#69: Bill's "Burger Meister Burger" at Cardwell's at the Plaza

Ian Froeb

Bill's "Burger Meister Burger" at Cardwell's at the Plaza

​Bill's "Burger Meister Burger" -- the quotes are the restaurant's own -- is an exaggerated name for what is essentially a bacon cheeseburger. The exaggeration is fitting, though, because this takes what makes pretty much any bacon cheeseburger so great one step farther.

The bacon is applewood-smoked -- not so unusual these days, but this burger has been a Cardwell's fixture for years -- and there is both cheddar cheese and very strong Amish blue cheese. Instead of ordinary ketchup, there is a tangy, lightly sweet tomato relish. Unlike so many of the monster burgers that plague fast-food and other chain restaurants, the toppings work to support, not overwhelm the burger itself, which is flavorful and juicy.

Could you call it a meister-piece? You could. I wouldn't want to be responsible for a pun like that.

Cardwell's at the Plaza
1701 South Lindbergh Road (Plaza Frontenac), Frontenac
314-997-8885
$10.75

I'm counting down -- in no particular order -- 100 of my favorite dishes in St. Louis. Some are well-known, others obscure. Some are expensive, others dirt cheap. All of them, I guarantee, are delicious. Please do not hesitate to share your own favorites via the comments thread.

Previously:

#70: Sake (salmon) nigiri sushi at Nobu's Japanese Restaurant

#71: Massaman curry at Simply Thai
#72: The lunch buffet at Mayuri
#73: Fried chicken (spicy) at Porter's Fried Chicken
#74: Arancini at Lorenzo's Trattoria
#75: Meat shawarma at The Vine Mediterranean Café & Market
#76: The South Side Smoke at sandwich at Stellina Pasta Café
#77: Falafel at Kabob House
#78: A slice with pepperoni at Feraro's Jersey-Style Pizza
#79: Birria at Pueblo Nuevo
#80: Banh mi dac biet at Phuc Loi