Jackson's burger heaven

For the biggest and best burgers in Mississippi, visit Stamps.

Burgers this big are a blessing. Only a Methodist minister with an unquenchable fire to make the best burger in Jackson could perfect this sacred recipe: well-seasoned meat packed inside a tasty bun with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions fresh from the farmers market. Eating at Stamps Superburgers isn't just an event, it's a religious experience.

A hamburger this hearty and tasty could only be conceived through divine intervention. "After church one Sunday, my dad was driving around looking for a good hamburger," says Aljernon Stamps, Jr. "He couldn't find one, so he decided to start making and selling his own.

"Dad never advertised," continues Al, Jr., who owns and operates their second location on McWillie Drive with his wife, Kim. "He just decided to make a bigger, better burger and let everyone hear about it by word of mouth. People in the neighborhood did, and they started calling them Superburgers because of their size."

Most first-time customers are baptized into the Stamps doctrine by way of the traditional Superburger: 12 ounces of slow-cooked ground beef fully dressed, topped with lemonpepper seasoning, and served on a 5-inch bun. Each new convert partakes of the meal with fear and trembling.

Devotees can also choose from an assortment of other items such as the Super Jalapeno Burger and Super Chili Cheese Burger. Leaner dishes include the Garden Burger and the Super Turkey Burger (the second-most popular burger; $3.40 for a small and $4.15 for a super) made with 100% real ground turkey and topped with Swiss cheese, mushrooms, and onions. Lemon pepper replaces salt and pepper on tables because, according to founder Aljernon Stamps, Sr., "it goes with a lot of things."

"Our location tries to offer items for people who don't eat red meat," says Al, Jr., whose menu features healthy salads as well. "My dad's does mostly burgers."

In fine form at that. The original location, which Al, Sr., and his younger son, Phil, operate, has been around since 1970. It resides near Jackson State University on Dalton Drive.

A grocery store-turned-burger joint, the original place retains much of its character from days gone by. Don't expect fancy. Store shelves are still stocked with basic grocery items. No tables, no chairs, no air-conditioning in the summer. Orders are taken on brown sandwich bags and then rung up on an antique cash register.

Juicy old-fashioned burgers and piping-hot bologna sandwiches (which they'll gladly burn on request) are the star attractions here. Except for Al, Sr., of course. When asked how he feels about his restaurant being such a big part of the Jackson community, he replies slowly. "Well, we sell burgers every day."

It is obvious that Al would rather just let his food do the talking. Amen to that. FARRAH AUSTIN

Stamps Superburgers: 4654 McWillie Drive, Jackson, MS 39206; (601) 7133020. Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. MondaySaturday. Original location: 1801 Dalton Drive, (601) 352-4555.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Apr 2003
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