Austria's Best Burger Rivals the American Classic

You know it is a good day when your meal makes you go, "Mmm." I tested out Klagenfurt's own Burger Boutique today for lunch, and I must say, their Bacon Burger is the best burger I have ever eaten. This is saying a lot since I am from the USA, the home of burgers and fries. Plus, I have extensive experience with eating burgers and fries since they make up one of my favorite meals (does that make me too American?). This article is the first in a series of gluten- and dairy-free restaurant reviews that I will be posting as I make my way around Europe!

Burger Boutique is nestled between a jewelry shop and an apartment building just off the main square in the center of Klagenfurt. It just reopened today, and already has a full house of reservations for the next two nights. The small space is decorated with black and gold: modern hanging lights dangle above the wooden counter that separates the inner tables from the kitchen, and outside are a couple booths with similar decor and the same cozy charm. Though this establishment is quite small, the food that comes out of the tiny kitchen is both tasty and unique.

My friend who works for Burger Boutique's traveling food truck (which will be selling burgers in Dusseldorf, Germany next weekend) took me to the restaurant. The owner kindly greeted us and sat us outside. The place felt warm and comfortable, and I loved the look of the menu, both inside and out. It had great options ranging from burgers to meat bowls. The prices were very good considering how many toppings were included on each of the burgers. It took me a while to choose from the 7 burger options, since each was so different and had so many tasty toppings!

When he took our orders, I requested my usual "no cheese, no bun" for my special GF and DF diet restrictions. Instead of looking at me quizzically, which almost everyone in restaurants have done in Austria thus far, he asked if I would like some extra veggies or shrimp scampi on top of my burger to account for the lack of bun and cheese. It would cost no extra, he said. I shrugged and responded, "Why not? The more the better."

The food took no time at all to make, and wow did it look amazing. The owner placed a wooden slab in front of me, complete with a basket of fries and a burger loaded with toppings and sauce. My friend laughed when I took the first bite and slouched back against my chair, eyes closed, contentedly mumbling, "Mmm."

"It's good?"

"Oh yeah."

I continued eating my burger with a fork and knife while dipping the crispy steak fries in a homemade mayonnaise-based sauce. The owner told me that tomorrow they will exchange the steak fries for a thinner, crispier kind, which means I will have to come back to try them out!

At the end of my meal, I told my friend and the owner that it was the best burger I had ever eaten. The homemade sauces and fresh toppings pulled it all together. The cherry on top was that the owner said that our meal was on the house. I thanked him warmly for such a great experience, and assured him it would be a good review (and not just because the food was free!).

I cannot wait return and try out the other burgers on their menu, their meat bowls, or the new and improved fries. Maybe if I come back often enough I can make it worth it for them to add lettuce wraps or GF buns to their menu. ;)

I recommend Boutique Burger for its atmosphere, good food, and professional owner and staff. If you are not in the Klagenfurt area, not to worry! There is another restaurant in Villach, and the food truck travels all around Europe every weekend during the warm season. If you are in the USA, I am sorry, but you will just have to settle for the old American classic.

Here is a link to their website: https://www.streetcooks.at/burger-boutique/