Magic Burger on Iben Gvirol - not battling burgers

There is an old clipping from five years ago on the wall of Magic Burger (64 Iben Gvirol, T"A 03-6956782, 11:00AM to 5:00AM) about the battle of the burgers. This was all the talk of the town a few years ago, when "real burgers" came to town. I am not sure what makes a real burger, or really "un-real burger". I guess the McDonald's and Burger Ranch are not "real burgers". The Magic Burger is definitely considered "REAL". It is made from freshly ground beef or lamb. You get it made your way with a choice of toppings. There are about 10 sources to choose from... and, it is made right in front of you while you sit at the bar and chat with the guy next to you. Well, for most of us 'Anglos' this seems like the standard burger joint anywhere off the beaten track US of A. But for Tel Aviv this is a very special place. The burgers are really great! No question about it, quality of ingredients and attention to customers really counts. Specially in something as simple as a burger. Magic Burger is basically a bar with a few tables outside. When the weather is nice, you are in luck. But on a hot day, as we are getting into July and August, this is not the place to eat a burger comfortably.
Soldiers and students lunching on Magic Burgers
The burgers themselves come in 200, 300, and 400 gram sizes. Most people seem to order the 200 gram "meal" - which includes fries (deep fried and hot flat round REAL potato kind) with a soft drink. There are also a few beers to choose from. There are other things on the menu like salads, but I have never seen anyone eat them (they do send them out at night for takeout). Toppings are excellent but basic, tomato, onion, lettuce, pickle, fried onion, and hot peppers. Sauces are a nice touch here from spicy chili to mayonnaise, 10,000 island, to ketchup and BBQ. Takeout business is mostly in the evening when people stop by to take dinner home. But you do see the occasional secretary ordering 5 burgers for 'the boys'.
All eys on the fries - and the BURGER MAKER
The most interesting aspect of Magic Burger is the clientele. You will find the from delivery jockeys just off their Tus-Tus, to army officers, to slicked out corporate managers, to moms with strollers... you get the point. If you are used just to fast food crowed don't be surprised to find a few executives in the crowd. If you are in the Gan Ha'Ir / City Hall area, stop by a burger at the "magic"

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