For generations, it has been one of or perhaps even the most American of all quick meals. The hamburger, a modest though savory and satisfying meal on the run or perfect, though informal, for a sit-down meal. And, say the good folks of Pueblo, you’ll find the best burgers in Colorado
in the Steel City.
Every year the city’s newspaper, The Pueblo Chieftain, runs a ‘Best of Pueblo’ competition for its ‘best of the best,’ including hamburgers. The most recent winner was Bingo Burger, a popular destination—especially for the lunch crowd. It’s located on the south end of Pueblo’s center city.
And while Bingo Burger draws a midday rush, just a few minutes away, there’s another spot, The ‘B’ Street Café. The ‘B’ offers a more quiet and comfortable dining option. Its owner, Tallie Koncilja, says its burger is as good as any you’ll find anywhere.
“It’s our ‘B’ Street Whooper,” said Koncilja. “We serve it with homemade chips or sweet potato fries.” The atmo- sphere at the ‘B’—named for the alphabet streets in this historic section of the city—is comfortable, almost upscale with its in-door dining area. But it also offers other diners the chance to break bread al fresco.
The restaurant, like a few others in Pueblo, offers variations in its burger selections. Diners can choose among nine choices of burgers, among them are its ‘Western,’ burger and ‘Bacon and Egg’ burger. “Our portions,” said the B Street boss “are not too big and not too small,” explaining that “we don’t want to waste food.”
Another popular joint for a fine burger experience, said Pueblo native Bernadette Pacheco is The Beer Barrel. “They’re just good,” said Pacheco. Her burger of choice is made the traditional way, “I like mine with lettuce, tomato, onions and mustard, just plain old fashioned mustard,” and not spicy or French.
Located at 2113 East Evans, “close to the steel mill,” said manager, Jimmy Gurule’, “people just like ‘em.” Gurule’ (no relation) has no criticism of the city’s other burgers but contends the Beer Barrel’s are as good as any in the city. “We have the freshest meat in town,” and a generously portioned, too.
The Beer Barrel offers “a full third of a pound” on each burger. The restaurant also serves variations of burgers. “We have bacon burgers, others with green chili strips,” he said. There is also a Pueblo variation—and original—called the ‘Slopper,’ an open-faced burger smothered with green chili. Each burger is served on a Zoelsmann Bakery bun, said Gurule’, and includes chips, fries or potato wedges. Burger prices are $9.45 for the plain and $11.45 for the cheeseburger.
For hamburger aficionados, the ideal burger is the ’80-20,’ lean-to-fat ratio. Experts say it should be at least a third of a pound. It should also be liberally seasoned with salt and pepper but never until it has been made into a patty. Also, when placed on the grill, should never be flattened with a spatula or flipped until one side is thoroughly cooked.
Prices for a good Pueblo burger range. But all are priced to accommodate nearly any budget. The same cannot be said for some other burger offerings across America.
You might want to shop around if you find yourself in Las Vegas and looking for a good, old-fashioned hamburger and concerned about a budget. (Are you sitting down?) The ‘Fleurburger 5000’ comes in at $5,000! But, for that price, you also receive a bottle of Chateu Petrus 1995. (The wine actually sells for $5,300 by itself. So, technically, the burger’s free!) You also get to sip it out of an Ichendorf Brunello glass that you get to keep!
Looking to save on lunch but still traveling on a company credit card? In that case, try Mallie’s Sports Grill & Bar in Southgate, Michigan. It’s pride and joy burger is a 540,000 calorie offering that features 15 pounds of lettuce, 30 pounds of bacon, 30 pounds of tomatoes and 36 pounds of cheese. The burger requires 22 hours to prepare and the strength of three waiters to bring it to your table. Hint: bring friends. It sells for $1,999.
But if you’re planning a trip to Pueblo and want to avoid a franchise burger, there’s plenty to choose from in the Steel City. Bon appetite!
