Samson L.’s Review

The Experience

I have lived in Northern Arizona for a fair percentage of my childhood and have visited quite often since then, but I have never dined at any eatery in Jerome until now and I am not sure why. The Jerome Palace sits right off the main road (Jerome Ave), ultimately making the parking situation very limited. Directly across the street is a very small parking area that has the capacity to accommodate about 5-6 vehicles at best. So we had to drive back down Jerome Ave where there were a few more areas designated for parking. Luckily for us we were able to park almost right smack in front of the stairway which leads to the restaurant. The steps were shallow (about 8 inches deep) so for those impaired these steps may prove to be a bit of a challenge.

After our little cardio workout (the stairs) we made it to the front door of the Jerome Palace breathing just a little harder but completely prepared for what was about to come. From the outside it was apparent that they had patio seating, some of which were heated but the best part of the patio was the exceptional view of the valley. Inside you are greeted with a lovely showcase of bakery goodness and next to it was a condiment bar. Which made me suspect I would need to fetch my own tomatoes, pickles, lettuce, mustard, mayo, ketchup, etc… The indoor seating was very cozy because at first glance there seemed to be only about 6 tables varying from 2 person seating upfront to parties of 6-8 further back. Then there was the bar-side seating which looked like it could fit an additional eight, but don’t let the first impression fool you because they have an additional dining area located upstairs.

We were seated shortly after we had arrived and the waitresses was simply on top of things. Exceptional service with a great attitude. If you are ever in the Clarkdale-Jerome area I would recommend that you visit the Haunted Hamburger (especially if you have never been) because the locals rave that the Jerome Palace serves the best hamburgers and ribs in town.

The service was very prompt, the music was perfect, the atmosphere was inviting, the staff was awesome and very helpful. I am definitely coming back!

The Burger

The locals boast that the haunted burger is the burger of choice next to the double haunted burger which is the same with an additional patty. The burgers are charbroiled and each patty weighs in at a hearty 1/2 lb. They’re served with your choice of steak fries, baked potato, twice baked potato or cole slaw. Naturally I opted for the Haunted Burger (single patty) with the side of twice baked potato and (FTW) a bottle of Nut Brown Ale brewed by the local microbrewery Oak Creek Brewing.

Surprisingly enough our order arrived in about 12-15 mins and the haunted burger came with sautéed mushrooms, crisp bacon, cheddar and swiss cheese, green chilies, grilled onions and a side of guacamole. What sets this burger aside from other places is the fact that they serve each burger with (wait for it)… freshly baked homemade buns. Oh yeah no store bought bread here! Being the stud that I am I hit up the condiments bar and loaded my burger with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, ketchup, mustard, a generous serving of jalapeños, then I smeared on the guac!

Rushing back to my seat (with drool on my chin) I quickly sat down and pondered a bit on how exactly I was going to tackle this challenge! Looking at my plate from several different angles I decided to just dive in all while keeping in mind that I wanted the first round to include every blissful element. The first bite just exploded with flavor. Hats off to the chef because it was prepared with just the right amount of seasoning and cooked to perfection. Tears literally ran down my right cheek as I proceeded to feast on the beast. I am glad I ordered the single patty; rather than, the double haunted burger. There was no way I could have finished it otherwise. With a little more then half left I snuck in a few fork filled servings of the "twice baked potato". I could be off base here, but it seemed like the twice baked potato was a regular baked potato served with a perfect portion of garlic mashed potatoes nested on top. It was nothing short of spectacular and far better then the usual standard side of fries!

Filled to gill and a smile on my face I proudly polished off the haunted burger and guzzled the last few swigs of the micro brewed beer. I only left behind a quarter sized morsel of what once was, the twice baked potato. Needless to say I was extremely pleased with my order.

This burger tops my list. Hearty portions, very well prepared, very well seasoned, full of flavor and the homemade buns made this experience perfect!

P.S. The chocolate tower cake (not a item made there) is about 9-10 inches tall, moist and fantastic. I ordered it to go and I would have posted pics of it, but by the time I pulled out the camera there was nothing left. My family devoured it.

Bottom Line

Average rating:

5/5