The Place: Short’s Burger and Shine

The bill: $8.50

The verdict: No room for dessert!

When you think of a burger, what may come to mind is the standard ketchup, mustard, pickle and onion, but at Short’s Burger and Shine, stretch your imagination. Short’s Restaurant is in Iowa City on Clinton Street. Fairly new, this burger joint is able to fix any craving for a hearty burger.

I was puzzled by the numerous types of burgers to choose from on the menu, so I kindly asked my waitress for suggestions. With all of the creative names and “fancy” toppings, she pointed out the “Dundee Burger” as one of the more popular picks. As I read the description of the burger, I think a strange look came across my face. This burger is combined with sautéed mushrooms, Canadian bacon, a fried egg, American cheese and garlic aioli. I took her word for it, felt adventurous and ordered the Dundee Burger. To my pleasant surprise it was actually very delicious! A strange combination, but it works! I think the toppings on the burger could be another small meal in itself. The burger was monstrous to eat, I had to tackle it with my fork and knife too. It was very messy, but wonderful!

All of Short’s are bona fide all-Iowa burgers made with 100% Iowa beef from Johnson Farms in Columbus Junction and other products used are local. Those of you who are vegetarian can find various black bean burgers on the menu as well. Burgers are accompanied by a stack of hand cut fries.

I will definitely be back to Short’s to try another burger, like the “Thornton” topped with chorizo, guacamole, sour cream, mozzarella and chipotle mayo or the “Jamaica” served with jerk spice, mango-jalapeno salsa and pepper jack cheese. I was so stuffed from my burger that I was not able to try their double chocolate cake with strawberry coulis.

Burgers are priced at $8.50, including fries; but if you have a late night craving, go to Short’s between 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday for their “Late Night Burger” for only $5.

Short’s says that “You have yourself one heckuva meal that even the pickiest connoisseur can take a shine to.” I will have to say that they are right about that! Venture into Short’s Burger and Shine and fill up on an inventive burger!