Everyone is thinking about comfort food!

With TOOT last week and holidays right around the corner, everyone is thinking about comfort food. That said, a burger with a side of fries has been America’s quintessential year-round comfort food for over a half-century, and the Asylum in downtown Lewisburg is turning heads with “Burger of the Week”. Restaurant owner, Colin Rose, and manager, Paula Marie Thomas, feature a different burger every week in all their delicious glory. The formulas are pretty classic, but executed perfectly, and with unabashed tendency for the indulgent. They are all served with a side of traditional fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings.

Some recent burgers included the “White Cheddar Burger.” This was a standout as it was topped with bacon, crispy fried onions, bbq sauce, jalapenos, and avocado spread. There was also the “Fried Pickle Burger” with ranch; and the “A-1 Burger” which was covered in Swiss cheese and sautéed mushrooms. But who can forget the kickoff to Mountaineer football season with the “Beat Tech Burger” which was topped with chili, slaw, and a cheddar beer sauce. Did WVU win? Not exactly, but the burger cheered up Mountaineer fans. The Asylum’s “Donut Burger,” “Mac n Cheese Bacon Burger” with an onion ring and “Chicken Bacon Alfredo Burger” have all left patrons’ taste buds longing for more creative recipes. Referring to the “Beat Tech Burger,” Asylum customer, Botts Smith writes, “What a burger. Had it last night. Right on the $”

Burger of the week was inspired by Paula and Colin’s travels.

Burger of the week was inspired by Paula and Colin’s travels. While dining out at various bars and restaurants, they loved all the burger variations. And since burgers have always been the Asylum’s top-selling menu item, Paula wanted to deliver a new genius creation each week. Since its start, it has been a huge success and leaving their burger-loving patrons craving more.

“There will always be a burger of the Week at The Asylum. We have people call and Facebook message us to find out what the new burger will be. We also have people who want to order previous burgers of the week so I think it caught on!” – Paula Marie Thomas, Asylum manager. 

Colin and Paula give credit to their kitchen. “They oftentimes find an interesting burger recipe and then switch things up a bit,” says Paula. She goes onto say that while they have fun with their methods, they take the craft seriously. Paula’s favorite burger-of-the-week so far was the “Peanut Butter Bacon Burger.” She tells us the most popular one so far is a toss up between the latter and the “Bacon Egg and Cheese Burger.” The Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Burger is so popular, it’s served all day every Sunday. #burgerbrunch

Their most creative burger…

Asked about their most creative burger, Paula says it’s the “Fried Onion, Bacon, White Cheddar, and Guacamole Burger.” Paula also goes on to say that, “There will always be a burger of the Week at the Asylum. We have people calling now and Facebook messaging us to find out what the new burger will be. We also have people who want to order previous burgers of the week so I think it caught on!” It is no wonder the Asylum is starting to gain a cult burger following in Lewisburg.  A restaurant goer recently wrote, “Last week’s ‘burger of the week’ was AWESOME. Guess I will have try this one too” – Tyrie Martinsson. (White Cheddar Burger with avocado spread).

See what all the buzz is about and make plans to stop in the Asylum this October to try “Burger of the Week.” All burger specials begin on a Friday and run until the following Thursday. Here is the list of upcoming weekly burgers specials and live music:

Friday, Oct 6: “OktoberFest IPA Burger,” which is topped with IPA braised onions, ranch, Swiss cheese, and bacon. Live music by Martin and Kelly.

Friday, Oct 13: “Reuben Burger” with sour kraut, Swiss, corned beef, and thousand-island dressing. Live music by Qiet.

Friday, Oct 20: “Apple Harvest Burger” with cheddar, apple, and bbq sauce. Live music by Amber North.

Friday, Oct 27: “Toasted Marshmallow Burger” (featured article photo) which holds a campfire taste and is smothered in bacon, sweet potato fries, bacon, and marshmallow. Live music by Harrison Bounds.

Burgers are a neighborhood bar staple

Burgers are a neighborhood bar staple and the Asylum’s weekly specials are worth checking out! Support local and pair your burger with a chilled glass of mead by Monticola Meadery or a cold brew by Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company. The Asylum is located at 399 Randolph Street, East in Lewisburg. The Asylum is open everyday from 11am-11pm. You can order your food any night of the week at 10:59pm and be served. And if the power goes out in town or there’s a local water issue, the Asylum will have its doors open using their generator and water pump. For more information, follow them at facebook.com/asylumlewisburg or call 681-318-3515.

Also, check out “Good Eats” Get Committed at the Asylum” 

– HashtagWV #94. October 2017.