Loosewheels Burger Truck — Restaurant in Columbia

TV personality and author George Motz declared himself a 'burger scholar' after penning multiple books about hamburgers; he even wrote two books about his travels across the nation eating burgers in every state. Unfortunately for Motz and his readers, his interstate education of the 2000s/2010s did not include a PhD-level study of Loosewheels.

Smashburgers have become ubiquitous over the last two years thanks in part to chefs harkening back to the nostalgic siren's call of the American diner days. Marcus has been flipping these squashed, seared, delicious discs for several years now, long before they became en vogue again, and he has it down to a science. The patties have a wonderful sear that provides a distinctive crunch, even when cloaked in layers of gooey cheese, pickle, lettuce, and a smothering of mayo. Those layers are pressed between two soft buns and served atop seasoned crinkle-cut fries.

Loosewheels doesn't confine itself, or its creativity, to just single or double squashed patty. They've got several burgers on the menu, some featuring raclette cheese, some with perfectly seasoned and fried onion rings, patty melts, and some burgers sandwiched between two grilled cheeses. There is typically a weekly special that is sure to entice new and returning diners -- a meatloaf melt so good it sells out in minutes, loaded bacon cheeseburger french fries, a burger with fried mac n cheese, and more.

Take your friends and loved ones down an alleyway between a chiropractor's office and a pipe/cigar factory/bar, and share with them the best burger they will have...

It might look like a mess, and you’re right. A cheesy delicious rich mess of a burger.

A short time ago, my wife and I went on a journey to find the best burgers in Columbia. Most places failed miserably. We began to wonder if our lot in life was to eat mediocre burgers with no flavor, or burnt editions with lackluster toppings, or tasteless wonders from flattop grills across our fair city. A journey that started to feel depressing.

Then we found Loosewheels.

This isn’t a weekly trip to get a burger. The richness (and caloric intake) of this burger truck requires a more delicate approach. You gotta put some time in between trips.

But when you do dive in for a half pound of pimento cheese, 87 slices of perfectly crisped thick cut bacon (I may be over counting) and a 1/3 pound of delicious meat mix, you’ll be placed into a several hour burger coma of which you’ll come out a changed person.

You can also opt for a more tame traditional burger, or onion it up for that special.

Whatever you pick, you won’t be hungry for a week.

Highly...

I've officially found the best burger in muletown. I actually debated on whether or not to even post this review, just so I could keep it to myself!!! I had the Alley Melt w/onion rings. The excellent dip for the rings is a bloomin' addition, if you catch my drift... I can't wait to try the others, especially the next time the meatloaf melt or the chicken bacon ranch is available. Absolutely outstanding!

Update: the poutine melt is fantastic, the loose raclette fries, classic cheese wheel as well as the truck stop have not disappointed. Definitely my new...