Nick’s Picks: Beauvine Burger Concept is not your average burger joint

Nicholas Barahona, Contributing Writer

Welcome to Nick’s Picks.

Join me, Nick Barahona, on my journey through the city of Richmond where I will review and showcase the different cuisines and restaurants in close proximity to campus, from the perspective of a VCU student.

Today’s stop brings me to Beauvine Burger Concept, to check out if a restaurant serving burgers, fries and shakes from 11 a.m. to midnight seven days a week should be up for consideration for your next meal.

Just a 12 minute walk from Monroe Park lies a burger joint on West Main Street. As you approach the restaurant, you’re welcomed with open arms as your eyes gravitate towards the well-lit sign that illuminates beautifully at night. With both indoor and outdoor seating as an option, I decided to dine inside for the review.

Inside, you will find hightop, booth and bar seating. There are a few TV’s above the bar, often displaying sports games and other entertainment. On busier nights, you may have to wait to be seated, as the restaurant can become crowded at dinner time. The restaurant does not take reservations, so seating is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Beauvine offers eight different types of artisan burgers — signature burgers with a set of toppings and spreads — to choose from. If you are someone looking for a more traditional burger, they have a “create-your-own” option.

I enjoyed seeing the amount of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options that are possible with menu items such as burgers and buns. These include a vegan soy burger, vegan plant-based protein burger, gluten-free bun and lettuce-wrapped burger. It’s great to see Beauvine have an inclusive menu that accommodates all types of diets.

For dinner, I decided to go with the Belle Ringer. At $10, this burger comes with herb-goat cheese, pickled red onions, spring greens, tomato jam and herb aioli. Although on the pricey side for a burger, the quality you are getting is higher than any $4 to $6 burger at chain locations. Though fries do not come with your order, I of course went ahead and ordered a $5 side of the Duck Fat Fries.

The interesting mix of goat cheese and tomato jam in the Belle Ringer surprisingly works excellently together. The salty cream cheese-like mixture, combined with the sweet tomato jelly and tangy pickled onion, makes for a firework of flavor when taking that first bite. The burger is definitely carried by its goat cheese — maybe even a bit too much. I did find the burger to have an excessive amount of cheese placed inside, dripping with every bite.

Beauvine uses nicely toasted brioche buns, so there’s no need to worry about the burger being soggy. The satisfaction of eating a burger without feeling all greasy afterwards is a win in my book. The size is respectable as well, not too small or too big. It fills you up, especially with a side and drink to go along with it.

The Duck Fat Fries are a staple: straight-cut fries that are just salty and crispy enough to enjoy with a burger and shake of your choosing. The fries don’t outshine the burger, but instead complement it with a consistent crunch in every bite.

For my drink, I ordered the Fruity Pebbles milkshake, which will take you back in time to mornings before school having a bowl of fruity cereal. The milkshake is nothing like you can get anywhere else, consisting of vanilla and a distinct Fruity Pebbles taste that lingers on your tongue. At an $8 price point, the shake is on the expensive side, but is certainly worth it if you have the option to splurge on something. You can find five other milkshake flavors at Beauvine, plus a rotating seasonal option.

Beauvine Burger Concept is a place you can walk with your friends any day of the week to enjoy some quality burgers, fries and top-notch milkshakes. If you’re planning to go all out, expect to pay upwards of $25. If you’re just looking for a burger, I suggest heading over during Beauvine’s Happy Hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, when burgers are $2 cheaper.

Beauvine gets a big thumbs up from me and my stomach. Out of 5 stars, our first restaurant review earns itself a solid 4 ½ stars based on the quality of my experience.

For more things food, feel free to check out @nxreview on Instagram or TikTok for many more recommendations and reviews around town.

Stay easy Ram family and as always, eat up.