Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Vote by midnight March 9 for Burger Brackets

Remember:

  • 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.
The 14 already in are:
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.

343 comments:

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L said...

Comet Grill!

Julie OFoolie said...

The Diamond has to be added into the bracket!

Anonymous said...

Had a great burger at the Wine Shop at Foxcroft.

Anonymous said...

who sent out a woman to review hamburgers? reminds me of the time she tried to pick the best steak. what a joke.

Unknown said...

Fenwicks has a fantastic, classic, burger!

Mary said...

Big Daddys and Pinkys should be on the list!

gg said...

Zak's. Zak's. Zak's. Zak's. Zak's.

Trish S. said...

Pike's Soda Shop!

Anonymous said...

diamond!!!!

Lewis said...

The Waygu Burger at Zink is the best burger that I have ever eaten and it is a healthier option at that.

Unknown said...

Providence 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!!

David said...

cowfish

Jandeacola said...

Duke's Grill in Monroe

Derwood said...

Cowfish - it was the Counter and then added sushi but the burgers are excellent.

The Burger Company - out there on Morehead and sometime forgotten but some unique burger choices.

Concerned Burger Eater said...

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.

Jason said...

Mr. K's has to be on the list!

Linda Weigel said...

Frans Filling Station has onwe of the BEST California Burgers !
Whay did they not make the list ?

Unknown said...

Crepe Cellar

peabody said...

What? Rusty's is not on the list?

Anonymous said...

Ignoring Steak & Shake is a TRAVESTY!!

Bob Lowman, Jr. said...

The Burger Company on Morehead - great burgers - especially the pimento burger!

Anonymous said...

Diamond Burgers were fantastic. My kids want to keep going back and enduring the wait.

Anonymous said...

The Burger Company cannot be left off of the list!!

Unknown said...

Crepe Cellar has an awesome burger, and I think it's worth consideration.

k said...

Nix's Burgers should be on the list.

Anonymous said...

Nix?

Ron D said...

+1 for the diamond.

-1 for penguin just because.

Brad said...

Bt's Burgerjoint rocks!

Lknmom said...

Cowfish burgers rock

Unknown said...

Hef's

Unknown said...

Lupies!

Anonymous said...

Moosehead, duh.

Barker said...

Burger Company.

Unknown said...

Why isn't The Diamond on here?!?!?! BEST burger in the QC!

Unknown said...

Eat 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

Anonymous said...

Give Foster's Grille near Concord Mills a shot. It is the best around Charlotte!

ushue2 said...

Comet 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.

Unknown said...

Topz is tops!

Marland said...

Burger Company HAS TO BE put on this list.

Unknown said...

Penguin and Nix have to have the last two spots. Queso Burger at Penguin and NIX Pittsburg are the top two in town hands down!

Dale Rodia said...

The Cowfish in Southpark! They have all natural Angus burgers, no growth hormones or antibiotics and they are super tasty! - Dale Rodia

Wes said...

Duke's Grill in Monroe whips everyone listed here!

Mark said...

Having 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).

emily said...

The Diamond

Anonymous said...

Five Guys!!!

Melanie said...

The Cowfish!

Judith Wilson Burkes said...

Cowfish 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!

Andy Y said...

Cowfish! It's the best new burger place in Charlotte and would be a great addition to the list.

a&a said...

the cowfish

Quinn said...

Crepe Cellar has a great burger.

Joy said...

You should please add Topz! Their turkey burgers are great.

Brian G said...

Cowfish!

Anonymous said...

The Diamond's Hemi must be added!

Bev S said...

Can't believe you haven't included the BEST in town. TOPZ of course. They were robbed last year, let them win it this year

Janet said...

Topz 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!!

Anonymous said...

Crossroads Grill in Indian Trail.

Daniel G said...

NIXX BURGERS AND BREW! How is this not on there already?

Addi said...

THE COWFISH rocks!!!!

Jeff s. said...

The cowfish sushi burger bar

Jennifer said...

Firebirds at the Rea Road location has awesome burgers.

Danny said...

This Charlotte burger list isn't legitimate without having Cowfish on it. I'm just saying.

durktle said...

Rusty's!

Unknown said...

Need to have Topz on this list - it's the only healthy option around here, and it tastes GREAT!

Anonymous said...

Topz is amazing!

Anonymous said...

Glad to see Comet Grill made the list!

Unknown said...

The Diamond!

Steak and Shake? Seriously? That commenter has no taste, and also should know it's a chain - just like Cook Out.

CHARLOTTE BURGER BLOG said...

Mattie's Diner

CHARLOTTE BURGER BLOG said...

Kickstand Burger N' Bar

CHARLOTTE BURGER BLOG said...

The Diamond Restaurant

CHARLOTTE BURGER BLOG said...

Cowfish: Sushi Burger Bar

JD said...

Diamond Diamond Diamond Diamond Diamond Diamond

Ashley said...

Crepe Cellar all the way.

Rob said...

The best burger in Charlotte is at The Wine Shop at Foxcroft hands down. They have handmade soft pretzel buns that are to die for.

J. Brown said...

Crepe Cellar burger with onion straws is one of the best around!

Dian said...

Topz - definitely - tasty and healthy!

Chuck said...

The Penguin. Just had The Penguin Burger yesterday. Still one of the best in Charlotte.

Shannon said...

TOPZ!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Crepe Cellar Kitchen and Pub in NODA is the best! Yummy Burgers and fries then Crepes for dessert!

bigbob said...

Moosehead does an awesome burger!!

Derick said...

Nix! Nix! Nix!

j. hill said...

Topz!

Elizabeth said...

please add the The Diamond!

Unknown said...

Topz 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!

Anonymous said...

Looks 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.

milden said...

the 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!

Anonymous said...

Topz burger is awesome and healthier for you.

Madison said...

The Penguin vs The Diamond - what a final that would be. The Penguin needs to be in!!

Justin said...

Helen - The Penguin.

Anonymous said...

Big Daddy's - Mama Ricottas Burger! Never had a burger make me rethink the burger until then. Yum -

Anonymous said...

The Penguin??? Come on people, the Penguin has left the building.

Kate said...

Alexander Michael's!

matt said...

Glad 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.

Anonymous said...

HELLO! LUPIES!

goodsmithdm said...

mama ricotta and sam i am at big daddys and any burger at eddie's place coz you build your own always there!!!

bigbob said...

Might not be your typical burger spot, but the Wine Shop at Foxcroft makes a fantastic burger.

Unknown said...

Helen 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

DULA said...

LIBERTY!

IntheHeat said...

I'm with Jon, that wagyu burger is absolutely delicious. possible number one seed!

Anonymous said...

Kickstand!

Megan said...

BIG DADDYS!

DG said...

Comet Grill!!

Kelly O said...

Topz!!

patrick said...

I 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.

Unknown said...

DEFINITELY the Crepe Cellar burger. OMG I love those fried onion straws and garlic aioli.

Anonymous said...

Another vote for the Diamond!

Anonymous said...

Eastfield Bar and Grill gets my vote!

Anonymous said...

i 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!!

Anonymous said...

Crepe Cellar!!

Anonymous said...

Moosehead Grill. Not the cleanest place in the world, but the Black & Blue burger with an onion ring on it is the best...

Daniel said...

I 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)

Derek said...

The Penguin!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

so 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!

Anonymous said...

Nix's burgers are the worst! How can a place that ONLY focus on burgers screw it up?

Nix's= Fail

Mr. K's #winning

Justin Faircloth said...

The Diamond, of course.

The Penguin? Ridiculous.

Anonymous said...

Rusty's Deli on Park Road has been in business a long time BECAUSE they have wonderful fresh made to order burgers.

Anonymous said...

Crepe Cellar hands down. Boom.

WALT said...

SOUTH 21 HAS THE BEST HAMBUGER IN TOWN HANDS DOWN!!!

Crysta said...

Brooks and Pinky's!!!

Ostrakos said...

Pinky's. The Diamond should be here too, like many others say.

Anonymous said...

Nix

Anonymous said...

Brooks, baby. Right on!

Kevin said...

I 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.

Anonymous said...

my vote is for Penguins.. what happened to them

Unknown said...

Crepe Cellar burger....best burger, bun, crispy onions, cheese...always perfect...yum

Anonymous said...

Wine Shop Foxcroft!

Unknown said...

Don'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

Anonymous said...

Comet Grille!

ChrisTaylor said...

Penguin Drive-In!!

Yankee in NC said...

THE BURGER COMPANY!!

David said...

South 21!!!!

lynn said...

Mr K's - charlotte tradition.....

Beverly said...

I've always been very pleased with Topz Healthier Burger Grill. YUM!

Anonymous said...

I 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!

Michelle said...

What 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!

Kristin said...

Topz!!!!

bluang3lbby said...

Zink's definitely has one of the best burgers. Haven't ever had a burger that can even compare to it.

jdbassinger said...

Kickstand!

Anonymous said...

FOOOOOD-GASM!!!!!! Mimosa's Kobe Burger is on point. Ham Swiss and on Japanese Cattle!!!!

Harla said...

Crepe Cellar is the best anywhere! Love the Burgers, fries and a crepe any night of the week!

mlb said...

Crepe Cellar

lilqt said...

COwfish

Matt Y said...

Topz Burgers!

Anonymous said...

Greens

Brahlorado said...

Burger Co. is DEFINITELY the best, how was that left off???

Brian said...

TED'S RESTAURANT

skye said...

BURGER CO.!!

Anonymous said...

Predictable list - old buildings - eclectic areas of town - lots of tats.

Unknown said...

Eddie's is the best. Period.

JJR said...

Crepe Cellar!

Penny said...

East 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!

Charlie said...

Carolina Soda Shop at Park Road Shopping Center!

Jason said...

Pinky's!!!!!!

onepantherfan said...

Brooks for sure~

Anonymous said...

Definitely need to add Kickstand Burgers to this list. They are up there among the best in CLT.

Wiley Coyote said...

Since you said "not OUTSIDE the Carolinas", then I'll cast my vote for:

Rush's Hamburgers in Columbia, SC.

Unknown said...

Nothing beats Brooks!!!

But 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.

Unknown said...

Crepe Cellar's is tops in town. Nice and medium rare!!!

james said...

that list is a joke without the burger company on there. big daddys sucks real bad

the Lord said...

THE BURGER COMPANY SHOULD BE THE ONLY ONE ON THE LIST

fiftycent said...

The Burger Company

Jack H. said...

Mr. K's should advance in every matchup/bracket.

Unknown said...

A 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).

herome said...

really?! no burger company...this list must be a mistake without the burger company on it

Anonymous said...

Big daddys? get real. I understand it's no chains but everybody knows five guys makes the best all around no bs burger.

Unknown said...

BT' Burgerjoint- Hands down best burger - Consistent and fresh ingredients every freakin time!!!

Tvan said...

Big 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.

I 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!

Mimi Toomey said...

BT's Burgers in Rivergate!!!

Unknown said...

BT' Burgerjoint- Hands down best burger - Consistant and fresh ingredients every freakin time!!!

Roy said...

Meullers, best kept secret in town.

Andy said...

Brooks Sandwich Shop.

I 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!

RealtorLaura said...

THE DIAMOND!

My husband and my three and a half month old son would like to vote for THE DIAMOND as well.

John said...

BT's Burgerjoint has by far the best burger I've had in Charlotte, and I've tried them all!

Anonymous said...

Hmmm, 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.

Anonymous said...

Cook Out!!!

Reese said...

How 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.

crazylarry said...

Brooks 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!

Thom Perez said...

BT's Burger Joint!! Enough said.

Elizabeth said...

The Penguin! This is about burgers, and they definitely have some of the best in town.

Anonymous said...

New South Kitchen:

It 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’

Anonymous said...

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!

Anonymous said...

Moosehead has to be on the list. The Black and Bleu burger is awesome.

Monte said...

BT's Burgerjoint

Mary Beth said...

South 21 Jumbo Cheeseburger

Dave said...

Final Four prediction:
Brooks. Diamond. Penguin. Eddie's Place.

Andy said...

BROOKS!!!

heavymetal said...

Glad Brook's is in there, for sure. I've always liked South 21, too, though.

Unknown said...

The Burger Company

Anonymous said...

Belle Acres, Private club, but great burgers!!! Everyone who is anyone in Charlotte will tell you.

Mick said...

BT's Burgerjoint.... BT's Cheeseburger with Hand Cut Fries/Sweet potato Fries followed with an Oreo Milkshake is tough to beat!

Nick said...

Snoops without a doubt and The Diamond is a newbie but goodie.

Tom said...

bt's burgerjoint might be the best around!!! love the burgers

Anonymous said...

The Cheesecake Factory - Kobe Beef Burger

Lewis said...

The Penguin should be disqualified now that it is basically a Moe's.

Charlene said...

BT'S BURGERJOINT ON S. TRYON IS AWESOME!! THEY HAVE ONE OF THE BEST BURGERS I'VE EVER HAD!! DEFINITELY A WINNER!!

Anonymous said...

Wendy's anyone? LOL!!!!!!!

spidrw said...

Icehouse in Southend. Great, greasy flavor. Toppings are good too.

Anonymous said...

Harvest Moon Grill... the best burger I have EVER put in my mouth.

Moseman said...

The Penguin rocks..Pimento Cheese, Chili, Onions, Slaw...unbelievable!

Want Some, Get Some!

Karen said...

Rustys!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

CREPE CELLAR IS A MUST ON THIS LIST!!! BY FAR THE BEST BURGER IN CHARLOTTE...HANDS DOWN!

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