Not  Your Ordinary Burger Joint

What in the world is a Diego Zhang’s? As stores and restaurants open in the redeveloped Streets at SouthGlenn we’re eager to discover our new neighborhood options. Seeing the sign “Diego Zhang’s” simply raised questions – even though it also said “Burger Cafe.” To find out we headed over for lunch.

Burgers are featured but not the typical American burger. A helpful employee explains that Diego Zhang’s burgers are, “Globally inspired mini burgers with the listed ingredients hand mixed with the meat. Each burger is 6 ounces, about half the size of a normal hamburger.” She gave us time to read through the list of a dozen choices: Centennial, Genoa, Shanghai, San Juan, Havana, Yellowstone – a world of flavors. There are also a half-dozen salad and five daily soup selections.

Bob chose a cup of pork green chili and a “Denver”  described as a simple blend of beef, bacon, sautéed mushrooms and onions. Wanting a variety of flavors I opted for a “Kansas City” – mesquite rubbed ground pork with caramelized barbeque sauce – and a Bangkok – Thai peanut shrimp with fresh vegetables. With each burger we had a choice of white or whole wheat bun.

We ordered at the counter, got our drinks and browsed the menu while we waited for the burgers to be delivered to the table hot off the grill. We learned that Diego Zhang’s mother came from southern climes and father from the east, hence the interesting name mix. The idea for globally-inspired mini-burgers came from a tapas cafe in Barcelona.

Bob gave a thumbs  up to the spicy green chili. I give a big nod of approval for both my burgers. Noted on the menu with two chile peppers meaning slightly more spicy, the Bangkok had a definite kick that lingered but didn’t overpower. The peanuts and fresh veggies lent a crunchy texture. Not spicy hot but packed with flavor, the Kansas City was equally enjoyed. I was impressed with how well matched and balanced the flavors were  in each burger. The whole wheat bun was fresh and grainy. I’ve heard people refer to these as sliders but found them to be larger than the majority of sliders. Two where plenty for a satisfying meal.

Families will appreciate the children’s menu including PB&J, mac & cheese, grilled cheese and noodles – buttered or with cheese/red sauce. Adults find  beer and wine available in addition to soft drinks. The breakfast menu offers a variety of egg sandwiches on English muffins and Arepas, South American corn cakes with cheese, red peppers and green chiles.

I’m already eager to return to further my world journey of mini-burgers.

When You Go: There are two locations for Diego Zhang’s in Centennial, 6851 S. Gaylord in The Streets at SouthGlenn and 12073 E. Arapahoe Road (Arapahoe and Peoria). Hours vary by location and day of the week, check their website for details.