Tired of chain burgers? Check out Big Burger World, 1205 S. Ninth St., Cañon City.

Never heard of it? Neither had we. When a friend learned we were heading to Cañon City for a day trip, they tipped us off about the hamburger heaven. Apparently, the local burger joint has been the go-to for big-as-a-dinner-plate burgers since 1968. How had we missed it all these years?

Without a second thought we tracked the hidden jewel down to see what all the excitement was about. We were not disappointed once we got there

The menu is big, with fair prices and interesting combinations of burger creations from which to choose. No wonder this spot is a must-visit for burger enthusiasts.

First, the server at the window will want to know your choice of meat patty size: the classic half-pound big burger ($10) or dare to indulge in the 1-pound ($15.50) version.

We went for the half-size Gringo Burger ($13.50) from the nine specialty burgers. The burger patty was piled with strips of Pueblo green chile, American cheese, Miracle Whip, onion, pickle, lettuce and tomatoes. The bun was a big, fluffy toasted number, which more than accommodated the aforementioned big-sized smashed grilled patty. Thankfully, we grabbed extra napkins in anticipation of our juicy lunch fix. Besides the signature choices you can create your own adventure.

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The menu also has meatless (garden) burgers, turkey burgers, fried chicken nuggets, chicken strips, chicken sandwiches, barbecue items and fish sandwiches. There’s a sizeable list of sides including fries, fried mushrooms, okra and pickles.

While waiting for our order, we noticed a few customers getting soft-serve ice cream and milkshakes. And the bevy of eager eaters never slowed down. The service was swift considering the number of patrons.

The hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and Tuesdays through Thursdays, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Fridays. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Details: 719-275-8079, bigburgerworld.shop.

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Bringing the heat

Texas T-Bone Steakhouse & Famous Dave’s BBQ, 5245 N. Academy Blvd., will have Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Cook Off from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. June 14.

The event is part of the World Food Championships (WFC), a national competition featuring seven top BBQ teams from Colorado and beyond. The pitmasters will be competing in three categories: chicken, ribs and a wild card dish.

The free event will include a live DJ, barbecue samples, face painting, giveaways, a pie-eating contest and games for the whole family. Details: 719-434-4771, facebook.com/texastbonenorthacademy.

Doughnuts rule

Friday is National Donut Day and Shipley Do-Nuts, 11010 Cross Peak View, is celebrating by giving away its signature glazed doughnut to all guests with any purchase that day.

To get a free doughnut, guests can visit their local Shipley or order online or through the loyalty app with code DonutDay25. The hours at the Springs store are 5 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Details: 719-357-7719, shipleydonuts.com.

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Patio dining

Tapateria, 2607 W. Colorado Ave., has opened its patio and monthly paella Sundays are back. Seatings are at noon, 2:30 and 5 p.m. Cost is $45 per person, which includes a glass of house wine, a glass of sangria or a beer. Here’s a look at the menu lineup: June 22 (La Tomatina), July 20 (Tribute to the Pig), Aug. 17 (seafood), Sept. 21 (Classic Mixta) and Oct. 19 (Birthday Bash). The June 22 p.m. seating will be vegan. Reservations required Details: 719-471-8272, facebook.com/TAPAteria.

Contact the writer: 636-0271.