Burger Joints - What's Your Fav?

[massphatness]

Been going out of my way recently to hit Shake Shack. There's something about their Smoke Shack Burger and those delicious cherry peppers along with the bacon & their sauce (I add onion too) that just hits the spot for me.

Based on burgers only, my top three - in order - would be:

1. Shake Shack
2. In 'n Out
3. Five Guys

Shout outs to Johnny Rockets for their Chocolate Malteds, and you won't be able convince that McDonald's doesn't have the best fries when you hit them just right. Other places may have a better fry on a consistent basis, but when a McDonald's french fry is in the zone, there's none better.

What do you like? And why?

:llp

[icehog3]

I'm a fan of In 'n Out....maybe it's because I only get them when I go to Cali, but their quality reminds me of Wendys when they first opened up and gave a sh!t.

Besides that there is no other chain I get burgers from. Lots of good independant burger joints in Chicagoland though.

[kelmac07]

I'm a fan of Steak 'N Shake...just love the old school feel of the place and really enjoy the food. And the shakes ain't bad either.

[AdamJoshua]

Never ever was an In 'n Out fan to be honest.

Five Guys for local but there are a lot of places here that I've never been to that people swear by Slater's 50/50 and Hodadies to name two.

[Dave128]

There's one around here called Juicy Burger. They use really good sirloin for their burgers and they're mostly build your own.

[Porch Dweller]

My top two are local places:
1) Love Shack. Yes, that's the name. It's a small place about a mile from my house. Limited hours and days of operation. Run by a husband and wife who do all the cooking. The burgers are fantastic; they take great pride in them and it shows. My favorite has caramelized onions, grilled mushrooms, and blue cheese on it. It is a sublime burger.

2) Mugshots. A local place that started in Hattiesburg, Mississippi then grew to have franchises throughout the state and in Alabama. Has won awards for best burger in the state every year for pretty much the last decade. Just flat-out great burgers. Their wings are great too, especially with the Carolina honey-mustard sauce.

3) Whataburger. When it comes to a fast-food burger, it's hard to beat Whataburger.

Honorable mention: McD's Quarter Pounder w/cheese and a side of hot and salty fries. Ol' reliable. Toss in a large Sprite and you have what was in my youth my hangover cure. :D

[Brandon]

My favorite is Beinlichs outside of Chicago. They make a very tender patty, not too thick or thin. They only allow grilled onions and cheese to be ordered on the burger... they don't allow salads. It's a lodge type atmosphere with the short menu posted on the wall.

I do a version of theirs. Fresh ground chuck ensures plenty of oozing fat. Slow smoking adds more goodness. Searing on the cast iron over blazing coals give a great crust. The meat is frozen before grinding, and spread out before seasoning and forming patties. A good burger should not be over compacted
Punt

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i419/bsthe/64061011-9E3D-439A-ADDA-C0BC79B79CE1_zpsfy1yl6wn.jpg (http://s1092.photobucket.com/user/bsthe/media/64061011-9E3D-439A-ADDA-C0BC79B79CE1_zpsfy1yl6wn.jpg.html)
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[The Poet]

My favorite burger joint isn't anymore. As a fat prepubescent in the early/mid '60s my dear departed mother used to take me to the lunch counter at G.C. Murphy's a few Saturdays a month. I can still taste those big grilled burgers today, crispy on the outside and juicy in the middle. Perfectly balanced with lettuce, tomato, bacon, and cheese, all on a bun always as fresh as the ground round . . . man, they were great, each and every time.

There's no more Murphy's, there's no more Mom, and there's damn few lunch counters left in this world also. I'd give my left one for one more of those Saturdays.

[Black Coral]

1) le tub Fort Lauderdale - burger and key lime pie
2) aux cheval in Chicago - burger and pepper bacon
3) matts bar in Minneapolis - burger and juicy Lucy
4) anchor bar in superior Wisconsin - burger and home cut fries but the atmosphere is awesome
5) Vj's drive inn Winnipeg Canada - burger and hotdogs and homemade double Greek fries
6) dairy whip in Winnipeg Canada - burger or hot dog but the chili fries shoestring style
8) Charlies idrive (bar seats only and on kids menu)
9) whataburger
10) in and out
11) Freddy's

[Nazgul]

I'm in the minority here, so don't go too hard on me: Burger King. Yeah, the whopper does it for me, better than anywhere else... though, we don't have the same selection in Canada as you 'muricans.

[CigarNut]

Big chains: In-and-Out and Five Guys
PNW: Mcmenamins (a brewpub chain)

[pnoon]

Big chains: Smashburger & Habit Burger
Local: Callahan's and Slaters 50/50 (half beef - half bacon)

[longknocker]

1. Mugshots
2. Whataburger
3. Five Guys

[longknocker]

Love Me Some Mugshots!:dr
http://www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com

[Porch Dweller]

Love Me Some Mugshots!:dr
http://www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com

:tu

I usually get a burger and take an order of wings home.

[Chainsaw13]

Big chains: Smashburger. Love the bacon and blue.

Local joint: Mercury Burger Bar. Some creative combinations, with a side of tater tot poutine. Worth killing my diet for once in a while.

[T.G]

Local place, Plainfield Station. Was a gas & service station built in the 1930's for a town that no longer exists (Plainfield). Somewhere along the way it turned into the complete dive that it is today. Great sloppy burgers, cold beer often short poured because they won't dump the foam, nutty owner, trashy old barmaids, at least a 35% chance you are going to run into someone you know there, torn barstools, slightly dilapidated building, **** adorning most every spot on the walls and ceiling, neons and posters from beers they don't even sell, and a huge back patio where you can smoke (a rarity here in CA). Someone once published a review and called it "The rural version of Cheers". Everything that goes together to make a dive bar & grill great.


As for chains, they are all about the same to me. Krush and Habit are a bit better, followed by In-N-Out and Five Guys.


PS: I miss the old Hamptons on Highland. :( Nothing really compared to that place, something so unique about it.

[tsolomon]

Local - Urban Butcher, they cure their own meats and make their burgers using dry aged steak. It's a $20 burger after you add the house cured bacon and cheese, but it is the best burger I have ever had.

Chains:
Shake Shack
Whataburger
BurgerFi

[ksknnr]

for chains I like smash burger and Wahlburgers,
My favorite is Mr. Bartley's Burgers in Harvard square Cambridge,

[Ashcan Bill]

Strictly a west coast operation but I've been chomping down on these since the early 70's. Amazingly I'm still alive. Mostly.

http://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/a514/wak52/Forum%20Images/Tommys_zpssvx3gfvu.jpg

[dave]

Was asking around recently, myself. Had a spectacularly crappy burger experience at TGIF recently. Love Ted's Montana Grill burgers....but, I have a little trouble swallowing the $50 check for two. I have been a fan of 5 Guys for years, but last couple visits were disappointing...not sure if it is them or me. I, too, like BK on rare occasion...the BK Junior is a good, little burger most of the time. And, I have to strongly disagree with the comment about McD's fries....they have sucked big time since they changed the oil...what, maybe 15-18 years ago? The BK fries are far and away better.

Denny's patty melt used to be as good a burger as you could get at 2AM...but they dropped it from their menu a couple years ago and I no longer see any reason to go near the place.

I've had good experiences at Red Robin and Fuddruckers, but neither for quite some time. I'm going to try both very soon...if only to get the taste of that TGIF burger out of my mouth.

[CigarNut]

Strictly a west coast operation but I've been chomping down on these since the early 70's. Amazingly I'm still alive. Mostly.

http://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/a514/wak52/Forum%20Images/Tommys_zpssvx3gfvu.jpg

Ooohh -- I do love me some Tommy's! Used to go to Tommy's all the time when I lived in SoCal.

[dave]

Just checked... the McD oil change I was referring to was in 1990 (beef tallow to vegetable)....geez, I'm getting old

[Dux]

Been going out of my way recently to hit Shake Shack. There's something about their Smoke Shack Burger and those delicious cherry peppers along with the bacon & their sauce (I add onion too) that just hits the spot for me.

Based on burgers only, my top three - in order - would be:

1. Shake Shack
2. In 'n Out
3. Five Guys

Shout outs to Johnny Rockets for their Chocolate Malteds, and you won't be able convince that McDonald's doesn't have the best fries when you hit them just right. Other places may have a better fry on a consistent basis, but when a McDonald's french fry is in the zone, there's none better.

What do you like? And why?

:llp

If I could have a SS burger with FG fries :dr:dr

[Porch Dweller]

Was asking around recently, myself. Had a spectacularly crappy burger experience at TGIF recently. Love Ted's Montana Grill burgers....but, I have a little trouble swallowing the $50 check for two. I have been a fan of 5 Guys for years, but last couple visits were disappointing...not sure if it is them or me. I, too, like BK on rare occasion...the BK Junior is a good, little burger most of the time. And, I have to strongly disagree with the comment about McD's fries....they have sucked big time since they changed the oil...what, maybe 15-18 years ago? The BK fries are far and away better.

Denny's patty melt used to be as good a burger as you could get at 2AM...but they dropped it from their menu a couple years ago and I no longer see any reason to go near the place.

I've had good experiences at Red Robin and Fuddruckers, but neither for quite some time. I'm going to try both very soon...if only to get the taste of that TGIF burger out of my mouth.


http://i.imgur.com/hHWGev8.jpg

:D :D :D

I'd rather not eat fries than eat BK fries. And I loves me some fries, so that's saying something. :)

[dave]

Well...I'm willing to agree to disagree.

I will say, however, that while I also love me some fries....Wendy's fries are not even edible

[icehog3]

My favorite is Beinlichs outside of Chicago. They make a very tender patty, not too thick or thin. They only allow grilled onions and cheese to be ordered on the burger... they don't allow salads. It's a lodge type atmosphere with the short menu posted on the wall.



That's probably tops among the independants in Chicagoland, not sure why, but they're awesome. Introduced by the Dark Lord many years ago.

I remember when the chain first opened, Fuddruckers were really good. They went downhill over the years, and now they're not even around here anymore.

[The Poet]

Nota bene, Harold & Kumar did NOT go to Mickey Ds.

[Porch Dweller]

Well...I'm willing to agree to disagree.

I will say, however, that while I also love me some fries....Wendy's fries are not even edible

Wendy's were great back when they were the larger fries and some had the skin on them. I don't know why they changed them, but yep, they're no good.

[Subvet642]

Without a doubt it would be Nicky's in Wrentham, Mass. The burgers are Old School; no frills, nothing fancy but... high quality ingredients, bakery buns, everything expertly prepared with the lettuce, tomato and pickles served on the side. The meat to bun to condiment ratio is perfect; everything is always perfect. It is quite simply the best diner in the Universe! I have no connection with it whatsoever but check out this menu:

http://www.nickysfamilydining.com/lunch-dinner-menu/

[longknocker]

http://i.imgur.com/hHWGev8.jpg

:D :D :D

I'd rather not eat fries than eat BK fries. And I loves me some fries, so that's saying something. :)

Agreed. I Will Not Eat BK Fries. McD, Whataburger, Five Guys Fries Are Good!:tu

[Mr.Maduro]

Shake Shack

[Porch Dweller]

Without a doubt it would be Nicky's in Wrentham, Mass. The burgers are Old School; no frills, nothing fancy but... high quality ingredients, bakery buns, everything expertly prepared with the lettuce, tomato and pickles served on the side. The meat to bun to condiment ratio is perfect; everything is always perfect. It is quite simply the best diner in the Universe! I have no connection with it whatsoever but check out this menu:

http://www.nickysfamilydining.com/lunch-dinner-menu/

That's a nice menu. I grew up in New England and miss the seafood. Not that the stuff down here is bad, but it ain't New England.

[ksknnr]

Without a doubt it would be Nicky's in Wrentham, Mass. The burgers are Old School; no frills, nothing fancy but... high quality ingredients, bakery buns, everything expertly prepared with the lettuce, tomato and pickles served on the side. The meat to bun to condiment ratio is perfect; everything is always perfect. It is quite simply the best diner in the Universe! I have no connection with it whatsoever but check out this menu:

http://www.nickysfamilydining.com/lunch-dinner-menu/

I'm going to have to check this place out, only about 1/2 hour from me

[mosesbotbol]

Suprised no one has mentioned Minetta Tavern in NYC. The age of the beef comes through like I have never had on hamburger, but price like it too...

I like Wild Willy's which is a small chain around New England. Straightforward, but top notch. Actually one of my favorite regular family places to eat.

[icehog3]

I didn't mention Minetta Tavern because I've never been to NYC. :D

[T.G]

I didn't mention Minetta Tavern because I've never been to NYC. :D

That's no excuse.

[nutcracker]

Come to Winnipeg - the ultimate hipster joint:
Nuburger

They are excellent - with burgers like:
Blueberry yum yum
Drunken Aussie
Etc

Otherwise I go with Five Guys

[AdamJoshua]

Well they aren't around anymore but in Somerville MA there was Worldly Wings, I worked there when I first got to Boston, we would trim down whole roast beefs to cook for sandwiches and take the trimmings and grind them for burgers while mixing in some chuck and other cow parts. They actually had great "steak burgers" as they called them. It was right next door to the Jazz club where Whitey used to meet with his boys.

Without a doubt it would be Nicky's in Wrentham, Mass. The burgers are Old School; no frills, nothing fancy but... high quality ingredients, bakery buns, everything expertly prepared with the lettuce, tomato and pickles served on the side. The meat to bun to condiment ratio is perfect; everything is always perfect. It is quite simply the best diner in the Universe! I have no connection with it whatsoever but check out this menu:

http://www.nickysfamilydining.com/lunch-dinner-menu/


I'm going to have to check this place out, only about 1/2 hour from me

Perfect.

Also this Extras: Jimmies $.10 You can tell New England by "Jimmies" even I Florida we grew up saying that as my family was from Boston, never sprinkles always Jimmies.

(All kidding aside, you can't beat the prices there!)

[Subvet642]

Also this You can tell New England by "Jimmies" even I Florida we grew up saying that as my family was from Boston, never sprinkles always Jimmies.

(All kidding aside, you can't beat the prices there!)

Don't forget the Frappe (In New England frappes have ice cream, shakes don't).

[Subvet642]

I'm going to have to check this place out, only about 1/2 hour from me

It's worth the trip. The wife and I travel from Weymouth.

[icehog3]

Been meaning to try this place, Kuma's Corner, a heavy metal burger joint. Less than 10 minutes from the house. The Burgers of the Month are wild.

http://www.kumasschaumburg.com/menu

[Brandon]

Didn't try them before leaving town, but heard they are good. Used to frequent the Twisted Spoke frequently when I was in the West Loop. They have great bloody Mary's to go with your butger

[Porch Dweller]

Been meaning to try this place, Kuma's Corner, a heavy metal burger joint. Less than 10 minutes from the house. The Burgers of the Month are wild.

http://www.kumasschaumburg.com/menu

I saw that on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives and the burgers looked really good. If you go, you'll have to follow-up and let us know how it was.

[icehog3]

Didn't try them before leaving town, but heard they are good. Used to frequent the Twisted Spoke frequently when I was in the West Loop. They have great bloody Mary's to go with your butger

I hit the Twisted Spoke before Hawks' games, but I am a fish taco guy there. They have one of the best beer lists in the city as well, and dirty hot waitresses.

I saw that on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives and the burgers looked really good. If you go, you'll have to follow-up and let us know how it was.

Absolutely, James. :tu

Thinking the Led Zeppelin unless there's something off menu that beats that description.

[dijit]

Bubs burgers in Carmel IN

The elk ugly burger is the only way to go.

[The Poet]

Thinking the Led Zeppelin unless there's something off menu that beats that description.

Maybe tell them you're a Whitesnake man. :D

[AdamJoshua]

I hit the Twisted Spoke before Hawks' games, but I am a fish taco guy there. They have one of the best beer lists in the city as well, and dirty hot waitresses.



Absolutely, James. :tu

Thinking the Led Zeppelin unless there's something off menu that beats that description.


When I first heard the name and a couple of the burger names I had hope but I don't think hardcore rock burgers would have "poached apple cinnamon pear reduction" .... Maybe you should try the poser burger. Just sayin' :sl

[Porch Dweller]

When I first heard the name and a couple of the burger names I had hope but I don't think hardcore rock burgers would have "poached apple cinnamon pear reduction" .... Maybe you should try the poser burger. Just sayin' :sl

Just because you're metal don't mean you don't have skills in the kitchen! :D

[icehog3]

Maybe tell them you're a Whitesnake man. :D

I got a whitesnake you might find tasty. ;)

When I first heard the name and a couple of the burger names I had hope but I don't think hardcore rock burgers would have "poached apple cinnamon pear reduction" .... Maybe you should try the poser burger. Just sayin' :sl

I'm eating 'em, not designing 'em, Buddy Boy. And the Zep is a burger with pulled pork shoulder, and I'll add bacon. So you know where you can stick the pear reduction. :r

[Subvet642]

Just because you're metal don't mean you don't have skills in the kitchen! :D

...or a cute, frilly apron. :lr

[mahtofire14]

My favorite place here in the Twin Cities is Blue Door Pub. They specialize in "Juicy Lucy's" which are cheese stuffed burgers but these guys do it with some great combinations. They also have awesome apps and have some of the Twin Cities' best micro brews on tap.

http://www.thebdp.com

[CigarNut]

I remembered another local burger joint that we really like: The Cruise Inn Country Diner (http://cruiseincountry.com). It's very rural, in the midst of some farm land. I really like their Chili Burger with lots of onions!

[AdamJoshua]

I remembered another local burger joint that we really like: The Cruise Inn Country Diner (http://cruiseincountry.com). It's very rural, in the midst of some farm land. I really like their Chili Burger with lots of onions!

I just like that according to the menu they serve "trim on the side". :noon

[Porch Dweller]

I just like that according to the menu they serve "trim on the side". :noon

That right there made me literally laugh out loud. :D

[s15driftking]

Place here in Columbus Ohio called Ringside Cafe. Killer Burgers!

[E.J.]

If you ever end up in Salt Lake and want a quick burger & beer, go to Lucky 13. If you ever take that advice, thank me later.

As far as chain burgers, 5 Guys has my vote.