The Dutch Goose - Menlo Park, CA

A Menlo Park institution for more than 35 years, the Dutch Goose is the bookend to the Oasis, with local residents debating which is better. Like the Oasis, the Goose has names carved into the wood booths and tables. Families, sports teams and beer drinkers watching the big screen TV, mix in peace. I went here with my 14 year-old daughter in a break from our traditional Saturday trek to Johnny Rockets. The restaurant was packed as we stood in line at the counter to order. There were still plenty of tables including outside tables.

While we waited for our food, we had an order of the famous deviled eggs that have been a Goose favorite for years. They are smothered in a spicy mustard-tinged filling. This goes surprisingly well with a beer.

My name was called and food was retrieved. I ordered the standard Bacon Cheeseburger ($6.75). It comes with lettuce, tomato slice, onion slice, American cheese and the secret sauce. The sauce reminds me of tarter sauce. Definitely mayo-based with lemon and pickle chucks. It is messy and liberally applied to good effect. The burger comes on a yellow bun with sesame top. The patty is most likely frozen and 1/3 pound. I couldn’t find someone to ask. My daughter had a plain cheeseburger with just sauce. ($5.75) She pronounced it quite good and rated it 3.5 (out of 5) after scraping off some of the sauce.

We also ordered fries. Until recently the Dutch Goose did not serve fries. To quote John Belushi, “ No fries, chips”. New owners brought in a fryer and the regulars were appalled. They should not have bothered. The thin fries still have the skin on the ends. They are greasy and unremarkable. I had low hopes when I saw a huge pile of pre-made fries under the heat lamp by the fryer as I ordered.

My burger was good. All the elements are well-balanced and play well together. The burger was properly cooked at medium. It wasn’t especially juicy, but I expect this from a frozen patty. They do offer other choices of cheese which I will try next time.

Burger 3 spatulas (out of 5)
Fries 2
No onion rings or milk shakes.


Dutch Goose
3567 Alameda De Las Pulgas
Menlo Park, CA 94025
650-854-3245
www.dutchgoose.net