Not your average burger bar: Add Stockyard Burgers and Bones to your rotation

One rainy afternoon, I was supposed to meet a friend in historic Marietta Square for lunch at her favorite Mexican restaurant, but, on arrival, she discovered it no longer was in business (she had been thinking of Chantico Burrito Cantina, which, sadly, had closed a few months earlier). She texted me to meet her at Stockyard Burgers and Bones, instead. With thoughts of salsa and tacos dancing in my mind, I wasn't thrilled about the change of plans. But, once inside the casual eatery, I quickly changed my mind, as a plate of sweet potato tots wafted a sweet, tantalizing aroma when the server floated by our booth. And, with every bite of burger, tot and housemade dipping sauce, I was converted from reluctant visitor to happy diner.

On the surface level, it might appear that Stockyard is just another burger bar putting out “gourmet” patties for the masses. But, upon delving into their menu, the creative concoctions and interesting dipping sauces set them apart. The burger offerings have a little something for everyone — not just carnivores — including the fun-to-order Mother Clucker, a Fish Out of Water sandwich of fried cod, and the Bohemian veggie patty. There’s also the Del Mar: an Asian-style burger option, featuring sushi-grade tuna with soy glaze, sesame seeds, pickled carrots and radishes, plus a little heat thanks to wasabi mayo. Other highlights include their Dirty South burger, topped with gouda mac and cheese, bacon and apple butter barbecue sauce — a smoky, gooey, guilt-inducing treat. And, no burger joint would be complete without the requisite fried-egg-topped recipe, which Stockyard delivers with its Kitchen Sink, which also boasts chili and a bourbon and smoked tomato aioli.

For sides, try the sweet potato tots for a sweet spin on this childhood favorite, or the tempura battered onion rings for a classic accompaniment. The smoked gouda mac and cheese is also available as a side — albeit a decadent one that is worth every creamy, calorie-laden forkful. Stockyard makes its condiments in-house, and, trying several of their dipping sauces is half the fun. Choose from barbecue ranch, garlic aioli, bourbon and roasted tomato aioli, chipotle ketchup (a favorite), smoked paprika aioli and chili lime mayo.