Pauly's is NOW OPEN!
As the Wagyu beef craze continues to sweep across the USA, we are right in the path of this craze here in Eureka Springs!
At Pauly's, they're making it easy because they provide the flavor, the service and the perfect burger-joint ambiance inside the village up at Pine Mountain Village (next door to Eureka Springs Harley Davidson.)
Pauly's serves burgers, fries and gelato but as a self-proclaimed connoisseur of the smashburger, I plan to focus on what I ordered and enjoyed when I went in for my first visit.
Although a little on the salty side, Pauly's smashburger combines the right blend of flavors, textures, and craftsmanship.
The setting is a modern updated burger-joint feel inside a Victorian village facade. It's a "very Eureka" place where the ambiance perfectly complements the menu. Dim, ambient lighting, rustic wooden tables, and an open kitchen created a welcoming environment that hinted at the culinary delights to come. The friendly, knowledgeable staff further enhanced the experience, demonstrating a clear passion for their new hot spot in Eureka Springs. There's patio seating outside as well.
The food attendant that took my order even came over to my table after I took a few bites of my burger to check on me and ask how everything tasted and to see if I was satisfied.
That was a top-knotch move.
The hallmark of any great smashburger lies in its patty, and this one was exceptional. Made from a proprietary blend the meat is ground fresh daily, ensuring maximum flavor and juiciness. The patty was smashed onto a hot, seasoned griddle, creating that coveted Maillard reaction which resulted in an exquisitely crispy, caramelized crust. The interior remained juicy and flavorful, offering a perfect contrast to the exterior.
While visiting Eureka we made it a point to try out this new burger spot. The menu is limited but interesting. Burger cooked in Beef Talo and onions. Yum! The buns are fresh, soft and grilled to perfection. The burgers are juicy and flavorful. The shredded lettuce and special sauce are the perfect topping to the burger. The fries fresh cut and just the perfect portion. They have outside seating and even dessert. We loved it and will return. ~Dottie, Bentonville, Arkansas (via Yelp)
The bun is often an overlooked component, but here, it was given the attention it deserved. A lightly toasted brioche bun provided the ideal vehicle for the patty. Its slight sweetness and airy texture complemented the savory richness of the beef without overwhelming it.
The bun was soft and somewhat sturdy, but it wasn't sturdy enough to hold all the components together. It took just a few bites for that all-too-familiar "fall apart" action causing most of the patty and other goodness to slip from the center and back into the burger box below. Here's an image of what it all looked like after I took a break to regroup for round two.
It wasn't until I looked down back inside the box of my now "really smashed" burger when I noticed a sizeable amount of grease forming in puddles along the box bottom under the smashed-up patties. I took a napkin to dab away quite a bit of it and then went in for the kill with fork and knife finishing off every ounce.
The toppings were meticulously selected to enhance the burger without detracting from the star of the show—the patty. A layer of melted cheese added a creamy, tangy note that melded seamlessly with the beef. The cheese was perfectly melted, enveloping the patty in a luscious embrace.
A generous dollop of house-made sauce provided a zesty kick and added a layer of complexity and moisture, elevating each bite.
Pauly's is very new to Eureka from what I researched. It's very chain style, but a great spot for delicious smash burgers! The French fries, both hand cut & sweet potato, were fantastic. The sauces to dip were wonderful. We tried ranch and chipotle aioli. The biker rally was in town for the weekend, so I'm sure they were swamped, but we stopped for Sunday lunch and staff were super kind! The food came out piping hot and fresh. It's clean and nice for indoor dining, and they have a great patio, too. We didn't try gelato, but it looked amazing! ~Jamie, Muskogee, Oklahoma (via Yelp)
For those looking to indulge further, the addition of crispy smoked bacon is available. This bacon is thick-cut and perfectly cooked, adding a smoky, salty note that complements the other flavors beautifully, especially the fresh shredded iceberg lettuce which I thought added a really refreshing crunch.
My hefty side of hand-cut fries accompanied the burger quite well. Golden and crispy with a fluffy interior. Seasoned with just the right amount of salt, they were the perfect accompaniment to the smashburger. An option to add a $1 dipping sauce and went with the garlic aioli which added an extra layer of decadence.
In Eureka Springs, you can find a decent burger in a few different spots but now that we have Pauly's on the scene, this Wagyu burger joint will capture the hearts of many, I'm sure.
I think that Pauly's smashburger was an extraordinary example of a job well done - from the patty to the toppings and the perfectly toasted bun!
Ha! Well, after everything fell apart for me, it all came together nicely to appease my appetite with a delicious symphony of flavors and textures, despite having to finish it all with a fork and knife.
This is a very unique smashburger experience. Whether you're a seasoned burger aficionado or a casual enthusiast, this smashburger is a must-try, offering a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication.❤️
The Hours
Stay connected with Pauly's!
Comments