I am not ashamed to say it: My favorite meal in the whole world is a big juicy burger. Nowadays, burgers are made from everything from turkey to emu; but for the purpose of this search, I will stick to the classic beef burger.

As I travel the country I always make a point to get a burger at every destination. Some have been better on my taste buds than others, but we will cover “burgers to avoid” in a future edition.

The top 10 places to get a burger in the country:

10. LA Buns, West Hollywood, CA This very small “greasy spoon” has become a permanent staple for bruger lovers on the busy Santa Monica Blvd thoroughfare. Don’t let its small exterior or its location next to the car wash fool ya…this is a place where any burger on the menu will be to your liking, both on your taste buds and your wallet.

9. Red Robin, National Chain Red Robin dedicates one page of its unique menu to just my favorite thing, burgers. Of course you can put anything on a burger to give it a theme, but the right ingredients combined with a thick ¼ pound all-beef patty is a true work of “moo art.” You can expect to pay close to $10 for a signature burger, which is accompanied by their trademark bottomless fries.

8. Ritz Carlton, Kapalua, HI The name Ritz Carlton is of course synonymous with luxury and the best that money can buy. This is very true of their house cheeseburger. Granted, to get the best you have to pay for it…this enormous 1lb angus-beef burger will run you close to $25.00, but its money well spent. Served simply with the classic toppings, onions, lettuce, mayo, ketchup, and a pickle on the side, this burger has all that is needed. It is a juicy and filling delight. As always, the best burger is cooked no longer than medium.

7. Johnny Rockets, National Chain Johnny Rockets is reminiscent of a 50’s style burger and malt joint. Johnny Rockets is known for their burgers and chili-cheese fries and for good reason. Moderately priced, the burgers are cooked on a flat grill, just like in the fifties and garnished simply with relish, ketchup, and mustard. If you need just a little more on your burger, I suggest the chili burger, definitely filling, and definitely delightful, top this one with a malt for the whole retro experience!

6. Gear Jammer Truck Stop, Mountain Home, ID Who hasn’t heard that truck stops have the best food? Well I can at least vouch for this truck stop’s signature Gearjammer burger. Cooked medium, of course, this ½lb monster burger is topped with grilled onion and mushrooms and served plain. Adding any other condiments to this meal on a bun would be a travesty. Next time you are in Southern Idaho and have a craving for a really good burger, take the time to stop at the Gear Jammer!

5. Ruby Tuesdays, National Chain Ruby Tuesdays has a burger dish that almost went the way of the 1950’s, the sliders. Ruby Tuesday’s serves up 4 mini burgers on dinner roll buns dressed up simply with just the basic pickle, ketchup, and mustard. The burgers are moderately priced and pack an explosive taste in a small package.

4. Fatburger, Soon-to-be National Chain. Used to be you could only find a Fatburger in California, but thankfully, the chain is rapidly expanding from its California roots. Just as the name implies, the burgers are fat, big and juicy. Made from 100% aged beef, grilled to perfection, expertly garnished with the classic condiments, Fatburger is a definite “destination” restaurant. Thankfully for the country, the “destination” no longer requires airfare to the West Coast.

3. Hamburger Hamlet, Regional Chain Some restaurants that have the word “burger” on their sign but don’t necessarily live upto its name. This is not the case for the Hamburger Hamlet. This classic eatery has a very nice, eclectic menu with prices ranging from very moderate to moderately expensive. But of course, my favorite dish is their burger. Their menu has many types of hamburgers with many different themes, all are mouth-watering and a definite delight to the burger lover.

2. In N Out, Regional Chain Fast food burgers aren’t usually a memorable experience, nor will you see them listed in restaurant and food reviews; but In N Out does nothing but burgers and fries. The “double-double” is their signature classic. Their burgers are made to order on a flat grill and can be served up many different ways to include grilled onions or protein style, for the carb-conscious. However you fix it up or wrap it up, In N Out earned its incredible reputation for serving up a really great burger and deserves to be the number two spot in this review.

1. Ahh, for the number one spot for best burger in the country is a very small burger, in a very small town, available exclusively at a very small restaurant. Hickies is located in New Boston, Ohio. Near the banks of the Ohio River, this small diner has become a staple of good food for this remote area. Hickies maintains a closely guarded recipe for their burgers, which are one size; small. I suggest ordering at least 5 of these mini delights and maybe 5 to go for the drive home. Each burger patty is hand pressed and grilled up home-style. The made-to-order burgers are then placed on a steamed dinner roll. Not that this regional delicacy requires any additional flavors, but it is served with onion, pickle and mustard. The burgers are is simple and aromatic in its flavor. Hickies is always packed with customers and is overwhelmed with phone orders. If you ever wind up traveling to this small and quaint river town in southern Ohio, Hickies is a definite dining stop for a great burger, actually the Best Burger in the Country.

One Response to “Burger bound: In Search of the Best Burger”

1. Karen Says:
   July 25th, 2006 at 10:01 am

   Dear Chuck,

   I grew up on Hickies hamburgers and had to let you know that you are dead on about them being number one!! We have since moved away but when we are home to visit, it’s on the top of the list of required stops. Thanks for taking the time to visit and enjoy a place of great nostalgia to me.

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