Welcome to The Hidden Hello
Alex’s Restaurant
Date of Visit 10/5/2025
🍔 Alex’s Whimsical Burger Breakdown 🍔
The best kind of prophecy is a full parking lot, and this little Charleston diner was no exception. As soon as I stepped inside, a vibrant chorus of clinking forks and cheerful chatter greeted me. It wasn't a restaurant with all the pomp and circumstance, but a diner—a glorious, neon-lit, Formica-countertop diner—a rare and welcome sight in these Southern parts. I pulled up a stool just after the Sunday service crowd had descended, and with a menu as long as my arm, my heart led me to the siren call of a bacon cheeseburger and a pile of crispy fries.
Appearance — 3/5
This bacon cheeseburger strutted out looking like it came straight off a diner poster from 1956 — shiny, proud, and ready for its close-up. I loved the open-face reveal — every ingredient proudly on display like contestants at a flavor pageant. Sadly, the fries looked like they needed a pep talk. Very “blah,” as if they missed the memo that they were supposed to be crispy co-stars.
Bun — 5/10
Ah, the bun — the unsung hero of any burger tale. This one had me worried for a minute, wobbling like it might tap out halfway through the meal. But no! It clung on until the very last bite. Sturdy little soldier. Still, apart from its valiant effort, it wasn’t particularly memorable — more background character than star.
Meat — 26/30
The patty had a lovely char — that perfect seared whisper that says, “Yes, I’ve been kissed by the grill.” Cooked to a medium-well without consultation (mystery chef’s choice!), it leaned slightly dry but still flavorful. The real hero, though? The bacon. Crispy, generous, and absolutely show-stealing. Without it, the burger’s soul would’ve been just meh.
Cheese — 10/15
Classic American cheese doing exactly what American cheese does best: melting into every nook and cranny like a warm hug. Full coverage, full flavor, full marks.
Veggies — 12/15
Oh, the veggie lineup — a fresh, crunchy dream! The tomato was thick, juicy, and bursting with confidence. The onions, equally bold and crisp. The lettuce? Just the right crunch. And those pickles? So good I accidentally ate them before they ever met the burger. A perfect garden symphony.
Dressing — 6/10
I spotted dry meat and went in for the ketchup assist. Surprise twist: mayo was already on the bun! Normally that’s a red flag for me, but somehow, this time, the mayo played nice. Against all odds, it worked.
Messiness — 4/5
Napkin count: high. Between the thick tomato, slippery mayo, and enthusiastic ketchup, I was in a constant battle to keep my hands clean. But honestly? Every messy bite made me want another.
Burgerness — 7/10
This burger took me back — like a time-travel ticket to those late-night diner stops after a long night out. No, it wasn’t perfect. But it had soul. That nostalgic, comforting kind of burger that reminds you why diners matter.
Patty Points — 76/100
This isn’t your “best-burger-in-the-city” contender, but it’s a dependable friend. It shows up, does the job, fills you up, and leaves you smiling — and sometimes, that’s exactly the burger you need.
