ACME BURGER COMPANY

red. black. chrome. sea foam green? welcome to 1950 with a modern twist. and don't forget to enjoy the art, there is a life-sized jerry garcia-esque shark. its weirdly cool. oh yeah, the food: like the atmosphere, the fare offers a twist on the classic american burger (but don't worry, they have those too). its funny really. a food as original and approachable like a burger is catering to a more experienced and adventurous palette, offering the flavors of the world in burger form. korean, mediterranean, mexican, i mean i won't list every burger they have but suffice it to say, its all there. for every mouth. there is a catch however, as their menu changes at random. apparently at the whim of the jerry garcia hammerhead on the ceiling. i know. i asked.

lately i have been more than enamored with flavors of the southwest; a food genre that is becoming increasingly popular, in part because of chefs like bobby flay of the food network who promotes his southwestern flair every chance he gets, but mostly because it's just damn good cuisine. to illustrate, I give you exhibit a: the ACME BURGER COMPANY's bison chipotle burger. let that sink in for a second. you may ask your waiter "where is the beef" but it won't be because you don't see the pound of protein on your plate. it's because its not beef. it's BISON! like what you see on those old nickels you find between the cushions of your granny's couch. buffalo, dude! yeah, i know. its cool. tasty too.

okay, so they cook the meat with the chipotle sauce. brilliant! its smokey and distinct flavor is infused in every bite, and it doesn't drip all over you either. as if that makes this monster of a burger any less messy to eat.

as for the bun...pppfff. bun? as if. try red onion gourmet roll. supple, but sturdy enough to handle your grip without falling apart. no worries. for this burger you can forget condiments like ketchup and mustard, and yes, even that holy utah fry sauce, because this southwestern burger comes with a perfect roasted poblano pepper-infused mayonnaise. pickled peppers are there too as a necessary and appreciated side kick...get it? kick? cause they're spicy? HA!

don't be fooled, these gourmet burgers are every bit as approachable as the classic models they use as as guideline. think of it as an improvement on the model-T. and for $15 its not a bad upgrade. at all. you will not leave even remotely hungry. take a friend. or go alone (they have a bar where you can sit sans judgement and banter with the wait staff). the fresh, thick-cut fries are tasty too and yes, they do have fry sauce.

if you go: downtown on 200 west between 200 and 300 south. you really can't miss it. its attached to the back of p.f. changs--don't go there. so quit reading and go already, but don't forget to come back here and post your own opinion.

www.acmeburgercompany.com