Around the beginning of summer, people in Durango starting talking about a new burger place. “Have you tried that new burger place yet?” “That new burger place is awesome.” Then one day Mr.D went for lunch and texted — “I just tried that new burger place and you have got to go.”
I went the very next day because I had to know what the big deal was. And okay, I’ll admit it…..we went again two days later for dinner.
This trio — these are the people responsible for our gotta-have Grassburger cravings.
That’s Chef Jonathan on the left, with owners Jessie and Ed Kileen. I like this photo for lots of reasons, and not just because the staff in the background are giving us the thumbs up. I admire what they have created. And when I asked to take a portrait of the owners, they went to find Jonathan to be in the photo. That’s just cool.
You might walk right by the place because they’re at the end of an alley. So when you’re strolling down Main Avenue and find Durango Coffee, they’re located behind them.
Because you do not want to miss this 100% grass fed beef burger. No additives, no soy filler, 1/3 the calories of grain fed beef. Greens from an organic garden. No fancy shaved truffle, no foie gras topping. Just a simple, healthier burger with great flavor and crunchy sear.
Sometimes people call in to ask what fillers they use, because of food allergies. Ed will explain “We have meat in our meat. That’s it.” You can seriously taste the difference.
I order mine with all the G’bies (good freebies) including the chipotle mayo, an umami upper must.
Fresh not frozen handcut fries.
Carbonated lemonade by accident. When they set up the soda machine, the fizzy stuff got connected to the lemonade dispenser. I hope they always keep it that way.
After the remodel.
Before the remodel.
They demo’d, pulled up the carpeting, ground and re-stained the floors. Put in the kitchen. Everything was re-designed with custom carpentry.
Fresh air breezes into the main dining area from the big bay window. The stone wall in the background is original to the building, over 100 years old.
I thought they’d stained the wood, but it’s more clever than that. The planks are from the contractor’s parent’s barn in Michigan.
The warm and reddish planks faced the inside of the barn. On the other side is the grey faded side that faced the exterior. They installed them by alternating sides, in out in out, to create an organic pattern.
They call it ‘Modern Industrial Rural Farm’ design.
Front porch dining.
All the while I was taking photos there was a steady line of customers coming in. So I waited around for shots like this with no people. That’s why it looks deserted, but it wasn’t at all and rarely is.
This Grassburger belonged to a kid who looked like he’d worked up an appetite kayaking the river. He told me this was his second burger that day.
I hear this a lot around town. “I go there once a week.” “I drove by and started salivating, had to go in.” “Went for lunch and came back for dinner.”
For anyone, like me, who has concerns about the ethical treatment of animals, Temple Grandin’s team came in to help them set up according to her animal rights management system. The Kileens also practice Joel Salatin’s philosophy of holistic management methods of animal husbandry.
Ethical Eating. Sustainable Practices. Darn Healthy & Delicious. That’s their motto. Here is a link to their menu. They also offer a vegetarian Black Bean Burger, and a Farm Fresh Salad. Considering the lengths they go to provide quality mindful food, their prices are quite reasonable.
Last week Grassburger was voted Best New Business in Durango for 2014.
‘I’d Order That’ again…
GRASSBURGER
726 and 1/2 Main Avenue
Durango, Colorado 81301
Phone 970 247 1081
Note: Metered parking on the street, Main Avenue — Saturday and Sunday free meters
1 comment
i love grassburger….i go there at least twice a week….they have this amazingly delish beanburger made out of mashed up black beans. Oh it is calling my name right now…i must go. 🙂