Cheeseburgers Deluxe

Cheeseburgers Deluxe

Pound for pound, this Kentucky city offers up some of the best burgers in the South.

I recently had a hankering for a good, juicy burger, and I heard rumors that Louisville had offerings that would put the fast-food brands to shame. So I refilled my cholesterol medication and went in search of the best beef on a bun. Faster than I could say, "Open sesame seed," I discovered a Bluegrass burger bonanza. Here's a look at four of my favorites.

Where the Cheeseburger Began

In 1934 Carl Kaelin threw caution to the wind-along with a piece of American cheese on a hamburger patty-in his new restaurant. A culinary delight was bom, and Kaelin's still claims to be the birthplace of the cheeseburger. I really enjoyed the miniature version ($6.25 for a half-dozen). A full-size cheeseburger platter comes with fries and creamy slaw ($7.50). Best Side Dish: fresh hash browns ($3.95). Best Dessert: Hands down, it's the creamy Dreamsicle Shake ($3.50). Kaelin's: 1801 Newburg Road, Louisville, KY 40205; (502) 451-1801.

Sometimes Bigger Is Better

When I walked into Genny's Diner and passed the mirror ball and aquarium, I saw the biggest hamburger I'd ever seen: the Sweet Daddy Burger. I not only needed a fork but also a forklift to hoist it. The triple-decker is made of 1 ¼ pounds of ground chuck and was as delicious as it was huge ($10.50). Best Side Dish: Prickled Pickles; these delicious fried pickles are served with a horseradish dipping sauce made of homemade Ranch dressing and hot sauce ($5.95). Best Dessert: peanut butter cream pie ($5.95). Genny's Diner: 2227 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, KY 40206; (502) 893-0923.

What? No Bun?

I had heard a scandalous tale that Bristol Bar & Grille served a burger on an English muffin and topped it with Danish blue cheese ($5.95). It sounded odd and un-American-but the taste proved irresistible. Although planning to take just a bite, I ate it all. Using one iota of restraint, I did forgo the accompanying chips. Best Side Dish: green chile won tons ($7.95). These bitesize gems-filled with Monterey Jack cheese and jalapenos-are habit-forming, so much so that Bristol ships them from coast to coast. Best Dessert: white chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce ($4.75). Bristol Bar & Grille: 1321 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY40204; (502) 456-1702.

Dining in the Dark

By this time I had telltale burger stains, so I opted for Jack Fry's, a dark and friendly restaurant with easyto-slide-into booths. The folks here create another wonderful burger. The Jack's Burger ($8.25) came with caramelized onions; Cheddar, Stilton, or Swiss cheese; bacon; and fries on the side. The onions made the difference here, and the atmosphere made the meal even better. Best Side Dish: tomato-artichoke soup ($3.50). Best Dessert: crème caramel with strawberries ($4.50). Jack Fry's: 1007 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40204; (502) 452-9244. WANDA MCKINNEY

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Mar 2005
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