Burgers are one of those rare foods that can be both comfortingly familiar and wildly inventive. Whether you’re a fan of simple classics or something with a little more edge, the key to a great burger lies in the layers with each one adding something essential to the experience. But let’s not kid ourselves, a burger isn’t just slapped together, it’s constructed carefully and thoughtfully. And when it’s done right, you know it from the first bite. That meaty warmth, the crisp edge of the patty, the way the cheese melts just enough and how the bun holds it all together without falling apart, every detail matters. A great burger doesn’t overwhelm the palate, it balances it. From the meat grind to the sauce finish, this humble sandwich becomes an art form in the right hands.
It’s All About the Patty
A great burger begins with a great patty. The difference between average and amazing usually lies in the quality of the beef and how it’s cooked. Too lean, and the burger turns out dry and crumbly. Too fatty, and you’re left with a greasy mess. The sweet spot? About 20% fat, ideally with high quality beef that’s freshly ground and cooked to order. This is partly why smashed burgers have become increasingly popular because they get that irresistible crispy edge when seared hot on a flat grill.
The Oklahoma Double Smash is a solid example of this done right. Two hefty 150g USDA Choice beef patties, thinly pressed, with fried onions caramelized into the meat, topped with American cheddar, dill pickles, and of course Route 66’s signature sauce. It’s rich, savory and layered with just the right amount of crunch and creaminess. There’s a real depth of flavor here, not from gimmicks, just smart cooking and good ingredients.
A Bun That Does the Job (and Then Some)
Buns are often overlooked, but they’re vital to a good burger. The bun should be soft, slightly sweet and strong enough to hold everything together without becoming soggy. Sesame seed buns, when lightly toasted, offer just the right amount of structure and flavor and they give a bit of a nostalgic diner vibe too, especially when paired with a thick, juicy patty.
Take the Route 66 burger, for instance. This one’s a heavyweight and includes white cheddar, smoked bacon, crispy onion rings and BBQ sauce piled high on that perfectly toasted sesame seed bun. You get sweetness from the BBQ, salt from the bacon, crunch from the onions and the creamy sharpness of cheddar to tie it all together. It’s the kind of burger that doesn’t need a side dish… but you’ll still want the hand-cut fries.
Turning Up the Heat (and the Flavor)
Some burger lovers like it classic and others want heat, spice and big personality. That’s where burgers like the Mexicana come in. This one adds a bit of fire to your bite with jalapeños, fresh pico de gallo, salsa and beef chili. Underneath it all is the same 150g USDA beef patty, topped with melted white cheddar and served up on that sturdy sesame seed bun. This burger walks the line between spicy and flavourful, and it’s not just hot for the sake of being hot as each topping works together to bring out the richness of the beef while adding a zesty, satisfying kick. If you’re the type who likes your burger to bite back a little, this one hits the mark.
Classic Done Right
Sometimes nothing beats a no fuss, no frills cheeseburger, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. A good classic burger should still be thoughtfully put together with attention to texture, balance and flavor. Lettuce for crispness, tomato for juiciness, red onion for that sharp bite and pickles for acidity. Add cheddar, a generous squeeze of house sauce, and you’ve got a proper burger experience.
Our Route 66’s Classic Cheeseburger ticks every box. It’s stacked, satisfying and every layer is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. This is the kind of burger that doesn’t try to be anything more than it is and that’s why it works so well.
For Something Different Try The Smoky Bandit
Then there are burgers that go off the beaten path in the best way such as The Smoky Bandit. This burger takes a different approach, loading up your patty with smoked pulled pork, crispy onions, American cheddar and a thick Texas BBQ sauce. It’s sweet, smoky and a little bit sticky all in a good way. There’s something deeply satisfying about how the pulled pork melts into the beef patty, giving it a smoky depth that’s perfect if you’re in the mood for something a bit indulgent.
Why It Works at Route 66 Chiang Mai
If you’re after a burger that checks all these boxes, you’re going to want to make your way to Route 66 Chiang Mai. The burgers here aren’t about flashy gimmicks or over-the-top stacks, they’re about getting the fundamentals right. Juicy U.S.D.A Choice beef, expertly cooked, paired with balanced toppings, bold sauces and buns that hold their own.
Whether you lean toward a hearty Route 66 Burger with bacon and BBQ, or you’re into the bold flavors of the Mexicana with chili and jalapeños, there’s something on the menu that nails what a proper burger should be. Why not come to the Route 66 in Chiang Mai and see for yourself just how good our burgers really are.