06/15/09

Great Burgers

by Katmar

I'm really surprised at so many negative reviews. El Cap makes a great homemade burger. I think too many people have gotten used to fast food burgers and don't know a good burger when they get one. They are juicy, not greasy, the way a burger should be. They remind me of how burgers tasted when I was a kid before frozen patties were used most places. El Cap may not be the prettiest restaurant around, but it is very atmospheric. Just to clarify for all of you tourists who think Floridians don't know good food, I have visited every state in this country (and 6 continents). I know good food and El Cap has always been good when I've been there. If you don't like Florida food, I would suggest that you vacation elsewhere!

05/29/09

Best Burgers!!

by mandipandi15

This little hole in the wall was a great date! My hubby and I are foodies, I will admit this. So, when he took me here I was apprehensive. The waitress was so nice and the burgers were just how we wanted them and the flavor was wonderful. A definite must!!

• Pros: The waitstaff is friendly and food is great
• Cons: Stuffed Jalapinos

05/18/09

El Cap El Cheapo??

by Kellyp

I have gone to El caps for over 30 years and today was my last visit. Each time the burger gets smaller and the price gets larger. They actually now charge for lemon slices 25 cents with your over priced drink ( no free refills)!! When we went to pay our tab we were told they could not split the check, we all had $20 dollar bills and we were told they could not make change for us, they did not have cash available.. Is this a business with no petty cash to break change for $60.

When we asked for Mary jane the owner she never the waitress told us she is the one who would not give us change!! She never appeared and almost 10 minutes later the waitress appeared with change for all of us!! I know times are hard but they are going to get harder for this place. They forgot the most important part of business, Customer service.. That is what will keep the truly good places going, they will not last much longer sad to say at this rate.. We all vowed to never return and we will just support our first love Chattaways even more,they rock!!

• Pros: Local hangout
• Cons: Item charges No split checks No change

04/02/09

They measure the amount of fries and burger for skimpy

by samsonmydear

we heard how good burgers were and ordered largest burger and basket of fries. we are not huge eaters and never eat at Wendy's, BK, McDonald's etc. but we like a good home cooked burger. when the meal arrived it was a skimpy 1/3 LB burger and skimpy basket of fries. when we asked waitress if we could get larger basket of fries she said everything was measured to exact portions.

tastes good but really skimpy portions. order two of each if you want to feel like you actually ate.

• Pros: good burger and fries
• Cons: skimpy portions

02/24/09

"Just the same way you love me"

by scottytheplumber

I was born in St PETE in 1964 - my folks brought me here in the "early days", & it was a treat for my sisters & myself to visit then. We moved to California in 1978. I just returned home this year to live (FEB 2009) & started visiting my old haunts - there on 4th was El Cap. Pulled in with my daughter (17 years old) & ordered 2 double cheese w/the works, onion rings, cold beer & root beer. No fancy onion roll, bottled water and/or tofu - just a couple of kick butt burgers in a familiar place. And yes, the service was the same - the best it can be with as busy as it is. Bottom line - if you want a great old fashion burger experience the way it was meant to be, i only have 2 words - EL CAP.

• Pros: OLD SCHOOL burgers, patio, "friggin' cold beer
• Cons: when busy, be "patient"

01/23/09

Ugh!

by BurgerPro

This place is horrible. Call me stupid, but I went twice just to make sure I wasn't dreaming about this horrible burger experience. How this place has a reputation for having a good hamburger, I will never know. First, the burgers are greasy beyond belief. Second, the service is beyond bad. Third, they charge for drink refills, making them the only restaurant in the world to do that. Finally, the place does not look clean. The menu is very limited (probably a good thing). Don't walk thru the back entrance, as you will get a full view of how dirty this place is. Anyway, don't waste your time with this pathetic joint. The management apparently does not care because there are plenty of regulars sitting at the bar, so they are making plenty of money off the poor grease suckers who don't know any better.

• Pros: I have health insurance
• Cons: Everything

12/06/08

What's the hype

by AllaboutmeJ

Bad....Just bad...Greasy fries....Greasy burgers...Dirty....Bad service...And whats up with charging for drink refills...Will never go back...And the prices....BADDDDDDDD

• Pros: none
• Cons: everything

11/05/08

Good burger...too small! AND NO REFILLS!

by notrodmot

This is ther best SMALL burgerin own..horrible value for the size. Frank...why the refill chat=rge on the sodas? A $1.25 refill on a 10 oz glass is HORRIBLE!!! Most of the wair staff is friendly, but Frank needs a lesson in human kindness. I can'r believe the number of people who are faithfull to this place...treat people like you WANT them back.

• Pros: Close to home
• Cons: I have to pass by it too often...

09/18/08

Good Days Gone By

by porty

I lived in this town for an eternity without having an El Cap burger. I could live another eternity without one. As I drove past the other options on 4th St today, something drew me here- maybe all the times I was invited but couldn't make it. When I found a parking spot adjacent to the front door, that little something went off inside my head (I hate it when that happens). The only good part was that I knew the bartender from one of my previous haunts.

I ordered a cheeseburger with cole slaw. The slaw was fairly salty and heavy on the mayo- tasted more like some sort of cabbage salad. Ordered my burger with lettuce, tomato and mayo- good thing, or the bun would have been looking around the restaurant for company. Had to remove the condiments to get a taste of the miniscule hamburger patty., which was ordered medium rare as the menu suggested. it was cooked on one side and then flipped for about 5 seconds, as best as I could judge. The bun was like some grocery store's private label.

If you want a fresh-grilled generic burger, stick to Five Guys. For a broiled Angus burger, look up the Country Skillet on Roosevelt in Clearwater. Sorry I missed the good days at the El Cap.

• Pros: TV's-a- plenty
• Cons: TV's strategically placed to distract you from the imaginary hamburger patty on your bun

09/07/08

I still don't think it's good.. I am bewildered

by amberlynn72

I have been there at least 3 times...in the last 5 yrs. Once with my sister and a couple of times for takeout orders. Honestly, I am originally from San Francisco. The people in St Pete haven't a clue what good food is. I have given this place 3 chances. Just ate there again tonite. And I said to my eldest son. I make better burgers than this. They had absolutely no flavor, the bun is ALWAYS soggy. And when I got a beer , I looked at it and wondered if it was for a child it was small not like big glasses that we are all used to. Harvey's 4th street grill really makes a great burger, even steak n shake is way better. It's just no good. I don't know who the heck is saying it is? I am stunned

• Pros: Outside seating
• Cons: small beers and bland hamburgers and soggy buns