Sometimes you can have your steakburger and eat it, too.

That’s what Winstead’s offers in my book. Here you have a really terrific burger from a local restaurant with a tradition dating back to 1940 and you can get it 24 hours a day from a drive-through window (at the Plaza location).

And there’s a dill pickle on the top: At the two locations I frequent the most, the original Plaza diner and the downtown Overland Park store on Metcalf, the drive-through service is lightning fast.

Throw in crazy low prices ($2.80 for a single with everything, including grilled onions, lettuce and tomato), and nine area locations, and I can’t think of a single reason to go to a national chain for beef on a bun.

Speaking of national chains, Winstead’s has been serving its chocolate frosty shake that you eat with a spoon longer than Wendy’s. This is the perfect summer to taste test it, if you’ve never had one.

Winstead’s steakburgers are of the smashed-flat on a grill variety that leaves juicy raggedy edges sticking out from the bun. I normally get the pickle, lettuce and tomato on my burger to be healthy, but when I’m feeling indulgent I stick to just the beef, grilled onions and mustard for a pure burger high.

The white buns are light, airy and flavorless, which is perfect. When a hamburger is really good, I don’t want any whole grain taste competing with the seared beef.

Although the drive-through is addictive for its speed, if you sit at the counter in the dining room on the Plaza, you’ll still get your burger in 10 minutes or less — with a side of fabulous late-deco, pink-neon-lit ambience.

Winstead’s

101 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd. (and eight other locations)

816-753-2244

WinsteadsSteakburger.com

Facebook: Yes

Hours: Dining room 6 a.m.-midnight daily; drive-through 24 hours. Hours at other locations vary.

Parking: Free and ample

Credit cards: Yes

Don’t miss: Single steakburger, $2.55

Ethics policy: The Star purchases all food sampled.