Bonnie Burger - Bonnie's Place, Lansing, MI

I have to admit something. I had to eat this burger twice because I just wasn't sure. Bonnie's Place, circa 1988, is an approximately 20 x 80 brick building on the corner of Saginaw and Cedar streets in Lansing. The building itself is very unassuming, which definitely matches the interior. The inside feels as small as the outside looks with MSU paraphernalia lining the walls and at least a thin veil of cigarette smoke. It has the feel and look of a place that regulars guard with unfettered loyality.

The burger. Oh, the burger. As stated earlier, I had to try this one twice to wrap my head around it and to make sure I was getting the real deal at Bonnie's. The Bonnie Burger is definitely made to satisfy a real man's hunger. As usual I asked for a medium-rare patty. Both times I received a very medium cooked burger. However, I was pleasantly surprised. I can not say that I have ever had a juicier, more tender burger that has obviously been cooked pretty hard. The meat was succulently savory and seemed to sort of melt in your mouth. This is only to be complimented by the slices of ham included on the Bonnie Burger. Top it with some lettuce and tomato (which could have been fresher) and then tie it all together with a thick helping of REAL cheddar cheese. This sort of concoction could go terribly wrong, but not in the hands of the staff at Bonnie's. They have balanced everything as if in a majestic buffet where you can taste everything, but it all comes together into a synergistic melt of savory. You will notice that I have not talked about the bun. This is where the Bonnie Burger takes a downward turn. When it comes out it gives not indication as to what is in store. The bun looks very normal and appropriate in size. However, about half way through the burger you will suddenly notice that you are eating a diabetic version of the burger -- VIOLA, NO BUN! The bun has completely disintegrated and you are left to fend for yourself with the meat. While I can not say that the bun is the most important component of a burger, it is a necessary part. All in all, the Bonnie Burger definitely impresses, but don't forget your napkin. As such it has earned itself a spot on the Top Ten. Welcome Bonnie!

Bonnie Burger - ********* 9/10

Other Perks of Bonnie's Place: Beer, a "unique" atmosphere, and a 1/2 all burgers on monday nights.

Cheeseburger - Clara's Restaurant, Lansing, MI

A beacon of a time near forgotten, Clara's Restaurant, sits on Michigan Ave in Lansing. A rennovated train station, built in 1903, Clara's has been a restaurant icon in Lansing since 1978. Clara's boast an extensive (and I do mean extensive) range and number of dishes in it's menu. Ranging from Mexican to Italion to Ribs and, of course, burgers.



Clara's, as most American restaurants, offers at least 5-7 burgers of various craftsmanship. However, this eccletic restaurant does not claim any as a signature burger, therefore I ordered the good old Cheeseburger. As usual I ordered it medium-rare, and I was feeling especially saucy this night and asked for the pepper-jack cheese (this was one of 4 choices). When the burger came out I almost asked if I got the wrong dish. What sat before me was a slab of black meat with cheese of unknown origin upon an actually above average bun. That is it (aside from a scanty pile of mediocre fries) As I pulled out the 'medium-rare' tag stuck in the patty I knew I was in for a treat. The black exterior of the meat was only surpassed in it's beauty by the full cooked, and slighty dry, meat contained therein. While I know I ordered pepper-jack cheese, I can scarecly recall the taste of any sort of cultured dairy product while stomaching the burger. The burger included no lettuce, onion, tomato, pickles, and only a mostly empty bottle of ketchup set entirely too far away for me to reach. The only positive thing about the burger was the bun. Clara's claims that in imports bun's for their burgers from somewhere in Chicago. This I can believe, because it was actually very good. Crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and just a hint of sesame flavor. All-in-all Clara's cheeseburger should come with a warning to those with taste bud's for real burgers.

Clara's cheeseburger - *** 3/10 (all for the bun)

Additional perks of Clara's - Cool atmosphere (you can eat in an old rennovated train car), there is something on the menu that will appeal to everybody (I can't comment on whether it will taste good, though), and I hear they have a great brunch.