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Mavericks

Mavericks

Big Four building at the Calgary Stampede

Burger: Build your own Big Four burger ($11.25). An Alberta beef patty served on a toasted kaiser bun with leaf lettuce, tomato, red onions and ketchup. Mustard was advertised but did not make it onto my burger. You can add bacon, cheddar or provolone cheese ($1.25 each); mushrooms, fried onions or jalapeño peppers ($.75 each); or add a second patty ($2). I went with the basic version.

Sides: Soup or fries. Substitute sweet potato fries or salads for an extra $1.25

Atmosphere: Located on the Stampede grounds in the Big Four building, Mavericks is western in flare without feeling hokey or disingenuous. The walls are accented with boots and stars as well as some historic Stampede artwork and photos.

Menu: Known for its $19.95 all-you-can-eat buffet (on Calgary Flames game nights), Mavericks also offers a simple bar menu featuring a few entrees such as grilled tilapia, Cool Hand Luke's steak chili and a lobster ravioli.

Decision: Over the years, I've tried many a burger on the Stampede grounds and have often been disappointed. Fortunately, this burger was not slathered in Bulls Eye barbecue sauce. The patty was well-seasoned and the lettuce, tomato and red onions were all fresh and in perfect quantities. This burger has been on the menu for over 20 years and I can see why.

As a quick aside, the Calgary Stampede's Lazy S restaurant (only open for the big 10-day event each July) serves a two-kilogram version of this burger. It comes topped with 12 slices of bacon, eight slices of cheese, half an onion, half a head of lettuce and roasted red pepper aioli — all on a massive custom-baked pretzel bun. Who wants to join me in July?

Next Up: Amsterdam Rhino, 607 11 Ave. S.W.

Please email burger suggestions to darelleats@gmail.com.