Have you ever thought of having a burger cooked with grease that is over 100 years old? Well, here’s your chance. Opened in 1912, Dyer’s Burgers are far from your everyday burger. As soon as they opened the cafe, they began to develop a secret process to create a uniquely delicious world-famous burger. These famous burgers are still being served today on Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee. The “secret” of the juicy burgers is apparently a 100-year-old grease that is being strained daily. Let’s have a closer look at the details.
The Secret of the Century-Old Grease
The cornerstone of Dyer’s Burgers is its more-than-100-year-old grease. When Elmer “Doc” Dyer opened the restaurant in 1912, he conceptualized that reusing the grease gave depth and flavor to his burgers. It gets strained, preserved, and re-used every day since then, building up a seasoning that can’t be replicated.
“One of the cooks didn’t change the grease in the pan one night and he ended up cooking burgers in it. The next day somebody came in and ate a burger and was like, ‘That’s the best burger I’ve ever had in my life!'”
Current owner of Dyer’s Burgers, Kendall Robertson, told Southern Living.
That gives burgers that special taste, which one reviewer described as rich and full-bodied. The grease is not just a medium of cooking. Rather, it is an heirloom that passed down from generation. They take great care in its maintenance and they guarantee that every burger has a piece of history with it.
“We strain it through to get any particles out of it and then we season it. It’s the same molecules from 1912, it’s never been changed. Something else that hasn’t changed is the way the burgers are served. We only do mustard, pickle, onion and pepper. We don’t even carry lettuce, tomato, or any of that, that’s the way they come. And don’t ask him what the special seasoning is made of. “I can’t tell you!. That’s part of the secret!”
Current owner of Dyer’s Burgers, Kendall Robertson.
The Rich History of Dyer’s Burgers
Dyer’s Burgers has been a Memphis staple for over one hundred years. The burger joint began its operation on Beale Street and quickly became a local favorite. The place survived the Great Depression, wars in the world, and almost countless changes in the city. In fact, it is its attachment to tradition that has kept it running all these years.
It is the grease that has always followed wherever it moved throughout the years. For example, when the location changed, Dyer’s sent an armored car to transport the grease in case someone would hijack it. This only goes to show how vital this grease was to Dyer’s Burgers and its story.
“I do plan on hopefully growing it, and I would eventually like to have it all around the south. But we haven’t gotten there yet.”
Current owner of Dyer’s Burgers, Kendall Robertson.
What’s on the Menu at Dyer’s Burgers
Besides the burger-a true showstopper-Dyer’s has kept things pretty simple over the years. The classic Dyer’s burger is a thin patty of seasoned beef, smothered in the famous grease and topped with cheese, onions, pickles, and mustard, all on a soft bun. It’s simple, which allows you to appreciate the flavor of the seasoned grease.
Along with the burgers, they have fries fried in the same grease to further enhance the peculiar taste. The menu is complete after they place the milkshakes and sodas, which go just right with the salty burgers. This restaurant is one of these places that offer a meal that is satisfying and steeped in tradition. In addition to the famous burgers, they also serve up deep-fried bologna, hand-cut fries, and a sandwich called the “Filthy Diablo”.
“Filthy Diablo. It’s got three meats and three cheeses on it. And then it’s got polish sausages on it. It all comes on a bun just like the burger does. The grease-laden menu plays into the restaurant’s slogan, ‘Have you had your vitamin G today?’ That’s “G” for grease, of course.
Current owner of Dyer’s Burgers, Kendall Robertson.
What Customers Are Saying About Dyer’s Burgers
People often leave the restaurant, impressed by the food and the history alike. One customer reviewed it online, saying, “Eating at Dyer’s Burgers felt like stepping back in time. The burger was delicious, and knowing it was cooked in 100-year-old grease made it even more special.” Another reviewer wrote, “The flavor of the burger is unparalleled-you can taste the history in every single bite.”
A third customer related, “I have been coming to Dyer’s Burgers for years, and it never disappoints. A welcoming atmosphere and the staff always make you at home.” These point out all the reasons why Dyer’s Burgers is always at the top of Memphis restaurants.
Why You Should Visit Dyer’s Burgers
So many leave Dyer’s Burgers in awe and not necessarily just because of the food, but because of the history. “Eating at Dyer’s Burgers was like being transported to another era,” one reviewer wrote. “The burger was incredible, and knowing it was cooked in 100-year-old grease made it all that more special.” Another reviewer said, “There is just no flavor of burger anywhere like this. You can taste the history in each and every bite.”
A third customer shared, “I have been coming to Dyer’s Burgers for years, and it is never a disappointment. The atmosphere is inviting, and the staff makes one always feel at home.” These reviews explain why Dyer’s Burgers keeps on being one of the favorite hangout places in Memphis.
Conclusion
Dyer’s Burgers are probably the perfect example of tradition at work. Cooking in the same grease for over a century has developed a taste that keeps them coming back for more. The rich history of this place and its quality move it well within the realm of being a Memphis legend.
Next time you find yourself on Beale Street, stop in at Dyer’s Burgers. Taste the difference a century-old cooking process makes. Live some history, savor some flavor, and become part of the tale.
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