Biking for Burgers (and Bourbon)

So, you're looking for a great burger but don't want to break the bank.  If you live in Toledo, Ohio, you're in luck.  Bar 145 has been around for a little while now and has become a fixture on the Dry Fly Salty Dog food circuit.  This little bar and restaurant on Monroe Street has the best burgers around, not to mention live music and an impressive selection at the bar.  The bar's theme is "Burgers.  Bands.  Bourbon."

Be forewarned, however, that these are not your grandma's burgers.  With topping ranging from Mango habañero Chutney to fried egg to prosciutto, this is a food destination for the more inventive burger eater.  Even the choice of meat can leave you indecisive.  With options ranging from chicken to salmon to turkey to veggie to beef, it may be tough to even start the process of deciding what's for dinner.  Fear not, the folks back in the kitchen will make sure it's all great.

Yes, a burger lurks somewhere under all of this goodness.

White China, Red Chucks is the logo emblazoned on the back of all of the server's shirts at this original Toledo eatery.  Behind the bar the bartenders will be happy to whip you up one of the house specialty Manhattan's (complete with a maraschino cherry) or pour an ice cold pint of a regional microbrew, including the Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale.  The Bourbon Ale is really a treat if you like beer and bourbon and can't decide which you'd prefer.  This tasty beverage has all of the wonderful qualities of both.

But let's talk about the real reason we come here...burgers.  DF and SD ride our bikes to this local haunt every Monday that we are home for Endless Topping Monday.  As the name conveys, the toppings are endless every Monday night.  With the exception of cheese (only one is included in the price), you could theoretically craft a burger with one of every topping that 145 puts on its menu.  And that's a lot of toppings. While you have the regular favorites, such as ketchup, pickles, onion, you also get to select from things like fried onion straws, bacon, mango habañero chutney, julienne jalapenos, grilled apple, guacamole, artisinal lettuces, arugala and many more that I cannot remember.  It does not matter what you choose, it will be good.

What is a burger without cheese?  145 proudly serves Zingerman's Cheese.  Zingerman's will certainly be on an upcoming blog post, but a brief explanation should suffice for now.  Zingerman's is an Ann Arbor institution that is renowned for its breads, meats, and cheeses.  It is one of the most famous Jewish Deli's outside of New York, and rightfully so.  My old law school roommate used to get Zingerman's sent to him by his mom because she always feared he wasn't eating.  She didn't worry about me not eating, but I still enjoyed a taste of undergrad while living in New Orleans.

Anyway, 145 provides at least 12 cheese options.  I typically go with the Zingerman's Detroit Brick, which has a smooth creamy texture when melted and a very mellow taste.  Other options include cream cheese, horseradish havarti, goat cheese (also Zingerman's) and the usual suspects like Swiss, cheddar and American.

Will you eat this burger or will it eat you?

The real measure of a burger isn't the cheese, the toppings or even the meat.  A truly great burger is never served on a plain white roll.  The bun is what makes a burger.  At 145, you always have the option of going breadless, but if you want bread you have some great choices.  Brioche, an onion roll, ciabatta, or (my favorite) a pretzel roll can cloak your meattastic creation.  The brioche and onion rolls are baked fresh daily, so you know you're getting some high quality grub.

A more reasonably sized option.

The sides alone are a reason to come here.  They have crispy truffle oil fries, fried green beans with a sweet chili sauce and the most not-to-be-missed mac and Gouda!  Any way you try it, you're sure to be happy. 

Stop by one of these Monday nights.  You'll probably see us in our usual spot drinking, eating and laughing.  Bar 145 is endorsed by the Dry Fly Salty Dog Blog.