Keep It Simple Burger at Red Robin: Full Review, Price, Calories & Copycat Recipe
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Read the Full Menu for Red RobinSometimes you don't want ten toppings, three sauces, and a pile of bacon. You just want a good burger. That's exactly what the Keep It Simple Burger from Red Robin gives you. It's part of the Gourmet Burgers lineup, but it skips the extras and focuses on a fresh patty, crisp veggies, and a soft brioche bun. In this guide, I'll walk you through the taste, the price, the calories, whether it's worth ordering, and a copycat recipe you can make at home tonight.
What Is the Keep It Simple Burger?
The Keep It Simple Burger is Red Robin's no-frills option inside the Gourmet Burger menu. It comes with your choice of a beef patty, a grilled chicken breast, or an ancient grain veggie patty. Each version gets the same simple toppings: pickles, onion, lettuce, and tomato, all stacked on a soft brioche bun. There's no special sauce and no long list of add-ons unless you ask for them.
Red Robin built this burger for guests who want something that fits almost any diet. You can order it plain, add cheese, or turn it into a lettuce wrap. It's also one of the easiest items on the menu to customize, since the base recipe is already short.
What Comes With It
- Your choice of beef, chicken breast, or ancient grain veggie patty
- Fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles
- Soft brioche bun
- One side of your choice, including Bottomless Steak Fries
Taste Review: How Does It Actually Taste?
★★★★☆
The Keep It Simple Burger tastes exactly like the name promises. The beef patty is juicy and seasoned well, so it doesn't need heavy sauce to taste good. The bun stays soft but holds up under the patty without falling apart. Pickles bring a sharp bite, the onion adds crunch, and the tomato keeps every bite fresh instead of heavy.
If you've tried the Red Robin Tavern Burger, you already know Red Robin can do simple well. The Keep It Simple Burger takes that same idea and applies it to the full-size Gourmet Burger format. The chicken version tastes lighter and works well for guests who want fewer calories without losing that classic burger feel. The veggie patty has a slightly nutty, grain-forward taste that holds together nicely and doesn't fall apart like some veggie patties do.
Where it falls a little short is flavor excitement. Because there's no special sauce, some guests find it plain compared to loaded options like the Whiskey River BBQ or Bacon Cheeseburger. That's really the trade-off here: less mess, more control, but less bold flavor out of the box.
Burger Extras & Customization Options
One of the best things about the Keep It Simple Burger is how easy it is to make it your own. Since the base is minimal, every topping you add actually stands out. Here are popular ways guests build it up:
- Add a slice of American, cheddar, Swiss, or pepper-jack cheese
- Swap the beef patty for the ancient grain veggie patty for a lighter, plant-forward option
- Ask for A.1. steak sauce or mayo on the side for dipping
- Skip the bun and get it wrapped in lettuce for a lower-carb meal
- Add crispy bacon or a fried egg for a heartier bite
- Trade fries for a side salad if you want something lighter
Because Bottomless Steak Fries come standard with most burger orders, some guests also like to pair their Keep It Simple Burger with a shared appetizer from the appetizer menu, like Towering Onion Rings, when eating with a group.
Keep It Simple Burger Calories & Nutrition
Calories change depending on which patty you pick, so here's a breakdown based on the most current nutrition data available. Numbers can shift slightly by location and by exact preparation, so treat these as a close estimate rather than an exact figure.
| Patty Choice | Calories | Total Fat | Carbs | Protein | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef Patty | 640 | 33g | 50g | 35g | 1,010mg |
| Ancient Grain Veggie Patty | 370 | 7g | 64g | 15g | 1,260mg |
| Grilled Chicken Breast | ~390 | 10g | 47g | 32g | ~980mg |
Nutrition figures are estimates based on published Red Robin data and third-party nutrition trackers as of September 2026. Confirm exact numbers with your local restaurant, since recipes and sourcing can vary slightly by location.
How Much Does the Keep It Simple Burger Cost?
The Keep It Simple Burger is one of the more affordable options on the Gourmet Burger menu. As of September 2026, most locations price it in the $13 to $15 range, which includes your choice of side. Pricing can vary by state, city, and even by individual restaurant, so it's a good idea to check your local menu before you order, especially if you're using the Happy Hour menu or a promotional deal that might lower the price further.
Compared to loaded burgers like the Cheesy Bacon Fondue or MadLove, which often run closer to $17 to $18, the Keep It Simple Burger gives you real savings without giving up a full-size, satisfying meal.
Is the Keep It Simple Burger Worth Ordering?
👍 Why It's Worth It
- Affordable price compared to loaded burgers
- Easy to customize for allergies or diets
- Comes in beef, chicken, or veggie versions
- Fresh toppings that don't overpower the patty
- Great choice for picky eaters or family orders
👎 Where It Falls Short
- Less bold flavor than specialty burgers
- No sauce included unless you ask
- Beef version still runs fairly high in sodium
- May feel plain if you're craving something loaded
For most guests, the answer is yes, it's worth ordering. If you're dining with kids from the kids menu or planning a family menu order where not everyone wants a heavy burger, this is a dependable pick that rarely disappoints. It's also a smart choice if you're watching calories or sodium but still want that classic burger experience. Pair it with a milkshake and you've got a complete, satisfying meal.
Copycat Keep It Simple Burger Recipe
You don't have to visit Red Robin to enjoy this burger. Here's a step-by-step copycat recipe that recreates the same fresh, simple flavor at home.
Homemade Keep It Simple Burger
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (680g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
- 4 brioche burger buns
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices of dill pickle (or more to taste)
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded or leaf lettuce
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil, for the griddle
- Optional: 4 slices of cheese, A.1. steak sauce for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Divide the ground beef into four equal balls, about 6 ounces each. Handle it gently so the patties stay tender.
- Flatten each ball into a patty slightly wider than your bun, since it will shrink as it cooks. Press a small dimple into the center of each patty with your thumb.
- Season both sides of each patty generously with salt and pepper right before cooking.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add the oil.
- Cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side without pressing down, so the juices stay locked in.
- Flip once, then cook for another 3 minutes for medium doneness. If adding cheese, place it on top during the last minute so it melts.
- While the patties rest for 2 minutes, lightly toast the brioche buns cut-side down in the same pan for extra flavor.
- Spread mayonnaise on the bottom bun, then layer lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.
- Place the cooked patty on top of the vegetables, then close with the top bun.
- Serve immediately with fries or a side salad, and A.1. steak sauce on the side if you want that classic Red Robin touch.
Recipe Notes
For the veggie version, swap the beef patty for a store-bought ancient grain or black bean veggie patty and cook it according to package directions. For the chicken version, use a boneless chicken breast, pound it to an even thickness, season the same way, and grill for 5 to 6 minutes per side until fully cooked.
View More Red Robin Menus
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Frequently Asked Questions
What patty choices come with the Keep It Simple Burger?
You can choose a beef patty, a grilled chicken breast, or an ancient grain veggie patty. All three come with the same toppings and bun.
How many calories are in the Keep It Simple Burger?
The beef version has around 640 calories, the veggie version has around 370 calories, and the grilled chicken version comes in around 390 calories. These numbers can vary slightly by location.
How much does the Keep It Simple Burger cost?
Most locations price it between $13 and $15 as of September 2026, and it comes with your choice of side. Prices vary by state and restaurant location.
Is the Keep It Simple Burger a healthy option?
The veggie and chicken versions are lighter choices, with fewer calories and less fat than the beef patty. It's a solid pick if you want a burger without heavy sauces or extra toppings.
Can I make the Keep It Simple Burger at home?
Yes. It's one of the easiest Red Robin burgers to recreate. Use a seasoned beef patty, a brioche bun, and simple toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, as shown in the copycat recipe above.
Does the Keep It Simple Burger come with a side?
Yes, it's served with your choice of side, which can include Bottomless Steak Fries, a side salad, or other available options depending on your location.
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