A few days ago I enjoyed an excellent burger at my workplace (Kidder's Landing), loaded with grilled shrimp, guacamole, crispy bacon, carmelized onions, and pepperjack cheese. Let's just say the cooks take care of me. This concoction had me thinking, "What is the best burger I've ever eaten?" It's tough to remember every piece of meat and cheese between two buns that I have consumed, so I'm going to shoot from the hip here with my best burger, and special mention that come to mind right away.
SPECIAL MENTION. - The Glenwood Pines - The "Pinesburger" - Ithaca, NY
As a local that grew up just minutes from The Pines which overlooks Cayuga Lake, it's hard for me not to list the classic "Pinesburger" number 1 on my list, but I must remain unbiased. Unlike my typical favorite sandwiches, this burger's glory is not based on size (which does matter). The Pines stacks a smokey 6 ounce hand-formed patty, crisp local lettuce, tomato, and onion on a freshly baked Ithaca Bakery roll. To top it all off you have a choice of slathering mayo or thousand island dressing inside the roll, although the thousand island dressing adds the sweet element that completes the package and is essential for any first timer to try. How can you argue against Ithaca, NY's voted Best Burger year after year, especially for only $5.50?
Also, try the 4-Pinesburger Challenge (take down 4 Pinesburgers in under an hour) and land your photo on the restaurant's Facebook Wall of Fame. $18.50.
NUMERO UNO - The Counter Burger - Name Your Burger - Reston, VA (31 Locations)
The small chain hailing from California provides limitless options - almost. The restaurant boasts more than 312,120 different burger combinations, and also manages to keep returning customers on their toes by making "market selection" items available. This adds yet another option to each category (burger, cheese, topping, sauce, bun). The first time I was taken to "The Counter" I had my doubts, but they were soon eaten up & away.
Counter Burger begins by giving you the option of type (angus beef, chicken, turkey, veggie, or market selection) and then asks the desired total patty weight; 1/3 lb, 2/3 lb, or 1 lb... after it's cooked. Obviously I was ready to take down the biggest burger I could get my paws on, but was talked into sticking with the 2/3 lb angus beef burger. This is where things get interesting, from cheese, to topping, to sauce, Counter Burger provides nearly any desired high quality topping to really make the burger YOUR burger. Oh, and if you think you still might be hungry, give the Parmesan French Fries a go, prepare to have your tastebuds blown.
MY BURGER - 2/3 lb Angus Beef, Tillamook Cheddar Cheese, Grilled Onions, Organic Mixed Greens, Roasted Corn & Black Bean Salsa, Roasted Red Peppers, Fried Egg,
Chipotle Aioli, on a Classic Hamburger Bun. - $11.50
This burger, "My Burger", is the best burger I've ever eaten. What will be on "Your Burger"?
