MEET THE TOP 10 BURGERS IN LAS VEGAS
Let other departments at the Review-Journal concern themselves with beefcake and buns as they refer to the attributes of male exotic dancers wearing as little as possible. Here at Taste, the words bring to mind the glories of the all-American hamburger, juicy and flavorful and dressed to the hilt.
We recently set out on a search for the 10 best burgers in all of Las Vegas and found quite a variety, thanks to the suggestions of a variety of individuals. This is a true feast for the eyes.
FAT CHARLIE’S BURGER, $9.99 WITH FRIES OR COLESLAW
• Charlie’s Down Under, 1950 N. Buffalo Drive
Don’t tell your cardiologist about this one: 10 ounces of beef topped with a fried egg, bacon and cheese, all stuffed into an oversized bun. But oh, what a way to go.
Pastrami Burger, $11.95 with choice from among three sides
• Peppermill, 2985 Las Vegas Blvd. South
The half-pound of flame-broiled beef is topped with pastrami, Swiss cheese and a mayonnaise-mustard sauce, for a best-of-both-worlds cross between a burger and a deli sandwich.
CHILI-CHEESE BURGER WITH CINCI CHILI, $8.15 WITH CHOICE FROM AMONG FOUR SIDES
• Egg Works, 2490 E. Sunset Road (also at 9355 W. Flamingo Road)
If you like Cincinnati chili you’re sure to love this burger, which has just enough of it that it can still be picked up, plus cheese melted over the chili.
THE BLEU BARON, $8.79 WITH SLAW OR BAKED BEANS
• Kilroy’s, 1021 S. Buffalo Drive (also at 4340 S. Grand Canyon Drive)
This half-pound burger is topped not only with a generous helping of crumbled blue cheese, but also with a virtual mountain of crisp-fried Onion Tanglers — sort of like onion rings without the bend — that spill off the burger and onto the plate.
KOBE BEEF STEAK BURGER, $14 WITH CHOICE FROM AMONG THREE SIDES
• Martinis, 1205 S. Fort Apache Road
American-style Kobe is dressed to advantage with a gilding of smoked gouda and a cup of sweet-and-spicy mango chutney. The recommended medium-rare brings out the richness of the beef.
SUPERBURGER, $6.95 WITH CHOICE FROM AMONG FIVE SIDES
• Sunshine Cafe, 1581 N. Decatur Blvd.
The half-pound, old-fashioned diner burger is thick enough to bite into, with rough, crispy edges thanks to hand-pattying and just enough time on a flat-top grill.
IMPRESSIONIST, $6.59 TO $7.99, DEPENDING ON SIZE (1/4, 1/3 OR 1/2 POUND) WITH FRIES AND A DRINK
• Create, 7290 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
If you like spicy, this one’s for you: If the jalapenos aren’t enough, how about pepper-jack cheese, Cajun seasoning and a dose of atomic-level mayo? Hot, hot, hot.
MAPLE SWISS BURGER, $7.25 WITH CHOICE FROM AMONG FOUR SIDES
• The Maple Tree, 6000 Spring Mountain Road
It may sound weird, but the maple is in the onions, emphasizing their natural sweetness. The half-pound burger is topped with Swiss cheese for a little contrast.
TEX-MEX, $13
• BLT Burger, The Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. South
"Tex-Mex" may refer to both sides of the border, but there’s nothing borderline about the bold flavors of this 7-ounce burger, with its salsa, chili, avocado, jalapenos, jack cheese and onion sour cream.
BLACK JACK BURGER, $13.55 WITH SKINNY FRIES
• Burger Bar, Mandalay Place, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Burger Bar is famed as a design-your-own (from a ton of choices) kind of place, but there are a few designer picks, such as this 8-ounce nod to Las Vegas with its tapenade and jack cheese on a nice stretchy ciabatta bun.
