This is an expanded version of the same story that ran in YES! Weekly on January 6.

When you enter Burger Warfare, you’re immediately struck by the “futuristic” military theme as the name implies. Actually it happens before you enter with the artillery-clad robotic looking sculpture that greets you outside. Inside, there’s military inspired artwork, digital camo throughout, industrial lighting, dining chairs made out of Humvee seats and even military videos in the bathrooms.  It’s pretty manly, but in a sexy, military dude kind of way that won’t be off-putting to the ladies.  Occasionally, throughout your tour, you’ll hear helicopters and military jets soaring “overhead.”  You feel positively embedded.

So we set up camp at our table in our very sturdy seats and started perusing the “food classifications.” Lots of burgers, sandwiches, salads and appetizers and a plethora of shakes made with BW’s homemade custard. I just love custard—way more than ice cream.  If you’ve never had it, give it a try. If you like “adult milkshakes” be sure to check out the Shake & Awe section of menu where you can choose from a spiritous variety of shakes like Fireball and Kahlua and whipped vodka.

Mr. foodie took immediate action and ordered a round of appetizers of Cheese Planks (mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce) and Bot Tots loaded with chili and cheese. Burger Warfare is kind of famous for their Bot Tots, so just assume you will be ordering them. They are terrific with a side of their Warfare Sauce, which is kind of like a comeback sauce or “special sauce.” Even if your tots are loaded, you’re going to dip them into this sweet and tangy sauce made with sweet red chili peppers. It’s that good.

The Fort Bragg was the must-try for me. Double Certified Angus Beef patty cooked to my choosing, with pimento cheese, onions, chorizo chili, coleslaw, and beer mustard using sister brewery Pig Pounder’s Boar Brown. I’m not going to say I could taste every element (I’d have enjoyed a bit more pimento cheese) but it was hearty and satisfying and a great riff on a Carolina Burger (with a touch of Dirty South with that pimento cheese thrown in).

Mr. foodie ordered the Cuban Missile Crisis which loads some chorizo between 2 CAB patties, topped with Paprika Mojos sauce, shoe string potatoes (!!) and grilled onions. Huge. Messy. And devoured. My children aren’t keen on burgers (because who knows why) so they opted for chicken tenders and a side of bot tots. What can we say? They were good. They ate them. But the burgers are the way to go.

You can even turn your burger bunless and wrap it in lettuce or substitute your beef for turkey, chicken or black bean. Why would you, I ask?

Of course with such temptations as milkshakes to go along with our burgers, we went all in. Kids got their choice for a modest $1.50 and we decided to split a shake from the bar. We created our own with bourbon, Frangelica and Kahlua. It came in a tall, slim mug and it was delicious. After that, we surrendered to utter fullness.

Burger Warfare strikes a balance of great food and entertainment. The robotic sculptures in three corners of the building talk back and forth with one another and threaten the patrons with confiscating their tots. If you are paying close attention, you may even recognize them. They’re dressed up in all kinds of get-ups. Here’s a hint: Opponent 1 is named RDMD, he has red and yellow sideways arches, Opponent 2- WND, swirls and freckles, , Opponent 3- wears a crown and stockings– a tip of the hat to the “Burger Wars” that started it all. And the ruler of all of them, AWE. He’s out front with a QR code on his launcher and Burger spelled in “alien type letters.” A tip of the hat to the burger wars that started it all. But really as far as BW is concerned, there’s no comparison.

Burger Warfare is definitely an expandable and even franchise-able concept. Of all developer Marty Kotis’ properties, I think it is certainly the one that is most universally appealing to young and old, and marches to the drumbeat of those that call themselves patriots or happen to have an affinity for the military. It’s a great addition to Kick Ass Concepts’ line of restaurants which include Darryl’s Woodfired Grill, The Marshall Free House, Pig Pounder Brewery & Tap Room and a few more in the hopper.  What makes a great restaurant is a good ambiance and great food and Burger Warfare has both. Marty Kotis shared with us what’s to come in the future. A beer garden downtown with a savory biscuit concept; a Caribbean/Seafood concept for the old Ham’s lakeside location that was recently purchased; and an Argentine/Spanish concept known behind the Village Tavern off Westridge Road, in Greensboro. And he confirms that he’s definitely working on expanding Darryl’s and Burger Warfare to other cities.

And you heard it here first!

Now, march to Burger Warfare, foodies!

Burger Warfare 
1209 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro
336.500.0654