This July, Boston Burger Company went full backyard barbecue with a menu that screams summer in all caps. From frozen sugar bombs to cheese-smothered bratwurst stacks, the lineup leaned hard into the season’s chaos and comfort. Not every item reached its full potential, but the intention was clear: have fun, take risks, and bring the heat. There were no failures here, just a few dishes that could’ve used a second pass. One burger, though, understood the assignment from start to finish.
Red White & Boom ($16.00)
Strawberry frappe with a strawberry shortcake ice cream pop, Twizzlers, cotton candy, and sprinkles
This frappe felt like a trip to the fair and a dentist’s warning all in one. And that’s a compliment. The base was surprisingly refreshing and creamy, with none of that fake strawberry taste that usually haunts drinks like this. The shortcake ice cream pop on top was a solid summer treat, not just an afterthought. The rest—Twizzlers, cotton candy, sprinkles—added to the over-the-top aesthetic and gave the whole thing some visual punch. It’s not something you order twice unless you’re twelve or fearless, but it delivers the fun, firework energy it promises.
Firecracker Fries ($12.50)
Fries, firecracker sauce, pineapple, crispy fried jalapeños, spicy mayo, sesame seeds, scallions
This one had all the right parts: punchy heat from the jalapeños, sweet acidity from the pineapple, and a genuinely fantastic sauce. But the format dragged it down. Fries just don’t hold up under this kind of pressure. They got soggy fast, which turned what could have been a sharp, spicy appetizer into a heavy, limp pile. There’s a great dish buried in here somewhere. Swap the fries for hashbrown bites or wrap the ingredients into an egg roll and it might finally live up to its name. Right now, it’s a good idea looking for the right vehicle.
Brat Summer ($18.00)
Pretzel bun, burger, brat, beer cheese, Paul’s pickles, sautéed onions, golden BBQ sauce
This burger didn’t have to work as well as it did, but it absolutely delivered. The pretzel bun was sturdy and flavorful, like always. The brat added some smoky depth without overpowering the patty. The real highlight was the beer cheese, which was so good you’d consider drinking it. The golden BBQ sauce brought just enough sweetness and tang to round everything out. Even Paul's pickles showed up to the party. This wasn’t just a gimmicky burger with a brat shoved in—it was a cohesive, flavorful beast that earned its place. If it stuck around longer than a month, you’d have a new go-to.
Final Thoughts
This month had a clear point of view. Red White & Boom gave you a wild sugar rush that actually tasted decent. Firecracker Fries had amazing flavor but suffered from a structural identity crisis. And Brat Summer stole the show by being both bold and balanced. It was the kind of burger that looked ridiculous on paper but worked beautifully on the plate. July might not have been flawless, but it brought the summer energy, and for that, it deserves a round of applause and a cold beer.