There seems to be an emergence of improved hamburger options in the South Puget Sound, something I'm not opposed to exploring.

Since it's X-Group takeover in the past year, Engine House 9 has lived up to it's promise to raise the quality on some of their more popular menu items.  The E9 Bacon Cheeseburger lives to tell the tale of a renewed and hopeful future.

Hand-formed and perfectly grilled top-quality meat lend itself to a soft, locally made bun and crisp, flavorful bacon.  Served on a county prison-esque metal tray, indulging in the E9 bacon cheeseburger feels far from being held captive in a minimal security holding cell and more like freedom from the tasteless hamburgers some restaurants try to serve.

This, my meat craving friends, is just the beginning of a romance found in local hamburger exploration that my belly loves, yet my summer bathing suit hates.

[Engine House 9 - 611 N Pine St  Tacoma (253) 272-3435]