When it comes to great burgers, quality of ingredients and preparation are of only partial significance. In this case, the old adage stands: People eat with their eyes. Thus, burgers are most appetizing when they’re visibly sloppy, ooey-gooey, greasy and over-the-top. Thankfully, there’s no difficulty finding must-try burgers like that here in Vegas.
Bacon Mac ’N’ Cheese Burger (Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar at The Linq, 702.794.3139) It’s not just a burger; it’s a physical manifestation of comfort. Plus, can one think of anything more American than mac and cheese, burgers and bacon? Forget leaders. This burger just might have the power to unite the country.
Hubert Keller Burger (Burger Bar at Mandalay Bay, 702.632.9364) French chef Hubert Keller makes burgers look like art. Yet, do not fear, destroying this masterwork of kobe-style wagyu beef, caramelized onions, baby spinach and blue cheese is encouraged.
OH Burger (Old Homestead Steakhouse at Caesars Palace, 702.731.7560) True to the name, this burger—which is dry-aged, topped with gooey cheddar and served on a brioche bun spread with foie gras butter—makes people say, “oh!”
Impossible Burger (Hearthstone at Red Rock Resort, 702.797.7344) Truly, it seemed improbable, but the impossible happened: Impossible Foods made a plant-based burger that tastes good. Hearthstone’s take goes full vegan, with vegan cheese and vegan mayo, topped with fresh veggies and an avocado spread.
ShackBurger (Shake Shack at New York-New York, 702.740.3311) It’s not flashy, nor is it fancy—it’s a simple burger and it’s simply good. All-natural Angus beef, American cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion sounds basic until you taste the coveted ShackSauce, which brings this into the upper echelon of fast-casual burgers.
Wagyu and Brisket Burger (Bazaar Meat by José Andrés at Sahara Las Vegas, 702.761.7610) If you can’t decide on one of the several superb dishes at Bazaar Meats, this newly offered burger is worth ordering. A blend of wagyu short rib and brisket is topped with iceberg lettuce, special sauce, and a creamy pub cheese. On the side, fries are served with a house-made ketchup that’s so good it’s tempting to add a dollop to your burger.
Nacho Burger (Public House at Luxor, 702.262.4525) Forgive the lame pun, but it must be said: This is nacho average burger. You’ll get double beef patties, chorizo, guacamole, jalapeños, pico de gallo and tortilla chips sandwiched between a brioche bun.
The Texan Burger (Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer at The Venetian, 702.414.2337) They say everything is bigger in Texas, but this burger might be too big for Texas. It’s a monster, loaded with bacon, aged cheddar, and the largest onion ring you might ever see, all smothered with Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce.
Cheeseburger in Paradise (Margaritaville at Flamingo, 702.733.3302) This cheeseburger is so good there’s a song about it. Actually, maybe the song was so good they made a burger about it. Who cares? Grab a LandShark lager and this burger, and prepare to waste away into food coma oblivion.
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