The Early Word on Bolt Burgers

It's been about two and a half weeks since Bolt Burgers opened its doors. It's the first location of the D.C.-born concept — the owners are hoping to make it a chain. The restaurant serves up burgers, grilled cheese and more, relying heavily on technology for its ordering system. How's it all working out? Here's what the first bloggers, Yelpers and others have to say about Bolt.

The Onion Ring News: Bolt is currently earning 3 stars on Yelp with 23 reviews in. Bob H. says, "Open late — good burger — outstanding onion rings." [Yelp]

The Kraze vs Bolt News: UrbanDaddy compares the new Kraze Burgers to Bolt. For food, the latter comes up on top. "The Edge: Bolt. Always opt for burgers inspired by Sesame Street." [UD]

The Truffle News: Blogger Pleasures of the Table tries out the Mr. Truffleupagus. "As my frequent readers know, I'm a fool for truffles, so I had to give it a shot. It comes with truffled Pecorino cheese and sauteed mushroom. Nicely done. Good beef and a very nice bun too. It was cooked to a perfect medium. I'm sure they'd custom cook one for you if you ask." [PotT]

The Subpar Meat News: On Don Rockwell, lackadaisi writes, "We will not buy your pre-formed, frozen, overcooked discs of subpar meat just because you sprinkle bad garlic powder on them. Even if you have really big TVs and ipads for everyone. At least not more than once." [DR]

The Service Is Great But...News: On Twitter, @consuey writes, "Extremely disappointed with bolt burger @BoltBurgers great place, great service but Horrible burgers..." [Twitter]

The Disappointing News: On Yelp, E Spencer A writes, "This place was a disappointment for me.  In a city chock full of burger joints, there is absolutely nothing special about Bolt Burgers, neither in the food nor the experience." [Yelp]  

The Friendly Staff News: Also on Yelp, Nick F. says, "Disappointing! From the weird and confusing ordering procedure to the bland, lackluster, and totally overpriced food, I highly doubt I'll stop by here again. That being said, the space is fantastic and the location perfect. And the staff were chipper, attentive, and all had big smiles on. That's the only reason for the two stars.

The Good for the Neighborhood News: Yelp's Nemo H. writes, "Solid burger, good quality ingredients, great salad, fries were meh though.  I'd pick Ray's for a splurge, but this place is convenient to where I live and I'd pick it most of the time over nearby Five Guys.  Recommend the "Where there's smoke" burger (the one with pancetta).  This area...needed somewhere like this." [Yelp]

The Disaster News: Benjamin R. of Yelp says, "I didn't bother to check my order, because while I was sure it would be wrong, I wasn't about to give it back.  When I did open it back at my office, it was wrong, no ketchup, no mayo, no mustard sauce, no lettuce, no tomato.  The bacon was about the size of a silver dollar; the fries were cool and mushy." Bolt Burger was, in fact, an unmitigated disaster.  If you have an hour and a half to wait for a burger, feel free to give it a go.  I'll skip it. [Yelp]
· All Previous Bolt Burgers Coverage [-EDC-]