The Super Burger, Paoli

Take a close look at the sign at The Super Burger in Paoli. Yep, it says "Orange County Beef." That's right, this hamburger joint not only makes their burgers from locally produce beef, they also use it as a selling point. In all my travels this is a first. Sure, a few enlightened high-end places tout the local origins of key ingredients and a couple of movements like Slow Food and Eat Local are growing in popularity but a like-minded mom-and-pop joint in a small town is a rarity.

One of the occupational hazards of being a nomad food writer is that you sometimes run across something you absolutely must try even when you are not hungry. Such was the case this week when I was in Paoli. It was about 10:45 am and I had a lunch appointment at 12 noon. When I saw The Super Burger I had to check it out.

Walking inside I found what seemed like a branch office of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame with all sorts of local memorabilia including lots from Orange County's favorite son - Larry Bird. After checking all this out I scanned the menu (available here) and decided on the basic Superburger ($2.25). I had to wait only about five minutes and my burger was handed to me in a brown paper bag. My intent was to take a bite or two to "experience the burger" and save my appetite for my lunch appointment.

When I got to the car I unwrapped the sandwich and found it to be of substantial size, especially for the price. I'm guessing the hand-formed patty weighed in at much closer to a third pound than a forth. It was crispy around the edges like a certain "Steakburger," with which we're all familiar, but much thicker. Passing the visual inspection I took a bite.... This was indeed a SUPER burger. Great texture - the grind on the beef was not too fine and the meat had not been overworked when formed into a patty. It was moist and flavorful, everything you want in a burger.

I had to summon every ounce of will power I posses to keep from inhaling the whole thing. I ended up limiting myself to about four bites but I'm already looking for a reason to return to Paoli. Just so you know, my $2.25 Superburger was way better than my $12 business lunch. The Super Burger is located at 600 West Main Street. They can be reached by phone at 812-723-4445.