Bionic Burger Disappoints: Decline in Quality at East Harry Location

A local burger joint with four locations in the Wichita Metro, Bionic Burger used to be a solid choice for a sandwich, a side, and a drink. Keywords, "used to be." As recently as 2022, Bionic Burger scored a respectable 51 out of a possible 63 points on the Bachelor on the Cheap Burger Challenge scorecard, earning 4 out of 5 Bachelor on the Cheap stars and deeming it satisfying, wallet-friendly, and repeat visit worthy. That it's a local establishment, adds to a repeat visit preference.

But the last couple of visits have not been repeat-worthy. For a casual Monday night dinner, my girlfriend Jennifer and I decided on Bionic Burger, it's conveniently located close to my home and has historically been a solid choice. We didn't go for burgers, as they have a variety of other sandwich options on the menu, which have been good in the past. Now, not so much...

Underseasoned and over-dressed with the honey mustard, which negated the toast on the bottom bunPhoto byBachelor on the Cheap

Here's what was ordered:

Jennifer: Pork Tenderloin sandwich, with lettuce, tomato, mayo, onion rings side, and a Dr. Pepper to wash it down with.

Mike: Grilled Chicken sandwich, with lettuce, tomato, pickles, honey mustard, a tater tots side, and a lemonade.

Pic taken after a few were eaten... The best part of the meal, which is kind of a sad statement.Photo byBachelor on the Cheap

Hitting the drive-thru on her way to my place at around 5:30 pm, the lady taking Jennifer's order was either totally distracted or just didn't care to listen... Rookie at the window during the dinner rush? Doubtful. Seemingly confused, she had to ask Jennifer for clarification on what sandwich needed the honey mustard. The confusion didn't stop there, the drinks were screwed up, and Jennifer was handed two Dr. Peppers at the drive-thru window. Jennifer caught it, as lemonade doesn't have caramel coloring, so that was corrected immediately. But that got Jennifer thinking, "If they screwed the drinks up, and didn't know what condiment went on what sandwich, what else did they screw up?" Not wanting to hold up the drive-thru line, Jennifer pulled aside and checked the meal orders. Sure enough, instead of tater tots for my side, Bionic served up french fries. Instead of a grilled chicken sandwich, Bionic prepped a fried chicken sandwich. Inside Jennifer went to get things corrected. So much for drive-thru convenience. After getting things straightened out, Jennifer made the less than five-minute drive to my place.

Both sandwiches had sloppy meat placement, not centeredPhoto byBachelor on the Cheap

This was a "Meh" meal from Bionic Burger. My sandwich was decent, the chicken was properly cooked, but a bit underseasoned coming from the 'grill' (flat top) and over-dressed with the honey mustard. The disappointment of my combo was the Tater Tots, which looked crispy, but were soggy, and fell apart when picked up. To be fair, part of that could have been steam from the heat of the meal in the bag on the drive home, but the tots weren't wrapped tight, were properly packed at the top of the bag and the drive was not long. Besides, the onion rings were nicely crisp and crunchy. Jennifer's tenderloin was also decent but lacked a "Wow" factor. As we ate, both Jennifer and I stated, "There's better (insert sandwich and/or side here) to be had elsewhere.

Costing just under $22 for two sandwiches, two sides, and two drinks, I'm giving Bionic Burger 3 out of 5 Bachelor on the Cheap Stars. The East Harry location in my humble opinion has gone downhill in service and meal quality. Given the last couple of visits to the joint, it's no longer a solid choice for a convenient meal. I love to promote local restaurants, but I can't recommend Bionic Burger at this time.

Wichita area locations: Locations | Bionic Burger in Kansas (bionic-burger.com)

Related: Best in Wichita Metro Burger Challenge 2022: How does Bionic Burger rate?

$pend Wisely My Friends...

~ Mike