Mike’s Grill heats up the competition in NE Fresno

While FC students, especially seniors, have come to know many of the restaurants in the vicinity, however, there is one hidden treasure many may not know about. Mike’s Grill, a small kiosk located in the CVS parking lot on the corner of Herndon and Cedar, is slowly becoming a local hot-spot, mainly due to their incredible tri-tip.

I recently decided to try it out after seeing it almost everyday as I pass by the intersection. Due to my fear of stereotypically sketchy kiosk food, I was slightly hesitant, but I came to my senses when I smelled the glorious aroma coming from the grill.

With a selection of food you would find at almost any other barbecue joint, I figured I could not go wrong with the jumbo tri-tip sandwich. I was not hungry enough to get a side, but there chili beans are also highly publicized.

The food took about three minutes to prepare before it was bagged and in my hand. Though I took my food to go, there were also a few tables and chairs near the kiosk for those who wish to eat their food there.

I started off on the first half of the sandwich by dipping it in the side of complimentary barbecue sauce. I was almost overwhelmed by how flavorful the sandwich was. The barbecue sauce was probably the sweetest sauce I have ever tasted; it also had an almost sinful tang.

The sandwich itself was like none other I have ever had. It was seasoned with what seemed to be a garlic marinade. The meat appeared to have been simmering in it own hot juices by the way it leaked delicious liquid every time I took a bite.

Mike’s is the perfect place to go for FC seniors who want good barbecue, but do not have time to go all the across town to get it. I know that I will be eating there often and I recommend the same to, not only FC goers, but also anyone in Fresno looking for good food. — Senior John Dooman

On the second half of the sandwich, I tried eating it without the sauce. I also separated the meat from the bread to make out which flavors each ingredient was giving off. I discovered that the hint of garlic I was getting was coming from the toasted sesame seed bread.

I would put this sandwich on a similar level to the tri-tip sandwich from the famous Dog House Grill. My only real issue with it is how thinly cut the meat is. If they put thicker slices of meat on their sandwiches, they would give Dog House a serious run for their money.

While the meat is not as thick as preferred, it is still seasoned to perfection. Mike’s seasons and smokes the meat on the premises right before your eyes; guaranteeing excellent flavoring every time.

Mike’s is the perfect place to go for FC seniors who want good barbecue, but do not have time to go all the across town to get it. I know that I will be eating there often and I recommend the same to, not only FC goers, but also anyone in Fresno looking for good food.

This writer can be reached via Twitter: @namoodnhoj.

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