- You are voting (by midnight Wednesday) to add two places to the lineup of 14 listed below. So only comments about places NOT already in the 14 will be counted. (You'll get to vote on matchups beginning Friday, and votes will be part -- not all -- of how we decide winners.)
- Anonymous comments don't count. (I'm posting them because I'm trying to wean us slowly off the anonymous thing here, but will NOT count them -- so if you "voted" with an anonymous comment, go back, get a sign-in and vote so it will count! More on anonymous posting in general to come.)
- No chains with locations outside the Carolinas.
Brooks.
Big Daddy's Burger Bar.
Zack's.
Mueller's.
Pinky's.
Comet Grill.
The Liberty.
Jake's Good Eats.
Lulu.
Hinson's Drive-In.
Snoops Grill.
Savor Cafe.
Eddie's Place.
Lebowski's Neighborhood Grill.
So: Did your fave not make it? Comment on this, and the two top ones will be added to the bracket of 16. Have at it!
We'll announce the full bracket of 16, including pairings, in this Friday's CLT section.
The above 14 are in no particular order, and the order has nothing to do with eventual pairings.
Trying to remember prior year's brackets and results? Let me help!
The 2010 Fries final story is here and the bracket is here. (Use control + to zoom it bigger if you can't read it.)
The 2009 Pizza final results are here and the bracket is here.
And the 2008 Wings final wrapup is here and the bracket is here.
Comet Grill!
ReplyDeleteThe Diamond has to be added into the bracket!
ReplyDeleteHad a great burger at the Wine Shop at Foxcroft.
ReplyDeletewho sent out a woman to review hamburgers? reminds me of the time she tried to pick the best steak. what a joke.
ReplyDeleteFenwicks has a fantastic, classic, burger!
ReplyDeleteBig Daddys and Pinkys should be on the list!
ReplyDeleteZak's. Zak's. Zak's. Zak's. Zak's.
ReplyDeletePike's Soda Shop!
ReplyDeletediamond!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Waygu Burger at Zink is the best burger that I have ever eaten and it is a healthier option at that.
ReplyDeleteProvidence Road Sundries with their new double-stacked burger - it "stacks up" better than the competition. It's a new take on a Charlotte tradition: Doug Bell of Roasting Company fame purchased PRS and brought in Chef David Jones of McIntosh's. Come hungry!!
ReplyDeletecowfish
ReplyDeleteDuke's Grill in Monroe
ReplyDeleteCowfish - it was the Counter and then added sushi but the burgers are excellent.
ReplyDeleteThe Burger Company - out there on Morehead and sometime forgotten but some unique burger choices.
Five Guys and The Penguin (yes, still)... have to be on here. Particularly if you're going to list a place like Eddie's which is almost out of business, Lulu which has one burger option (albeit great), and The Liberty.
ReplyDeleteMr. K's has to be on the list!
ReplyDeleteFrans Filling Station has onwe of the BEST California Burgers !
ReplyDeleteWhay did they not make the list ?
Crepe Cellar
ReplyDeleteWhat? Rusty's is not on the list?
ReplyDeleteIgnoring Steak & Shake is a TRAVESTY!!
ReplyDeleteThe Burger Company on Morehead - great burgers - especially the pimento burger!
ReplyDeleteDiamond Burgers were fantastic. My kids want to keep going back and enduring the wait.
ReplyDeleteThe Burger Company cannot be left off of the list!!
ReplyDeleteCrepe Cellar has an awesome burger, and I think it's worth consideration.
ReplyDeleteNix's Burgers should be on the list.
ReplyDeleteNix?
ReplyDelete+1 for the diamond.
ReplyDelete-1 for penguin just because.
Bt's Burgerjoint rocks!
ReplyDeleteCowfish burgers rock
ReplyDeleteHef's
ReplyDeleteLupies!
ReplyDeleteMoosehead, duh.
ReplyDeleteBurger Company.
ReplyDeleteWhy isn't The Diamond on here?!?!?! BEST burger in the QC!
ReplyDeleteEat Here Now has a great burger, Pinky's is awesome and it's hard to beat Five Guy's, Burger Company is not that great
ReplyDeleteGive Foster's Grille near Concord Mills a shot. It is the best around Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteComet Grill! Eddie's Place is busy everytime I go and is a good pick as well. I am surprised Lupie's did not make the bracket. I did not know PRS had been sold, I'll have to try them again.
ReplyDeleteTopz is tops!
ReplyDeleteBurger Company HAS TO BE put on this list.
ReplyDeletePenguin and Nix have to have the last two spots. Queso Burger at Penguin and NIX Pittsburg are the top two in town hands down!
ReplyDeleteThe Cowfish in Southpark! They have all natural Angus burgers, no growth hormones or antibiotics and they are super tasty! - Dale Rodia
ReplyDeleteDuke's Grill in Monroe whips everyone listed here!
ReplyDeleteHaving been in Charlotte over 30 years, I agree with Fenwick's as being my favorite burger. I always look forward to getting one there, and miss it when I haven't been there for a while. A fresh and juicy classic that has remained at the top of my list for years. Always consistent. Not to mention their French Fries (also excellent).
ReplyDeleteThe Diamond
ReplyDeleteFive Guys!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Cowfish!
ReplyDeleteCowfish is fantastic at ALL burgers: beef, turkey and anything else burger-shaped!! They have got the best tasting sushi as well, but since we are talking burgers here, add Cowfish to your short list!
ReplyDeleteCowfish! It's the best new burger place in Charlotte and would be a great addition to the list.
ReplyDeletethe cowfish
ReplyDeleteCrepe Cellar has a great burger.
ReplyDeleteYou should please add Topz! Their turkey burgers are great.
ReplyDeleteCowfish!
ReplyDeleteThe Diamond's Hemi must be added!
ReplyDeleteCan't believe you haven't included the BEST in town. TOPZ of course. They were robbed last year, let them win it this year
ReplyDeleteTopz Healthy Burgers is a must for the list. They have so many things to choose from, but I usually opt for the mushroom swiss burger!!
ReplyDeleteCrossroads Grill in Indian Trail.
ReplyDeleteNIXX BURGERS AND BREW! How is this not on there already?
ReplyDeleteTHE COWFISH rocks!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe cowfish sushi burger bar
ReplyDeleteFirebirds at the Rea Road location has awesome burgers.
ReplyDeleteThis Charlotte burger list isn't legitimate without having Cowfish on it. I'm just saying.
ReplyDeleteRusty's!
ReplyDeleteNeed to have Topz on this list - it's the only healthy option around here, and it tastes GREAT!
ReplyDeleteTopz is amazing!
ReplyDeleteGlad to see Comet Grill made the list!
ReplyDeleteThe Diamond!
ReplyDeleteSteak and Shake? Seriously? That commenter has no taste, and also should know it's a chain - just like Cook Out.
Mattie's Diner
ReplyDeleteKickstand Burger N' Bar
ReplyDeleteThe Diamond Restaurant
ReplyDeleteCowfish: Sushi Burger Bar
ReplyDeleteDiamond Diamond Diamond Diamond Diamond Diamond
ReplyDeleteCrepe Cellar all the way.
ReplyDeleteThe best burger in Charlotte is at The Wine Shop at Foxcroft hands down. They have handmade soft pretzel buns that are to die for.
ReplyDeleteCrepe Cellar burger with onion straws is one of the best around!
ReplyDeleteTopz - definitely - tasty and healthy!
ReplyDeleteThe Penguin. Just had The Penguin Burger yesterday. Still one of the best in Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteTOPZ!!!!!
ReplyDeleteCrepe Cellar Kitchen and Pub in NODA is the best! Yummy Burgers and fries then Crepes for dessert!
ReplyDeleteMoosehead does an awesome burger!!
ReplyDeleteNix! Nix! Nix!
ReplyDeleteTopz!
ReplyDeleteplease add the The Diamond!
ReplyDeleteTopz has the best burgers in Charlottte. What makes them even better, compared to most others, is they are healthier. They come on a Whole Wheat bun, and the sweet potato fries are baked. You must try the Carolina Burger!
ReplyDeleteLooks like this needs to be expanded to 32 so every deserving restaurant gets a chance. Diamond, Penguin, Cowfish, Nix, Topz, Kickstand, BT's, Mr. K, The Burger Company and several more deserve a shot.
ReplyDeletethe original gourmet burger in charlotte was at harper's restaurant and is still served at its two charlotte locations. it is the Betty's Pimento Cheese burger. it is made with fresh ground Certified Angus Beef grilled over live hickory wood for the best flavor and topped with an 80-year old family recipe of pimento cheese. it's been being served in charlotte since 1987 and is still the best burger in town!
ReplyDeleteTopz burger is awesome and healthier for you.
ReplyDeleteThe Penguin vs The Diamond - what a final that would be. The Penguin needs to be in!!
ReplyDeleteHelen - The Penguin.
ReplyDeleteBig Daddy's - Mama Ricottas Burger! Never had a burger make me rethink the burger until then. Yum -
ReplyDeleteThe Penguin??? Come on people, the Penguin has left the building.
ReplyDeleteAlexander Michael's!
ReplyDeleteGlad to see Eddie's Place is on the list as it is on my favorite. For one of the remaining two spots, I reccomend Nix.
ReplyDeleteHELLO! LUPIES!
ReplyDeletemama ricotta and sam i am at big daddys and any burger at eddie's place coz you build your own always there!!!
ReplyDeleteMight not be your typical burger spot, but the Wine Shop at Foxcroft makes a fantastic burger.
ReplyDeleteHelen this is not even close i work at Wells fargo and go to Mimosa grill 2-3 times per week for the wagyu burger. It comes with swiss cheese, fresh mushrooms, grilled onions and this absolutely amazing steak sauce not mention the bricohe bun.YUM this place has to make the list
ReplyDeleteLIBERTY!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Jon, that wagyu burger is absolutely delicious. possible number one seed!
ReplyDeleteKickstand!
ReplyDeleteBIG DADDYS!
ReplyDeleteComet Grill!!
ReplyDeleteTopz!!
ReplyDeleteI dont eat a whole lot of burgers, but I cant resist the wagyu burger at Mimosa Grill. I cant figure out what is in the sauce on it, but I dont really care. It is amazing and if you havent had it your missing out.
ReplyDeleteDEFINITELY the Crepe Cellar burger. OMG I love those fried onion straws and garlic aioli.
ReplyDeleteAnother vote for the Diamond!
ReplyDeleteEastfield Bar and Grill gets my vote!
ReplyDeletei am not a fan of mustard but the big easy sauce completes the wagyu burger at Mimosa Grill, a nice new twist to an already great burger!!
ReplyDeleteCrepe Cellar!!
ReplyDeleteMoosehead Grill. Not the cleanest place in the world, but the Black & Blue burger with an onion ring on it is the best...
ReplyDeleteI was a loyal customer of The Penguin for the past decade and initially told myself I would never support them again but I snuck in there recently, had the queso burger, and was impressed with how good it was. The Penguin deserves to be in the Burger Brackets and I like what another post said about a potential Penguin vs Diamond Championship....that could even be a cool "event" (I'd have to say The Penguin would win based on my experience there recently)
ReplyDeleteThe Penguin!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteso today at mimosa grill all the servers were talking about was this burger contest and how we had to try the kobe burger. So I did the other 3 people I was dining with just had a regular burger which the really enjoyed. The kobe Burger was huge. If this burger doesn't make it the fix is in!
ReplyDeleteNix's burgers are the worst! How can a place that ONLY focus on burgers screw it up?
ReplyDeleteNix's= Fail
Mr. K's #winning
The Diamond, of course.
ReplyDeleteThe Penguin? Ridiculous.
Rusty's Deli on Park Road has been in business a long time BECAUSE they have wonderful fresh made to order burgers.
ReplyDeleteCrepe Cellar hands down. Boom.
ReplyDeleteSOUTH 21 HAS THE BEST HAMBUGER IN TOWN HANDS DOWN!!!
ReplyDeleteBrooks and Pinky's!!!
ReplyDeletePinky's. The Diamond should be here too, like many others say.
ReplyDeleteNix
ReplyDeleteBrooks, baby. Right on!
ReplyDeleteI find it very hard to take this competition seriously with the exclusion of The Burger Company. Looks like a bunch of places that throw a frozen patty on a flat top on here. The Burger Company grinds their own special blend on site and serves the best burger in town. Hands-down.
ReplyDeletemy vote is for Penguins.. what happened to them
ReplyDeleteCrepe Cellar burger....best burger, bun, crispy onions, cheese...always perfect...yum
ReplyDeleteWine Shop Foxcroft!
ReplyDeleteDon't know if you are just looking for burger places or actual good burgers, but I eat at a great resaturant while in town on business , most hotels recomend them for their upscale southern cuisine but just like normal today i had a great burger at Mimosa grill
ReplyDeleteComet Grille!
ReplyDeletePenguin Drive-In!!
ReplyDeleteTHE BURGER COMPANY!!
ReplyDeleteSouth 21!!!!
ReplyDeleteMr K's - charlotte tradition.....
ReplyDeleteI've always been very pleased with Topz Healthier Burger Grill. YUM!
ReplyDeleteI work for wells fargo and think that Mimosa Grill has the best wagyu burger! They even made it better adding a secret sauce and ham recently!
ReplyDeleteWhat about Mattie's Diner?? Helen, you yourself named them one of the top new restaurants! Their burgers are awesome! Can't beat the Steve O or the Jersey burgers!
ReplyDeleteTopz!!!!
ReplyDeleteZink's definitely has one of the best burgers. Haven't ever had a burger that can even compare to it.
ReplyDeleteKickstand!
ReplyDeleteFOOOOOD-GASM!!!!!! Mimosa's Kobe Burger is on point. Ham Swiss and on Japanese Cattle!!!!
ReplyDeleteCrepe Cellar is the best anywhere! Love the Burgers, fries and a crepe any night of the week!
ReplyDeleteCrepe Cellar
ReplyDeleteCOwfish
ReplyDeleteTopz Burgers!
ReplyDeleteGreens
ReplyDeleteBurger Co. is DEFINITELY the best, how was that left off???
ReplyDeleteTED'S RESTAURANT
ReplyDeleteBURGER CO.!!
ReplyDeletePredictable list - old buildings - eclectic areas of town - lots of tats.
ReplyDeleteEddie's is the best. Period.
ReplyDeleteCrepe Cellar!
ReplyDeleteEast Boulevard Bar and Grill takes the title hands down! I can't believe you don't have them on here, they are known for their burgers. Gosh this is making me hungry!
ReplyDeleteCarolina Soda Shop at Park Road Shopping Center!
ReplyDeletePinky's!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteBrooks for sure~
ReplyDeleteDefinitely need to add Kickstand Burgers to this list. They are up there among the best in CLT.
ReplyDeleteSince you said "not OUTSIDE the Carolinas", then I'll cast my vote for:
ReplyDeleteRush's Hamburgers in Columbia, SC.
Nothing beats Brooks!!!
ReplyDeleteBut recently was pleasantly surprised at the burger at Mac's Speed Shop. I love the food at Mac's... but HATE the noise and enviroment.
Crepe Cellar's is tops in town. Nice and medium rare!!!
ReplyDeletethat list is a joke without the burger company on there. big daddys sucks real bad
ReplyDeleteTHE BURGER COMPANY SHOULD BE THE ONLY ONE ON THE LIST
ReplyDeleteThe Burger Company
ReplyDeleteMr. K's should advance in every matchup/bracket.
ReplyDeleteA fairly new place, but the burgers are so good, I may not ever grill at home again....Jack's Corner Tap in Magnolia Plaza (Cornelius).
ReplyDeletereally?! no burger company...this list must be a mistake without the burger company on it
ReplyDeleteBig daddys? get real. I understand it's no chains but everybody knows five guys makes the best all around no bs burger.
ReplyDeleteBT' Burgerjoint- Hands down best burger - Consistent and fresh ingredients every freakin time!!!
ReplyDeleteBig Daddy's, Zacks's, the Comet Grill, Pike's and Mr K's for sure. Haven't had the Diamond in awhile, but from what I remember, it wasn't anything special. However, my coworker has been talking nonstop about the Penguin's new burgers.
ReplyDeleteI would like to throw the Ft Mill Towne Tavern's hat into the ring as well. Very good burger and my kids request them all the time!
BT's Burgers in Rivergate!!!
ReplyDeleteBT' Burgerjoint- Hands down best burger - Consistant and fresh ingredients every freakin time!!!
ReplyDeleteMeullers, best kept secret in town.
ReplyDeleteBrooks Sandwich Shop.
ReplyDeleteI think people are posting the Diamond because they love that it opened with the old staff from the Penguin. It's a great restaurant and I love it, but there burgers DON'T beat Brooks!
THE DIAMOND!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and my three and a half month old son would like to vote for THE DIAMOND as well.
BT's Burgerjoint has by far the best burger I've had in Charlotte, and I've tried them all!
ReplyDeleteHmmm, no one has said Red Rocks - they will even cook it medium rare -- which is really essential for a good burger. They get my vote.
ReplyDeleteCook Out!!!
ReplyDeleteHow about East Blvd Bar and Grill? I haven't been since they opened at he ew location, but from what I rmember their cheeseburger was one of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteBrooks for sure. As a recently displaced Charlotte native I long for a juicy Brooks Bacon Cheeseburger almost weekly...I'm counting the days until I'm back in the QC!
ReplyDeleteBT's Burger Joint!! Enough said.
ReplyDeleteThe Penguin! This is about burgers, and they definitely have some of the best in town.
ReplyDeleteNew South Kitchen:
ReplyDeleteIt is one of those burgers where you aren't quite sure the angels of the bovine world subject themselves to a higher calling and sacrifice the better parts of their short loin heaven, the part that rests between the sirloin and the ribs.
It's as though some chef moderates his skills as culinary deity in chief and promptly slides said cut, to order, into a gold platinum plated grinder with diamond teeth and marries the flesh with a core of the earth fire...
Then again it could have been the three draft salute, which in tandem that made it so great
......but I venture my wager on the restaurants skill to please its patrons.....over my preference for high gravity ales.
Great sandwich...+1
‘Vintastic’
Gotta, gotta, gotta get LUPIE'S onto this bracket. It's been a staple for years, with its delicious burgers one of its very best items, especially when topped by its special chili. LUPIE'S!
ReplyDeleteMoosehead has to be on the list. The Black and Bleu burger is awesome.
ReplyDeleteBT's Burgerjoint
ReplyDeleteSouth 21 Jumbo Cheeseburger
ReplyDeleteFinal Four prediction:
ReplyDeleteBrooks. Diamond. Penguin. Eddie's Place.
BROOKS!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad Brook's is in there, for sure. I've always liked South 21, too, though.
ReplyDeleteThe Burger Company
ReplyDeleteBelle Acres, Private club, but great burgers!!! Everyone who is anyone in Charlotte will tell you.
ReplyDeleteBT's Burgerjoint.... BT's Cheeseburger with Hand Cut Fries/Sweet potato Fries followed with an Oreo Milkshake is tough to beat!
ReplyDeleteSnoops without a doubt and The Diamond is a newbie but goodie.
ReplyDeletebt's burgerjoint might be the best around!!! love the burgers
ReplyDeleteThe Cheesecake Factory - Kobe Beef Burger
ReplyDeleteThe Penguin should be disqualified now that it is basically a Moe's.
ReplyDeleteBT'S BURGERJOINT ON S. TRYON IS AWESOME!! THEY HAVE ONE OF THE BEST BURGERS I'VE EVER HAD!! DEFINITELY A WINNER!!
ReplyDeleteWendy's anyone? LOL!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIcehouse in Southend. Great, greasy flavor. Toppings are good too.
ReplyDeleteHarvest Moon Grill... the best burger I have EVER put in my mouth.
ReplyDeleteThe Penguin rocks..Pimento Cheese, Chili, Onions, Slaw...unbelievable!
ReplyDeleteWant Some, Get Some!
Rustys!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteCREPE CELLAR IS A MUST ON THIS LIST!!! BY FAR THE BEST BURGER IN CHARLOTTE...HANDS DOWN!
ReplyDelete