It seems like every culture has perfected a certain type of cuisine. The French have their pastries, the Italians their pasta, and the Swiss their chocolate. (The Swiss are pretty good at making watches, too. And bank accounts! Come to think of it, the Swiss are running up the score…)

I guess every country has their thing. When you think of tacos, you probably think of Mexico, and when you think of sushi, your mind goes to Japan.

So, what about the United States? What is our culinary claim to fame? Personally, if forced to choose, I’d say the burger is the quintessential American entrée.

Whenever someone asks me where they can find a great burger in Laramie, my answer is always the same: Born in a Barn.

You can practically taste the Americana in every bite of a good burger. I think the reason they feel so American is that above all, we are a practical culture. We don’t care how long it takes to cook something or how many years the chef went to a pretentious school. We just care that it tastes good. Americans are a utilitarian bunch.

Plus, a burger is one of those universal meals that is neither too informal nor too sophisticated for any situation. Everyone from broke college kids to powerful CEOs loves a good burger.

Don’t believe me? Warren Buffett, the wealthiest investor in the world, is known for requesting hamburgers even while dining with important politicians and foreign dignitaries. And really, who can blame him? Even when you’re a billionaire and can afford any type of food, it’s hard to pass up a good burger.

The truth is that not everyone can afford steak (have you seen the price of beef lately?), nor is eating a steak practical if you’re on the go. And Americans are a people on the go. We take fewer vacation days than almost any other industrialized country. That’s why we needed to make our lunches handheld and portable. The burger checks these boxes while still being a tasty way to get a solid midday serving of protein. (I should know — I’m a realtor!)

When you think about it, a burger is a steak… democratized for the common man. *cue the national anthem*

With that in mind, let me tell you about Born in a Barn. This is Laramie’s go-to burger place. It’s been located in our historic downtown for over 11 years.

Their outdoor patio is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal, and they use only local beef from The Butcher Block, raised right here in Wyoming.

The last time I visited Born in a Barn, I ordered the Plainsman, and when I sunk my teeth in… oof. I think I might have been transported to a spicy tastebud oasis. Meanwhile, my husband ordered the Popper Burger, which has cream cheese and sweet jelly on it. Perfection.

Of course, if you’re not into sweet or spicy, you’ll find lots of other unique options (and classics) on the menu. They even have weekly burger specials to try.

So, next time you’re in the mood for a truly American meal, check out Born in a Barn. You won’t regret it.