Two months ago, our fearless, street-food-writing leader took a magical trip to the food truck known as OG Burgers and fell in love with a veggie delight she has yet to stop raving about. As promised, she’s also been doing her darndest to entice me into trying one of their locally-sourced, organically-happy meat options. Once I finally removed my taste buds from all the dairy (and more dairy) I’ve been consuming as of late, I looked up long enough to remember that dessert does not constitute a well-rounded meal (although Street Eats might come close), and listened to the coaxing Shelly kept sending my way.
Knowing exactly what truck my sights were set on, I took my weekly trip over to Civic Center Eats a few days ago, intent on downing the best OG had to offer and let Zack talk me into their most popular option: the Ricky Bobby.
Cue up the quote machine.
“Dear Lord Baby Jesus, I want to thank you for this wonderful meal…”
I’ve probably mentioned my Texas roots more often on this blog than you’d care to hear, but when someone tells you there’s a burger that combines meaty goodness and house-made barbeque sauce between a bun, you open wide at the sentimental opportunity and laugh at the clever title because the only combination that’s ever been better has been one son named “Walker,” and another named “Texas Ranger.”
Given my upbringing in the Lone Star State, I’ve had my fair share of barbeque burgers (and a tremendous rendition known as “The Nolan Ryan” at Breckenridge’s popular Downstairs at Eric’s, perfect after a day of skiing), so I was primed and ready to lend my Texas-sized appetite to the cause. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed. OG Burgers’ take includes the typical hefty portion of cheddar and applewood smoked bacon, but the best part might actually be the perfectly-sliced red onions and large pickles. To me, a good barbeque burger can be ruined with too much of either, but just the right amount of onion and dill can serve to do exactly what you want: draw out the sweetness of the sauce and make the bacon and smoky cheddar really pop. The other sign of greatness? Sauce that oozes down your hands and makes a perfect pile of condiment below, ready to be slathered onto your fries, should you choose to indulge. The sauce was the optimum consistency, too: not overly thick, but not thin enough to go running completely out of the burger before taking the first bite.
Did I mention I love dairy?
Gill and Zack must have seen the sign on my head that screams something to the effect of, “Feed me dairy goodness and I’ll be yours forever,” because they whipped up one of their incredible Oreo shakes for me, too. (Stop that. I can hear you judging. Burger and Oreo shake? Psh. That’s why I write for this blog; I’m allowed to chock it up as “part of the gig.” My street food year was such a good idea.)
Best part about it? They give you a monster straw, making it perfectly acceptable to down large portions in an extremely short period of time. (Oh, right. Maybe that’s just my excuse.) It also helps you avoid getting all that thick creaminess caught up in your straw, just when you’re craving a cool down from the heat.
Local Love: Denver Burger Battle and Civic Center Eats
As some of you may know, August 10 marked the 2nd annual Denver Burger Battle, where locally-adored Park Burger took home top honors from the judges. I can’t say I disagree; Park Burger has an incredible barbeque burger in its own right. But my vote? OG Burgers should enter the competition next year. Until then, I’ll be heading back for what looks to be an equally-delicious option: their “Denver Delight,” topped with cream cheese, fresh jalepeño and siracha sauce. Thankfully, they’re at Civic Center Eats every Thursday to fulfill all my burger wishes. You should haul your cookies down there tomorrow!
Civic Center Eats happens every Tuesday and Thursday, with a few trucks assembling most days of the week. Just to be sure, you can read one of our previous posts to see which trucks make an appearance on which day, although some have slightly altered since the summer began. I personally plan on heading to OG Burgers several times before summer is up. You can likely find me there, doing my own version of the “Shake and Bake” as they prep my next Ricky Bobby.