KANSAS CITY — Restaurants are beefing up their menus with burger innovation, offering new hamburgers with taco toppings, chimichurri vinaigrette, ribeye steak patties and chorizo.

Red Robin is debuting a duo of new burgers. The new Taco Tavern Double, the restaurant’s take on a cross between a taco and burger, features two fire-grilled beef patties, melted pepper jack cheese, crispy tortilla strips, guacamole, salsa and shredded lettuce on a sesame seed bun.

The Chimi Fresco Finest Burger features a half-pound black Angus beef patty with seared queso fresco, a chimichurri vinaigrette and aioli (made from a blend of olive oil, onions, parsley, cilantro, jalapeño, lime and red peppers), lettuce, tomatoes and pickled red onions on a telera bun.

Jonathan Muhtar, Red Robin
Jonathan Muhtar, senior vice-president and c.m.o. of Red Robin

“Red Robin is famous for remixing American classics to create innovative menu items that are full of flavor,” said Jonathan Muhtar, senior vice-president and chief marketing officer at Red Robin. “Our talented chefs can make just about anything work well as a burger, even a taco.”

Inspired by high-end steakhouses, Jack in the Box is adding ribeye burgers to its menu, featuring beef patties made with 100% ribeye beef.

The All American Ribeye Burger features a ribeye beef patty topped with red onion, sliced tomato, Provolone cheese, mayo and spring mix lettuce served on a potato bun.

The Havarti and Grilled Onion Ribeye Burger features a ribeye beef patty, sliced tomato, grilled onions, mayo, Havarti cheese and a savory red wine glaze all served on a potato bun.

Jennifer Kennedy, Jack in the Box
Jennifer Kennedy, director of product marketing at Jack in the Box

“Jack in the Box is proud to spearhead this shift in food culture by introducing fast-food’s first ribeye burger and elevating the overall dining experience,” said Jennifer Kennedy, director of product marketing at Jack in the Box. “This year we will continue prioritizing flavor, unique ingredients and surprising new menu items that satisfy the cravings our consumers did not even know they had.”

Whataburger is adding heat to its meat with the new Chorizo Burger. The spicy sandwich features seasoned chorizo sandwiched between two all-beef patties topped with two slices of Monterey Jack cheese, a fire-roasted blend of poblano peppers, red peppers and onions, and a creamy chili sauce made with six types of peppers all served on a toasted bun.

Click to view a slideshow of new menu items.