Maillards steadily won over fans over the last few years as a smash burger pop-up at the Outer Sunset Farmers Market and at Heritage Restaurant & Bar, but now this permanent location has become a burger beacon for all. Two Pitchers Brewing Company brought on Max Ponzurick and his burgers for its new Outer Sunset location that opened on Wednesday, April 22, and, judging by the lines forming outside the establishment, folks are psyched about the addition to the neighborhood. I strolled up at 3:40 p.m. on a Thursday afternoon, 20 minutes before opening, and was the 12th person in line.
Befitting a beach-adjacent taproom, the vibe is mostly chill — save for the big-ass line that bisects the dining room and goes straight out the door. Even so, most are understanding as you scooch by to pick up your food or drink order, or to use the bathroom toward the back of the taproom.
What I’d suggest is a list of roles and responsibilities amongst your group: a table scout, a drinks chief, and a food czar (there’s a reason why Venmo is popular). It’s the only way to get anything done. But if you’re solo, you’re not done for: Patiently work the food line, order a beer while you wait for your order, and secure a seat where you can (I’d suggest the bar or parklet). There’s not much artwork or anything by way of tchotchkes; there’s a TV on the wall for sports watching as needed.
Look, as much as folks are fixated on the burgers, this is still very much a taproom. There are Two Pitchers beers aplenty on tap (plus options from other local favorites), with Two Pitchers six-packs available to-go in the fridge just past the bar. The Two Pitchers website has the latest options listed, so buy a pint or pitcher (I don’t judge) of your favorite. I can’t tell you what to order here because beer preferences are personal, but for the cash-strapped, there is a $3 Baseline lager (“All-day dad beer,” the menu reads) clocking in at 4.2 percent ABV. Do with that info what you will.
There is also a brief wine list (like, five options by the glass), plus three spritz styles and a michelada number. A selection of canned not-Two Pitchers alcohol options is also available for the sake of expanding the drink menu — think a stout by East Brother, hard cider, mead, or a hard kombucha — while the nonalcoholic portion offers two beers from Fieldwork, sparkling hop water from Lagunitas, fresh lemonade, and a few sodas to round out the selections.
You might be flummoxed at the chile pepper heat-rating system, as I was. The ratings go from “no spice” up to three chile peppers, but know that despite my conservative two-pepper order, I didn’t find the spice unbearable. Spice fiends will likely want to go all the way with the heat level and might still want more.
I have not one, but two tips for you all: