There are few things in this world that I love more than a good burger.  So after my first meal at Holsteins, at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, I was already planning my next.  These are some damned good burgers, of all kinds, made whenever possible with fresh, natural and organic ingredients.  And everything that comes out of Chef Anthony Meidenbauer’s kitchen – whether snack, sausage, salad or burger – is prepared with a zeal normally reserved for far more hoity-toity cuisine.

Japanimation graffiti painting

The venue is split, as are most in Las Vegas, these days, between the bar/lounge and the dining room.  I haven’t spent much time in the former, but I love the mood.  With its honey-colored woods, soft lighting, roomy tables, and a cheerful painting that looks like collaboration between Peter Max and Kid Robot, the room’s got equal parts warmth and pizzazz that make it an ideal spot on Cosmopolitan’s 2nd Floor, to grab a drink and relax in between bouts of cardio retail therapy.

The vegan 'Urth' Burger with Steak Cut Fries

The dining room continues with the theme.  The tables are big (befitting the portions) with a comfortable raisin-colored leather, while the golden-hued lighting and wood-planked floors are given deliberate bursts of color via large canvases of graffiti (my favorite is the piece that features the silhouette of a robot that bears a striking resemblance to an android-version of Grace Jones, repeated in triplicate).

Duck Fat Fries

But at Holsteins – the latest venture from Block 16 Hospitality (Billy Richardson, Jr., Kyle Madden, and the aforementioned Chef Meidenbauer) – it’s really all about the food.  There are gourmet twists put on low-brow favorites that will simultaneously delight the palates and expand the wherewithal of diners every day. 

Kalbi Beef and Kimchee Quesadilla

At Holsteins, for instance, a Quesadilla isn’t just a flour tortilla folded over melted cheese with some chicken or beef; but rather is the Kalbi Beef and Kimchee Quesadilla, made from Korean Beef Rib, Kimchee, and Asadero Cheese, with a Kalbi Glaze and Chili Mayonnaise.

Artichoke 'Guac'

And then there’s the Artichoke ‘Guac’ (which doesn’t contain any avocado), that’s really a jazzed-up Hummus Dip, jam-packed with Artichokes, Olives, Paquillo Peppers, Capers, and Olive Oil, served with Spiced Pita Chips. 

Meanwhile, what’s a burger joint without some sliders, right?  Kind of… 

Tenderloin Rossini

At Holsteins you can get the Tenderloin Rossini – a pair of adorable little “burgers” made from Beef Medallions topped with Foie Gras, Mushroom Duxelle, Arugula, and Truffle Mayo.  Beat that, White Castle!!

Gold Standard Burger

But all that’s just a warm-up for the entrée burgers, my favorite of which is undoubtedly the Gold Standard.  A Dry-Aged Beef Sirloin Burger with Smoked Bacon, Aged Goat Cheddar Cheese, Tomato Confit, Baby Arugula, and Garlic-Chive Aioli (I take mine medium-rare with extra crispy bacon), the Gold Standard is everything a burger should be: Period.  It’s moist where it should be, yet the bun is toasty and of just the right flakiness to withstand the juices, without getting goopy or falling apart.

And while my dining compatriots all loved their respective burgers (including The Longhorn, the Captain Hook, the New England Turkey, the vegan ‘Urth’ Burger, and ‘The Rising Sun’), it was the ‘Big Fat Greek’ that really had tongues wagging. 

'Big Fat Greek' Burger

Basically, a burger-fied Gyros, the ‘Big Fat Greek’ consists of Greek Spiced Lamb with Feta Cream, Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, and Olive Relish, served with Tzatziki Sauce.  All five of the people I know who’ve partaken of this mighty sandwich cannot stop raving about its glory (Jacob’s already had it twice!).

Smashed Potatoes

Some other odds and ends worth ticking-up upon include the Smashed Potatoes (crispy Fingerling Potatoes tossed with Bacon and Shredded Cheese, and served with a Scallion Aioli) and the Duck Fat Fries – because if you’ve come this far, you should really just go the whole hog (or cow, as the case may be).

'Milkmaid' Cheesecake

Bamboozled Frozen Grasshopper

I’d be remiss if I neglected to mention the deserts, though I was so full that, by the time desert came around, my pants had begun to cut-off all circulation below my waist…  Meet the ‘Milkmaid’ Cheesecake.  Made from Fromage Blanc, and topped with Graham Cookie Crumbles, Preserved Citrus, and Cilantro Froth, it’s served in a bowl (!!!) and is so creamy and rich that it should come with a cardiac disclaimer. 

Also, the Bamboozled Shakes are delicious and decidedly adult.  One friend delighted in the Brown Cow with its Root Beer, Vanilla Ice Cream, Homemade Pop Rocks, and Charbay Tahitian Vanilla Rum; while Jacob swears by the Frozen Grasshopper made from Vanilla Ice Cream, Peppermint Meringue, Chocolate Crunchies, Crème de Menthe, and Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka.  I opted to forego the liquor in favor of a good old-fashioned Chocolate Milkshake with Malt (which was awesome!), but then again – I was driving.

Holsteins
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Click HERE for more info

Get into it!