Shannon B.
Yelp
So I think I'm unofficially searching for the best Gluten-free burger when I travel. That's going to be my new thing starting . . . now! When I travel for business or pleasure I typically eat at least one burger during the trip because it's usually the easiest gluten free meal I can find anywhere I go (I loathe paying for salads!). I've eaten my fair share of burgers, let me tell you. Some of them live in my memory as the best darn thing I've ever had, and so I'm going to start keeping track of them through my Yelp reviews until I log enough of them to determine the Ultimate Best Darn Gluten-free Burger I've Ever Had.
Last night's burger from West Saloon and Kitchen in Denver was one of those epiphany moments where, after the first bite, in my head, I was like, "Holy Sh*t! This is fricken delicious!" and the epiphany moment was, "I gotta start keeping track of burger moments like these". So, what was this burger that I ate that caused this epiphany? The Trail Boss Burger at West Saloon and Kitchen in Denver, located on the 16th Street Mall. I walked in on a Monday night. Not a lot was happening but there were several tables seated. A few big screen TVs flank the walls of this generous space. There is a mix of copper, wood and stone tables spread throughout with some funky artwork. Not sure if the purple lighting and rock music is a regular vibe but I got into it and the music wasn't ear-splitting loud so that was fine.
My server was very prompt at the table with my drink order - a wonderful menu of craft cocktails will suit every taste. All the major liquors are represented. I settled on Queens Lavendar, a gin-based drink that was very pretty and super delicious with fresh lemon juice and a couple of other things. It was expertly mixed and after my long day of travel from CA to CO one was enough to settle my mind.
What originally drew me to this restaurant were reviews of the gluten free fish and chips, which is what I had intended on ordering so that I can save the burger meal for another night seeing as I'll be in Denver for three nights - that's a lot of restaurant and menu research for me to find a 'safe' place to eat. But then I saw the picture of the Trail Boss Burger, asked about the GF bun and was told "it's the best gluten free bun you'll ever try" so I ordered it and gambled on the bun. I usually just get a lettuce wrap because most GF buns I've tried are pretty dry, grainy, tasteless and don't hold it's shape; I tend to finish the burger without the bun. Well my friends, I do think this is one of the best GF buns I've had.
The Trail Boss comes with an angus beef patty, tomato marmalade, argula, goat cheese and crispy bacon, along with a side of wide spiral-cut potato fries. When I was served I had to confirm with the server it was indeed a gluten free bun because it just looked too good, if you know what I mean. I was immediately suspicious that something had gone wrong in the kitchen and I got someone else's order, but the server assured me the meal was prepared with a gluten-free note and the kitchen keeps track of such things knowing how important food allergies are. Their menu is very well distinguished with those items that are gluten free, vegan, or has nuts, or can be prepared without gluten. So, trusting that everything was GF I took that first bite and now here we are.
The bun was soft, the bacon crispy, meat had a charred flavor, the tomato marmalade was sweet-and-vinegary which was a perfect accompanyment to the goat cheese, the argula was fresh. I got all that in my first bite. I think I moaned a little bit. I had to sit there for a minute after that first bite and just stare at the plate. I might have been freaking out the table next to me but I was in a head space that just didn't care. I really wanted to take my plate to some dark corner of the room and just be alone with it. Thoughts of burgers from my past crowded in - "is this better than the keto burger I used to get at Bel Campo in Oakland? what about that awesome burger I had at Fig in L.A.?" and so on, which lead to the epiphany.
Now, let me talk about the wide spiral cut fries - thin on one end, thick at the other, perfectly crispy on the outside and nice and fluffy on the inside. I never had this shape of fried potato before - very interesting look and made a nice impression. I was only able to eat a few because I wanted to be able to finish the burger and since I'm used to lettuce wraps adding a bun really fills me up. So unfortunately I had to sacrifice the tasty fries which I boxed up and gave to a street person on my walk back to the hotel.
Really good, attentive service, awesome cocktail and one of the best gluten free burgers I've ever eaten. If I can manage another meal at this place before I leave Denver I'll try the fish and chips and leave another review. Otherwise, I'm definitely adding West Saloon and Kitchen to my list of places to revisit on another trip. Love you West Saloon - bye!