![Cheeseburger at the Lake & Irving restaurant and bar in Uptown, photographed on 1/17/14.] Bruce Bisping/Star Tribune bbisping@startribune.com bbisping@startribune.com Bruce Bisping/Star Tribune bbisping@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/E6PLM7D76OINL6IWRVVS64XFXM.jpg?&w=1080)
Every week, a different burger is highlighted at our Burger Friday blog (find it at www.startribune.com/tabletalk). Here are four recent forays into burger nirvana.
Check out chef Lucas Almendinger's bison burger at the Third Bird, a much tastier tribute to the fast-food burgers we know and secretly love (you won't find mustard oil, Sriracha or caramelized onions on the Big Mac). Nothing but love for the house-baked bun, a golden, sesame seed-studded beauty, or the price: $11.
1612 Harmon Place, Mpls., 612-767-9496, www.thethirdbirdmpls.com
At Lake & Irving, brothers Chris and Andrew Ikeda keep their grill busy with a double-patty wonder. It's a blend of short rib and chuck, covered in a slab of Wisconsin-made Cheddar (and yes, you should invest the extra $2 and order the bacon crisscross) and served on a glorious Patisserie 46 brioche bun that's griddled in butter until it reaches the color of butterscotch. All for $12, with fries.
1513 W. Lake St., Mpls., 612-354-2453, www.lakeandirving.com
The care and feeding that go into the burger at Lyn 65 Kitchen & Bar are evident in every mouthwatering bite. It's $13, with fries, and chef/co-owner Ben Rients goes to great unseen lengths to set his short rib-sirloin-chuck grind, including giving it a buttery finish then adding pickles, pickle relish and house-made mayonnaise. In a word, wow.
6439 Lyndale Av. S., Richfield, 612-353-5501, www.lyn65.com
Quick-service Slim's really nails the quintessential American fast-food experience. Picture a hefty 6-oz., skillfully charred patty, blanketed with one of four cheeses and stuffed inside a soft, lightly toasted bun ($5). Add bacon — highly recommended for another buck — and don't forget the fries ($2), skin-on and fresh-cut daily.
