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Lunch of the Month:

Bare Back Bar & Grill

A trip to New Zealand inspired owners P.J. Lamont and Matt Baker to open this laid back, beach-style burger joint in Pacific Beach in 2005, and recently, a new downtown location in April.

The restaurant touts the self-proclaimed best burger in the universe (we aren’t arguing!) made with daily ground 100% organic beef, locally grown fresh vegetables and all-natural chicken and lamb sandwiches.  A twist on your everyday burger, the menu offers selections like the Maui Waui or Kiwilango burgers, with unique toppings like pineapple, aioli and crushed tortilla chips. The menu also features a variety of sandwiches (with vegetarian options available) such as the Bare Lil Lamb, a prime New Zealand lamb burger with mint dressing, blue cheese crumbles and the works; or the Bare Lass, a spicy tandoori chicken sandwich served with mango chutney and a cucumber yogurt sauce.

On our last visit to Bare Back’s downtown location, my dining companions and I decided to test out both the beef and vegetarian versions of the Queenstown Fave, the restaurant’s take on a traditional cheeseburger.  Both versions are served with aioli, a choice of cheese, fresh veggies and “BBG” sauce - Bare Back’s own rendition of barbeque sauce.   We also sampled the Feelin Randy organic spinach salad, topped with candied walnuts, goat cheese, and a mildly tangy bacon vinaigrette, and the Kiwi 3’Some appetizer.  The appetizer trio consists of house-beer battered onion rings, tender calamari and Bare Back’s signature seasoned fries, alongside a trio of dipping sauces – sweet wasabi mayonnaise, red pepper sauce and “BBG” sauce.

Service at Bare Back’s is quick and friendly, and convenience to the Gaslamp district and a relaxed atmosphere make this a perfect spot to meet for a weekday lunch or after-work bite.  The restaurant offers a host of specials, including a weekday lunch special (select burgers and sandwiches, fries and draft beer or soft drink for $9.99), Padres game day specials and daily happy hour specials from 6-10pm.

Bare Back Bar & Grill’s new downtown restaurant is located at 624 E Street in the Gaslamp district.  For a full menu, specials and more information, visit www.barebackgrill.com.