File this under “twas too good to be true”: In the midst of the rampant burger inflation in Sanlitun, with prices hitting RMB68, RMB75, RMB86, and more, Luga’s Villa slapped down a value patty with fries and salad for RMB35. Even better, beer started at RMB10.
No longer. The new menu now lists a Mexican Burger at RMB45. (I tried one tonight: I found the patty slightly too dry and topped with Swiss cheese and guacamole – I guess that’s the “Mexican” part. I also guess Sunday isn’t the best night to be testing the kitchen.) While this burger is still worth the cash, I think the value prize in the neighborhood goes to The Den, since its version rings in at RMB35 and comes with some of the city’s tastiest fries.
Luga’s Villa also jacked up the drink prices, with a Beijing draft, bottle of Tsingtao, or can of Coca-Cola now RMB20, while Sol and Corona runs RMB30.
Finally, I tried the fajitas here last week. Expect a huge portion with a mound of meat, grilled bell peppers and onions, three dipping bowls (sour cream, salsa, and guacamole), and at least a half-dozen fresh flour tortillas. It’s not cheap at RMB60, but this is a tasty dish worth splitting with a friend.
By the way, given it was 11 PM on a Sunday night, Sanlitun saw quite a good crowd tonight. Apertivo and Luga’s both saw plenty of patio action and I spotted dozens of people outside Kai. This area has become much more tolerable since they have barred vehicles at night from that street in front of Tongli.
say it ain’t so!
that 35 kuai burger was king. Generous portions and decent fries included
I wonder if you can ask for the burger without the guac or the queso for 35.
and 20 for a beer…
Luga’s is dead to me. The place is off my beaten path, but the burger was good and cheap. I can go anywhere and get a burger and a beer for 75 RMB, I don’t need to go out of my way for it.
@ Alex,
It’s so. The thing is that whereas someone might go once a week for the RMB35 burger, now it’s maybe a once per month deal, which I imagine is worse for the bottom line since more visits equals more sales of high-margin beer.
@ Chinabuzz,
Anywhere? You can’t go to Blue Frog, Union or 25 Degrees and get a beer for that much. What does that say about what’s going on in the scene?
Cheers, Boyce