Rich People's Palates: Burgers That Cost More Than Rent

Who doesn’t love a good hamburger? It’s one of my favorite foods, whether I prepare one at home or hit up the nearest drive-thru. Now and again, I splurge and treat myself to one of the fancy $20 burgers from Five Guys, like I have Lil’ Wayne money and am not checking my balance before merging into the line.

But I have limits.

​Sure, my budget dictates the limit, along with a taste palate that isn’t ready for ingredients found on the big league burgers. ​

It’s crazy to know that people actually spend $5k for a caviar burger. I could never, no matter how much money is in my bank account.

And that isn’t the most expensive burger on my list.

There’s a $5,967 burger, and allegedly, one priced at $11,000!

The cost of a single burger. No side items. No drink. No ketchup. No rent payment tossed in as a courtesy. Not even a goodie bag to take home. At such costly prices, I’d better walk out with a diamond bracelet and a share of company stock.

An “Affordable” Upscale Burger Option

Burger lovers on a budget have more affordable options, including the GlamBurger. Served at London’s Honky Tonk restaurant, the $1,770 burger is topped with caviar and gold leaf pieces. It’s made with Kobe Wagyu beef, venison, lobster, maple bacon, and black truffle brie. Chef Chris Large created the masterpiece burger concept.

Google told me gold leaf is edible, flavorless, and used as decoration. Pssh.. You’re telling me I’m paying so much extra, partly for the teeny-tiny decorative pieces? Forget presentation. Sloppy is better, and far less expensive.

Yes, I did say affordable burger. You'll understand why as you read more about the prices.

The $5,000 Hamburger

Who needs a college fund for the kids or a nice vacation when they can munch down on the FleurBurger at Fleur restaurant inside Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas? For just $5,000, you can savor the burger crafted by Chef Hubert Keller.

Okay, take a moment to recover from the shock.

It includes black truffles and foie gras, which may help ease some of the sticker shock. Personally, I don’t know what foie gras is, but it sounds too expensive for my taste buds. The guys pictured in the photo for the link sure think it's worth the price.

The burger once held the Guinness World Record as the most expensive burger in the world until The Golden Boy came along.

The Golden Boy Burger

Get your head out of the ring: I’m not talking about Oscar de la Hoya, although he did his thing as a boxer.

I'm talking about the upscale hamburger created by Chef Robbert Jan de Veen at De Daltons. It costs $5,967. It quickly took over the Guinness World Record spot as the most expensive burger in the world (single patty).

According to news reports, it takes nine hours to prepare this burger. I'd better get a personal thank-you card and a generous tip from the person who orders it. Working this long on a single burger is insane. It’s a no from me.

A BurgerThat Might Not Exist

Last but not least is the mysterious $11,000 burger from Asador Aupa. Only individuals hand-selected and invited to the restaurant can try this burger. It’s not on the menu. Only a few people have sampled it. The restaurant doesn’t list its ingredients online, so many people are inclined to think the burger doesn’t exist, but was used as a marketing ploy to encourage curious diners into the high-end restaurant.

I cannot imagine being on the list of people invited to eat a burger more expensive than a good used car. I can see the look on their faces when I walk into the restaurant wearing my fanciest sweatpants and Tupac shirt.

If the burger prices don't shock them, my look certainly will.

Reports say the price tag includes both the meal and the experience. ​

I'll Stick to The Drive-Thru

To each his own, but for me, nothing will ever beat a grease-dripping burger paired with salty fries from a fast food spot or local diner. Call me crazy, but I prefer burgers that I can eat without needing financing options.

So until someone invites me out to one of these fancy spots and foots the bill, you can catch me in the nearest McDonald’s drive-thru ordering my Quarter Pounder with cheese, fries, and a Coca-Cola with a smile on my face. And honestly? It tastes great. IDC what you say.