Running Circles Around the Youngins’

While on my trip last year to Arkansas, we had lunch one day in Hot Springs at Bubbalu’s Bodacious Burgers and Classy Dogs. I know what you’re thinking…. Kim are you really about to review and/or blog about Bubbalu’s Bodacious Burgers and Classy Dogs? Why yes, I am!

First of all, I love a good hot dog! Doesn’t everyone? Now, I can’t direct you to the website for Bubbalu’s Bodacious Burgers and Classy Dogs because it doesn’t exist. There menu is just what you would expect. (Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chili burger, classy dog, polish dog, chili dog, chicken salad, French fries, onion rings, chili fries, shakes, malts, lemonade, Root beer float with bluebell ice cream, etc.)

This place has the look and feel of a typical diner. There were wooden stools that were bolted to the ground in front of the diner counter that makes up the majority of the seating in the restaurant that surrounds, exactly what you think, the cook-top, fountain drinks and prep area. So whatever you ordered, it is made to order right in front of you. I love this kind of atmosphere. I love to watch others, if you haven’t figured that out yet.

Behind this counter were three employees. Employee #1 was a young lady about 20 years old. Employee #2 was a young man about 19 years of age. And finally, last but not least, employee #3 was an older lady probably in her mid-to-late sixties. I know what you’re thinking, “Kim, quit age profiling!” Well, I’m technically not; however, this information is CRUCIAL to the story I’m about to tell.

When we came in, we saw a sign that said ORDER HERE. We stood at this sign, were handed menus from the young lady, and placed our orders. We were then instructed that we could find a seat wherever we would like. Well of course, I wanted to be in the middle of the action so we sat at the counter to “watch the show.”

Very quickly we learned that the older lady working over the flat-top grill was in charge. I have never, in all my days, ever seen anyone work as quickly and proficiently as she did. Now, maybe I’m weird. I get a kick out of organization and people that remain organized in a crisis type environment. The place was HOPPING that day. Almost every seat at the counter was full, as well as the other tables in the back part of the restaurant. As your order was taken it was put on a long metal clip system to stay in order of what is next, etc. I watched this woman look at every order that came in and start whatever protein needed to be started on the griddle. I watched her swiftly turn to the refrigerator and pull out fries or onion rings and place them in the fryer. I watched her quickly turn around slather a piece of bread with mustard. She immediately grabbed the paper that was to be placed into the metal stand for the French fries for the next order. I watched her grab a chilled glass from the freezer where she dropped ice cream in it to make a malt.

It was like watching an octopus standing in the middle of the kitchen with eight arms flying around to make sure every ticket stayed in order and was completed to its perfect specifications. Every once in a while you would hear her request more metal wire baskets from the young man. She would request them clear off tables. She would say, wipe down the counter over here. This woman was in charge and this woman was efficient. But in exchange, these young adults weren’t “bossed” by her. Now, don’t get me wrong. She had a Kim essence about her. She was strong with her request. She implemented a slight bit of fear with each request. However, they respected her and did exactly as she asked. You could tell, there was a level of honor they were giving her. Watch her in action here: https://youtu.be/Ul7vD1CqXFE

My polish dog with chili was AMAZING. The bread was toasted and the chili was definitely from scratch. My onion rings were crunchy and super tasty. They were on the thicker side if you were wondering. Their presentation was adorable and they were timely.

The Bubbalu’s Bodacious Burgers and Classy Dogs is smack dab in the middle of Central Avenue, right in the midst of all the touristy stuff. I would highly recommend this place for a quick lunch and ESPECIALLY if you have children.

It is rated 3 ½ stars on yelp and 4 stars on Trip Advisor.

Bubbalu’s Bodacious Burgers and Classy Dogs, 408 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901

Note: Old Dogs know a lot of Tricks!

Lesson: Never underestimate the power of a lady and her griddle.