Middlegate Station wins second-most over-the-top burger

There’s a “monster” burger about 47 miles east and a lot of people think it’s tops.

Middlegate Station’s Monster Challenge burger was recently voted the second-most over-the-top burger in the state. USA Today’s 10Best editors and Sandwich America wanted to find the state’s best over-the-top burger and so teamed up with local Nevada food writers and The Food Channel to nominate 20 worthy restaurants.

After four weeks of voting, the reader results were in with neighbor Middlegate’s monster burger claiming the number-two slot.

“I feel just coming in second was a real win. The competition was intense,” said Fredda Stevenson, who owns the restaurant with her husband, Russell. “We do feel it is great that we were even nominated, and for such a little place … the support from our customers has been overwhelming.”

The monster burger was conceived when a customer complained he had to eat two of the burgers he loved so much to get his fill, according to USA Today’s description of the item’s history. Middlegate Station decided to combine two burgers and make it a challenge: Diners who can finish the 1 and 1/3-pound of lean meat topped with lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles and cheese on a sourdough bun along with a heaping side of fries (no sharing or bathroom breaks) wins a “Middlegate Monster” T-shirt.

Stevenson said the competition was important to them — and they’re proud they’re number two. She added to take second place is especially amazing given their size.

“We were hoping for first but population was surely a factor,” she noted.

Stevensen emphasized, “the locals think we are No. 1.”

The other winners in the category Best Over-the-Top Burger in Nevada are as follows: The Goodwich, Las Vegas; Middlegate Station, Middlegate; Pioneer Saloon, Goodsprings; Beefy’s, Reno; The Dillinger, Boulder City; Butcher’s Kitchen, Reno; Fat Choy Restaurant, Las Vegas; Holsteins, Las Vegas; Sassafras, Carson City; Rollin Smoke Barbecue, Las Vegas.

Learn more about these Nevada burgers including Middlegate’s at www.10Best.com/awards/travel/best-over-the-top-burger-in-nevada.

The 10Best Readers’ Choice Award contest launches new categories every other Monday at noon, revealing each category’s 20 nominees. After four weeks of voting, the contest closes on the 28th day at noon. On the Friday after voting ends, winners are revealed. Rules allow the public to vote online for one nominee per category, per day.