Grill Master: Todd Nelson

Where: Breckenridge, Colo.

Why go: “It all starts with the beef,” says Empire Burger co-owner Ken Nelson. His six-year-old Breckenridge eatery grinds choice Black Angus beef—in the kitchen. After you order a sandwich (we like the green-chile cheeseburger with roasted Anaheim peppers and pepper-jack cheese) and fries, choose one of 20 dipping sauces, like Sriracha mayo or sweet mango chutney. And the caramel milkshakes? You’ll dream about them.

Details: 970-453-2329; empireburger.com