LaGana Burger Room

Pilgrims, I have strayed. I have strayed from the righteous burger path. I forsook the burger. Burgers had become commodities to me. Nothing more than a means to an end. And I have been embarrassed, too embarrassed to face you for some time. But I stand before you now and ask for your forgiveness. Forgiveness and your ear and your heart to tell you the good news! There is joy, abundant joy in the burger because of the light provided by Lagana. Oh, the Lunch Boi is salvation! It is simple, honest, delicious and your only choice if you go at lunch. It provides the sustenance of two Wagyu beef patties smashed with shallots to create the most delicate char. Add simple American cheese and crispy onions, and the combination of flavors is a spiritual journey of enlightenment. Make the pilgrimage to LaGana and feel your soul restored.

It is a 5, a glorious 5.

— Reverend Don

It was July 29, 2020 when Don and I posted our last review. It was in the throes of the first wave of COVID. Restaurants were open to take out only. We were all about as stressed as we could be. We thought The Straight Beef had run its course. See my elegy posted June 26, 2024.

Now, the scales have fallen from my eyes, and my burgiatric spirit has been kindled inside me once again. LaGana Burger Room is located between Capital Boulevard and Glenwood Avenue on North West Street. Their lunch menu is the Lunch Boi burger and yuca fries or tots on the side. They have a salad option if you go with a non-meat eater. That’s it. The dinner menu is slightly more expansive. They don’t do much, but LaGana does it exceptionally well. I was dubious and got Bad Daddy vibes from the unfortunately named ‘Baller sauce.’ That aside, the Lunch Boi was fantastic. The combination of lightly sauteed shallots in between the smash patties with the small pile of fried shallots on top is masterful. I love onions on burgers, so this was right up my street.

Quality meat with a perfect balance of toppings, sauce, and cheese in between a simple, lightly toasted potato bun. Get to LaGana and enjoy a burger or a burger and a half with a friend. You won’t regret it.

5 out of 5.

— Michael