With the recent opening of Fireside on campus, many students have been curious about how it compares to its predecessor, The Habit Burger Grill. Why would the university replace a popular burger and salad spot with another restaurant offering a similar menu? With opinions divided, one key question seems to be on everyone’s mind: Is Fireside better than The Habit? To find out, I decided to give it a try.
As someone who typically orders salads, I decided to switch things up and try Fireside’s Farmers Veggie Burger along with their crinkle-cut fries. Starting with the fries—honestly, they were the highlight of the meal. Perfectly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and seasoned just right with a unique flavoring. I would absolutely go back for the fries alone; they were that good.
Unfortunately, the burger did not live up to the same standard. While the toppings were fresh and the patty initially held together, it fell apart toward the end, which made it less enjoyable. The size of the burger was also on the smaller side, and overall, it didn’t stand out, especially compared to the fries and what I used to get at The Habit. The Habit’s burgers had more flavor and consistency, and I found myself missing the quality I was used to. In fact, The Habit Burger has been ranked the No. 1 burger spot, even over In-N-Out, so it’s definitely hard to replace the gold standard.
While Fireside’s menu offers a slightly different take, my experience was mixed. The fries were fantastic, but the burger fell short. Whether Fireside can fill the gap left by The Habit depends on personal preference, but for now, it’s hard not to feel like something is missing. If you’re craving great fries, Fireside is worth a visit, but if you’re after a standout burger, you might be left wanting more.