Treat Yourself to Gott’s Roadside Walnut Creek

This past Thursday was the grand opening of Gott’s Roadside in Downtown Walnut Creek. The opening marked Gott’s sixth location in the Bay Area, but the first to move into the East Bay. I had a special invite on Tuesday to check it all out.

I was already familiar with Gott’s. I actually remember it as Taylor’s Refresher in St. Helena. It was always a part of “Treat Yourself” day with friends. We would drive to Napa Valley and pick up a cheeseburger, fries, and milkshake at Taylor’s before enjoying some spa services. I’ve also enjoyed a few cheeseburgers at the Gott’s location in the Ferry Building in San Francisco.
The new space is very bright. I was most impressed with their installation of garage doors made of glass that can be opened up when weather permits, perfect for warm Walnut Creek.
I would dare say most people go to Gott’s for some kind of burger. After all, they have high quality burgers with patties made from Niman Ranch beef. Depending on your tastes, there is probably one you would like. You can order a simple hamburger or cheeseburger or have something more complex like a California Burger or a Kimchi Burger.
It was really nice to be able to explore more of the menu, since I don’t remember straying away from my typical cheeseburger at Gott’s. It was my first time trying the Ahi Poke Crispy Tacos. The crispy taco shell is filled with marinated ahi, cabbage, cilantro, avocado, green onions, and sesame seeds. Every ingredient was fresh and flavorful and was well balanced. These tacos are now on my radar and I would go there just for them.
I enjoyed the Crispy Teriyaki Chicken sandwich very much. This tasted like a Fried Chicken Sandwich that married a Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwich. The fried chicken went well with the pickled carrots and daikon radishes.
Gott’s prepares a very good Avocado, Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato (ABLT) sandwich. The key to this sandwich is fresh ingredients and it’s got that plus a charred jalapeño mayo that makes it shine even brighter. The simplicity of this sandwich makes it a great alternative when you don’t feel like a burger.
Have you heard of the Impossible Burger? I recently heard of it and I didn’t really give a care because I simply have never been a fan of a veggie burger. I was told that this is a veggie burger like no other —The Impossible Burger smells, sizzles, bleeds, and tastes like a beef patty. I was here to try stuff out, so I took a bite, and another bite. I was amazed and could not believe that I was not eating meat. This was a great burger with all the accoutrements. Eating the Impossible Burger made me pause and think. This is a burger that is going to save the world one day, but right now, it’s a big step in protecting our environment.
Seasonal ingredients allow Gott’s the opportunity to put some specials on the menu. Right now, you can order a Dungeness Crab Sandwich, a Dungeness Crab and Bay Shrimp Louie Salad, and Fried Brussels Sprouts. I had a taste of all of these, and they were quite special.
For something sweet, there is the option for a milkshake during your meal or a soft serve after your meal. Three Twins Ice Cream is used to make the milk shakes and Straus Creamery to make the soft serve. How can you go wrong with either choice?
Gott’s Roadside is a great addition to the Downtown Walnut Creek. After a day of shopping at Broadway Plaza or after hiking Mt. Diablo, stop by Gott’s and Treat Yourself! The Walnut Creek location also has a bar and lounge area serving local wine and beer.