Burger Warfare

Located at 1209 Battleground Avenue in Greensboro, Burger Warfare specializes in burgers but also offers sandwiches, salads, and shakes. There is a full-service bar

Much like its nearly-adjacent sister restaurant (The Marshall Free House), Burger Warfare follows a familiar template for Kotis-owned properties: find a theme, go all-out on décor, inject some craft beers and a few unique food offerings, and jack up the prices. While the latter point is (understandably) a deal-breaker for some, I’ve found the overall experience to be worthwhile, and Burger Warfare is no exception.

How likely you are to agree with that assessment depends partially on how much you appreciate the dedication to theme. If the giant robot statue outside didn’t convince you, this place ain’t subtle. There are more robots on the inside, bullets inlaid on the bar counters, and servers clad in camo. While no one would confuse this with elegance, it is nevertheless a look that stands out. Try it if you want a change of pace.

Of course, aesthetics is only one part of the battle plan here. The menu isn’t particularly deep (only three sandwiches and two salads), but what it lacks in depth it makes up for in intrigue. You can build your own burger here, but the preset options are fairly compelling – they make use of everything from chorizo to portabella to brie. Ditto the drinks: booze-laden milkshakes are a house specialty, and brews from Pig Pounder across the street are readily available.

For my first visit, I went with the Eggstraction Pt. Siracha: a cheeseburger with onions, chorizo, and an over-easy egg. The burger was a bit of a mess to eat (as well it should be), and the flavors melded nicely. The Warfare Sauce that accompanied my fries was another zesty hit. The meat itself, however, doesn’t compare to Greensboro’s best. They do two thin patties here, and while it certainly outclasses Steak n Shake, let’s just say that it’s no Hops. My companion, on the other hand, seemed satisfied with her Black Ops: an Asian twist on a black bean patty. Moreover, the adult shake that we split – the Daniel Boone (vanilla with apple pie moonshine and caramel) – was a winning pick.

Our server, Victoria, was quite friendly, and our food arrived from the kitchen quickly. Both of these made the price paid more palatable. Burgers (with one side) fall in the $8 to $10 range while the alcoholic shakes are $8. These rates aren’t casus belli, but better values do exist elsewhere.   

Had I been here when the establishment was more crowded, I may have left with a decidedly less favorable impression. However, my first visit leaves me to conclude that while Burger Warfare may not win the battle for best burger in town, it can still wage a successful campaign for diners’ dollars.

7.75/10