‘Trump burger’ gets scathing reviews from food critics: ‘Bland’

A new Trump Burger restaurant that opened in Houston, Texas, this month has been panned by food critics, one reviewer describing its burgers as “consistent in blandness.”

The pro-Donald Trump chain has been praised by some customers online, one saying it had “amazing food,” another that its burgers were “really really good.”

Newsweek contacted Trump Burger for comment on Friday outside of regular office hours via email.

Why It Matters

President Trump remains popular with Republican voters 50 percent of whom identify as part of his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement according to a recent YouGov/The Economist poll.

Conservative dissatisfaction with mainstream brands has led to the launch of a series of partisan products including ‘Ultra Right’ beer, created in response to Bud Light’s relationship with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.

What To Know

On May 9, Trump Burger opened a new outlet in Houston, adding to restaurants in Bellville, Flatonia and Kemah.

The chain, founded by Lebanese immigrant Roland Beainy, is branded around Trump with its restaurants featuring pictures and cutouts of the president along with his campaign material.

Its menu includes the 8oz Trump Cheeseburger and the 16oz Trump Tower, both with fries, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles and Trump Sauce.

A Biden Burger is also jokingly listed, which consists of “1 oz. beef, topped with tomato lettuce (not fresh) and our old buns.” This satirical product is priced at $50.99 and marked as “not available for cheating reasons.”

On Thursday the Houston Chronicle published a review of Trump Burger from Yi-Chin Lee, based on visits to its Houston and Kemah restaurants.

Lee said the chain’s burgers were “consistent in blandness” describing one as “like one a cargo-short-wearing dad might serve when he’s cosplaying a Food Network grill master once a year for a holiday picnic.”

He added: “It’s missing the craggy edges which tells you the meat hasn’t been on a hot grill for just enough time to develop that beefy flavor. There’s no trace of char or smoke. Each bite doesn’t leave you wanting more because there’s no juiciness, and a slice of American cheese is barely melted.”

Referring to the fries, Lee said: “The regular and sweet potato fries arrived hot and crisp on the exterior, but they were either soggy inside or oversalted. I’ve watched the kitchen pull frozen fries from a brown bag, too. Onion rings also lacked that contrast between a well-fried exterior and tender sweetness of an allium.”

However he described the First Lady Chicken Sandwich, a tribute to Melania Trump, as “better than the burger, with a nicely grilled, not-too-dry chicken breast draped with two slices of American cheese.”

A review of the chain was also published on May 15 by Eater Houston, a food review website focused around the Texan city.

Author Brittany Britto Garley, who visited multiple Trump Burger branches, concluded: “The chargrilled burger patties are thick but bland, topped with a waxy cheese that lacks any memorable flavor. The fries are crisp, and the meals affordable, clocking in at around the same price as you can get a burger and fries at another, arguably better, burger joint.”

Referring to the atmosphere at one outlet Garley said: “As I walked in on a recent Sunday, the tension, likely combined with our nervousness, felt palpable. Here, the vibe wasn’t festive—it was stiff, uncertain, and uncomfortable, particularly for me, a woman of color. The other diners present avoided eye contact.”

However the Trump Burger branch in Bellville had a positive, 4.4 stars out of five, rating on Google reviews, based on 1,509 customer ratings.

Dave Fredrick, a customer, gave five stars and wrote: “Amazing food. 10/10 will eat here again for absolute pleasure. My burger was made perfectly and so was my spouse[‘s] burger. I have to say it was close to being the best mushroom and Swiss I’ve had in a long time!!! Definitely recommend this place!!”

Maureen Guzman also gave five stars adding: “Small town patriotic vibes at Trump Cafe! It didn’t disappoint. Burgers were really really good! Will go back next time we are in Bellville.”

Victoria Ramos was more critical, only giving three stars out of five. She said: “My family and I visited around 2:30 on a Saturday afternoon and it was moderately busy. Definitely a novelty kind of establishment as I don’t feel the need to return, but wouldn’t object to another try at a later time.”

In a January 2024 article for review website UponArriving, former Trump Burger customer Daniel Gillaspia said: “The veggies on the burger appeared fresh, although the patty didn’t quite match my personal taste. It had a reminiscent quality of those cafeteria-style patties—not terrible, just not the kind that leaves you with amazement.

“On the flip side, the fries were a highlight, boasting a nice and crispy texture. All in all, I’d categorize the food as decent, falling in line with your typical burger joint fare.”

What Happens Next

It remains to be seen whether Trump Burger will continue to expand and to what extent its fortune will be tied to the political trials and tribulations of its presidential namesake.