With a new restaurant or take out eatery popping up in the Storrs area every few months, one should approach any new establishment with some trepidation. I'm always eating, and always looking for the next new thing, so I have seen my fair share of new successes and failed attempts. But Yukon Jack’s Hill Top Grill, the newcomer on Rt. 44, is definitely worth the trip.
Just a short drive from the Uconn campus, Yukon Jack’s sits back from the road by a sweeping green golf course, which provides an aesthetically pleasing backdrop. The unassuming exterior gives no hint of the atmosphere inside, which thankfully, reveals a well-lit, tasteful dining area, not the hokey log cabin gimmicks the name may suggest. Don’t get me wrong, the wood barrels and bearded mannequin by the door scream “Yukon Jack,” but the yells are stifled by the clean brick and paint walls, which lend an appropriate amount of sophistication. The bar area, although offering many beer options on tap, is a bit small, and may be best suited for a quick, informal meal and a drink rather than a social outing.
Upon sitting in a comfortable booth, I was promptly greeted by a friendly waitress who asked for drink orders. The aforementioned beer list provided a good cross-section of flavors and choices, which should please any palette. I opted for a Shock Top, which came quickly in a cool glass. When it was time to order meals, I decided to start with the Buffalo Wings for an appetizer. For my meal, I chose The Rib Tickler, an 8 oz. burger piled with melted cheddar, bacon, onion rings, and barbecue sauce. Entrees come with the free salad bar, while sandwiches and burgers are accompanied by a side of french fries. After perusing the salad bar, I decided against it. The standard options in greens and dressings are present, but nothing too exciting, and definitely not something worth changing meal choice for. If you are not in the mood for sandwiches, there are plenty of salads, pasta, pizza, and hot entrees to choose from as well.
It wasn’t long before the wings arrived, and thankfully there was still some beer left to wash down the saucy meat. The succulent morsels hung loosely from the bone, easily torn off and not too chewy. Each wing was drenched in a generous dose of the spicy buffalo sauce, but could have been a bit crispier. Some were too moist, almost soggy with the flavoring. The sauce was smooth and spicy—not enough to leave serious afterburn, but definitely keep a drink nearby. It was an adequate serving, and at $6.95 it was a cheap, satisfying way to start the meal.
I might have held off on the appetizer, if I had seen the size of the burger. The Rib Tickler should probably have been called the Rib Pusher, because after one of these you would be lucky to retain your original size. I shuddered to imagine “The Double Barrel,” a burger stacked with two 8 oz. patties and four slices of cheese. But I was still a bit hungry after the wings, and decided to dig into the hefty hamburger. At first bite, I was taking in multiple flavors that all blended together beautifully. The thick-cut, cherrywood bacon provides a palpable saltiness, complemented by the calm cheddar cheese and crisp, hand battered onion rings. When combined with the smooth, sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, these toppings come together harmoniously. This is all atop a juicy, 8 oz. burger dripping with flavor. The patty was closer to medium well as opposed to the medium I had requested, but this was negligible when considering the successful blend of flavors presented with it. Far from overdone, the meat was still juicy and tender. The hearty roll stood up well to the mélange of toppings, and was not too thick or heavy to distract the palette. I could only get through half of the beef behemoth before I admitted defeat and decided to wrap the rest. With the second half of my sandwich remained a good amount of the french fries, which were generously cut and seasoned well. At $10.50, this meal and a half was affordable and filling.
Yukon Jack’s proved to be a cut above the run of the mill dining options that have been flooding the Storrs area. With affordable, varied options to eat and drink, it is easy to eat well on a budget. The “Hill Top Grill” is inviting and comfortable inside, inviting diners to return again soon. Just go in with an empty stomach if you plan to attack one of their jumbo burgers.
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