I'm not going to spend a lot of time dwelling on Action Burger. If you remember the Lucky Burger [AHT review] that opened and then closed on Avenue A in the East Village, the former owner there is affiliated with Action Burger. And, judging by taste and texture, the same burger from Avenue A has popped up across the river here in Williamsburg (on Grand between Union and Lorimer). I'm guessing the patties are "cold smoked" and marinated overnight the same way they were at Lucky. The result is an odd smokey flavor and a tough patty.

As at Lucky Burger, I really wanted to like this place. From its fun name—apparently based on the fact that the owners are REALLY into action figures (an awesome collection of G.I. Joe dudes lines half a wall there)—to its manic-panic color scheme to its super-genial co-owner on duty last night ... all great. But those burgers. I don't know, man. I just don't know.

I do know that the Beef Aficionado will be digging this burger's return to the scene. He's much more a fan of it than I am, having said about it: "The first time I ate the burger there I was intrigued, it tasted more like a hot dog than a burger having a distinct smoky, spiced flavor. There was also a mayonnaise type concoction called "Lucky sauce" that mirrored the meat in having a smoky taste."