This new dinosaur-themed restaurant just opened in Boise. Petrified onion rings?

A new dinosaur-themed local restaurant has opened — in a fittingly fossilized location.

Boise Towne Square mall.

(Ouch. That zinger was more vicious than a T-Rex, wasn’t it?)

Jurassic Burger recently debuted inside the food court. And while the cuisine doesn’t offer anything revolutionary, the names and descriptions are quite evolutionary. Menu references to ancient reptiles — plus the brand’s silly mascot, a dinosaur in a toque — make fast food feel more like fun food.

Hamburger options — four of them — start with the basic, lowest-priced Velociraptor Classic ($8). But Neanderthals will want to gnaw on the T-Rex Supreme ($13), “the biggest and fiercest.” It’s made with a “double beef patty, double sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, onion rings, lettuce, tomato and a special secret sauce.” Want something similar that makes you breathe a little fire? Try the Carnotaurus Spicy ($13), laced with jalapenos and “Lava” hot sauce.

If you’re not a caveman, there’s an option for plant eaters, too: a Triceratops Veggie burger ($12).

All burgers can be upgraded to combo meals for $6 (or $5 for the veggie version). But if you’d prefer to toss a spear at a separate appetizer, there are Saber-Tooth Tiger Teeth ($6, aka mozzarella sticks), Petrified Onion Rings ($6, hopefully not too petrified), Cretaceous Fries ($5, crispy, with sea salt and “secret sauce”) and Pterodactyl Nuggets ($6, aka chicken nuggets).

A couple of children’s menu meals ($12) are available, too.

Because Jurassic Burger is extremely new, only three reviews have hit Google: two 5-star, one 1-star. Consequently, it’s difficult to say whether the food is something to truly seek out when you’re in the Land of the Lost, er, Boise Towne Square. Either way, Jurassic Burger does seem like a no-brainer for families with young children. (As one mom noted on Google: “They have (a) kids menu and my son really liked the meal and his toy.”)

If things go well? And Jurassic Burger’s evolution eventually includes a breakfast menu?

Might we suggest a Sleestak of pancakes?

Michael Deeds

Idaho Statesman

208-377-6407

Michael Deeds is a long-serving entertainment reporter and opinion columnist at the Idaho Statesman, where he chronicles the Boise good life: restaurants, concerts, culture, cool stuff. He started as a summer intern after graduating from the University of Nebraska with a news-editorial journalism degree. Deeds’ prior Statesman roles have included sportswriter, music critic and features editor. His other writing has ranged from freelancing album reviews for The Washington Post to bragging about Boise in that inflight magazine you left on the plane.