Burgers, Beets, and Buffett: Ranking Dallas’s Best Burgers | Evan Grant & Sarah Blaskovich | Ep 251

Mike Rhyner sits down with Dallas Morning News writers Evan Grant and Sarah Blaskovich to dig into their epic search for the best burgers in Dallas, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from tasting dozens of patties, sauces, and toppings across the city. The conversation spills into margaritas, Jimmy Buffett versus Bruce Springsteen debates, Texas Rangers pitching drama, and State Fair food previews, all served with plenty of laughs. Perfect for foodies and sports fans alike who want a taste of Dallas culture, burger recommendations, and inside baseball talk in one freewheeling episode.
00:00:05 – Cold open and episode intro: banter, jokes, and welcoming episode #251 of Your Dark Companion.
00:02:10 – Introducing guests Evan Grant and Sarah Blaskovich: Dallas Morning News baseball writer and food writer join to discuss their best burgers list.
00:05:26 – Behind the scenes of the burger list project: How Evan and Sarah researched, tasted, and documented dozens of burgers together.
00:10:22 – Standout burgers: Goodwin’s melty cheese burger and NADC’s confident single-burger concept discussed in detail.
00:15:41 – Personal burger preferences: Mike, Evan, and Sarah debate mayo, jalapeños, and tomatoes on burgers.
00:17:33 – Wild card picks: Chelsea Corner’s smashburger and Walker’s Gorgonzola burger highlighted as personal favorites outside the main list.
00:21:38 – Smash burger trend and Sky Rocket Burger: Discussion of the citywide smash burger craze and a favorite spot.
00:23:00 – Burgers that didn’t make the list: Regrets over Good Friend, Angry Dog, and the quirky sushi-burger spot Dota.
00:27:07 – The veggie burger debate: Hillstone’s veggie burger sparks discussion, plus a testy phone call about their recipe.
00:31:23 – Reporter hang-up stories: Evan shares baseball reporting anecdotes about sources hanging up on him, including Doug Melvin and Thad Levine.
00:34:20 – Mid-show sponsor read: Praise for Dudley’s sports bar, its food, and its many TV screens.
00:38:26 – State Fair food preview and Punk Noir: Sarah previews State Fair judging and describes the eccentric Punk Noir tasting restaurant.
00:41:42 – Nostalgic burger joints: Keller’s, Goff’s, Burger House, and other classic Dallas burger spots discussed.
00:47:00 – Jimmy Buffett and Springsteen fandom: Sarah and Evan bond over concert memories and generational music tastes among colleagues.
00:52:53 – Dallas Morning News baseball legacy and newsroom banter: Reflecting on past beat writers and coworkers’ music tastes.
00:53:15 – Rangers pitching coach shakeup: Discussion of Mike Maddox’s firing and rising coach Jordan Teagues.
00:57:18 – Kumar Rocker frustrations: Analysis of his fielding lapses, body language, and development as a pitcher.
00:59:13 – Final burger picks: Guests name their must-try burgers, including Rodeo Bar, Neighborhood Services, and Rodeo Goat.
01:05:00 – The mysterious chopped cheese at Herbie’s: Explaining this unique sandwich and why it made their bonus list.
01:10:34 – Show wrap-up and thanks: Closing remarks, listener appreciation, and sign-off.