Burger Me — Review by Food Network
Truckee, United States — Burgers
Burger Me in Truckee is a top-notch burger joint owned by a socially conscious restaurateur who pairs simple, fast, and fresh fare with a hunger relief mission. The standout Italian Stallion burger expertly combines free-range bison with quality cold cuts, fresh vegetables, and a house-made Cabernet vinaigrette, delivering a perfect marriage of deli sandwich and burger that left the reviewer thoroughly impressed.
What was great: Fresh, organic, and local ingredients; creative burger combinations like the Italian Stallion with bison, mortadella, and Genoa salami; the unique blend of deli sandwich and burger flavors; quality of meat and preparation
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
Burger Me is a gem tucked away in downtown Truckee, housed in a location with an inspiring backstory. The owner, Marcus D, manages to balance two noble pursuits: running a top-notch burger operation while supporting a nonprofit hunger relief agency that feeds over 28,000 families annually. The restaurant itself occupies what was originally a storage facility for donated food, now reimagined as a compact but efficient burger joint run by Marcus and his partner Tom Farina.
The Dishes
The menu showcases several creative burger options, with the Italian Stallion emerging as the clear standout. This burger builds layers of flavor by combining a free-range bison patty that delivers a stronger, leaner beef flavor compared to traditional beef. The meat is topped with fresh mortadella and Genoa salami, sliced to order, along with melted provolone cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato, pickles, and hot chopped Boston peppers. The finishing touch is a house-made Cabernet vinaigrette prepared with Cabernet vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, fresh diced shallots, kosher salt, and black pepper. Other menu items include the Caprese burger featuring fresh vegetables and the barbecue bison burger. The restaurant emphasizes organic and local ingredients throughout.
The Experience
The operation runs smoothly with fresh orders being prepared immediately after being placed. The kitchen team works efficiently, with Marcus and Tom handling the grilling and assembly. The atmosphere conveys authenticity and care, with visible attention to detail in preparation methods and ingredient quality. The burger arrives hot and requires the signature "hunch over" eating technique to manage the juices effectively.
Value & Pricing
Specific pricing was not mentioned in the review, but the focus on quality ingredients and careful preparation suggests fair value for the caliber of burger being produced.
Notable Moments
There's nothing about that I don't like.
That's delicious, man. So you get the hot of the burger, the hot chili pepper. But right in the middle, championship cold cuts. It's all the favorite things I want in a deli sandwich mixed with a burger.
The Verdict
Burger Me represents an exemplary burger joint that prioritizes quality, freshness, and creativity while maintaining a deep commitment to community through its partnership with hunger relief efforts. The Italian Stallion burger particularly impresses by successfully merging the worlds of traditional deli sandwiches and gourmet burgers. This restaurant is ideal for anyone seeking innovative burgers made with premium, locally-sourced ingredients in a no-nonsense, efficient setting.