By Jake Trumbo
For Now Utah
Alan Ireland thinks you deserve better. Stop in to ACME Burger Company and try one of their truly gourmet takes on a hamburger and you’ll see right away he’s serious. “People should get a heckuva lot more than they’ve been getting,” says Ireland who started ACME Burger Co. as his latest restaurant concept here in Salt Lake just over a year and a half ago.
Having founded high-end restaurants and hotels from Edinburgh to Tokyo, he revisited Utah and was blown away with the growth and improvements like Trax and the new City Library and decided to call Salt Lake City home. He was also blown away by the lack of truly great dining experiences and decided to work his magic once again.
Why burgers? For Ireland, it came down to giving people what they want … only better. “The world loves a good burger,” he says explaining that the ease, accessibility and democratic qualities of the classic American standby make it a great starting point from which to get a little more creative. Exotic and savory choices like the Chipotle Bison Burger and the Spicy Moroccan Lamb Burger are finely crafted meals — about as far from fast food as you can get.
Even the ACME Classic features fresh grass-fed Great Basin beef and organic buns from local baker House of Bread. The dedication to quality and local partnerships results in “a really special place and a superb hamburger.” For Ireland, it’s just second nature. “Why wouldn’t you run a restaurant that way?” he asks and credits manager Ashlee Gross and the expert serving staff for taking this attitude to heart, greeting each customer with real warmth and making sure they leave with a smile on their face.
But it’s the food that brings them back time and again and has friends and family spreading the word. Sure, you can get a hamburger anywhere, but for a few bucks more you can have an exceptional meal handcrafted by skilled chefs. With all the options available in meats, temperatures and cheeses you need professionals like Steve Garner and sous chef Jake Driffel; not some automaton behind a counter. You can watch them at work on the “Kitchen Cam” while you wait and see your dish prepared with care.
It probably has never occurred to you what wine to pair with a hamburger, but ACME Burger Co. offers a full bar and wine list because a Broadway Truffle Burger or delicately cooked Far East Kobe Burger are haute cuisine enough to deserve a glass. The summer menu offers new taste adventures like the Ostrich Burger, Utah Elk Bratwurst and the 2nd West Ahi Burger with a premium cut of sashimi grade ahi tuna flown in fresh from Hawaii. Cool off on the patio with warm weather beverages like a Citrus Cooler or Melon Screamer and even non-alcoholic treats like an icy and refreshing ACME Peaches and Cream.
Weekends are a special treat at ACME Burger Co. with the recent inclusion of the Saturday and Sunday brunch. The Rabanada French Toast or chocolate-and-pistachio-stuffed Croissant French Toast are as decadent as any of the desserts on the menu, and there are dozens of other distinctive breakfast options to choose from.
Food this good “isn’t rocket science” says Ireland with a wink, it just takes a commitment to the public to provide the best dining experience you can. Sink your teeth into any one of ACME Burger Company’s first-rate creations; it’s a commitment that you can taste.
Details
Address: 275 S. 200 West, Salt Lake City
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. – 10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. – midnight (or so).
Phone: 801-257-5700
Web: www.acmeburgercompany.com
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Hi Allen,
You have my mouth watering already! I can’t wait to pop in and try the Broadway Truffle Burger see you soon,
Kirk