Irma’s Burger Shack: does ‘no name’ beef really make a difference?
by Tim | October 20, 2007 | 22 Comments
(votes: 30, average: 3.70) 
Loading ...Irma’s Burger Shack operates two OKC restaurant locations: 1035 NW 63rd (map), and 1120 Classen Drive (map). Visit them for lunch or dinner. For more information, visit their website.
Irma’s Burger Shack is fairly well-known around the Oklahoma City metro. Their flagship restaurant near 63rd and Western is generally packed during the lunch hour as hoards of hungry people from Chesapeake Energy and elsewhere crowd in to grab a lunch. I ate at the original Irma’s restaurant once a while back and enjoyed it, but I became even more interested in Irma’s when I saw they were opening a second location at Plaza Court in midtown OKC. Since I live in a historical neighborhood near this area, I am very happy to see new restaurants moving in. So, I had to give Irma’s II a try.
First of all, I just have to say what a great location, and what a great renovation they’ve done. Credit is due to the developers of the property as well as the folks at Irma’s. If you haven’t been to this area of our great city, you really should check it out. The whole area around Plaza Court is getting built up with restaurants and the Plaza Court building itself is a real architectural treasure. Irma’s corner space, in particular, is so inviting as huge windows seem to wrap around the whole restaurant. Come on down and check out a piece of history sometime.
Ok, on to the food. I took up a special mission on this trip to Irma’s. I wanted to find out if their famed “no name” beef really made a difference. You see, at Irma’s you can get a burger made with special beef from a private herd of cattle at the No Name Ranch in Wynnewood, OK. On their website, they make a big deal about this special breed of cattle and that it is raised naturally with no pesticides or hormones or any of that stuff. Sounds great, right? Well, I wanted to find out for myself. Does “no name” beef really make a better burger?
In a word: yes.
I tried them both side by side in an effort to bring you my official verdict and, in my opinion, there is a huge difference in texture between the two. The “no name” patty was cooked all the way to well done, yet still moist and juicy, with an almost crumbly texture that sort of melts in your mouth. The regular patty, cooked similarly, was much more dry and the meat was a bit compressed. Both burgers had great flavor, but this texture really made the difference. My wife, who runs screaming at the site of any pinkness on a piece of meat, was really pleased that she could get a well done burger that still had some life to it.
It’s this type of commitment to quality that really makes Irma’s great. They’re not trying to be fancy, but whatever they do, they do it very well. The onion rings are hand-breaded. The fries are fresh cut in-house. The burgers are seared first on a griddle to lock in juices, then flame-grilled the rest of the way. Whenever possible, you can bet that Irma’s is taking the extra steps to add just that little extra touch of quality and flavor to all of the simple foods they serve.
All this extra attention to quality comes at a price, though. The basic, “no name” burger is $6 ala carte. Add cheese for $0.50 plus a side of fries for $2, a drink for $1.50 and you’re at $10 for one person, plus tax and tip. Now, I’m pretty cheap and spending upwards of $10 on a burger meal stretches me a bit, but what I really care about is value. Does the quality of the meal justify the higher price tag? In Irma’s case, I’d have to say “yes,” and judging by their history of long lunchtime waits, I’d also have to say that a lot of people agree with me. I tell you what, I’ll drink water, split some fries, leave off the cheese, and focus my funds on the “no name” beef and the all-around quality you can only get at Irma’s.
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So far, 22 people have responded to this article. Won't you join in?October 23rd, 2007 at 10:00 pm
Erma’s burgers are wonderful. As for the price of $10 for burgers, fries and a drink, well you gotta figure the order is HUGE! One order of fries alone would feed a family of four! Love Erma’s!
October 28th, 2007 at 11:56 am
2 things:
1) Another difference I’ve found between the two burgers (and I don’t know why it is): Irma Burger tastes better with mustard, No Name tastes better with ketchup.
2) Even though it’s not on the menu you can always get mac and cheese as a side if you ask.
October 28th, 2007 at 9:29 pm
Good point, Carol. Andy, thanks for those tips!
October 29th, 2007 at 7:00 pm
I had no idea you could order mac and cheese off menu. This changes my life!
January 17th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I just ate there yesterday for lunch and had the No Name burger thanks to you guys. I also had some of the chipotle poppers (I think that is the name), which are stuffed peppers with smoked cheese. It was wonderful!
February 12th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Oh my god, I love the chili cheese burger! An order of fries are huge and can easily be shared between two people. The staff are great and very friendly people. My absolute favorite place to eat a burger!
May 23rd, 2008 at 1:05 pm
I recommend getting the No Name burger and adding green chiles and avocado. If I don’t want to feel too guilty, I order it with a side salad and it’s quite satisfying. Then again, if I do want to feel some guilt, I’ll order the delicious stuffed olives. I really enjoy Irma’s innovative appetizers!
September 3rd, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Irma’s is absolutely wonderful! The Chipotle Poppers are good because they are not too spicy to share with friends who aren’t into much spice. The No Name Burger is my personal favorite. There is certainly nothing wrong with the Irma Burger, I just prefer the texture of the No Name beef.
September 4th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Burgers are great. It’s very crowded at lunch so we go at dinner. I love the mushroom swiss burger.
September 21st, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Went to Irma’s for the first time ever about a month ago. I don’t normally eat much in the way of carbs, so I’ve got to be really tempted in order to not stick to my diet. We walked in and I was prepared to try to be good, but all of my intentions flew out the window at my first sniff. I had a bacon cheese burger and the other person I was with had a No Name Burger. Both were so wonderful! Next time, though, I’m definitely having the No Name.
October 24th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
I love Irma’s. The No-Name certainly does make the difference. All the sides are excellent and served in large portions. The atmosphere and service make the entire dining experience very enjoyable.
April 29th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Even though I’m not really a burger person I love Irma’s! Their cole slaw is a favourite–not overly heavy on the sauce and with a nice tang to it. Plus the cabbage is always crunchy. (Soggy cabbage = bleck.)
May 4th, 2009 at 2:17 am
Wow, just had Irma’s for the first time today and I must say…their No-Name burger is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I didn’t even realize until now that I didn’t have cheese on it, and I didn’t even need it…the medium done goodness was that good. Plus the 10% off if you order to go from 4-9pm is a good deal (this was at Irma’s original store). Next time I’ll try the coleslaw and mac n cheese.
June 16th, 2009 at 8:01 am
I guess I made a mistake by not ordering the no name burger. I had a black and blue burger and was dissatisfied with the flavorless pre-formed frozen patty that wasn’t even close to blackened. I wasn’t tempted to ever return, but maybe I’m missing out on the no-name.
June 20th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
@Ryan, yeah, you really should give the no name a try. It’s very different from the regular burger, which is pretty unimpressive. Let us know if you try the no name and what you think of it.
July 20th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
I’ve never tried Irma’s either…I’ll have to put it on the list!
July 20th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Its the best burger around no doubt about it and if you’re willing to pay alittle more the no-name is the way to go, but the third pounder is also very good and a bit more reasonably priced.
July 22nd, 2009 at 6:49 am
Re: 63rd Street Location
I have never been disappointed by the quality of any item at Irma’s. I eat there often and adore the Irma’s Burger with swiss and fried onions added. The service is attentive and the cleanliness of the restaurant is spotless.
However, all of this takes a backseat to the alertness of the manager. She recognizes you when you return. She personally checks on your service and food quality. She sincerely cares about your happiness with your dining experience. Any restaurant would succeed with her as the manager.
August 4th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
I had heard Irma’s was special and the burgers were great. I thought I had read where Drive inns, diners and dives on the Food Network had recently been there. Guess not the waiter had no clue. The “No name burger” was very average and if they use to serve large orders of fries they no longer do! I would say Irma’s was ok but nothing special and not worth 10 bucks for a burger and fries. I pay that a lot these days for lunch but Irma’s reputation as a special place no longer aplies if it ever did.
August 4th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
[...] II. I spend most of my time there taking orders, clearing tables, and stuffing delicious NoName Ranch burgers into my mouth. However, I occasionally get the chance to take some photos for [...]
August 19th, 2009 at 8:35 am
No Name Beef is the best. I really couldn’t imagine how it would be any better, but OMG, it is. I always get a no-name Theta, medium, with grilled onions and a slice of cheddar and a side of fries. It is excellent. I am pretty sure they use Head Country BBQ sauce and it is great. I usually eat it with a knife and fork to avoid getting it all over my shirt, and normally I am not too into a messy burger, but this is so good, I don’t care.
August 29th, 2009 at 11:12 am
Ain’t nuttin wrong with a messy burger, but there are scads and scads of thangs right with one.
8^)
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