You’re standing in Planet Hollywood. The air smells like a mix of expensive HVAC systems and desperation. Then, suddenly, it hits you—the scent of wood-fired fat and expensive vinegar. That’s the Gordon Ramsay Vegas burger calling. Honestly, most people think it's just another celebrity trap, but after eating there more times than my cardiologist would approve of, I’ve realized people usually order the wrong thing and then complain about the price.
Vegas is weird.
It's a place where you can lose $500 on a slot machine in ten minutes without blinking, yet people get absolutely furious about a $27 burger. But here’s the thing: this isn't a Five Guys. It's not trying to be.
The Hell’s Kitchen Burger: Why it’s the Main Character
The Gordon Ramsay Vegas burger menu is dominated by one titan: the Hell’s Kitchen Burger. It’s basically the restaurant's mascot. You’ve got Asadero cheese, roasted jalapeños, avocado, and jalapeño aioli. It sounds like a lot of heat, but it’s actually kinda mellow. The roasting of the peppers takes the "punch you in the throat" edge off and leaves this smoky, sweet vibe.
But let’s talk about the beef.
Ramsay is obsessive. The patties at the Planet Hollywood location are cooked over a hardwood fire—the only spot on the Strip doing it quite like this. You get that char you can't fake with a flat-top grill. The blend is a secret-ish 70/20/10 ratio of chuck, short rib, and brisket. It’s heavy. It’s rich.
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If you want the "true" experience, you go for the Farmhouse Burger. Dubliner cheese, thick bacon, and a fried egg. It’s messy. You will need roughly 400 napkins. Don't plan on doing anything productive, like walking the Strip, for at least two hours after eating this.
The "Idiot Burger" and Other Flamingo Exclusives
If you’re at the newer Flamingo location, things get a little different. They have the "Idiot Burger"—a nod to his famous meme—which is loaded with braised short rib and gruyère. It's basically a heart attack on a brioche bun, but a very delicious one.
There’s also a "Full English Breakfast Burger" over there. It’s got a banger patty, tomato, and HP sauce. It’s polarizing. Some people love the nostalgia of a British fry-up in a bun; others think it’s a bit of a gimmick. Personally? I think the HP sauce makes it. It’s that tang you didn’t know you needed.
Beyond the Bun: The Sides People Overlook
Look, the burger is the star, but the supporting cast is doing a lot of the heavy lifting.
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- Truffle Fries: Everyone orders them. They’re $15 or so. Are they worth it? If you like Parmigiano-Reggiano and that earthy truffle punch, yes. They’re huge. Share them.
- Beer Battered Onion Rings: These are honestly better than the fries. They use chipotle ketchup and a cheddar ranch dip. The crunch is audible from three tables away.
- Kettle Chip Nachos: Topped with short rib and cheese sauce. It’s a meal on its own.
The Price of Admission (and the Wait)
Let’s be real. It’s expensive.
A meal for two—two burgers, one side, and maybe a couple of drinks—is going to run you $100 to $120 easily. If you add the "24-hour burger" or the Wagyu upgrade, you’re looking at $150. For a burger joint.
The wait is the other thing. If you don't have a reservation, you’re looking at a 45-minute to two-hour wait during peak times. The line at Planet Hollywood snakes around the casino floor like people are waiting for a kidney transplant.
Pro Tip: Book a reservation 48 hours in advance. If you’re a Caesars Rewards member with Diamond status or higher, you can usually skip the line. Otherwise, eat at 3:00 PM like a senior citizen to avoid the rush.
What Most People Get Wrong
People come here expecting a "standard" burger and get annoyed by the gourmet "fluff." This isn't about simplicity. It's about the butter-basted patty. It’s about the fact that they make their own ketchup.
If you want a thin, crispy smash burger, go to Shake Shack down the street. Ramsay’s burgers are thick. They’re "medium-rare or bust" kind of burgers. If you order it well-done, you’re essentially paying $30 for a hockey puck, and that’s on you.
The Sticky Toffee Pudding Ice Cream Sandwich is the secret MVP. It’s the dessert he’s famous for, but cold. It’s heavy, sweet, and probably contains more calories than a marathon runner burns in a week.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- Split the fries. The portions are massive. One order of Truffle Fries is plenty for two or even three people.
- Order Medium-Rare. The wood fire can dry out the meat quickly if you go past medium. Keep that pink center for the moisture.
- Check the location. The Planet Hollywood spot has the iconic fire wall and the "original" vibe, but the Flamingo location has exclusive menu items like the GFC (Gordon's Fried Chicken) sandwich.
- Drink the shakes. The Oreo or the strawberry cheesecake shakes are pudding-thick. They’re basically a meal.
The Gordon Ramsay Vegas burger experience is a quintessential Vegas moment. It’s loud, it’s flashy, and it’s a little bit over the top. But when you bite into that flame-grilled beef, you realize why the guy has all those Michelin stars. Just don't forget to make a reservation, or you'll be spending your vacation standing on a carpet that hasn't been deep-cleaned since 1998.