Burger Blues

My wife had been craving for a good burger since last week. She’s really not a big burger fan, but, occasionally, she will indulge in one. She’s not fond of fast food either, but for a decent burger, she will say yes to In & Out. But there is one place she’d go to in a heartbeat – the First Street Alehouse. 

After putting off going to “alehouse” (this is how we like to call it) for a couple of days, we finally went on Sunday, right after the 11:00 mass. We hit the lunch crowd, and, obviously, the place was packed. Located in downtown Livermore, this place serves mostly sandwiches, with the usual selection of delectable fried goodness. For those who watch their weight, there are salads as well.

The restaurant is fairly large and quite roomy, and the atmosphere is very casual. They also have outdoor seating if you prefer to dine al fresco. Inside, there are numerous large flat screen TVs to watch your favorite sporting event. Service is quite efficient, and the turnaround of customers is pretty fast.

So, what’s good?

We’ve always gotten their ½-pound burgers, in different combinations. And they’re always good. You’ll never go wrong. The sides are excellent as well. We love the onion rings and the Cajun fries. Even the regular fries aren’t bad. But I really love the garlic fries -- lots of cheese and tons of garlic. It’ll surely keep Dracula (and everyone else) at bay. Sandwiches come with a side of fries, kettle chips or garden salad. You can also chose from their other sides for an extra charge.

My wife got a mushroom-Swiss burger with applewood bacon and a side of onion rings, while my son tried the original alehouse burger with American cheese and fries. Both were so juicy and mouth-watering. I went the opposite way. I got fish – fish and chips, to be exact. Instead of steak fries, I got…you guessed it – GARLIC FRIES. What’s cute, too, is that each order of sandwich (and my fish & chips) comes with a complimentary lollipop. Something to suck on to keep you awake for the drive back home.

As an appetizer, we tried their nachos, with carnitas, and topped with lots of guacamole, sour cream, melted cheese, red onions, tomatoes, and jalapeno. It was a bomb!!! Really flavorful. They even serve it with homemade salsa on the side. It was a meal in itself. If you’re really hungry, they also have a super nachos that could feed an army.

In addition to all these good food, they also have a variety of beverages to wash all the calories down, including 24 different brews on tap. In addition, they serve breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays, from 8:30 to noon. For those looking for a late night bite, this place is open till 11:30 on Mondays to Wednesdays; till midnight on Thursdays to Saturdays; and till 10:30 on Sundays. They even have a kid’s menu, in case you’re wondering.

So, if you have an appetite for a good burger, take a trek to Livermore. It’s worth it.

Author's Note: First Street Alehouse is located at 2106 First Street, Livermore, CA 94550.