By: Inna Shamis
Despite the fact that we live in a world increasingly populated by vegetarians and constant-dieters – it’s a relief to know that not everyone hates meat or is watching his or her waistline!
With its original ascent to modern popularity in the late 1800’s, the hamburger has become the quintessential American tradition (which has also found its way across many borders).
Sold anywhere from food carts on a city corner and good ol’ burger joints, to fine dining establishments and distinguished steak houses, a good burger can be a real delight.
Whatever topping or condiment is chosen to accompany the burger usually depends on where you’re from – New Yorkers love lettuce, tomato and raw onions, Californians loves chili or mustard, while the Southerners can’t get away from adding some spicy hot sauce to give the burger a little kick.
Either way, if you often find yourself in a burger mood… or wonder what’s the best and where it can be found – wonder no more!
With no shortage of great burgers havens from around the globe, get ready to chow and loosen those belt loops at one of journeyPod’s picks:
Tessaro’s (Pittsburgh, PA) – While the menu offers much more than just burgers, the restaurant’s soul lies strictly with its famously big, juicy burgers. Get ready for a bit of a wait, since most locals crowd into the booths and get their palettes ready for Tessaro’s beefy concoction of half-pound, hand-slapped cooked-to-order burgers – all prepared in the open 500-degree hardwood-fired grill. The place also offers some of the most imaginable toppings and allows meat-lovers to order medium-rare burgers some other restaurants won’t often allow (thanks to the freshest meat).
White Manna (Hackensack, New Jersey) – A Garden State institution, White Manna has been serving burgers for over 70 years! A no-frills, shoebox-sized cheap eatery, it still serves some of the best burgers in the NJ Metropolitan area. The secret in these delights lies in the simplicity of the burger and the pure freshness of the meat. But be prepared to wear a bib – the burgers are unceasingly unattractive and often lopsided – but always delish and well worth the messiness.
Peter Luger (New York, NY) – The “Luger Burger” as it’s fondly known is made up of top-quality meats like prime-aged porterhouse trimmings and prime chuck – which is also no wonder why it’s on our list. Served with a thick juicy slice of onion and on two slices of white bread… this burger is so good, you’ll want to avoid the other trimmings like ketchup or mustard. Here’s a tip: the burger is not on the menu, but if you happen to be in the area at midday, stop in and just ask for one. They’re happy to oblige.
Le Tub (Hollywood, FL) – A local hangout with the perfect location, Le Tub serves a sirloin burger that you’ll want to come back for over and over again. Seared over a hot flame, this (3 inches in height) burger is made-to-order and often hard to consume – but delicious nonetheless (with a bunch of secret seasonings in the recipe)! If you’re in the mood for something other than french fries to accompany your meal, go for the chili. Just dont be discouraged when you arrive, the decor of Le Tub can be a bit… ahem, surprising
The Apple Pan (Los Angeles, CA) – A longtime burger destination for over 50 years, The Apple Pan is an unassuming joint with a horseshoe-shaped counter that offers no tables but a damn good burger that makes up for the lack of sitting space. Try the Hickory burger (topped with Tillamook Cheddar and BBQ sauce) – our favorite! Oh, and if you have any room left afterwards, try the legendary apple pie.
Le Bistroy (Bouliac, Bordeaux) – Located on a Main Street in Bouliac (a typical French village), Le Bistroy is set on a hill with spectacular views of the city of Bordeaux below. A cross between a brewery, bath-house and garage, the place does a wonderful job mixing avant-garde with all things traditional. Often drawing a chic young crowd (especially in the evenings), the place serves up a great burger from its regional kitchen (and short menu that changes daily).
CityGrille (Denver, CO) – Voted “Best Burger” in Denver, CityGrille has been serving some of the most legendary burger west of the Mississippi for the last 8 years. Located just across the street from the State Capitol, the place is often occupied by the local politicians and construction workers all chowing down on the half-pound of ground sirloin served on a chewy Amoroso roll reminiscent of a traditional Philly cheesesteak. Good plain – but so much better when gussied up with a delectable combo of melted Swiss, crisp bacon and finger-lickin’ good Caesar dressing.
All American Hamburger Drive-In (Massapequa, NY) – A legendary institution that’s been run by the same family for over 40 years, this take-out only eatery has only enough room for maybe six people. Hamburgers served at All American come in four varieties: The Single, the Double Header, the Double Double (A Double Header with cheese and the eatery’s most famous) and the Quarter Pound – all of which are scrumptious and outrageously cheap (all under $2.50).
Café de Paris (Monte Carlo) – One of the oldest (and most stylish) places in Monte Carlo, Café de Paris serves a great American burger – among its fine French cuisine. Have your burger either indoors or on the outside terrace in this café that’s situated next to a casino. They offer a great mixture of locals and international visitors, so you can’t go wrong.
Vortex (Atlanta, GA) – Don’t get spooked! You’ll be greeted with and will enter the restaurant through the mouth of a massive skull. But don’t let this 20-foot thing scare you. The award-winning burger at this place is well worth the visit. Served as a half-pounder with all the trimmings imaginable (from BBQ, Asian and Tex Mex, to blue cheese and mushrooms), the place also features flavored turkey and black bean burgers, for all the vegetarians out there. Trust us, you wanna get the tator tots as your side.
Union Square Café (New York, NY) – One of the city’s most popular joints, this unfussy place serves one of the best burgers in NY! As big as a baseball, it’s juicy and delish – and served with choice of cheese, fried onions or bacon on a house-made burger bun.
Banana Boat Restaurant (Turks & Caicos) – Anyone who has been to the Turks will tell you that this is a festive spot with great burgers. A quintessential island hangout, the place serves amazing half-pound burgers (you’d better be hungry!) and tasty conch burgers you won’t find anywhere else. Oh, and if you can… swing by on a Sunday afternoon to enjoy some of the best reggae music with your delectable burger.
Keller’s Drive-In (Dallas, TX) – An institution in the area, Keller’s is a joint with a carhop service that serves a damn fine cheeseburger! Full of flavor, juicy as can be and first-rate for sure… but wanna know the best part? You’re noshing it in the luxury of your own car just like they did in the 50’s.
Daniel Boulud Brasserie (Las Vegas, NV) – Who would want to pay $40 for a burger and fries? We would! We did! And, we loved it! Talk about the fanciestburger in the world – the “Original NY DB Burger” as it’s called is a 9 oz. sirloin burger consisting of foie gras, wine-braised short ribs and black truffles on a parmesan bun served with tomato and horseradish. So… if you’re looking for something different – this is definitely it.
Wild Bill’s (Alberta, CN) – Centrally located in Banff, Alberta, Canada, this place boasts top-notch bands, a dance hall, line dancing, calf roping, big screen TV’s and amazing mountain views – not to mention, the best burgers in the area! Offering the legendary Banff Peyto Burger (topped with Canadian bacon, cheddar cheese and sautéed mushrooms), and other options like Chicken, Buffalo, Elk, Wild Boar and Ahi Tuna burgers – Wild Bill’s has got something for everyone.
The Counter (Santa Monica, CA) – There isn’t anything better than customizing your own burger (on a clipboard, no less) – and that’s exactly what this place offers. A five-step process, Counter first lets you choose from beef, turkey or veggie for your burger and then one of more than a dozen toppings (ranging from cheese to salsa) to finish it off. Just make sure after you’ve ordered your dream burger, you go for the fried spicy dill pickle chips – you won’t find these anywhere else!
Joe Allen (Paris, France) – Going strong since 1972, Joe Allen (with its sister restaurant in NY) was the first restaurant to bring American fare to Paris. A favorite of local businessmen and celebrities alike, Joe Allen serves the city’s best burger and some of the most superb cocktails!
Daddy O’s (New York, NY) – Craving a good ol’ burger in NYC – never has one tasted this divine. (Just don’t forget the tator tots that go with it!) Located in the West Village, this downtown relaxed staple is the ideal hangout for folks wanting to escape the pretentious carb-counting crowd you’d find in other places in NY. They are open late and are the perfect spot to grab an alternative beverage with your closest friends.
Speakeasy Diner (Kyoto, Japan) – A café by day and full service by night, the Speakeasy Diner is an amazing hangout in the heart of the city. Known for its great international menu and amazing burgers, the place is famous among locals and out-of-towners alike. Speakeasy also offers English language versions of Japanese papers and large screen TV’s that always have CNN on. Seating is limited (about 40 people), so make sure you’re prepared to wait.
