By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Sep 04, 2017 at 1:17 PM

If you love the flavors of Gypsy Taco at Boone & Crockett in Bay View, you’re going to want to check out Chef Mitch Ciohon’s latest venture: Gypsy Burger.

The new truck-based concept is in its soft opening phase this weekend. And, if you’re inclined, you can get your first taste today (Labor Day) from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. on the patio at Rogues Gallery, 134 E. Juneau Ave.

The concept is simple: great tasting classic smash burgers with fresh, creative toppings.

"The thing about Gypsy Taco is that it’s all about serving up food that’s made how I like it," says Ciohon. "Gypsy Burger is no different. I really love a classic Wisconsin smashed burger with tons of butter, a good bun and crispy fresh toppings. The flavors and the smells are the sort of thing that really takes me back to childhood."

Burgers are $6 each, and guests have their choice of four proteins: a beef patty, chicken thigh, veggie burger or the "protein of the week."

From there, it’s time to choose toppings. Currently, Gypsy Burger offers eight choices, most of which are derived from the toppings on Ciohon’s pork, chicken, beef and root vegetable tacos.

One burger features cabbage, pickles, jalapeno, cilantro and radish; another sports Greek flavors including kalamata olives, tzatziki, feta and tomatoes.

If you’re in the mood for a more classic burger, there’s No. 6: The Original Weezy Burger featuring lettuce, tomato, onions, bacon, queso, ketchup and aioli.

If you’re wondering about the name, Ciohon says it’s a throw-back to Weezy Burger, a food trailer he rehabbed about two years ago to take to festivals.The business got its name thanks to a Lil Wayne coaster they found in the back of the trailer while they were cleaning it out.

"And it just stuck," says Ciohon. "The burgers on the truck are, overall, a bit like the offerings from a grown up Weezy Burger.

Additional toppings – including bacon, fried egg, avocado or kettle chips – can be added to any burger for $1.

Sides include churros ($3), kettle chips with queso and Gypsy dust ($4) and – the must-try cult classic in the making – Gypsy Burger corn dogs drizzled with aioli and spicy ketchup ($6 gets you two).

Gypsy Burger will be open at Rogues Gallery from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.-ish Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.