Aloha Bit#$@s!

This place reminds me...Hawaiian shirts are underrated and under worn. They are lightweight, comfortable, and have the stylish functionality that makes them acceptable in both casual and business casual settings. The repeating patterns are often humorous, but subtle enough to avoid undue attention. Most important, the combination of lightweight material and repetitive patterns can mask armpit sweat for those of us with excessive sweating problems.

Moving on....Jamie, Kristyn, and I wanted to get out on a COVID Friday night and my stipulations were either Mexican or Burgers. I googled "burger places" and Caroline's Aloha Bar popped up. The place is new and replaced what used to be Voodoo Bar, a staple in Avondale for people who drink flaming volcano drinks.

Ambience - For locals who've patronized Voodoo, first imagine Voodoo, then add a waitress in a hula skirt. Next, subtract the waitress in hula skirt and you have Caroline's Aloha Bar.

Food - First, I was a fan of the unique twists on classics. Like the Red Curry, full (flats and drums still attached) chicken wings. Though a little bland for my liking, I appreciated seeing flavors outside the typical Frank's Red Hot + Butter style. Next, Truffle Tater Tots. Jamie explained to me that truffle oil comes from mushrooms so I was hesitant and immediately imagined the repulsiveness that is cream of mushroom soup. The tots were great, no mushroom taste. Finally, the main event, the burger. I built my own with two patties, American cheese, lettuce, bacon, and garlic butter. In order of importance:1) Beef - They didn't ask, which was odd, but was cooked between medium and medium-well, so good but not perfect. 2) Bun - Served it's purpose perfectly, as a non-overbearing, structural foundation, that doesn't detract from the beef. There's nothing worse than a burger made like a quarter pound patty between two loaves of stale bread. This was not that. 3) Bacon and Lettuce - Both good quality and crisp and 4) Cheese - melted, nothing else to say.

I've been in a burger slump lately and this Caroline's Aloha's burger was refreshing. Though Jamie didn't eat, she appreciated the $1.75 happy hour Miller High Lifes. Kristyn refused to comment but gave her thumbs up. That makes six! Aloha.