On hot days that feel like southern Summer I often look for food that goes with fireworks and shaded pool-sides. While walking past the American Legion building just off of Forsyth Park I noticed the smoky smell of a grill. Up the stairs and tucked off the main hall is a modest greasy-spoon called Betty Bomber's All American Eatey. Posters of Uncle Sam rolling up in sleeves, Soldiers drinking Coca-Cola, and mothers planting Victory Gardens line the walls around its grey booths. Ketchup, Mustard, and malt vinegar bottles are all kept on the tables in metal ammunition boxes. The women who work here are called the Betty’s and dress up like Lauren Bacall and Rosie the Riveter.
Founded by chefs Patrick Zimmerman and Seth Musler in 2012, Betty’s Bombers is meant to be a place where “delicious wholesome food” that they like to eat is made. With burgers named Fire in the Hole and Unconditional Surrender it seemed almost insulting of me to not order something ridiculous. I ordered The Battle of the Bulge, a double cheeseburger smothered in chili, bacon, and topped with a fried egg.
I slid into a booth and sipped sweet iced tea while my meal was prepared fresh. Soon enough one of the Betty’s set down a red basket in front of me. The top bun, lettuce, onion, tomato, and pickles were set on the fries. Stabbed through the center of the fried egg was a toothpick flying the stars and stripes. There was no pool; there were no fireworks, but that longing subsided even if only for a moment.
