No matter where you eat in Jackson you are almost guaranteed to find a burger lurking on the menu. They are usually dressed up with delicious ingredients, a sort of blank canvas on which local chefs create their signature take on the dish. Hamburgers remain so ubiquitous at even the nicest restaurants in the valley because they are comfort food. Even if nothing on the menu looks good, you know you always have a safe fall back.
This piece is not an ode to ground and grilled meat however, but rather its slightly healthier and in many cases just as delicious vegetarian counterpart, the veggie burger. Full disclosure, I am a meat eater. I do, however, on occasion opt for a meatless option. To me, there is almost more room for creativity when crafting your veggie patty from a spicy black bean to chickpea, or quinoa base, the patty and accoutrements have evolved far beyond the garden burgers in the freezer section of the grocery store. There are even places popping up now that exclusively sell vegetarian burgers, and while Jackson might not be there yet, the veggie burger buzz is starting to give the old fashioned hamburger a run for its money.
Veggie Burger at Local
Local: When a steakhouse rolls out a veggie burger, its kinda saying something. The Local burger doesn’t disappoint, either. Roasted wild mushrooms, red quinoa, and black beans make up the base of this hearty patty, which is then served with the traditional accouterments and a choice of fries or a side salad. This is a welcome menu addition for the meatless in town who can now enjoy their own version of the Local burger.
The Bird: If there was a competition on humorous food names, the Bushy Beaver Burger from The Bird would definitely be up there. Their homemade veggie patty is loaded, served with the traditional fixings and The Bird’s delicious hand cut fries.
The Handle Bar: The red quinoa burger is a step up from your standard meatless patty. Served with a fennel and carrot salad, goats milk cheddar and arugula pesto, it goes quite nicely with a cold beer on their beautiful patio looking out onto Teton village.
The Woodstock from Liberty Burger
Liberty Burger: The Woodstock burger makes it easy to go meatless. Made in house with a whole grain and chickpea base, this healthy option is a great way to counter balance one of Liberty Burger’s specialty adult milk shakes.
Lotus Cafe: Being no stranger to the world of the meatless options, the veggie burger is well rehearsed affair at Lotus Cafe. Their patty is made with quinoa, brown rice, flax, sunflower seeds, carrots, legumes and plenty of fresh herbs. Served with your choice of bread and sides, the meal can easily be made gluten free or allergy conscious. Be sure to add the house made kimchee for an extra zing.
Healthy Being Juicery and Organic Cafe also offers a delicious and nutritious take on a veggie burger, with everything homemade, even down to the kimchi ketchup. It is filling and flavorful without weighing you down.
