People have been talking about donut burgers for almost ten years. In spite of the talking, the delicacy is seldom seen on local menus. Perhaps because it sounds… disgusting?
It’s not disgusting. Or at least, it’s not disgusting in the fashion that it’s presented at Honey Dip Donuts. In fact, the Donut Bacon Cheeseburger is downright beautiful. It’s tall and perky and holds a bonus garden of vegetables to cancel out all the donut-ness.
The order process starts at the counter. The clerk will grab a couple of glazed donuts from the endless shelves of donuts and send them through the kitchen window where all the magic happens.
Back behind the scenes, a big (really big), thick beef patty is grilled with some cheese and it seems like even the donuts get a few seconds on the grill -for a little caramelized finish on the sugar glaze. Then it’s delivered in all its glory with bacon, tomato slices, frilly fresh lettuce, onions, a pickle and some chips.
Prima facie, it seems like over-the-top fairgrounds food — but you’re not ordering a bacon cheeseburger because you joined Weight Watchers anyway: reality check. This particular version doesn’t come off as particularly junkie. There are plenty of burgers that are far, far greasier and fat-laden.
What the Donut Bacon Cheeseburger does have is a little fun sweetness in the bread component. You have to smush down the donut a bit to eat the mess, as there’s lots of meat and cheese and vegetables to work in. At the end of the day, this burger is gorgeous, and it can’t be worse than one covered in double mayo sauce (or aioli, for the upscale appetites).
You can get yours at Honey Dip Donuts & Diner at 4480 Kenny Road. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 6am until 2:30pm. On Sundays, it’s open from 7am until 2:30pm.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/HoneyDipDonutsDiner.