Celebrate National Hamburger Day in style with great eats

Triple Prime Bacon Cheeseburger ($15.29)

According to some sources, on July 28, 1900, Louis Lassen of Louis’ Lunch in New Haven, Connecticut, invented the hamburger. While not everyone accepts Lassen as the father of the quintessential American sandwich, those who do have chosen July 28 as National Hamburger Day in his honor.

No matter who invented the hamburger, people love them. About 50 million hamburgers are eaten every year in the United States. Restaurants across the country offer their own variations, from classic to exotic to somewhere in between.

Hashtag Skillet ($12.99)

Ruby Tuesday has been offering up classic American cuisine for nearly 50 years, so of course they know their way around a hamburger. One of their most popular offerings is the Bacon Cheese-burger ($13.29). A 100 percent USDA Choice beef patty is served on a toasted brioche bun and topped with applewood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, onion, tomato and pickles. Of course, there are french fries on the side, For $2 more, upgrade to a Prime burger, handcrafted from USDA Prime beef. Gluten-free buns are available for an extra $1.

Not enough meat for you? Then go for the Half-Rack of Ribs ($18.99). Slow-cooked for hours until the meat falls off the bone, the ribs come with your choice of flavors, including Classic Barbecue, Texas Dusted, Hickory Bourbon, Sweet Tea Glazed, Nashville Hot or made-in-Hawaii Mango Kiawe. As a special for the months of August and September Ruby Tuesday is offering a half-rack of ribs, a Caesar salad, one side and a soft drink for $14.99.

Half-Rack of Ribs ($18.99)

If you want some greens to balance out all that meat, the Endless Garden Bar ($14.99) features fresh garden greens, crisp vegetables, premium cheeses and toppings, Ruby Tuesday’s famous croutons and a variety of dressings. You can add the Garden Bat to any entree for $6.99, or substitute the Garden Bar as your side for $4.99.

Ruby Tuesday is also a great place for breakfast. A local favorite is the Hashtag Skillet ($12.99). Chunks of corned beef, potatoes, peppers and onions are topped with poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce then served in a cast-iron skillet.

For August and September, Ruby Tuesday will be offering a special BOGO deal. Monday through Friday from 8 to 11 a.m., diners who buy one breakfast entree can get a second entree free. The second entree must be of equal or lesser value, and this offer may not be combined with other promotions.