Before there was White Castle, In N Out, McDonald’s and the Texas-famed Whataburger, the hamburger was making its delicious debut in the 19th or early 20th century. Of course we Americans contended to be the first to create this culinary masterpiece – initially combining a simple two slices of bread and ground beef into a “hamburger sandwich,” as it was originally called.
But despite the health craze of the 21st century and the fitness fads that reign around this time of year, the burger still is on the menu of some of the finest steakhouses and diners in the country. Here in the valley, the story is the same – you can find a delicious burger complete with funky toppings and sassy sauces just about anywhere – a far cry from the bread and beef sandwich of our forefathers.
So, I find it partly my American duty to share these 3 burgers from 3 local menus that will have you thinking twice about that New Year’s resolution you made a few weeks ago (or at least you’ll give yourself a cheat day!):
Triangle Drive In
1. Triangle Drive In is that old fashioned American Drive In that will have you craving milkshakes and the good ol’ days. It may feel like all fun and games when you’re here, but the “Double Bob” Bacon Cheeseburger is serious business. Onion rings, sauce, American cheese, and a fresh burger bun all give the juicy beef burger a taste you will not believe.
Triangle Drive In
1310 W. Belmont, Fresno, CA
Starving Artist’s Bistro
2. Starving Artist’s Bistro is a hidden gem of sorts in North Fresno, near Woodward Park. Its gastropub type feel has an extensive menu of American comfort food, and local artists lend their music several times a week to diners at this Fresno bistro. The classic Bistro Burger is the purist’s “hamburger sandwich” with just a few basic toppings of cheese, lettuce, tomato, and red onion. But the quality of the ingredients and the complexity of the taste are what bring locals back again and again.
Starving Artist’s Bistro
9447 Ft Washington Rd #101, Fresno, CA 93730
Eureka!
3. With a name like Eureka! Burger, the menu is obvious. But I am recommending an item that most burger-lovers may look past: the Veggie Beet Burger. I know, I know, maybe not the indulgence you were looking for, but trust me on this one. Eureka! whips up a red beet and kidney bean combo and turns it into a patty, topped with housemade pickles, tomato, red onion, and arugula. Yum yum! A lemon vinaigrette over the top to give it all a zesty kick, and you may be a changed (wo)man. It’s no side salad, but it is a creative spin on the American classic.
Eureka!
7775 N Palm Ave #106, Fresno, CA 93711
Ok, so who did we miss?
- Young Chef’s Academy Cooks Up Fun for All Ages - February 8, 2016
- Valentine’s Day Shopping Spree at The Foundry Collective! - January 25, 2016
- Flower Child Boutique: The Road to Peace, Love, and Fashion. - January 18, 2016
Cool! Thanks for this!
I’ve never been there so…..House of Ju Ju.