(Jack's Old Fashioned Hamburger House)
 
Jack's has been around for about 40 years now. They have 2 locations…one on US1 in Ft. Lauderdale (between Commercial and Oakland Park Blvd) and one in Pompano Beach. Jack's prides itself on offering 'no frills' burgers and fries in a casual setting. They also like to point out that their burgers are 100% Lean Beef - with no additives, is cut and ground fresh twice daily on site and their meat is so lean…you actually pay LESS for your burger than all hamburger chains (when comparing actual meat to the price). With a sign stating those facts, they better live up to the claim that it really matters…right?

Their menu isn't that large, but complete. The burgers come in 3 sizes: Jack Jr. - 1/4 lb, Original - 1/3 lb and Big Jack 1/2 lb. You can also add cheese to any of the burgers (costs a bit extra). Lettuce, Tomato, Bacon, Chili and Grilled onions will also cost you extra. They do have a little area where you can put your own catsup, mustard, mayo and raw onions on your sandwich…for free. If you are not in the mood for a burger…you can order a Grilled Roast Beef sandwich, Grilled Smoked Ham sandwich or a Grilled Turkey sandwich. They also have hot dogs. Sides include fries, cheese fries, chili fries and chili. They also have shakes.


(Jack's inside dining area)

It's a 'counter service' place…like most of the fast casual burger joints around today. You order at the counter, get your drink and a number. They call numbers as orders are complete.  Meduim and Large drinks allow for free refills...and the 'fixings' you can add yourself range from onion, mayo, jalapeno, katsup, mustard and a few more.  You can have them add lettuce and tomato (those are a little extra).


(Jack's front order counter)


(Jack's Hamburger free topings)

We came here for burgers…so it's burgers we will have. We both chose the Big Jack. Why not…. I've had the burgers here a few times and find that your best option is to go for cheese and nothing else. The burgers are so lean that too many toppings kind of get in the way of the beef.  The burgers were GREAT.  Grilled with a crust sealing in the juice.  For lean burgers...they are very juicy. 


(Jack's 1/2 lb Cheeseburger - cheese is under the patty)


(Jack's fries.  1 basket is enough for 2 people)

The fries are your standard fare…frozen and made fresh. I actually like them since you know what you are going to get. I like a plain previously frozen fry just as much as some of the more creative variieties. You don't get a huge 5-Guys portion of the fries…but if you are getting the 1/2 pound burger…you really don't need that may fries.


(Jack's total for 2 - $16.70)

Overall…this is a great local burger joint. If you like your burgers with lots of different toppings and sauces…you might want to pass Jack's by. If you like a good old fashoned burger…Jack's is a great choice. It's a local spot that has proven it can stand up with some of the best 'new' burger joints around. When the burger joint phase is over…I think Jack's will still be around. Some of the newer places…not so sure.



JACK'S OLD FASHIONED HAMBURGER HOUSE location:
4201 N. Federal Highway
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

FTLToday Score: A