will be a jukebox playing classic rock, adding to the fun loving atmosphere.

But the atmosphere isn’t the only thing that will be different than the downtown location. Ricky has been listening to feedback and is working on featuring a true vegetarian burger. “I want to do a true veggie patty and do it well,” is what he told me. He’d like it to appeal to just about anyone interested in a veggie burger, from vegetarians to folks who love Hubcap, that need a healthy alternative. The not so healthy side will also get a few new features, including “The Hangover Burger”. Only available on Saturdays and Sundays, “The Hangover Burger” will have a beef patty topped with a ham steak, hash browns, and a fried egg. That’s right, Ricky is frying up an egg the way he likes it on a burger.

The other big food item is the new french fry menu. Hubcap Grill and Beer Garden will feature the standard and sweet potato fries but will also have a list of 10 or more specialty fries, including a hangover version. Add to this the beer menu which Ricky says will have Texas beers along with a mix of others as well as a rotating keg that he chooses and you have one heck of a place to spend your evenings. Right now, Hubcap Grill and Beer Garden will be open 7 days a week, though hours have not officially been set.

We know we aren’t the only ones really looking forward to opening day, in fact, as we were standing outside of the beer garden, a couple of cars pulled up to ask if it was open yet. We’ll be sure and let everyone know as soon as Ricky announces an opening date.

— Stephan

• Tags:
• beer,
• beer garden,
• Burgers,
• food,
• hamburger,
• hubcap,
• Hubcap Grill,
• Hubcap Grill and Beer Garden,
• Ricky Craig