Spec’s

4978 U.S. 290 W., 366-8260
www.specsonline.com
Monday-Saturday, 10am-9pm

This is for folks who like their burgers big, moist, and loaded with stuff. The grilled-onion, cheddar, and bacon burger ($4.99; add a scoop of chili for 50 cents) is a messy sandwich that will have you grabbing for extra napkins. The burger is huge – in the half-pound range – and lean doesn’t seem to be a word that’s in the Spec’s vocabulary. It comes with mayo and mustard hidden among the layers, and the bacon is thick-cut, crispy, and maple-flavored. Even the bread is yummy. Despite all the delicious food on the plate, I kept going back to that crispy pickle on the side, with the tart flavor and snappy texture you always hope for and seldom find. Since it is in a liquor store, no one under 21 years of age is served unless accompanied by their legal guardian. – Wes Marshall

This article appears in May 22 • 2009.

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Wes Marshall is the author of What's a Wine Lover To Do? (Artisan) and The Wine Roads of Texas (Maverick), as well as the Executive Producer of the PBS television series of the same name. Wes has written for The Austin Chronicle since 1999, covering wine, cocktails, food, and travel.