Mad Mike's

          Usually when a place starts talking about serving up "gourmet" burgers, we both roll our eyes, shake our heads and figure we're going to spend $10-15 for something that won't ever make our top 10 list. But Mad Mike's is different.
          With three locations, two in Florence and a new one in Newport (as well as an easy to navigate web site at http://madmikesburgers.com/), Mad Mike's seems to be in the business of making up good, fresh, tasty burgers, completely on site, at very affordable prices. Taking a page from the Five Guys handbook, Mad Mike's uses a counter and grill, spending operating funds more on quality than on a fancy server.
          The Newport location, where we went on a recommendation from a Facebook friend, is very airy and comfortable. There are plenty of tables and a true neighborhood vibe to the place.

Burgers

          Yes, there are gourmet burgers on the grill with everything ranging from a Greek style burger to one dripping in mushrooms or sporting a Hawaiian flavor. But as is our habit, we ordered up the basic build your own cheeseburger and it was mighty tasty.

          Like Five Guys, the burger is really a double with two huge 100% Black Angus beef patties dripping goodness from the bun. Also like Five Guys, the good folks at Mad Mike's essentially give you two orders of fries. Here's a tip, unless you are a French fry junkie, get one order for two people.

          The burgers themselves rivaled Five Guys and might even be better. Wait, no "might" about it, these are very, very good burgers. We left stuffed and raving about how good they tasted. You should make a trip across to Newport (a block south of the Levee) and give these burgers a try. Next time we might give one of the gourmet versions a go.