On the Richmond Burger Trail: Macdonald Avenue's 2207

We have learned that when chasing burgers across Richmond, the best discoveries are often found in the most unexpected places. At first glance, 2207, a small takeout spot tucked along Macdonald Avenue, does not read like a burger destination.

This is not a dedicated burger joint. In fact, its menu is full of refined touches that reflect Chef Daniel’s fine dining background: kalbi sandwiches built on house-made marinades, Pitman Farms fried chicken prepared with care, even a seasonal market grain salad with stone fruit and pea flowers. But sometimes a writer’s prerogative demands that we wander off the beaten burger path.

Outside the resturant at 2207 Macdonald Avenue in Richmond.

And what a path it is.

The Cream Co. Meats Hamburger arrives looking deceptively simple, a study in restraint. The eight-ounce patty is charbroiled, which gives it a smoky edge and a deeply satisfying crust. That first bite delivers everything we want in a classic burger.

The star of our visit: 2207’s Cream Co. Meats Hamburger, a half-pound of charbroiled beef stacked on a toasted Acme bun, served with crisp gaufrette fries.

Juicy, well-seasoned beef hits the palate with a richness that only careful sourcing and a hot grill can produce. Butter lettuce adds a cool crunch, the tomato and sweet onion balance the meat with freshness, and tangy dill pickles provide just enough acidity to cut through the richness. It is all held together by a toasted Acme Pain de Mie milk bun, soft yet sturdy, the perfect foundation for the half-pound masterpiece.

The fries deserve equal attention. Not your standard side, these are gaufrette fries, thick waffle-cut crisps. They come out golden, crunchy, and addictive, making them ideal for dipping in a side of “fry sauce” if you want to take it to the next level.

SF Eater once described 2207 as “an ambitious little takeout operation” where Daniel does all the cooking himself, with his mom running the front of house.

While the burger is not the centerpiece of the menu, it captures the same thoughtful, high-quality approach that defines the rest of the offerings. One visit might tempt you to branch out and try the kalbi sandwich with grilled sweet onion and jalapeño, or the prime ribeye steak sandwich served with a side of au jus.

Fried chicken fans will find some of the best in the region here, crisp and flavorful thanks to careful brining and frying in rice bran oil.

But for us, the burger remains the star of this particular journey. There is something deeply satisfying about finding a classic done right in a place that does not need to serve it at all. It speaks to a chef’s chef for fundamentals and a love of good food, plain and simple.

2207 is only open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., so plan your visit carefully.

2207’s minimalist front counter keeps the focus on the food. Orders are placed through an app, so there are no menus on display.

For burger trail purposes, 2207 might not be a conventional stop, but that is exactly why we love it. This is a place that proves great burgers can show up anywhere, even in a takeout shop that does not bill itself as a burger joint.

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