Midtown Lunch

This week Profiled Luncher Lauren checks out a whole bunch of the burger options for half price at Copabanana. (Hint: Call now and make your reservation for lunch today)

Located at 40th & Spruce, Copa Banana serves standard bar fare with a Mexican and Caribbean focus. Though the dive-like atmosphere scares off some, Copa has become one of my guilty pleasures. One friend is constantly making fun of me for “my Copa obsession,” but I explain to him that it’s all about managing your expectations. You can’t go into Copa expecting a Village Whiskey burger, but if you expect good, greasy bar food, then that’s what you’re going to get. I’m a fan of Copa’s fajitas, nachos, and margaritas, but I didn’t realize until recently that their burgers are half price on Wednesdays from 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Apparently, I’m the only person in University City who didn’t know because the restaurant has been packed each time I’ve gone. Even if you’re going for a quick lunch, I would suggest calling ahead to make a reservation.

The burger menu provides an impressive array of options for the price. First, you can select a sirloin, turkey, chicken breast (note that this option is not half price), or veggie burger as your base. Then, pick from twelve topping combos. All burgers are served on a Le Bus roll with mayo, a pickle, and cole slaw. On my most recent visit, I ordered the Buffalo Sirloin Burger cooked medium well. Doused with hot wing sauce and blue cheese, it had a great blend of creaminess and spiciness. I need to find out the secret to their buffalo sauce because it is almost as good as Greek Lady’s. I find Copa’s burgers to be a bit undercooked, so I purposely ordered mine medium well and I’m glad I did. It was still pink on the inside, but was not too raw for me. My only complaint is that the bun was sliced unevenly, so the top was very bready and the bottom couldn’t quite hold up to the buffalo sauce. The burger cost a whopping $4.23 before tax.

One of my friends enjoyed her usual Yucatan Veggie Burger with fried onions, jalapenos, and jack cheese. After countless Yucatan orders, she suggests swapping the fried onions for grilled onions for a little more moisture. Copa’s veggie burgers are pretty standard, but at $3.73, they are certainly a great value. I didn’t get to ask, but I believe the patties are not homemade.

Another friend ordered her usual, the Acapulco Chicken Sandwich with guacamole and salsa (though not 1/2 off, still a good deal at $6.99). Though the salsa is not freshly chopped, it’s thick consistency goes well with a sandwich.

Our last order was a San Remo sirloin burger, which comes with garlic spinach and provolone (also $4.23). Although Copa is not known for Italian selections, I must say this was the best looking and best smelling of the four burgers. The provolone had a sharp bite to it and the meat was cooked perfectly to a medium rare order.

For $4.99, our table split an order of Spanish Fries. You can order an individual side of regular fries for $0.99 or Spanish Fries for $2, but we enjoyed sharing them. The fries are coated in a spice mixture (possibly jerk spices) and come with grilled onions and jalapenos. They’re quite addictive and provide a great contrast of heat and salt. By the end of our meal, we were eating them with our forks to ensure we got every last bite.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

• Great value
• Large selections of burgers/toppings, something for everyone

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

• I don’t like greasy bar food
• There is a wait if you don’t make a reservation

Copabanana, 4000 Spruce Street, 215 382-1330