Buffalo Burger - Maddox Ranch House Drive-In, Brigham City, UT

On the northern reached of Utah's Wasatch Front lies the small town of Brigham City. Named after the 2nd President of the LDS Church (Mormons), this lazy little town honestly does not offer a broad selection of culture or excitment. However, it is home to a marvelous establishment by the name of Maddox Ranch House. Maddox is a family owned operation since World War II (~1949) that has been serving generations of Utahn's, myself included. While most of the items, both in the restaurant and drive-in, are your typical American affair, Maddox has gained local fame for with the help of the American Bison. Maddox serves what they call a Buffalo Burger, made from "all-natural bison". For those who are interested and nerdy: We are assuming that Maddox is talking about the species Bison Bison, also known as the American Buffalo AND the American Bison. In popular culture this same species has been referred to as both a buffalo and a bison. There IS one other species of 'bison', the European Bison (Bison Bonasus). Both of these species are distinct from "TRUE" buffalo, which are the animals popularly known as the Water Buffalo (genus: Bubalus) and the Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer).

One thing that you must know about buffalo is that is it much leaner than your typical beef (2 g of fat per serving as compared to 8-10 g in beef according to one source LINK). With this in mind it is important to make sure that you don't lose the juiciness that everybody loves in a burger. Unfortunately for Maddox, they apparently did not account for this factor. The burger from Maddox, beside being a 'desert burger' with no garnishment and a bun I won't even comment on, was quite dry. This could be from overcooking, which was true. But it could also be from a lack of anything besides pure buffalo meat, which could be a pro in most circumstances, but with buffalo a little egg white or worcestershire sauce can make a big difference in the burger without significantly altering the taste. Fortunately I love the taste of buffalo. It is a much sweeter meat that resembles the taste of real grass-fed beef, but with just a hint of 'gaminess' which is actually refreshing and good rather than off-putting. All-in-all the Buffalo Burger from Maddox was kind of a FAIL. But to experience Buffalo meat is something that everybody should enjoy. Come to my house and I will make you one (my dad gave me a bunch this fall!).

Buffalo Burger - *** 3/10

Other Perks of Maddox: Cool atmosphere, they serve a lot of other buffalo meals in the restaurant, they have good tots!