Biggie's does burgers right

(Credit: Omar Ornelas, Special to Metromix)

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It's that time of year when our food fantasies turn to opulent buffets laden with over-the-top creations and dishes so rich that we need to double up on the Lipitor. But there's definitely something to be said for the classics. I'm talking about the simple, but always popular, burger.

You would think that since burgers are so popular it wouldn't be such a challenge to find a good one. Well, obviously it's more difficult than it looks. The next time the mood strikes for a thick, juicy burger just head to Biggie's Burgers in La Quinta.

While they may be new to the desert, the original location in San Clemente opened in 1990. When you've managed to stay in business for more than two decades and mastered the art of slapping down a patty on the grill, you know that they have the winning recipe for success. Sure, you'll find a few other items on the menu, such as chicken sandwiches, hot dogs (with homemade chili — no beans), a garden and chicken breast salad, plus zucchini sticks, but make no mistake about it: The emphasis here is on burgers and fries. They keep it simple and do it right.

Biggie's starts with fresh, not frozen, ground beef. (Turkey and veggie also available.) When you walk up to the counter, instead of pointing at a limited selection on a menu board with a number next to it, you get to tell them what you want. Create yours with mayo, mustard, relish, pickles, onions, tomato and lettuce. From there, feel free to get creative. Add some cheese, bacon, chili and even a fried egg.

How many places have you gone where you see a mouthwatering version of what you “think” you're ordering, but what winds up in front of you doesn't quite match the photo? At Biggie's, they say “what you see is what you get.” If you want a sneak peek at what you're in store for, just go to their website.

Naturally, a burger has to have a side of fries. Choose either the thin, curly or the thick-cut style. And if you love onion rings, Biggie's throws down the challenge that they will match theirs (made right on the premises) against anyone in town.

When this much attention goes into creating a burger, expect to wait a tad longer than those other places. But once you take your first bite, you'll know that your time has been well spent.

Biggie's believes that we all need to occasionally put the brakes on our crazy schedules, sit down with family and enjoy a good meal. Decorated in a 1950s motif, complete with music to match, you'll find that you're in no rush to leave.