Las Vegas is arguably America’s preeminent burger city. Few cities in the United States have as many high-quality, unique and delectable versions of the classic. And now it seems the culinary world’s top names want to get in on the act—and that’s a very good thing for all of us.
Bacon Cheddar Shack at Shake Shack
What Shake Shack (New York-New York, 725.222.6730) has always done brilliantly is to keep things simple. Every creation at Danny Meyer’s ultra-successful burger chain is a shining example of the idea that less is more. The Bacon CheddarShack is no different, featuring all-natural Angus beef topped with Niman Ranch bacon and Wisconsin aged cheddar cheese sauce. Simplicity never tasted so good.
Hog Burger at Gordon Ramsay Burgr
Gordon Ramsay, one of the most famous celebrity chefs in America, might have his detractors, but he backs up his larger-than-life personality with food to match. At Gordon Ramsay BurGR (Planet Hollywood Resort, 702.785.5462), the Hog Burger is all about the pork—Mangalitsa to be exact, paired along with English sharp cheddar cheese, maple butter and arugula on a brioche bun with black and white sesame seeds.
It’s arguable that no one in town is making better burgers than renowned chef Hubert Keller at his always-hopping Burger Bar (Mandalay Place, 702.632.9364). The Hubert Keller Burger has long been a menu mainstay, and for good reason. His eponymous creation features much leaner buffalo meat topped with caramelized onions, baby spinach and blue cheese, along with the chef’s favorite red wine and shallots sauce, all coming together gloriously between a ciabatta bun.
The feel of Adam Fleischman’s Umami Burger (SLS Las Vegas, 702.761.7614) has always been casual yet upscale, and the food matches the vibe. Fleischman’s philosophy is in every bite of the Manly Burger, ideal to eat while watching a game, curing a hangover or devouring before a decadent night on the town. The beef is a perfect canvas, on which is painted house beer-cheddar cheese, bacon lardons, smoked-salt onion strings, Umami house ketchup and mustard spread.
Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich continue to expand their culinary empire while maintaining excellent food across the board. At B&B Burger & Beer (The Venetian, 702.414.2220), that expertise has resulted in July’s Burger of the Month. A six-ounce beef patty is slathered with d’Espelette mayonnaise and Taleggio cheese showing off influences from both France and Italy. Peperonata, a scrumptious Italian condiment of sweet bell peppers simmered together with olive oil, onion, garlic and tomato, ups the flavor profile. Red romaine lettuce finishes the insides off, all cradled on a potato bun. Don’t wait until August!
