Has anyone tried the Rodeo Cheeseburger from Burger King? Anyone? Turns out this tasty gem is not available everywhere, so I’m curious as to it’s availability. It’s been discontinued on a national level but still available as a ‘regional’ item. Currently it’s at some locations in the Washington Metro Area, specifically here in Maryland.

The Rodeo Cheeseburger was created to coincide with the release of the film “Small Soldiers” back in 1998. At that time it was my go-to burger at BK. It became a regular on the menu for a few years. Do you remember when Burger King introduced some new menu items including tacos? They didn’t last long. During the birth and quick demise of those BK Tacos, the Rodeo Cheeseburger was taken off the menu, and I resorted to my own tactics. See, the Rodeo Cheeseburger is pretty simple… it’s your standard BK cheeseburger (minus the ketchup/pickles etc) and what’s added in their place are 3 tasty onion rings and Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce.

This combination works well together. Very well. So in my times of need, when the Rodeo Cheeseburger was no longer on the BK menu, I’d resort to making my own. If your neighborhood Burger King doesn’t carry this item, just do it yourself. I did it for years. Order a plain cheeseburger… the burger patty and American cheese on the sesame seed bun, then order a side of onion rings and ask for some BBQ sauce. There you have it. Simple, delicious and worth the little extra effort.

Burger King re-introduced the Rodeo Cheeseburger in recent years for around $1.09, and it seems like every 6-8 months the price has gone up by a dime. It was holding steady at $1.39 for a while, but today I purchased one for $1.49, although still on the “Value Menu”. Worth every dime if you ask me. The only difference between the current Rodeo Cheeseburger and those of the past is the switch from Bulls-Eye BBQ sauce to Sweet Baby Ray’s. Both sauces are great. If you haven’t tried Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, it’s available in many grocery stores. Perfect blend of sweet and kick. I’ve already got a soft spot for BK’s onion rings and I’m happy they maintain good texture within the burger. No soggy rings here. There’s plenty of crunch in every bite.

I’ve tried to think of something negative to say about this burger, but for $1.49 I can’t. The BBQ sauce is tangy and sweet and goes well with the subtle flavor and crunch of the onion rings. The burger is held together nicely with melted American cheese. And if you’re eating on the go, you won’t make a complete mess, as with some bigger burgers. So if you’re in the mood for an inexpensive cheeseburger with a little western edge, go no further than your local Burger King for the Rodeo Cheeseburger. If it’s not available in your region, no problem, just make your own!

Price: $1.49 / Website: BurgerKing.com

Fast Food Critic Score: A

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Nutrition Facts - Burger King, Rodeo Cheeseburger.

Calories - 380
Calories from Fat - 180
Total Fat - 19 grams
Carbs - 40 grams
Saturated Fat - 8 grams
Trans Fat - 1.5 grams
Cholesterol - 30 milligrams
Sodium - 630 milligrams
Protein - 17 grams