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In the U.S., what does ordering a "plain hamburger" mean where you live?

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In the U.S., what does ordering a "plain hamburger" mean where you live?

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Old Jul 19, 2009 | 9:27 pm
  #31  
 
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To me plain means just that.. Plain. Burger and bun. Anything else would not be plain.

Now I could not imagine ever ordering such a boring meal, but I know people who do.
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Old Jul 19, 2009 | 10:26 pm
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I've no doubt heard 100s of people order hamburgers over the years, in every way shape and form. Many specify in some way that they only want bun and meat, or bun cheese and meat, etc., but I don't think I've ever heard anyone use the term 'plain' burger. It seems like an odd assumption, and one that I would have noticed. The things we learn on FT.
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Old Jul 20, 2009 | 8:41 am
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I hear people order plain a lot. Me I would not do it. Many do it and then ask for condiments on the side. Their logic is that it is then cooked FRESH!

Some people order them "No Ketchup" then use ketchup packets on them. Or Fries no salt and add salt.
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Old Jul 20, 2009 | 9:46 am
  #34  
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One of my 4 kids wanted only meat and bun growing up. I never had a problem asking for plain at McDonalds in 3 states and receiving nothing more than meat and bun. Thankfully, he outgrew his fear of flavor and will now try many things I couldn't have imagined when he was 2 and asking for a plain hamburger.

I had a craving for a smoke flavored hamburger last week and went into a Burger King for the first time in a few years. The result was "wet". It must have had several tablespoons of mustard/ketchup which completely overwhelmed the poor little patty. I should have asked for plain.
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 9:16 pm
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Plain in Utah usually mean bun and meat...nothing else. Basically a picky kids choice. :-)
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Old Jul 23, 2009 | 7:13 am
  #36  
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Originally Posted by luv2buynfly
Plain in Utah usually mean bun and meat...nothing else. Basically a picky kids choice. :-)
But with or without Fry Sauce?

No idea what plain means here. I've never ordered to test it out...and I don't think I ever will!
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Old Jul 23, 2009 | 11:46 am
  #37  
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Originally Posted by luv2buynfly
Plain in Utah usually mean bun and meat...nothing else. Basically a picky kids choice. :-)
LOL. Or a picky wife.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]
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Old Jul 23, 2009 | 11:51 am
  #38  
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Originally Posted by luv2buynfly
...Basically a picky kids choice. :-)
:raiseshand:

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Old Jul 23, 2009 | 12:31 pm
  #39  
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Bun and Hamburger, no nothing, not even salt and/or pepper.
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Old Jul 23, 2009 | 1:15 pm
  #40  
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Originally Posted by luv2buynfly
Plain in Utah usually mean bun and meat...nothing else. Basically a picky kids choice. :-)
In retrospect, I don't think my son was overly picky. Mostly, he didn't want onions within a foot of his cheeseburger. Personally, I can't taste an onion on a McDonald's cheeseburger even though I can see them. It was just easier to order "plain" and put ketchup on it.

Unless there's a special good taste to the burger, I can't imagine ordering one without something on it.
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Old Jul 23, 2009 | 6:21 pm
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To me, it means bun and meat. I'm in California.
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Old Jul 23, 2009 | 11:40 pm
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Originally Posted by beckoa
I myself am a fan of AS plane cheeseburger... the Northern Bites mmm...

(you can guess which one the burger is)



And its served 'plain'... with only cheese... the condiments (including ketchup, mustard, relish and mayo!) are in a side pack, with a knife & napkin as it can get rather messy!
I really loved that Alaska Air Burger and was disappointed when it wasn't offered on another AS Flight. That burger from AS is the best buy-on-board meal I have ever had.^
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Old Aug 18, 2009 | 6:03 pm
  #43  
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When I lived part-time in L.A. couple of years ago, ordering a plain means just the meat and the bun. No cheese, no pickles, no lettuce, etc.
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Old Mar 20, 2011 | 1:34 pm
  #44  
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When I used to order a plain burger it meant no cheese. I would always add lettuce and ketchup to it.
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Old Mar 20, 2011 | 6:35 pm
  #45  
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I have no answer to the OP's question.

Why on earth would you go across the U.S., ordering a "plain burger," without telling them what you want on it?
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