America’s Best Burgers

09/14/09  Print This Post Print This Post    17 Comments   Popular   Written by Sarah Park
  • Stumble It
Funny hamburger t-shirt

Photo: revjim5000

No more pool parties, backyard barbecues, or camping trips left to look forward to? Don’t panic just yet.

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, summer is fading fast.

There may not be much time left to drag out the grill, but you still have all year to enjoy the mouth-watering summertime favorites listed in the Top-Rated Burgers in America.

Epicurious went straight to the foodies for this rundown, assembling opinions from several of the nation’s most respected taste buds. The results showcase a varied collection of hamburgers from all across the United States — their fixings ranging from the supremely decadent to the good ol’ tried and true.

DuMont Burger in New York

DuMont Burger, New York / Photo: jasonlam

While choosing a favorite burger is a hotly debated, extremely personal decision, let’s not forget the democratizing effect of a truly delectable meal.

Whether you prefer haute cuisine or the corner snack shack, there’s something undeniably alluring about picking up a juicy burger and taking a greedy bite.

So wipe the drool off your chin and feast your eyes on the carnivore-friendly slideshow at Epicurious.com, which includes these 12 destinations for your inner burger addict:

New York: DuMont Burger
Miami: Kingdom
Washington DC: Palena Café
Seattle: Lunchbox Laboratory
San Francisco: Zuni Café
Los Angeles: Pie ‘n Burger
Philadelphia: Rouge
Atlanta: Holeman & Finch
Boston: Radius
Chicago: Rosebud Steakhouse
New Orleans: Port of Call
Santa Fe: Bobcat Bite

Did your favorite not make the list? Weigh in with your own highly subjective, extremely biased selection in the comments below.

And try not to get too much grease on the keyboard.

Community Connection

If the grill gets you goin’, you’re definitely gonna want to check out Matador Nights’ exploration of Barbecue Around the World.


  • Stumble It

About the Author

Matador ID: sarah-park

Sarah Park is currently spending her quarter-life crisis in the beautiful Eastern Sierra. She spends her days snowboarding, hiking and not at all slipping into a soul-devouring existential dilemma. Don't worry, she's kidding... kinda.

17 Comments... join the discussion!

  • Hal Amen replied on September 14, 2009

    Nothing quite like a fine burger–there’s no denying it. That guy’s shirt rocks to.

    Possible followup? Places to snag a burger made from something other than cow? Buffalo, alpaca, and ostrich spring to mind…

    (Report comment)

    ↵ Reply
  • Turner replied on September 14, 2009

    Oh, com’n, no mention of the In-N-Out? Fuddrucker’s in Texas…

    (Report comment)

    ↵ Reply
    • Carlo Alcos replied to Turner on September 14, 2009

      I went to the In-n-Out when I was in Vegas. I don’t understand the hype? Is it just a cult thing?

      (Report comment)

      ↵ Reply
      • Marissa replied to Carlo Alcos on September 15, 2009

        Personally, if I have to get fast food/have a hangover, In-N-Out has got the best burger and fries. Maybe it’s a California thing. When you leave and can’t find it, you get all nostalgic for it.

        (Report comment)

        ↵ Reply
        • Sarah replied to Marissa on September 15, 2009

          Yup, it must be a California thing. The closest In-N-Out to me is actually just across the California/Nevada border. …Nobody really bats an eye when you tell them you’re driving 3 hours for a #2 Animal Style.

          I was disappointed that it didn’t make the Epicurious list also… but Pie ‘N Burger’s concoction actually is really similar.

          (Report comment)

          ↵ Reply
  • Sarah replied on September 14, 2009

    Yum! Buffalo burgers are pretty tasty… and a lot healthier, too. (Supposedly?)

    Lunchbox Laboratory is looking good to me. May have to plan a trip out to Seattle pretty soon.

    (Report comment)

    ↵ Reply
  • Marissa replied on September 14, 2009

    In addition to Zuni, here in San Francisco:

    Top 10 Burgers: http://www.7×7.com/content/eat-drink/10-best-burgers-city

    And of course, you need fries!: http://www.7×7.com/blogs/bits-bites/best-fries-city

    (Report comment)

    ↵ Reply
  • Carlo Alcos replied on September 14, 2009

    Dammit. I have stinkin’ leftover risotto for lunch. I want a burger!

    (Report comment)

    ↵ Reply
  • toey sumonmas replied on September 18, 2009

    Hudson’s hamburgers in Coeur d’Alene, ID. the best hamburger i have ever had!

    (Report comment)

    ↵ Reply
  • JDL replied on September 18, 2009

    I can’t believe there is no mention of a Midwestern city. Corn-fed beef is the best, and you can’t get any fresher than in Nebraska…

    (Report comment)

    ↵ Reply
  • Dan K. replied on September 22, 2009

    John’s in Manhattan on 8th st and 2nd Ave. Cheap, excellent, big burgers. ‘Nuff said!

    (Report comment)

    ↵ Reply
  • Heather replied on September 22, 2009

    Lee’s Hamburgers (well-seasoned, filled with ground onions) and Burger Orleans burgers (with a French bread bun) are also quite good in the New Orleans area. Mmm… They’re both greasy enough to take a day off your life but somehow well worth it.

    (Report comment)

    ↵ Reply
  • william.guth replied on September 26, 2009

    In Chicago: Rosebud Steakhouse – is the last place I’d go looking for a burger.

    For the same $13 dollars before tip at Rosebud Steakhouse, you can ride the #22 bus from Walton & Dearborn up to Lincoln Park for $2.25 and stop in at R.J. Grunts with your remaining $10.75 for the best burger/fries Chicago has to offer. These fries man, they’re unique, and they pile em’ on. Have a Goose Island Beer while you’re at it, locally brewed.

    Travel Tip: The price of soup on any given day at R.J. Grunts is what’s on the thermostat. 89 degrees = 89 cents. 56 degrees = 56 cents.

    Its only a few blocks walk west to Dearborn from Rosebud Steakhouse on Walton.

    Have at it – safe travels.

    (Report comment)

    ↵ Reply
  • Ross replied on October 5, 2009

    Los Angeles — Applepan

    New York — Corner Bistro (might be the best in the world)

    (Report comment)

    ↵ Reply
  • T replied on October 7, 2009

    the rossini burger at the burger bar in vegas! kobe beef, sauteed foie gras, shaved truffle and brown sauce on an onion bun. delish!

    (Report comment)

    ↵ Reply
  • Lonnie Davenport replied on October 10, 2009

    Alphy’s Broiler in Arroyo Grande Calif. should be on the list as well as the burger in Parkfield Calif. (the earthquake capital of Calif.).

    (Report comment)

    ↵ Reply

Leave a Comment

Jump To Category:



Explore the Community


Latest Community Blogs

  • LegacyOver forty years after his execution, Che's life and legacy still remain a contentious and polarizing issue. Some ...
    » posted on 20 November 2009
  • Winter sports are not only about Alpine skiing and I know that there are lots of nordic ski fans. I tried only once, and...
    » posted on 18 November 2009
  • Ok...I know I am a foodie and have travelled quite a bit and been to lot many places but the one city which is always an...
    » posted on 18 November 2009

Popular Stories on Matador

12 Personal Travel Websites That Will Make You Quit Your Day Job

... 

5 Destinations for the Tattooed Traveler

Lauren Quinn details top travel destinations for tattoo... 

10 Traveler's Tips For Rocking A Nudist Beach

Travelers tend to enjoy ultimate freedom on the road, t... 

How to Move to Paris with No Money

This is for Americans with insufficient funds, but with... 

Teaching English In Japan Is Awesome and Sometimes Hilarious

You never know what your students are going to write.... 

18 Essential Items for a Trip Around The World

What you decide to take on a round-the-world trip ultim... 



Focus



Editor Blogs