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New tavern and burger joint opens on Jackson Street

By Howard B. Owens

Derek Geib, left, and Michael Highland, will officially open their new downtown bar and eatery Wednesday and have spent the past two evenings preparing by serving speciality hamburgers to a limited number of guests.

With the kinks mostly worked out during the "soft launch," the duo is excited to finally be doing business as Bourbon & Burger Co. at 9 Jackson St., Batavia.

There are about two dozen different types of hamburgers on the menu, and the restaurant is aiming to be known as the best place for a burger in the county.

The menu also includes a variety of sandwiches and appetizers, an extensive beer list plus a full bar.

Mike Weaver

Just got back from dinner at Bourbon and Burger about an hour ago. We had a great meal. Both of our burgers were cooked properly to our order, looked delicious, and tasted every bit as good as they looked. And the fried pickles were tasty too.

They have an interesting selection of beers, many of which you don't see anywhere else in Genesee County. Kudos to that. We need a little more variety around here. And the large bourbon selection looked inviting too. We'll have to sample a bit of those this weekend.

I look forward to more vists to another interesting place to eat and drink downtown. Kudos to the owners for a very satisfying meal on opening day.

May 24, 2011, 8:19pm Permalink
Bill Scott

I've. been there twice so far and can't wait to run the menu. Tried five of the burgers so far. It has to be the best sandwich around. Good luck to everyone and pass the word. I hope these two young and brave boys make it. You deserve to treat yourselves to a great burger at a more than reasonable price in a clean and respectable establishment friends so get out there and support these guys and help keep downtown Batavia alive.

May 24, 2011, 9:33pm Permalink
Jennifer Keys

I'm super excited to hear about the fried pickles!

Anything else vegetarian on the menu?

Maybe the menu is online somewhere?

Good luck!!!

May 24, 2011, 9:36pm Permalink
Billie Owens

They have a Hawaiian burger with pineapple and a few more vegetarian choices. I opted for the bison burger, which is leaner than beef but tastes like beef.

May 24, 2011, 10:41pm Permalink
Doug Veltz

I was in there Monday night and had the "Everything's Bigger in Texas" burger. The E.B.I.T. is a burger patty, covered with fries between TWO grilled cheese sandwiches. So it is almost like a <i>sandwich, sandwiched</i> between two <i>sandwiches!</i> (I was hungry) It was phenomenal! It was juicy and delicious....and though it was BIG, it was not as difficult to eat as you might think.

Old fans of the Candlelight Restaurant will be pleased to see several of it's elements resurrected in Bourbon & Burger. It definitely has it's own look but the <i>friendly ghost</i> of what I always considered to be one of Batavia's finest restaurants shows though B&B's tastefully rustic decor.

I think it has the potential to become Batavia's answer to "Cheers!" Congratulations to Mike Hyland and Derek Geib and best of luck!

May 25, 2011, 11:05am Permalink
Mardell Lamb

Wow, such great reviews already! I loved the Candelight back in the day...so happy that they've restored that look again. Can't wait to give them a try.

Best wishes and good luck to Mike & Derek! Hope to meet you soon.

May 25, 2011, 1:02pm Permalink
Patricia Chadwick

Went to dinner with my family and was thrilled with the experience. The burgers were great, the service excellent, and I loved the atmosphere. My two kids (22 & 25) loved the drink selection and plan on making this a regular place to visit.

May 27, 2011, 7:22am Permalink
Bernie Thompson

OUTSTANDING!!!
Food was Great,Comfortable Atmosphere and the Staff was very friendly.
To Derek & John;
As a Proud member of the Great Red Sox Nation on many occasions I have eaten at Jerry Remy's Sports Bar & Grill.Congratulations, in my opinion the "Bourbon & Burger" is equal!! Can't wait until my next visit,I started at the bottom of the Burger list and plan on working my way to the Top (Like the BOSOX) although I might skip the Hawaiian Burger but not the BEER?

May 27, 2011, 10:06am Permalink

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