Chef Love is tong-ready.
Photo: nymag.com

Every May, Conde Nast Traveler releases its Hot List, a collection of the best new hotels, spas, restaurants, and nightspots. Check the Daily Traveler every day for a new post from this year's list.

Tim Love's tri level, perfectly situated burger joint is sandwiched between the 1858 White Elephant Saloon and the Bull Ring. "The Shack"overlooks the Stockyards Hotel (where Bonnie and Clyde made their last stand) and busy Exchange Avenue, where you're just as likely to see a horse as you are a hog--the two-wheeled variety. It also comes pretty close to having the perfect burger: The not-too-thick, not-too-thin patty of brisket and ground tenderloin is topped with apple-smoked bacon, a fried quail egg, American cheese, and special mayonnaise (Love Sauce), and served on Mrs. Baird's famous buns (grilled on the cut inside, so they stay soft on the outside ). Round it out with potato chips--spiced with rosemary, thyme, guajillo chili, and Parmesan cheese--and an Abita root beer. A hip young crowd comes for nightly live music. The Sunday movie nights, when the restaurant sets up a huge outdoor screen, are quickly becoming a local favorite (burgers, $3-$7).

Address: 110 E. Exchange Avenue
Tel: 817-740-8812

Further reading:
* The Love Shack
* Hot List 2008
* Tim Love's not the only Texan with tongs
* We're grilling fiends these days
* So is New York