Carolina Burger Co.

CUISINE AND ATMOSPHERE: Casual burger joint with other dishes, including chicken and turkey sandwiches, Philly cheese steak and homemade sides, including slaw and potato and pasta salads.

WHAT'S NEW: Owner and chef Rocco Monteleone said he perfected the art of making french fries since opening in 2008. Believe it. The shoestring fries are crispy on the outside, soft inside with good potato flavor, likely because they're made from fresh potatoes sliced daily.

WHAT I LIKED: The McDaddy burger is a juicy, triple-decker with the works: chili, cheese, slaw, fries (on the sandwich, not the side), ketchup and mustard. The Philly has a generous portion of the traditional fixings.

PRICE RANGE:The Philly is the most expensive sandwich at $7.79, including fries. The McDaddy and a chicken filet sandwich are next at $7.29. But a small hamburger costs only $2.99 and a large one $4.29, add 30 and 40 cents, respectively, for cheese. Fries at $1.89 for a small order, $3.19 for a large. Also serves 10 hot wings for $6.89 and 20 wings for $11.89, including celery, carrots and dressing.

FYI: The 30-seat dining room would not impress a first date, but the wooden chairs with padded seats are a nice touch instead of the usual molded plastic. Also has a couple of TVs tuned to sports channels. Monteleone previously owned Rocco's Sports Cafe in Winter Haven, which he sold in 2004.