Cheap Eats: Monster Burgers

Overflowing from the borders of a toasted English muffin, the Bar Symon Burger ($9) looks a little snug sitting inside its black plastic basket with a pile of shoestring fries riding shotgun. Topped with fried egg and huge slices of cheddar and bacon, it’s got a greasy diner attitude and gourmet taste. Fight the urge to pick off the house-pickled onions because they’re not the boring raw red onion you’re used to — their vinegary zest is a welcome surprise.

Don’t expect the Rhino Burger ($9.99) to show your taste buds any mercy. If it’s not the pepper jack cheese, then the salsa packed with huge chunks of jalapeño will certainly start a spicy tingle on your tongue. Then you hit the center of the sandwich. Chorizo and beef play nice with each other in this half-pound patty — the beef offering a bit of a sweet and juicy relief, and the chorizo swooping in for a tangy kick. There’s no escaping the heat, especially if you add the house specialty Cajun home fries as your side.