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:

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Anonymous said...

Brooks Sandwich Shop in Noda

Anonymous said...

Bad Dog Burgers!

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

Big Daddy's.

Anonymous said...

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

Unknown said...

Moosehead...best nurger in Charlotte!

Anonymous said...

LULU Burger

matt said...

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.

HokieTT said...

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.

Anonymous said...

Brooks (NoDa)
Eat Here Now (Ayresly)

Scarlett said...

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)

Suzy said...

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.

Pat R. said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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. :-)

Pat R. said...

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

Anonymous said...

Hef's on Woodlawn
and Fairview Grill

Anonymous said...

LULU!

J-Money said...

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

Anonymous said...

Cowfish Grill! Options Galore!

Anonymous said...

Bad Dog in University for using local beef!

Anonymous said...

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.

Anonymous said...

Mueller's (myers park)

Anonymous said...

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!

Andy said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

Big Daddys Burger Bar SAM I AM baby.

Anonymous said...

Kristopher's in Matthews

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

Carloina Prime: Bacon, Mushroom, Swiss Cheese Burger

Anonymous said...

Come on, people! Zacks reigns supreme!

Anonymous said...

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).

Anonymous said...

Topz! Especially the turkey burgers.

Anonymous said...

Presto Grille Uptown has an awesome lamb burger.

kyle said...

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

Anonymous said...

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.

Anonymous said...

Philadelphia Restaurant.

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

Lupie's, Mr. K's.

Anonymous said...

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

Unemployed Birdie said...

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

Anonymous said...

Rusty's
Pike's

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

Don't forget Mueller's!

gg said...

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

Anonymous said...

The Lodge at the corner of Colony and Rea

Anonymous said...

Eds Tavern

CharlotteRunner20 said...

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

Anonymous said...

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.

Anonymous said...

SNOOPS!!!! Best tasting burger around HMMMM!

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

Big Daddy's, NIX, Kickstand

Anonymous said...

anon 12:28

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

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

Lulu's!!!

Anonymous said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

Lupies!!! #1

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

Anonymous said...

Brooks
Cowfish

discourser said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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.

Anonymous said...

Duke's in Monroe. Case closed.

Anonymous said...

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.

brandec said...

Burger Company!

Anonymous said...

Brooks, Brooks, Brooks!

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

Sharon said...

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!

Anonymous said...

Brooks in NODA
Mr K's on S Blvd

Anonymous said...

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

Andy said...

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.

Anonymous said...

Old Pro on Carmel Rd

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Lindsay H said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Unknown said...

MR. K'S ALL THE WAY!

Unknown said...

Cowfish @ Southpark- tons of original options!

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

PINKY's Westside Grill - Amazing

Claire Bonnell said...

Arthurs!! Love it!

Claire Bonnell said...

Arthurs!! SO SO good!!

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

Jack's in Cornelius.

Anonymous said...

Firebirds on Rea Rd

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

Lake Town Tavern. Cornelius!

Anonymous said...

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

Ashley said...

Burger Company and Savor Cafe

Anonymous said...

Pinky's
The Liberty
Lulu

Anonymous said...

The Pub Burger at The Liberty on South Boulevard!!

Anonymous said...

Kickstand on Central Ave. Hormone free beef!

Anonymous said...

Fenwicks!

Anonymous said...

Revolution Pizza and Ale House has a juicy lamb burger!

Wiley Coyote said...

Burger Co, on Morehead is pretty good...

Anonymous said...

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.

Anonymous said...

Eat Here Now (in Ayrsley).

Awesome burgers!

Anonymous said...

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!

Anonymous said...

Rooster's and Mr. K's!

Unknown said...

Five Guys

Big Daddy's - Ballentyne

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

Five Guys, Mooresville...yum

Anonymous said...

RUSTY'S!!!

Anonymous said...

Galway Hooker Irish Pub Lake Norman, incredilble burger!

Unknown said...

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

Anonymous said...

Brooks in Noda

Anonymous said...

Brooks in Noda

Unknown said...

THE BURGER COMPANY

Anonymous said...

Brooks in NODA!!

Anonymous said...

Brooks

Anonymous said...

brooks on brevard

Anonymous said...

Comet Grill by far!

Anonymous said...

brooks

Anonymous said...

I vote brooks

Anonymous said...

brooks all the way

Anonymous said...

Brooks please

Anonymous said...

Pinky's!

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

Anonymous said...

YUM, give me some BROOKS PLEASE

Anonymous said...

Cowfish!

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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!

Anonymous said...

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!

Anonymous said...

Two cheeseburgers all the way please from Brooks

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

Brooks

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

burger company! left coast

Anonymous said...

Standing room only - BROOKS

Anonymous said...

I agree - brooks

Anonymous said...

No question about it. ZACK'S

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

Put me down for Brooks

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

Brooks completes me

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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.

cltgolf said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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.

jay jones said...

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

Anonymous said...

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


AND thank you everyone for NOT saying The Penguin.

Anonymous said...

Big Daddy's - No question.

Anonymous said...

Hardee's!

Anonymous said...

The cowfish!!!!!!!!!

melissa & gabe said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

MUELLERS. Hands down the best burger in town.

julie said...

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

Anonymous said...

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!!!

Anonymous said...

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

Anita Blanchard said...

Snoops

Anonymous said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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!

Hendrick said...

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...

Anonymous said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

Brooks

Unknown said...

Brooks^2

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Kyle said...

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.

Anonymous said...

Allen's General Store- Peachland,NC

Unknown said...

Hef's
Lulu

Anonymous said...

Pinky's the white trash burger rocks

Anonymous said...

Big Daddy's
The Liberty

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

Zack's has the best burgers you will find.

Sarah said...

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

D.A. Davis said...

I consider myself an epicurean and eat out quite often.

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

Anonymous said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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.

Anonymous said...

Topz always and any of the Cookout franchises...

Anonymous said...

Zack's

Anonymous said...

The Carolina Prime on Woodlawn Rd

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Unknown said...

Hefs on Woodlawn by a mile!

Anonymous said...

Cowfish and The Liberty!

Anonymous said...

BT's Burgers!!!!

Unknown said...

Landmark Diner in Charlotte

Anonymous said...

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!

Anonymous said...

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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