Last Tuesday, Merle's--a burger bar that also serves casual comfort eats such as ribs, pulled pork, meatloaf, and fresh-cut fries--opened in Old Town Littleton. "We took the ugliest piece of property--this was originally a gas station in the 1930s, and then a garage, and then Merle's Alignment--and we did a major addition," explains David Svenson, who co-owns the restaurant with Mark Teets. The restaurant sports an automotive theme (complete with eight garage doors and the historic sign) so diners can appreciate the salvaged building, and finally turns a local eyesore into a gathering spot. Svenson says Merle's is shooting for a best burger and fries award, and while I haven't been yet, I'm looking forward to checking out the offerings. 2609 W. Main St., Littleton, 303-797-600