I had a dilemma last semester.

No, I wasn’t failing a class or going through a break up, but, for a foodie, it was quite serious. I had an uncontrollable craving for a delicious burger. Nothing fancy, just a perfectly executed, melt-in-your-mouth cheeseburger. Somehow I managed to survive without one, but now I know my refuge was only a block away at Dooley’s Beef-N-Brew House.

This weekend I had the great pleasure of talking with the owner, Sean Dooley, over lunch. He recommended that I try a World Famous Dooley Burger — voted best in the world by Trans World Airlines — topped with cheddar cheese and the works on a sesame bun. As I attempted to daintily devour the burger, he explained that, while Dooley’s may be new to our neighborhood, they were actually established in 1968 at their old location on 8th Street and Olive Boulevard. There, the eatery became a legend with St. Louisans who, like me, found their burgers to be top notch.

Dooley’s new location is in the heart of Midtown, just north of the Fox Theatre, and offers a larger space with more diverse seating options. Upstairs there is a relaxed and warm atmosphere, with seating at both the bar and tables. While the street level would cater to anyone hoping for a great bite and a view of the big game, Dooley’s has a gem of a basement, which houses a larger bar and lounge area.

On my tour with Dooley, he explained his hopes for the lower level to integrate the pub ambiance that the name “Dooley’s Beef-N-Brew” conjures. The focal point of the room is the space created by the plush red booths, which encircle three plasma TVs mounted above a fireplace. With a nod to his newest neighbors, Dooley ensured that the bookshelves flanking the fireplace were made complete with SLU memorabilia. While walking around, I could easily imagine myself with friends watching some of the upcoming March Madness games. One of the coolest parts of the basement area is that the full Dooley’s menu is available, including their incredibly well-stocked beer list.

Dooley’s is a place where SLU students can come to unwind. The menu is sure to please every appetite, with a wide variety of options that take the burger to new levels. All burgers begin with locally sourced meat, charbroiled to perfection before becoming the tasty rendition of your choosing. One of the most popular is the Big Pappy, which incorporates the famous local smokehouse’s barbeque sauce with onion rings, bacon, grilled pineapple and cheddar.

If you are craving something lighter, you may want to try the dynamite Ahi Tuna Sandwich that tantalizes the taste buds with the Asian flavors of soy, wasabi and sesame. Also, all sandwiches are served with perfectly seasoned and crispy golden brown french fries. I know that I would be willing to pay quite a bit for food of this quality, but that’s one of the best parts of Dooley’s. The most expensive item on the menu is only $8.50 —the Rib Eye Steak Sammy — while most items run at $7.50. The prices get even better for SLU students.

If you show your student ID card, you can get a burger, fries and beverage for only $6. Also, if you happen to mention reading this article, Dooley said he would be willing to knock off an additional 20% of your bill. Honestly, Dooley’s is offering top-quality food at a bargain price that can’t be found anywhere else in St. Louis for us students.

When I walked back to Marchetti from Dooley’s, I realized that besides the great environment and delicious food, something else made me want to go back to the restaurant: the integrity of the owner.

During our lunch, Dooley was constantly greeting customers and making sure that everyone was having the best experience possible. When I mentioned that it was apparent how much he enjoyed his job as owner, his reply, though incredibly simple, resonated with me for the rest of that day.

“When I ask someone how they are, I truly want to know that answer. Too many people nowadays ask without actually caring about the response,” Dooley said.

If you are looking for a restaurant where the food is absolutely delicious, the prices are ridiculously reasonable and the service is unparalleled, be sure to check out Dooley’s Beef-N-Brew.