Devan’s Dozen: Burgers Edition
Kansas City’s Best Burger Spots
Published May 1, 2019
While it’s origins lie in north Germany, you would be hard-pressed to find a food more definitive of American cuisine than the cheeseburger. Basic in theory, the simplicity of a great burger allows for a flexibility and versatility rarely found in other entrees. For me, a burger with fries and a shake is one of the greatest comfort food meals there is. A great burger is as much about the preparation and flavor of the beef as it is the quality of the bun/bread and the toppings that go on it. The possibilities are truly endless. No matter how simple or complex, the best burgers have balance. Whether there are a myriad of flavors present or just a few; an excellent burger blends multiple flavor profiles and textures to create a singular and defining taste.
“At the base level, a burger is a piece of meat and a bun with something on it. It’s simple but it seems to make a lot of people happy.”
I never set out to find Kansas City’s best burger. Unlike my quest to conquer the very best of Kansas City barbeque, my burger tour of this city happened much more organically. Over the years, I have had more great KC burgers than I could possibly count* and given many burger endorsements to friends, family, and colleagues. With May being National Burger Month, now seemed the time to put pen to paper, so to speak, and release a list of my favorite spots to get a burger in the City of Fountains.
If you’re hoping to find someone who loves Shake Shack and Five Guys as much as you do (and believe me, I probably do), you won’t find those places listed here. There are no Whoppers or JBC’s on this list. Per usual, my focus is on places/chains that are local to Kansas City.
If your favorite local burger missed the cut, that does not mean I did not enjoy it. They call this place Cowtown so of course there is a plethora of great burgers in this city. However, it’s called “Devan’s Dozen” for a reason^. Sticking to the constraints of naming only twelve spots limits the number of burgers I can praise.
Without further fanfare or ado, I give you, in declining order, my top twelve places to grab a burger in KC.
12. Lew’s Grill & Bar
7539 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Missouri
Located in the heart of Waldo, Lew’s Grill and Bar is the penultimate neighborhood sports bar. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a Lew’s rookie, there’s a feeling of comfort and familiarity when you drop by Lew’s. While they are primarily known throughout Kansas City for their 86-ounce “Das Boot” beers, it is their eclectic line-up of burgers that always keeps me coming back.
The classic Lew, Big Lew (double patty), and Bubba Lew (triple patty) are seemingly typical burgers. The strength of these burgers lies in their simplicity. The all-beef patty is lightly seasoned and perfectly cooked. The lettuce, tomato, and pickle are all fresh. The grilled onions are crisp but far from burnt. The Wisconsin sharp cheddar gives this burger just the right amount of tanginess and the soft brioche bun is the perfect roll to bring this burger together. While Lew’s doesn’t need any bells or whistles to construct an excellent burger, that does not mean they don’t know how to get creative. I called this line-up eclectic for a reason.
One of many options, the I-70 Series Burger (named for the 1985 World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the eventual champion, Kansas City Royals) features Lew’s sensational Kansas City beef patty topped with St. Louis jalapeno cheddar sausage, ghost pepper cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickle on a chewy, glossy, brown pretzel bun.
Perhaps their most unique sandwich is The Country Breakfast (an obvious homage to longtime Kansas City Royals’ Designated Hitter Billy Butler). Topped with fried egg, crisp bacon, smoked cheddar, bacon sriracha aioli, grape jelly, and served on a toasted Everything bagel, this burger is all three of your daily meals rolled into one! Whether you go with the Lew or one of their quirkier offerings, this beloved Waldo bar has something for everyone.
DD’s Pro Tip: If you’re jonesing for a burger at Lew’s, go on a Monday when all the burgers are $4 off! Also, I recommend you pass on traditional fries and upgrade to the turbo tots (fried tots stuffed with green chiles and cheese) or zucchini fries with a side of their chipotle ranch. You’ll thank me later!
11. Char Bar - Smoked Meats & Amusements
4050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri
Trust me, I know! You were excited to see me write about cuisine that was not barbeque and just a few paragraphs in; here I am, talking about a BBQ joint. While known for their world-class Kansas City barbeque, Char Bar Smoked Meats & Amusements is a foodie destination that offers so much more! Lost in the shuffle of brisket and pulled pork is the fact (err, I guess opinion) that Char Bar serves one of this city’s finest burgers**.
And when it comes to burgers, Char Bar only has one on their entire menu. However, that singular sandwich, the CBGB Burger, is so outstanding and marvelously constructed that I was compelled to include it on this list. A seared house-made patty of ground, smoked, beef brisket is the rock on which the CBGB is built. Buried under crispy smoked bacon, caramelized onions, and an indulgent smear of creamy gouda, the wood-smoked essence of the CBGB is heavenly. Finished off with Duke’s Mayo on a fluffy egg bun; you will be hard-pressed to find a more gratifying burger.
DD’s Pro Tip: I can think of no better way to spend a dollar than to add a fried egg to the CBGB Burger. The runny yolk only enhances the richness of this burger. Much like Jeff Lebowski’s rug - that fried egg really ties the whole thing together. One of my biggest regrets is that there used to be a time when I ordered the CBGB sans fried egg. Oh, the follies of youth!
10. BRGR Kitchen + Bar
4038 W. 83rd Street, Prairie Village, Kansas
Over the course of this decade, BRGR Kitchen + Bar has grown into one of Kansas City’s most popular burger joints. Now boasting three locations in the metro, BRGR’s line-up of burgers offers a fresh and elevated take on the American cheeseburger. With a commitment to great ingredients and careful preparation, alongside a superb selection of craft drafts and cocktails, it is easy to see how BRGR has quickly ascended to the upper echelon of our city’s burger scene.
The house beef patty made of freshly ground chuck and short rib gives this burger a lush quality rarely seen in a burger. Seared to perfection, this burger strikes an ideal balance with a charred exterior crust that seals all the juices inside of this tender, flavorful burger. BRGR’s line-up is a regular “Murderers’ Row” highlighted by the espresso-encrusted Fast Cow and their own Worcestershire twist on the Twin Cities’ cheese-stuffed favorite, the Jucy Lucy. I do not believe there’s a wrong answer when it comes to BRGR’s burgers but for me, the right answer is the Knob Hill.
The Knob Hill represents a re-imagining of the Patty Melt that challenges every notion of what this sandwich can be. BRGR’s succulent ground beef patty is enveloped by Wisconsin Swiss cheese, grilled onions, and special sauce. It is grilled between two thick, buttery, slices of parmesean-crusted Sourdough Bread. As someone who loves contrast in their food, the ingredients in the Knob Hill are constantly in conflict. The crunchy, chewy texture of the bread contradicts the melted cheese and juicy, tender beef. The ferment of the sourdough battles the sweetness of the grilled onions and savory blend of meat and cheese. The secret sauce offers a tangy footnote to each delicious bite. The disparity of the ingredients gives birth to an avant-garde burger that can satisfy any appetite.
DD’s Pro Tip: BRGR Kitchen + Bar’s fries are consistently ranked among the best fries in Kansas City and for good reason. While a side does not come standard with these burgers, an order of truffle fries or truffle tots is a must. If you really want a special treat, be sure to ask for the special sauce or one of BRGR’s amazing aiolis as a dipping sauce for your truffle fries/tots.
9. Burg & Barrel
7042 W. 76th Street, Overland Park, Kansas
Everything about Overland Park’s Burg & Barrel is very intentional. The proliferation of wood throughout the interior not only gives the bar a sense of warmth but is reminiscent of a bourbon barrel. It is a constant reminder of the dozens of whiskeys and bourbons available at this neighborhood hotspot. With an emphasis on local brews, the cornucopia of craft tap handles that line the ceiling’s wooden beams show a commitment to serving the best draft beers. This gastro pub is equally devoted to culinary excellence and the best in customer service.
That sense of intention extends to the menu. Every one of their signature burgers is cooked to order and built on a patty of Certified Angus Beef. Regardless of the specific sandwich you order or how you choose to have it prepared, the one trait that all B&B burgers share is their juiciness. I have to ask for extra napkins every time! Two other qualities that seem to define the burgers here are the toasted, but soft, egg bun and the lettuce they use on a majority of their burgers and sandwiches.
Yes, the lettuce makes these burgers special. Perhaps the biggest culprit of presenteeism in the world of sandwiches, lettuce is often the throw-in ingredient. It always feels like it’s something that’s just there but does not contribute anything.
But once again, at Burg & Barrel – every choice seems intentional. The use of fresh Bibb lettuce on their burgers (as opposed to the traditional iceberg lettuce) not only makes them aesthetically pleasing but the tender, crispy, leaf provides a texture and sweetness that enriches the overall flavor of the sandwich. There are many popular options at Burg & Barrel but my go-to is the Spicy Avocado. Topped with Applewood smoked bacon, cheddar, tomato, creamy avocado, and house-made chipotle ranch; there is an unmistakable zest to the Spicy Avocado not typically found in a burger.
DD’s Pro Tip: There are nearly as many options for the hand-cut fries as there are the signature burgers. If you go with the fries, I encourage you to have them tossed in the house Cajun or Ranch seasoning. At the very least, give one of their house dressings or dipping sauces a try. However, as far as sides go, I would be remiss if I did not tell you about the onion rings. They are among the city’s elite! Along with every other battered dish on the menu, these scrumptious onion rings are drenched in a homemade beer batter made from KCK’s own Flying Monkey Amber Ale and fried to an impeccable golden brown.
At Overland Park's Burg & Barrel, there's a plethora of great burgers to choose from but there's one side that stands above all others. The Flying Monkey Amber Ale battered onion rings are quite possibly the city's best.
8. Green Room Burgers & Beer
4010 Pennsylvania Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri
As the Green Room’s name implies, the space that now hosts this bar and restaurant began as the waiting area for the acts at the adjacent KICK Comedy Theater. Fortunately for all of us, about seven years ago, Michael Ptacek made his vision for what this space could be a reality. Though many patrons and performers still utilize the Green Room as a pre and post-show hangout, this bar has evolved into a cozy restaurant that offers an excellent craft tap selection and an array of top-notch specialty burgers.
Usually cooked to a perfect medium, the quarter-pound beef patty in their burgers is delightfully succulent. The variety of specialty burgers here not only has a wide array of topping options (the cheese curds and onion rings are available as both a side and topping!) but Green Room Burgers and Beer utilizes multiple types of buns and bread to make sure that every flavor in their sandwiches perfectly complement one another. While my preference is the Forty Ten (a double burger with Tillamook cheddar, fresh avocado, crispy bacon, grilled jalapenos, cheddar cheese, and brown mustard), the show-stopper here is the Breakfast Burger. This colossus features two quarter-pound beef patties layered between slices of American Cheese. Topped with thick-cut bacon, grilled jalapenos, and a sunny-side-up fried egg on an egg bun, the Breakfast is a messy delight that must be seen, and tasted, to be believed. The hand-cut fries are the ideal side and made even better by the runny yolk that will inevitably drip from your burger on to the bed of twice-fried potatoes.
DD’s Pro Tip: With such a wide assortment of specialty burger options and toppings, it can be difficult to figure out which option to explore first. One great way to overcome this is to order the Salina Sliders. With numerous options to choose from, an order of these two-ounce beef patties on a brioche roll can be a great way to try multiple burgers in one sitting. Also, as much as I do love their fries, spending the extra $2 to upgrade to a heaping mound of perfectly prepared cheese curds is always a fantastic choice.
7. Town Topic Hamburgers
2021 Broadway Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri
Since 1937, Town Topic has been serving their mouthwatering burgers to the people of Kansas City. As a matter of opinion (with the possible exception of Arthur Bryant’s, Gates, or Stroud’s), Town Topic may be this city’s most iconic restaurant. There are many in KC who would say that you cannot even consider yourself a Kansas Citian until you’ve eaten at the little white diner – and I cannot say that I disagree with that sentiment.
What can be said about this delectable burger that hasn’t been stated over the last 75 years? Sandwiched within a white, steamed bun, the burgers themselves are thin, crispened, wafers of charred lace. Smashed, but still full of flavor, I recommend you order at least a double. The onions are grilled on the flat top and then pressed into the patty itself so it cooks with the meat, soaking up that piquant beef flavor. The gooey ream of American cheese is the conduit by which this classic burger melts in your mouth. With a side of their hand-breaded onion rings or crispy tator tots, it’s hard to go wrong with a Town Topic burger.
DD’s Pro Tip: The burger options at Town Topic seem few but Kansas City’s original greasy spoon has an unwritten rule: If it’s on the menu, they’ll likely put it on a burger for you. My preferred custom topping combo for my burger is onion rings and bacon. One of the most well-known “secret menu” items, the Three Amigos burger, is piled high with bacon, egg, cheese, hashbrowns, and jalapenos. There is no reason to detract from the classic original but if you are feeling creative, what better canvas to create a masterpiece on than a Town Topic burger?
6. Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen
1526 Walnut Street, Kansas City, Missouri
When Aristotle first quipped, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts”; I highly doubt he was talking about cheeseburgers. Yet, the principle still applies. As is the case with almost anything, the greater the individual parts, the more potential the whole has to be exceptional. Since they opened their doors in 2011, Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen has offered plates of only the highest caliber. It is the pedigree of the ingredients they use that makes every dish at Tannin, including their Wagyu Burger, so magnificent.
Perhaps a little more dressed up than many of the other places on this list, Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen’s burger, made from Wagyu beef, is among KC’s best. Wagyu (a term for all beef cattle native to Japan) beef is globally renowned for the increased marbling in the meat. That striation of fat throughout each cut accounts for a richness and tenderness that is unrivaled by its counterparts around the world.
Tannin’s Wagyu Burger is exquisitely charred on the outside with a pink and juicy interior. Served on an onion roll and crowned with smoked cheddar, grilled tomato, and a ribbon of crackly bacon; the Wagyu Burger at Tannin is a symphony of savory decadence. The lightly-salted pommes frites are hand-cut and authentically twice-fried to a golden brown, crunchy outside and fluffy white inside, making them the ideal companion to this wonderful burger.
DD’s Pro Tip: As the name implies, Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen is a wine bar first and foremost. They are renowned for having one of Kansas City’s best wine selections. You are doing yourself a disservice if you do not take advantage of Tannin’s extensive wine collection and expertise to find the vino that best pairs with the Wagyu Burger.
5. KC Smoke Burger
1610 W. 39th Street, Kansas City, Missouri
The first visit to KC Smoke Burger can feel quite overwhelming. You will undoubtedly be hit with a wave of indecision the moment you look over the menu. Not only does KC Smoke offer nearly two dozen specialty burger choices and an overabundance of toppings to choose from; but they have a diverse selection of ground-meat burger patties that include beef, lamb, turkey, and chicken.
When your burger does arrive at your table, it’s with a bit more pomp and circumstance than you may be used to. Immediately, the miniature smoker that your half-pound burger patty is sizzling on catches your eye. Once your burger has been constructed, you cannot miss the letters “KC” that have been branded into the top of the bun.
To be honest, it all feels like one big gimmick. You might be inclined to feel that the large menu, the different patty options, the mini smoker, and the branded buns all seem like an over-the-top stunt. If were all just a gimmick, this burger would not make my list. Instead, these things reflect a confidence in the product and attention to detail that makes this one of the most unique and flavorful burgers in Kansas City (and beyond)!
KC Smoke Burger is aptly named as that is the first sensation that hits your taste buds. That incredible smoky flavor permeates the entire burger. The hefty beef patty, draped in a curtain of melted cheese, is dense with a distinct zing of herbs and spices. The toppings are always fresh and well-prepared. The branded bun is toasted all the way through but not so toasty or flaky as to compromise the structural integrity of these mammoth sandwiches.
And make no mistake, the single is more than enough burger. As someone who reluctantly conquered the gargantuan double cheeseburger - proceed with caution. Mankind was not meant to tango with such a behemoth! While many have incurred the wrath of the double stacked patties, few have survived to tell the tale. However, should you scale that smoky mountain and reach its glorious summit – you will have earned bragging rights for life.
DD’s Pro Tip: KC Smoke Burgers is largely known for being a Halal establishment which makes them very accommodating of many faith-based and dietary restrictions. As a result, there is NO pork on the menu and that restriction extends to the bacon on their burgers. Please be respectful of this omission. However, I very much enjoy the rich, crackly, and of course smoky, turkey bacon that KC Smoke puts on their burgers. Their turkey bacon is one of many things that makes this such an astounding and out-of-this-world burger.
When I crave "The Bobby" from Snack Shack, nothing else will do. The only way for me to scratch that itch is to make the trek to downtown OP.
4. The Snack Shack on Santa Fe
8039 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, Kansas
The restaurant scene in downtown Overland Park, Kansas has been long underrated. In a treasure trove of great pig-out spots, The Snack Shack may be Santa Fe’s crown jewel. A relative new-comer to the Kansas City burger scene (they first opened their doors in 2011), everything about The Snack Shack on Santa Fe has an old-school feel to it. There are vinyl records hanging from the ceiling and much of the wall decor is from a time long-gone. The burgers themselves, steakburgers that are lightly seasoned and pressed on a flat top, also seem to hearken back to the era of drive-ins and poodle skirts.
The Snack Shack on Santa Fe offers an array of burgers but a fan-favorite, for myself included, is “The Bobby”. A double cheeseburger topped with grilled onions and grilled jalapenos, The Bobby runs the risk of being an absolute cacophony for your taste buds. Fortunately for us, this burger is gracefully built. Even Thanos would appreciate the balance that this burger strikes.
A pillowy, white bun from Kansas City’s own Roma Bakery provides the foundation for two beautifully charred patties that are blanketed with melted cheese. Upon that mound of ground chuck and cheese, is a wonderfully arranged bouquet of onions and jalapenos that are flawlessly grilled. Both the sweetness of the onions and the heat of the peppers are present in every single bite but neither one overpowers the other or the overall burger. As a result, what you get is a one-of-a-kind burger with a bite that many local spots have tried to imitate but failed to duplicate.
When served with the 50/50 (half hand-cut fries and half onion rings), this is a hard meal to beat.
DD’s Pro Tip: After eating a burger with a side, it may be hard to find room for anything else but you will regret it if you leave The Snack Shack on Santa Fe without having some dessert. Nothing complements a burger and fries quite like a milkshake and Snack Shack offers a plethora of hand-dipped shakes and malts. They not only add to this new kid on the block’s old-fashioned aura, but they are some of the most delicious in the metro.
3. Westport Flea Market Bar & Grill
817 Westport Road, Kansas City, Missouri
The Westport Flea Market makes it a point of pride to claim they have the city’s best burger (And they aren’t the only ones! Several reputable sources including Food Network and The Pitch have also made this claim) and while they failed to capture the pole position in my personal rankings, it is not hard to see why this burger is so well-revered.
The Flea Market Burger itself is a large, fresh patty formed from a secret blend that one of the city’s premier meat shops, McGonigle’s Market in Waldo, prepares just for them. In the 2001 re-make of Ocean’s Eleven, Brad Pitt’s character Rusty says, “Don’t use seven words when four words will do” and the Flea Market Burger is the embodiment of that sentiment. The brilliance of this burger lies in its candidness.
The burger seems simple at first as it only consists of the patty, your choice of cheese, and a sesame seed bun. While you have the option to dress up the burger however you choose from the condiment bar, it is not necessary in order to enjoy this cheeseburger. When you first grab that burger, and you will need both hands, and take that first bite, the caliber of McGonigle’s secret blend shines through. Served with a side of their famed curly fries, the Flea Market Burger is a greasy delight that lives up to the reputation.
DD’s Pro Tip: It is important to note that Westport Flea Market is a cash-only establishment so be prepared for that before you go. Also, while the system may seem odd to some, you order your drinks from the server at your table but you must get up from your table to place your food order at the bar.
2. Hayes Hamburgers & Chili
2502 NE Vivion Road, Kansas City, Missouri
While not as well-known as Town Topic, Winstead’s, or others, make no mistake - Hayes Hamburgers & Chili is part of the old guard of Kansas City burger joints. Since 1955, Hayes has been open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week (with few exceptions), serving their delicious slider-style burgers. It is hard to imagine that much has changed over that time. When you walk into this minuscule diner and take a seat at the chrome,padded bar stools at the counter or the petite blue booths that line the wall, it’s a blast from the past in the best kind of way. Once the nostalgia clears, the first thing you notice is the smile that will always greet you as you enter which is almost immediately followed by the unmistakable and irresistible smell of onions grilling on the flat top.
As for the burger itself, it is a slider-style burger that is just as small as the restaurant itself so be sure to order three or four of the single^^ cheeseburgers. Topped with melted cheese and crispy grilled onions, the seared burger patty may be small but packs a robust flavor. The roll is soft and doughy. It has a note of sweetness that harmoniously contrasts with the umami of the patty, cheese, and onions to create a truly, exquisite burger. For nearly 65 years, Hayes’ has been offering up an incredible burger and even better service. It is my sincerest hope that they keep doing so for 65 more.
DD’s Pro Tip: When you order your single burgers, forget about the fries and instead go for a helping of Hayes’ hand-breaded onion rings or a side of their hashbrowns. If you go the hashbrown route, many Hayes’ regulars often get theirs topped with cheese, sausage gravy, chili, or “The Works” (a combination of all three!). My preferred companion to my burgers is the hashbrowns topped with sausage gravy AND cheese. Also, much like the Westport Flea Market, Hayes Hamburgers & Chili is cash-only. They have been since 1955 and this is unlikely to change anytime soon.
In 2008, one of my best friends introduced me to Hayes Hamburgers & Chili. I immediately fell in love with this Northland institution and their slider-style burgers. In fact, it took me nearly a decade to find a Kansas City burger that I liked better!
1. Tay’s Burger Shack
1019 Armour Road, North Kansas City, Missouri
When you roll up to this unassuming shack (and that is the appropriate word for this building), the first thing you will notice is a large banner on the building promoting that their burgers utilize “organic, grass-fed beef”. Whether it be the Missouri farm-raised beef they make their burgers from, the hand-cut, house-seasoned fries, or the locally-baked buns; Tay’s Burger Shack’s commitment to a high standard is present across their menu.
Kansas City’s best burger spot is also one of its most straightforward. The menu boasts only six food items - their famous burger (which is offered as the Single, Double, Triple, or the quadruple-stacked Homerun), their seasoned fries, and Nathan’s Hot Dogs. Tay’s is able to offer such an uncomplicated menu because like the name of their largest sandwich - they hit every option out of the park!
The white bread bun is buttered and griddle-toasted without compromising its softness. The patties are juicy and flavorful without being greasy. The cheese envelopes the burger perfectly. The fries are crisp, well-seasoned, and compliment the burger quite well. Which burger you choose is primarily based on how hungry you are. While there are toppings you can add on (such as bacon, grilled jalapenos, or even chili & fritos), the original Tay’s Burger is perfect as is.
Once you decide upon a burger, my advice is to opt for one of Tay’s glass-bottled soda options as opposed to a fountain drink. The attention to detail is not limited to their burgers but extends to the variety of beverages offered. This precision has created an expectation of excellence from Tay’s growing fanbase that the burger shack never fails to uphold.
DD’s Pro Tip: When you order the burger and/or fries, forgo the traditional condiments and give their house-made Sriracha Ketchup or Sriracha Mayo a try! My dipping sauce of choice for my fries is a 50/50 mix of ketchup and the Sriracha Mayo.
Well there you have it; my twelve best places to grab a burger in Kansas City. So, what are you waiting for? National Burger Month is upon you! Grab some friends, pick one of these burgers, and DIG IN!
Do you agree with my rankings? Is there a KC burger I have not tried* that I should? Or, do you feel like your favorite burger in town was unfairly left off my list? Let me hear it in the comments! As always, I appreciate every person who takes the time to read what I write and I eagerly await the forthcoming dialogue (and potential debate).
Those Pesky Endnotes That I Often Insist On
*More KC burger places that I can count but it did not stop me from trying! I attempted to list out every Kansas City burger stand, bar, grill, drive, chain, cafe, restaurant, or diner that I’ve ever eaten a burger at and I have at least 90 under my belt. Pun intended. Of course this write-up was already long enough that I chose not to include this list.
^Why Devan’s Dozen? Why not the traditional top ten? Well for one, I am a sucker for alliteration; having an alliterative name has that effect. Secondly, the whole Top 10 thing is way overplayed. One benefit of doing twelve places is that it allows my list to be framed as an annual challenge, or a burger calendar if you will. If you commit to trying just one new burger spot a month, that means one year from now you would have conquered what I personally consider to be the best burgers that Kansas City has to offer. Now I am not saying that is what you should do but I am not, not saying that either.
** Coincidentally, May is also National Barbeque Month so eating at Char Bar offers you the golden opportunity to observe both at once!
^^ Given the diminuitive size of the burger at Hayes, it would seem logical to order the double or even triple cheeseburger - DO NOT MAKE THAT MISTAKE! Unlike the vast majority of burger joints, Hayes’ double and triple burgers are not multiple patty sandwiches. Instead, of stacking patties, Hayes’ double is a patty made from the meat of two burgers and accordingly, the triple is a larger patty made from the meat of three. While this seems minor, a larger burger means a larger, and different, bun (usually a Kaiser Roll). You are still getting a great, quality, burger when you order a double or triple. However, the texture and sweetness of the Hawaiian-type roll used for the classic single is the difference between being merely great and absolutely divine.
