Take a Walk on the Flipside

Burger bars are a throwback to a bubble gum filled, be-bopping era. But this retro dining idea gets a contemporary upgrade at Fairfield’s Flipside, a burger bar for the 21st century.

The space is hip and polished with spacious booths, cozy tables and an ample bar. Metal beaded curtains playfully frame the liquor shelf. And the staff is friendly and accommodating.

On my recent trip, I got a crash course in burger bar basics from aptly named General Manager, Stephanie McCool. “We’ve made a lot of changes recently,” Stephanie said of the two-year-old restaurant. “We’ve added more menu items, more salads and wraps. And we’re filling out our wine selection. People don’t automatically think about good wine when they go to a burger joint, but we want to give people a broader experience here. But I think the burgers are what keep people coming back.”

Stephanie was right. The Flipside menu has plenty to choose from, but I am planted firmly in the ‘When in Rome’ camp, so I ordered a burger. Even though there were plenty to choose from, I opted for the California Burger, heaped high with lettuce, tomato, avocado, jalepeno and topped with a pesto mayo. It was heaven on a bun. The fries are pretty righteous, too. They’re crisp and just salty enough, and Flipside is generous with their portions.

Just for fun, I dragged a vegetarian friend along on my carnivorous errand. And even he was flipping for Flipside. He chose a grilled vegetable sandwich -- a step up from the ubiquitous processed veggie burger -- and sweet potato fries.

Lunch finds Flipside with a casual mix of parents, kids and professionals. Evenings, though, Flipside lets loose. “We have live music on weekends,” Stephanie told me. “We move some of the tables and booths in the dining area to make room for dancing. We have a lot of fun here.”

Find Flipside at 1125 Post Road, in Fairfield.

Are you flipping for Flipside? Give me the skinny on your favorite Flipside dish right here, or send me other delicious tips at mmorelli@mainstreetconnect.us.

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