'Trump burger' gets scathing reviews from food critics: 'Consistent in blandness'
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." A restaurant chain inspired by President
Donald Trump
has gained attention online, with some customers praising its offerings.
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", reports Newsweek.
Trump remains a central figure among Republican voters, with 50% identifying with his 'Make America Great Again' (MAGA) movement, according to a recent YouGov/The Economist poll. Discontent among conservatives with mainstream brands has also led to the rise of politically themed products like 'Ultra Right' beer, created in response to Bud Light's partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.
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Trump Burger restaurant
On May 9,
Trump Burger
opened a new location in Houston, joining other branches in Bellville, Flatonia, and Kemah. Founded by Lebanese immigrant Roland Beainy, the chain is heavily branded with Trump imagery, including cutouts, photos, and campaign materials throughout the restaurants.
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The menu features items like the 8oz Trump Cheeseburger and the 16oz Trump Tower, both served with fries, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and the chain's signature 'Trump Sauce.' There's also a satirical 'Biden Burger' listed, described as a 1oz patty with 'not fresh' lettuce and 'old buns,' priced at $50.99 and humorously marked 'not available for cheating reasons.'
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What do the critics say?
In a May 9 review for the Houston Chronicle, Yi-Chin Lee critiqued the food after visiting the Houston and Kemah locations. Lee described the burgers as 'consistently bland,' comparing them to something 'a cargo-short-wearing dad might serve while cosplaying a Food Network grill master once a year.' He noted a lack of grill flavor, juiciness, or melted cheese.
Regarding the sides, Lee commented that while fries arrived hot and crispy on the outside, they were often soggy inside or overly salted. He reported seeing frozen fries taken from a brown bag and said the onion rings lacked texture and sweetness. However, he gave a more favorable review of the First Lady Chicken Sandwich—a nod to Melania Trump—praising its nicely grilled chicken breast and cheese.
Another review, published May 15 by Eater Houston, echoed similar sentiments. Writer Brittany Britto Garley found the burgers thick but flavorless, topped with 'waxy cheese.' While the meals were affordable, she noted better options exist at similar prices elsewhere. Describing her experience, Garley said one location had an uncomfortable atmosphere: 'The vibe wasn't festive—it was stiff, uncertain, and uncomfortable, particularly for me, a woman of color. The other diners avoided eye contact.'
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Customer reactions
Despite mixed professional reviews, the Bellville branch enjoys a strong 4.4-star rating on Google, based on over 1,500 reviews.
One satisfied customer, Dave Fredrick, awarded five stars, saying, 'Amazing food. 10/10 will eat here again… Close to the best mushroom and Swiss I've had in a long time!' Another reviewer, Maureen Guzman, also gave five stars, writing, 'Small town patriotic vibes at Trump Cafe! Burgers were really really good!'
Other feedback was more tempered. Victoria Ramos gave three stars, describing the restaurant as a 'novelty' and saying she wasn't eager to return but might try again someday.
In a January 2024 review for UponArriving, Daniel Gillaspia remarked that while the vegetables were fresh, the burger patty reminded him of 'cafeteria-style patties—not terrible, just not amazing.' He did, however, praise the fries for their crispy texture and called the overall experience 'decent.'
Trump Burger's future growth may hinge not just on customer appetite but on how closely its brand remains tied to Trump's political trajectory. Whether it expands further—or flames out—remains to be seen.
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