Town Topic | Kansas City, Missouri
Yes, since 1937, Claude Sparks began to sling them for a nickel, burgers have risen slightly. But not the taste. Or, it probably tastes like it hasn’t — we weren’t there in 1937. But, the bottom line is that for less than four bucks, you can still get one of the finest renditions of a diner burger in America 24/7 in downtown Kansas City, and we hope that never changes. — ML
Triple X X X | West Lafayette, Indiana
Triple X X X is as much a Purdue tradition as a Harry’s Chocolate Shop and Tom Crean fun breakfast club. In the surprisingly family-friendly Triple X X X, the oldest Indiana drive has a robust lineup of house-ground sirloin burgers, many of whom are named after the great Boilermaker. The peanut butter-laden Duane Purvis All-American is a favorite, while Bernie Flowers utilizes the tangy zip of Miracle Whip. But griddled beefiness of the undeniable patty is the common denominator they all share. — ML