
Philadelphia burger ($7.75) doubles for a cheesesteak, with provolone cheese, griddled onions, and a mound of hot peppers. It was opened with some trepidation, as Flay doesn’t yet know how Bobby’s will be accepted by Greater Boston, which he refers to as an “unknown market.’’ But if you’re a shopper looking for a meal that’s affordable and still a cut above the food court, this is a fine option.īurgers are inspired by Flay’s travels across the country and are named for those cities and regions.

This is the 14th Bobby’s Burger Palace, a venture Flay owns jointly with his longtime business partner Laurence Kretchmer, and it’s the micro-chain’s first foray north of its location at Mohegan Sun Casino.

Upon entering, customers order at a counter before seating themselves at one of several serpentine tables that snake through the space under swaths of warm, California colors. Though Flay was wary of going “retro,’’ the restaurant feels a bit like a cross between a vintage diner and a Fuddruckers. It’s a bright and lively space that doesn’t serve alcohol, another draw for families.

Indeed, the crowd at this fast-casual Burlington Mall spot, nestled between Legal Sea Foods and Rainforest Café, is mostly shopping-weary parents, excited children, and canoodling teenagers.
