The Place
Burgers might not be the first thing that comes to mind when pondering the word ‘Grinder,’ but there’s now a gourmet fast food joint of the very same name on Wuding Lu. This area of Jing’an has found itself with more than a few choice new F&B options over the last year, including the good value new tapas bar Cabra and Tribeca Bistro.
Powered by local joint owners, who explain their desire to open a casual and affordable burger restaurant to show fellow compatriots an alternative burger to chains like McDonald's and KFC, which have fallen dramatically in public opinion following a slew of unpleasant food safety scandals in 2014.
The Food
Wisely channeling their efforts into a small menu of uncomplicated fast food offerings, Grinder sells just burgers, two salads, tacos and a few sides as afterthoughts.
We opted for the foie gras-topped burger, the most decadent on the menu at RMB95 (a simple hamburger comes in at RMB48). Roasted peppers, lots of caramelized onions, an unobtrusive arugula salad, Swiss cheese, pickled cucumbers and housemade barbecue sauce were also invited to the party, housed in the pillowy confines of a rather large, but fresh bun.
Arguably a very tasty burger that doesn’t skimp on flavor, but we wish those buns were a little smaller to allow the filling more of a voice. 
Each burger also comes with French fries and a soft drink so no need to add on extras unless you fancy beer instead.
Next up was the also repeat-worthy ‘Hawaaii’ (RMB65), crowned with a ring of roasted pineapple, crispy bacon (non-streaky, unfortunately), arugula, caramelized onions and Kraft ‘cheddar’ cheese. 
We’re big fans of places that have the audacity to use Kraft cheese singles, which lend themselves so much better to melting burger patties than traditional cheddar, which tends to get rather oily when heated.
Food Verdict: 1.5/3
Vibe
Despite its small size, Grinder’s minimalist, high-ceilinged space is split over a mezzanine, with enough seating to make the odds likely that you won’t need to eat your burger on the go. On our lunchtime visit, the crowd was largely young locals with a few expats. Service is English-speaking and timely enough to suit all but the briefest lunch breaks. They’re also open for dinner too, selling a small selection of domestic and imported beers.
Vibe Verdict: 1/1
Value for Money
Overall, these burgers probably won’t become a cult classic anytime soon, but for a hearty meal with quality ingredients for a price that won’t rupture your wallet, Grinder amply delivers.
Value for Money: 1/1
Total Verdict: 3.5/5
Price: Burgers from RMB48
Who’s going: mix of young locals and expats
Good for: lunch, fast food, casual dinner, quick eats
See a listing for Grinder Burger.
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