The new Ebbet's still feels a lot like Rivals.
It feels pretty weird, but I think it’s going to work.
The new edition of Ebbet’s Field doesn’t look or feel anything like the original, but the grub and friendly, casual service. Ambiance is forsaken, but they brought the logo and the menu from the Walnut location to the new Ebbet’s Field South, and it just might work. It’s pretty much exactly what I expected: Rival’s with delicious baseball-themed burgers.
It took a second trip to give Ebbet’s a fair shake. The first visit came soon after it opened for lunch and they were obviously still shaking out wrinkles (no sign, no Dr. Pepper, no horseradish cheese, no wifi password). I met TAGsgf.com’s Allen Vaughan and we both wanted Da Drysdale (burger with horseradish cheese), but settled for Da Sandy (burger with buffalo sauce and provolone). The burger was unusually mediocre so a second chance was necessary (no offense Wayo, Ebbet’s has street cred).
Da Drysdale
On the second visit, it was apparent that business is good early. It was packed for college football on a Saturday. No wait when we arrived, but there was a short line when we finished (1:30 p.m.). This time the Dr. Pepper is delicious, they have horseradish cheese and I’m not working, so “screw it if they don’t have wifi” (the new sign looks pretty good, too). Da Drysdale was incredible. If you like horseradish (and burgers), you’ve got to put one of these away. My wife and son shared Da Catcher (Philly Cheesesteak with Italian Dressing). In two decades of going to Ebbet’s on Walnut, I never knew Da Catcher existed – really great sandwich.
The one constant in every visit to Ebbet’s is the french fries. They are consistently seasoned and fried every time.The new location hasn’t changed them a bit. Of course my favorite item on the menu is the Cajun Wrap – a spicy cod wrap, but that’s unrelated to this review. (Actually, it might be the Red Hot Tenders. Again, I digress.)
With an identical menu, the food is not going to disappoint. I imagine the first burger at the new spot was likely the exception. You’re going to spend around $10 per person, with fries and a soda. If you’re looking for the food and seven televisions in sight from any vantage point, then the south-side spot will suit you fine. But, if it’s the experience of Ebbet’s Field, you have to travel to the original – a true destination restaurant.
