Bluegrass Burgers: Local & Delicious Fast Food

While driving through Louisville, Kentucky, you can't miss the ubiquitous fast food restaurants, a plethora of spots from McDonald's to Big Boy, Arby's to Wendy's. Louisville is also the home of Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. If you don't want to eat at any of these spots, but still desire a quick meal, what can you do? Well, there are options if you know about them, or get lucky and just happen upon them.

As I sought a spot for lunch, I spied the sign for Bluegrass Burgers and decided to give it a try. I knew nothing about the place but hoped it might have a decent burger. I was very fortunate in my choice as it turned out to be quite a find, a restaurant deserving of an hearty recommendation. Very good food, mostly local ingredients, and reasonable prices. A trifecta of benefits.

The restaurant has been open for about a year and has a limited, but diverse menu. They pride themselves in serving mostly local ingredients, from their meats to their produce. They also have numerous vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. This is a very appealing philosophy and already elevates the place above many other fast food joints. Though the ultimate test comes down to whether the food tastes good or not. And in that respect, they also pass very easily.

Much of the menu consists of sandwiches such as Kentucky Grass Fed Black Angus Beef Burger, Bison Burger, and Cheese Steak. You will also find Grilled Ahi Tuna Steak, Garden Burger, House Made Black Bean Burger, All Natural Grilled Chicken, All Beef Frank, and Marinated Portabello Mushroom. Each item costs $5.99-$8.99, and is accompanied with a side of  hand-cut fries or house made cole slaw.

You can get an extra burger for $3 for extra burger and some toppings cost 50 cents, such as cheese, chili, and bacon. For $1.00, you can get local artisan cheese from Kenny's Farmhouse Cheese. There is also a local produce bar which contains numerous free condiments, pickles and such. Sides includes fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, coleslaw and salads.

This is the Kentucky Grass Fed Black Angus Beef Burger, topped by local white cheddar and accompanied by hand-cut fries. The burger was juicy and flavorful, with a soft bun and crisp fries. It seemed like a hand-made patty and was certainly good-sized for the price. The cheddar was delicious too, adding a nice sharpness to the burger.

This is the Kentucky Grass Fed Bison Burger with an extra patty and topped by local Bleu-Gouda cheese and accompanied by sweet potato fries. This was also excellent, moist with plenty of tasty flavor and the cheese added an intriguing and compelling element. The sweet potato fries were also addictive, with a bright sweet potato flavor and a crisp exterior. That would handle any appetite.

Service was quick and pleasant, and we sat at a window counter, though there were also several tables where you could dine. Stumbling upon this place was great luck and I would return there anytime I went back to Louisville. Now why can't we find more places like this in Massachusetts?