Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Best burger?

It's almost tournament time and this year, we're doing burgers -- yes, even though North Carolina makes restaurants cook them to medium, thereby helping us avoid the chance of hideous health issues and simultaneously robbing us of really juicy beef.

Where should I start looking for the 16 "teams" for this year's bracket?
THIS IS NOT A VOTE;
we'll let you vote in two "teams" when I do the bracket. This is a place to suggest your favorites. Then I'll put together a bracket, THEN you'll vote!

If you've got a favorite hole in the wall, spill!

ADDED NOTE: In Section .2609 (e) (3) of 15A NCAC 18A of the N.C. administrative code, it is made clear: This state requires that "ground beef and foods containing ground beef shall be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 155 F". All ground beef, period, as helpful Mecklenburg County health folks have continued to clarify for years, calling the idea that a place that grinds its own meat can then serve it however it wants "urban legend." (That's because the grinding is the possible problem: It creates lots of surfaces for potential pathogens, which must all be heat-treated to kill them.)

286 comments:

  1. Brooks Sandwich Shop in Noda

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  2. McCormick and Schmick's Happy Hour 1/2 lb burger, for the win!

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  3. Could you also post a link, or at least have a list of the past winners in this competition?

    And RIRA is where I would say has good burgers.

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  4. I don't get burgers often but I do like the burgers at Comet Grill on Park Road.

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  5. Pinky's, Brazwell's, or Duckworth's.

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  6. Moosehead...best nurger in Charlotte!

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  7. Eddie's Place on Sharon Amity. I've tried them all and Eddie's is the best. This tournament will have no more credibility than the BCS if Eddies isn't included.

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  8. BT's Burgerjoint (Rivergate area in Steele Creek)
    Big Daddy's Burger Bar (Dilworth & Ballantyne)
    The Liberty (South End)
    The Cowfish (formerly The Counter)
    Topz (Ballantyne)
    NIX Burgers & Brew (Uptown)
    Eat Here Now (Ayrsley)
    Kickstand Burger & Bar (Elizabeth)
    Cook Out (multiple)
    Five Guys (multiple)

    I'm leaving some out but those are the ones that came to mind.

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  9. Brooks (NoDa)
    Eat Here Now (Ayresly)

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  10. Cowfish: Mom n Pop's Pimento Cheese Burger (served with pimento cheese, crispy blue corn tortilla strips and fried pepperoncinis, on an English muffin)

    Cowfish: Texas Longhorn (served with cheddar cheese, piled high with crispy onion strings and jalapeno bacon. Drizzled with tangy bbq sauce, served on brioche with lettuce and tomato)

    Cowfish: CBCLT (served with sharp cheddar cheese, thick cut applewood smoked bacon, white cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion. Served on brioche with Cowfish sauce)

    NIX: NIX Cheese Burger (served with pimento cheese, crisp bacon, jalapeno onion jam, shredded lettuce and sliced tomato)

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  11. I'm not a beef (or pork) eater but I love the turkey burgers at Big Daddy's Burger Bar. It probably does not measure up against beef but for a burger made from a bird, it is delicious.

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  12. Lupie's, The Burger Company, Rusty's, Pinky's, Zack's, Mr. K's

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  13. Gotta go Mr. K's on South Boulevard ... if you want more fancier digs .. and the opportunity to down a beer with your burger .. BlackFinn's @ epicenter

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  14. My understanding is you can choose any temperature you like for your burger --- IF --- they grind the meat onsite. Otherwise...it's mandatory med. well or well. So it is possible to get a good juicy burger---if you choose the place carefully. :-)

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  15. Lupie's, Mr. K's, Zack's, Pinky's, Rusty's

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  16. Hef's on Woodlawn
    and Fairview Grill

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  17. The Burger Company in Wesley Heights on W. Morehead St.

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  18. Cowfish Grill! Options Galore!

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  19. Bad Dog in University for using local beef!

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  20. You should make sure you include the classics...

    Mr. K's
    South 21
    Zach's

    It seems the trendy and pricey spots always get the love. There is a reason the above 3 are Charlotte staples and have been around as long as they have.

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  21. Mueller's (myers park)

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  22. I don't believe it is on their regular menu but I had the "Castro" burger at Lulu and it was amazing! The burger was ground pork (grateful growers, I think) with bacon, ham, fried pickles, gruyere cheese and some sort of spicy mustard relish. My server said they would be adding it to the menu soon!

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  23. The twins! Brooks Sandwich Shop near NODA....no contest!

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  24. Brook's Sandwich Shop...Cheeseburger all the way...no once else is even close!!!

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  25. Roosters
    George Brasserie
    Liberty

    all "higher end" but not much more than the "lower end"...and with (sorry Penguin, Big Daddy Mr. K lovers,etc) better ingredients and WAY higher quality.

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  26. Fenwicks! Best, by far, in town. Local owners are lovely and burgers are cooked to order!

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  27. Big Daddys Burger Bar SAM I AM baby.

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  28. Kristopher's in Matthews

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  29. Comet Grill!!! Best burger with a great side of fries

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  30. baileys on matthews/pineville.. i think thats the street.. its a pool hall

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  31. Carloina Prime: Bacon, Mushroom, Swiss Cheese Burger

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  32. Come on, people! Zacks reigns supreme!

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  33. Ain't no good'uns no more. Smith's Burger House on Wilkinson Blvd used to be the place. You have to go to Gaston County now to get one " all the way" ( mustard, chili, slaw and onions).

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  34. Topz! Especially the turkey burgers.

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  35. Presto Grille Uptown has an awesome lamb burger.

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  36. Lupie's, Mr. K's, Philadelphia Restaurant.

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  37. Eddie's Place. SO good. Their cooks actually know how to cook a medium rare burger consistently, and their beef is excellent. They'll do it however you like, and it's not some fancy "burger bar" with outrageous burgers (Cowfish, Big Daddy's, I'm looking at you), but just a straightforward, honestly good burger.

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  38. Philadelphia Restaurant.

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  39. Hops on Independence across from Windsor Square. Good beer too...

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  40. Pimento Cheesebuger @ Sammy's in Belmont & Mr. K's...

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  41. you should check out the charlotte burger blog and see what those guys have to say! really informative and funny posts. just google it :-)

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  42. Muellers Sandwich Shop....If you can find it! BEST IN ALL OF CHARLOTTE!!!

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  43. Don't forget Mueller's!

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  44. Rusty's at Quail Corners and the immortal Zack's on Scaleybark.

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  45. The Lodge at the corner of Colony and Rea

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  46. Kickstand! Big Daddy's has the best veggie (bean) burger.

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  47. I am shocked that no one has mentioned Snoop's/Spoons on Hawthorne.

    Best burger in Charlotte. Hands down. Thanks for playing to everyone else.

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  48. SNOOPS!!!! Best tasting burger around HMMMM!

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  49. Wow I thought Lulus was a hidden gem but gotta add to the Lulu crew and vote them best burger

    2.Muellers
    3.Lupies
    4.Brooks
    5.Nix

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  50. Big Daddy's, NIX, Kickstand

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  51. anon 12:28

    Lulus is now putting it on the menu for a regular offering! Youre right, it is de-lish!

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  52. Firebirds, BT's Burgerjoint and Rusty's at Quail Corners...super yummy!

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  53. Jakes Good Eat's near hwy 485 and albemarle rd exit. Food Network Diners/Dine & Dives came out there last year to review this place.

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  54. Not your usual burger bar, but the burgers at Rackem Pub & Billiards are so darn good!

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  55. Lupies!!! #1

    Burger Co., Green's, Pappas Grille YUM!

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  56. Joe Mama's
    Lupie's
    Mr. K's
    Mueller's
    Showmar's
    Zack's

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  57. Joe's Sports Bar (Concord), Bad Dogs (University), Lebowskis

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  58. Being a burger connoisseur, I've tried almost all these places mentioned, but none can come close to Earth Fare's bacon burger. The bun, the meat, it's the best in Charlotte. Anyone that even ranks Five Guys in the top 30 needs to get out more. Maybe if they didn't wrap them so tightly they might be better.

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  59. Duke's in Monroe. Case closed.

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  60. Kickstand on Central

    And though I hate to admit it, you have to include any of Showmars pita burgers. Best comfort food burger in town.

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  61. Brooks, Brooks, Brooks!

    It would be a serious omission of the fact to do a story about burgers in Charlotte and not include Brooks!

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  62. Should there be two brackets, one for greasy burgers and one for "metro" burgers?

    I have not had a "OMG" burger out in years, but will put my burger up against any place in the Charlotte area!

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  63. Brooks in NODA
    Mr K's on S Blvd

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  64. Luna Living Kitchen - if you haven't tried it yet (yes it is meatless), then make a trip to Southend for an amazing experience.

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  65. The Brooks Brothers Sandwich House off of North Davidson Street is the best I've ever had. It's a hole-in-the-wall, but appearance has nothing to do with it.

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  66. Old Pro on Carmel Rd

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  67. Earth Fare's (Colony & Sharon Rd)bacon cheeseburger is the best bar-none! Put's everyone elses to shame.

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  68. The Penguin, Hef's, Big Daddy's Burger Bar, Snoops (Spoons), Lupies (with the Texas Chili)

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  69. Pleasant City Wood Fired Grill in Shelby. Several different burgers make it worth the trip

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  70. Ri Ra's burger is the best i've had in Charlotte. Pinky's can be awesome but it's hit or miss.

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  71. Zack's on S.Blvd and The Lodge have to be the best!!!

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  72. Cowfish @ Southpark- tons of original options!

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  73. Comet Grill in Dilworth- only $5 on Saturdays and SOO yummy.

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  74. PINKY's Westside Grill - Amazing

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  75. Jimmy's in Mint Hill- Double Cheeseburger is simple, plain, and so delicious.

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  76. In no particular order: RiRa, Big Daddy's, Maxwell's Tavern (downtown Waxhaw)

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  77. Jack's in Cornelius.

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  78. Firebirds on Rea Rd

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  79. Texas Roadhouse in Matthews has a really nice (and HUGE) burger. This would be a new addition to the usual list of restaurants.

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  80. Lake Town Tavern. Cornelius!

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  81. Pinkys, Kickstand, Zachs, Moosehead, Center Street Tavern if we are going out of the County.

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  82. Pinky's
    The Liberty
    Lulu

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  83. The Pub Burger at The Liberty on South Boulevard!!

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  84. Kickstand on Central Ave. Hormone free beef!

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  85. Revolution Pizza and Ale House has a juicy lamb burger!

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  86. Burger Co, on Morehead is pretty good...

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  87. Hinsons Drive In on Independence Blvd in Matthews just past I485 - This is a hole in the wall beer joint that has the best burgers ever!! They make their own chili and slaw. You must try it Carolina style - all the way with mustard, slaw, chili, and onions.

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  88. Eat Here Now (in Ayrsley).

    Awesome burgers!

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  89. Helen,
    Do the brackets so you end up with a over priced fufu burger joint against a honest to goodness mom & pop no frills place. Having said that, Rustys all the way!

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  90. Rooster's and Mr. K's!

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  91. Five Guys

    Big Daddy's - Ballentyne

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  92. BROOKS IN NODA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have been eating them since I was a baby. You cannot even find a better burger. Penguin used to be a tie, but they changed everything is ruined the place. BROOKS!!! I call the BURGER SHACK

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  93. Five Guys, Mooresville...yum

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  94. Galway Hooker Irish Pub Lake Norman, incredilble burger!

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  95. Mr K's for good old fashioned burgers and The Cowfish for some crazy different yummy burgers!

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  96. Comet Grill by far!

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  97. Pinky's!

    The white trash burger mentioned in an Observer article a few weeks back was the best burger I've ever had. Amazing.

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  98. YUM, give me some BROOKS PLEASE

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  99. Helen, lets make this easy. The burger boys on Brevard! BROOKS SANDWICH SHOP!!!

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  100. Five Guys? Who on earth would put them in the mix. Their burgers are good, but come on. I would say that Brooks is first, followed by Big Daddy's!

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  101. Our family goes to the Earth Fare Cafe once a week. We think their burgers are better than Big Daddy's and other places mentioned here. They also have great fries..but the burgers are yummy!

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  102. Two cheeseburgers all the way please from Brooks

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  103. Everyone stop voting, the only option is Brooks on Brevard St. in NODA

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  104. As a boy my dad used to bring home Brooks for us all the time. I miss those days. I vote Brooks Sandwich House

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  105. They aren't known for their burgers, but Foskoskies on Shamrock knows how to make a tasty one! :) My fave.

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  106. A burger can only be good if comes with Chili, Mustard, and Onions! BROOKS ALL THE WAY!!!!!!

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  107. Muellers! Yummm...
    Also, it's too bad Mint Hill grill closed recently. Those burgers were pretty good.

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  108. There is a little shack on Brevard St. That makes the best burger in Charlotte! It's called the Sandwich House, but everyone knows them as Brooks

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  109. Is there seriously that many people who like Brooks? I guess so because I vote Brooks too!

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  110. burger company! left coast

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  111. Standing room only - BROOKS

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  112. No question about it. ZACK'S

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  113. Zacks is not good!!! They pale in comparison to Brooks! That is my vote, Brooks :)

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  114. Put me down for Brooks

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  115. BROOKS SANDWICH HOUSE ALL THE WAY...ALL THE OTHERS ARE JUST COPYING BROOKS WITH THEIR SOUTHERN STYLE BURGERS.

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  116. I can't think of anything better than a Brooks cheeseburger ALL THE WAY :)

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  117. I'm starving! And I know what will hit the spot, Brooks!

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  118. White building, blue collar, no tables, best burger - Brooks

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  119. I agree with the above poster, Brooks really does have the best burger in Charlotte

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  120. All these muffy puffy places can't make a truly classic American burger. Only Brooks can do that. Brooks, I salute thee!

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  121. Brooks completes me

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  122. Helen I bet you love Brooks as much as I do?

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  123. Alexander Michael's has the best burger I've ever eaten. The hugh restaurant bun is lightly toasted and the seasonings are just right. Coupled with their crispy fries, you just can't beat it.

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  124. You've got to have:
    1. BT's Burgerjount (Rivergate)
    2. Dive In (Pineville) try the Jimmy's Special or Pimento Burger
    3. LuLu's
    4. Eddie's Place.

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  125. The best burger?

    That's easy: wherever a sentient beautiful being doesn't have to die in order to become one.

    I think: therefore I vegan.

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  126. Whooli's Pub on Independance ans well as Mr. K's on South Blvd.

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  127. Whiskey Warehouse in PM! (Not to be confused with Whiskey River.)


    AND thank you everyone for NOT saying The Penguin.

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  128. Big Daddy's - No question.

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  129. The cowfish!!!!!!!!!

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  130. If you have not gotten the BURGER from FLATIRON KITCHEN & GRILL...RUN.., dont walk to try it...HANDS DOWN, the best $11 burger EVER...great bun, juicy burger, and the onions...well YUM-we get nothing else there(except the goat cheese app) b/c...we just can't look past the BURGER

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  131. Anyone else get that feeling that the owner of Brooks has posted here anonymously once or twice?

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  132. MUELLERS. Hands down the best burger in town.

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  133. Big Daddy's (I've only been to the Ballantyne location) and PJ O'Reilly's on Audrey Kell.

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  134. Riga's Diner in Matthews for creativity. Old school greasy heaven -- Hap's Grill in Salisbury. Please extend your search area to include this one. It's a can't miss!!!

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  135. Mooshead Grill, just go ahead and figure on including them every year in every contest because they have the best food, period.

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  136. Chateau burger on Morehead...oh wait, they closed. (But they had the BEST burgers in Charlotte.) Lupie's, Comet & Five Guys for the places still operating.

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  137. The variety,the choice to build your own, the sweet potato tots,the patio, THE BURGER COMPANY!!! Everytime I travel to CHarlotte from Northern VA I make a point to visit The Burger Company!

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  138. KICKSTAND (TREK/TRIPOD/VEGGIE)
    THE BURGER COMPANY
    SULLIVAN'S STEAKHOUSE (BAR MENU)
    ALEXANDER MICHAEL'S
    PJ O'REILLY'S (PJ BURGER)
    COWFISH (MIMI & POP'S)
    FIREBIRDS (DURANGO)
    BIG DADDY'S BURGER BAR

    FIVE GUYS.... FOR THE FAST FOOD...

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  139. Gotta have Eat Here Now.

    It is in Ayrsley so it goes unnoticed, but the burgers are fantastic. I will put them against Five Guys, Big Daddys, etc. any day.

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  140. People, you have zero burger tastes. The places that Kevin above mentioned are not bad, but not really what you would call the "best" in Charlotte. Good but just Chain burgers. Brooks on Brevard is what I think Helen is trying to get at. A great local place with a killer burger. It's a burger place so you'd expect them to be good. Cowfish is ok but definitely doesn't even deserve a mention in this poll

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  141. I love burgers. And if I am looking for the BEST I go to Brooks

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  142. BURGERS ARE ONLY GOOD IF THEY COME FROM A LOCAL EATERY. AND THAT IS brooks

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  143. How about a category for the best burger place that isn't open anymore?

    Herlocker's

    The Copal

    The Copal's meat was out of this world.

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  144. Allen's General Store- Peachland,NC

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  145. Pinky's the white trash burger rocks

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  146. Big Daddy's
    The Liberty

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  147. Snoops
    Big Daddy's
    Burger Company
    Nix
    Rainbow on Atando - looks like a run down house, but best chili slaw burger

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  148. Zack's has the best burgers you will find.

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  149. The Soda Shop at Park Road Shopping Center has my favorite burger. And orangeade.

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  150. I consider myself an epicurean and eat out quite often.

    *Tavern on the Tracks (local)
    *Bad Dog Burgers (local)
    *Fudruckers (chain)

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  151. Kickstand (get the kickstand burger), the Burger Company (with pimiento cheese, please), and I know its not local, but the burger off the bar menu at sullivans is so darn good.

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  152. I know they are new to the scene but Harvest Moon Grill downtown have great burgers using only LOCAL grass fed beef, pork (the owners are Grateful Growers), and yes a goat burger!! Give them a try and support a totally local experience.

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  153. Topz always and any of the Cookout franchises...

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  154. The Carolina Prime on Woodlawn Rd

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  155. Alexander Michaels, hands down. I dream about that burger.

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  156. I also agree with Fenwicks...... along with Frans Filling Station

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  157. In just one of these polls, I'd like to see a list of locally owned places instead of national chains like Hops, Five Guys and Hardees. People in Charlotte get upset when the local places close but do they actually support them?

    My picks are

    Big Daddy's Burger Bar
    Comet Grill

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  158. Mr. K's
    Zack's
    Lupie's
    Cook Out
    and please include What-a-Burger in Concord

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  159. BT's Burgerjoint hands down has the BEST burgers in Charlotte. And I hate to say this, but Hardees are pretty good too.

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  160. Cowfish and The Liberty!

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  161. Firebird's Smokehouse Burger!
    Top-notch beef covered with yummy BBQ sauce, two big slices of bacon, cheddar cheese and red onion on a really good bun!

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  162. Big Daddy's, Lupies, and RED ROBIN!!!!!! (Can't believe no one has mentioned RR; It is a chain but who cares???) I do need to try Brooks, Pinkys and Eddies.

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