Eat Arkansas

These past few weeks, drivers traveling in the vicinity of Shackleford and Kanis have seen the visages of John McCain and Barack Obama gracing the southeast corner, working the vote -- the burger vote. 

The signs remain outside Burger Mama's, but the figures have been moved within.  Doesn't matter -- you can still purchase your choice of an Obama Burger or a McCain Burger.  The Obama burger, seen above, is hand patted ground beef with Cheddar cheese, ketchup, relish, and grilled onions, served with onion rings and a slice of pineapple.  The McCain burger is also hand patted ground beef, but with Swiss cheese, honey mustard, lettuce and tomato with seasoned fries and an orange slice.

One of the waitresses tells me for the past three weeks the Obama burger has been outselling the McCain burger 2-to-1, but that today's purchases have been almost exclusively Obama burgers.  Of course, party affiliation is not required when ordering.

I was a bit surprised both by the slight amount of Cheddar on my burger and by the overwhelming plentitude of grilled onions.  The relish is an interesting touch.  The onion rings are pure heaven.

One of my traveling companions was not impressed with a different offering, the Philly Cheesesteak, which was served on Texas toast and with just a slight amount of cheese.  But we all agreed that the burger patties and rings were of excellent quality.

Burger Mama's just recently opened a bar in the back, with $5 margaritas, $3 pitchers and $1 drafts during the 4-7 p.m. Happy Hour. And if you have a little extra stomach room, consider a Sweet Potato Pie Turnover... many noms there.

You'll find Burger Mama's Bar and Grill at Shackleford and Kanis in Little Rock.  It proclaims itself the home of the hand patted fresh ground beef burger.  Pickup window is open, call-ahead orders are available at (501) 225-2495 (fax is (501) 225-0062). And they have a website.