It’s no wondering we always seem to drool when we get the scent of our food grilling, it’s one of our oldest forms of cooking. While various cultures have their own methods and customs, here in the U.S. we have taken the burger and elevated it to a class of its own. From its humble origins to its place on Michelin rated menus, this seemingly simple combination of ground beef on a bun has developed its own subculture with people willing to travel hundreds if not thousands of miles to satisfy a craving.
Seattle’s Dick’s
If you’ve been to Seattle and asked about getting a burger then you may hear the same response over and over, go to Dick’s. Though bankers had doubts, Dick Spady went on to prove that his dream of providing simple, fresh, and affordable meals was not only possible, but profitable, as his company has gone on to open up several locations in the Seattle area without having to compromise his vision. Only recently even making the change to accept card, Dick’s has kept their menu down to three types of burgers, house cut fries, and icecream. With lines that extended to crazy lengths on a Friday or Saturday night every single week, the food and friendly service clearly speaks for itself. You can’t truly say you’ve been to Seattle unless you’ve had Dick’s.
White Castle Restaurant
Walt A. Anderson first started running food carts in Wichita, Kansas in 1916 and this humble start led to the founding of the first fast-food chain. Billy Ingram joined Anderson, and the two worked together to create and market a chain of restaurants, despite public fear over the 1906 novel “The Jungle.” As a result, the pair made White Castles small with stainless steel interiors and staff in spotless uniforms and it worked. The company is privately owned and has never broken out into a franchise, despite this they’ve created a cult following that’s earned their slider “The most Influential Burger of all time” title from Time Magazine. One thing that really makes White Castle stand out is that their burgers are much smaller than most, earning them the nickname “sliders” which are also distinguished by the flavor they take on being grilled on a bed of onions. They may be found in the frozen section of the grocery store, but nothing can beat the real burgers, fresh off the grill, so if you’re in the Midwest you might think about looking for your nearest White Castle.
Hampton’s Smitty’s Better Burger
Those looking for a no-hype, classic American burger should consider giving Smitty’s a visit. Since they opened on March 6th, 1956, very little has changed other than prices being raised, though not by much. They’ve done away with the waitresses on roller skates but they still come to your car to take your order and it’s still a favorite local hangout regardless of the day or time you go. Truly, this is one of those hidden gems along the back roads of America that you stumble upon by chance.
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Barclays Restaurant and Pub in Berkeley, California
Berkeley is currently the new home of Barclays, which had been a member of the Oakland community for two decades. Right now it’s a favorite of the UC Berkeley students. The relaxed atmosphere and delicious, juicy burgers are more than perfect for the student population. You’ll find this is the perfect place for people who want to bypass the big scene and overdone hype and get straight to the food.
Sam’s Tavern Located in Seattle, WA
If you like Red Robin then you can thank Sam’s Tavern for its existence. Originally founded in the Eastlake neighborhood of Seattle in the 1940’s, this business was recently revived and has since grown into three locations and are known for not only great hamburgers but also world-class Bloody Mary’s. Whether you’re a local or a tourist you’ll find yourself loving not only their food, but their fine craft brews from right there in the Pacific Northwest.
In-N-Out Burger in Los Angeles
The In-N-Out chain caters to the human condition of gluttony better than just about anything else, and it’s delicious. The burgers are big, greasy, and messy, and people will wait in lines that last for hours for the chance to try one. Opened in 1948, they are the oldest drive-through hamburger stand in the state of California. As with White Castle, this company has refused to franchise, and though they are only a fraction of the size of their competition, they continue to earn new customers with every burger they produce.
Illinois’ Kuma’s Corner
“Harshing your mellow since 2005” is the motto, and right off the bat you know that this is not the place you want to go to if you want to relax and read a book. If you are looking for an oversized quality burger with loud heavy metal playing in the background, you will feel right at home in any one of their five locations in Illinois and Indiana. The communities around them benefit from their presence too, because the burger chain prides itself on supporting the local artists and charities, and generally staying an active participant in the community life. Grab a burger, watch a show, and know that when these guys get big you can go hipster on your friends when they get big.
Hugo’s Located in Fayetteville, AR
Since 1977 the small college town has had this delicious diner hiding in a basement. It might not look it, but when you want in you’ll feel that warmth that comes from years of family-like service. It’ll only take a bite of their house-made burgers to tell you why they’ve been around for so long. The other thing you’ll have to try is their house-cut friends, which are a perfect match for their burgers. If you can’t make it right now then don’t panic, because this small town business will probably thrive for another 40 years, only growing it’s wonderful atmosphere that some places spend years trying to fake.
Shake Shack in New York City
Established in the early 2000’s the chain known as Shake Shack started off as a Hot Dog cart located in New York’s Madison Square Park as part of a revitalization effort by the city to improve the park. The company opened it’s doors to the first stand-alone store back in July of 2004, and from there has blown up in popularity, forcing the business to expand. Part of their popularity is due to the fact that they use only 100% angus beef free from both hormones and antibiotics, and, just like the name implies, they have some pretty good milkshakes as well.
Bozeman’s Montana Ale Works
Since 2000, this former railroad freight house has become a dining destination for anyone visiting Yellowstone National Park or the Big Sky Ski Resort. They take their meat seriously, using only natural, pasture raised wagyu and angus beef that’s raised less than 100 miles from them. If you’re not in the mood for beef, you can always order a bison burger. You’ll never have to worry about being unable to speak with your friends while eating out at this restaurant on a Friday night. You’ll especially be excited to dig into one of their burgers once you’ve been camping for a week, living off of energy bars and ramen.
Deri Delite Located in Aurora, IL
Whatever you know about Aurora from Wayne’s World probably isn’t all that accurate, but since 1991 Jeff Abedini and his family have been caring for the community while running their walk-up burger stand. Even the building has a rich history, as it was home to the second ever Dairy Queen, and not you shouldn’t be surprised to see a line stretched down the block. The shakes are huge, and the burgers are to die for. Whatever happens, however busy it gets, Jeff himself will be in that window, giving you a smile that lights up the block of hungry folks waiting for their meal.
Good old McDonalds
No one wants to admit that they like McDonald’s but when they sell 75 hamburgers every second, clearly more than a few people are “Lovin it”. The food definitely ain’t the best, but they can make it fast, consistently, and in large quantities. This means that you can get the same burger in Phoenix, Arizona as you can in Bangor, Maine, and since most of us grew up eating there as kids, there’s a strong nostalgia for this place for a lot of people. While they may not be your favorite company, it’s undeniable they’ve impacted the food industry in a major way, and this multi-billion dollar company, with all of its influence, problems, and successes, was founded on a simple cheeseburger.
Your own Backyard
Even a regular in-house kitchen is perfect. Some of the best food you’ll ever eat will be food that you’ve cooked yourself. You’re the only one who knows exactly how you like your burger cooked. From fresh baked buns to freshly ground beef, you can enjoy your burger without having to think about how long that food might have been sitting before you arrived. The other thing about cooking for yourself is it gives you a deeper appreciation for the food when you do go out. You have a better understanding of the time and effort that they put into your meal.
Getting that meat that can’t be Beat
The reason the simple hamburger is so strongly American is that it can be made however you like it. We are a nation of diversity, and whether you’re looking for bacon, eggs, or onions on your burger, you’ll be able to have it. Whether you’re in a top class restaurant or a grilling at home, you’ll be able to locate this comfort food. Ask any chef and they will tell you that sometimes, you just can’t beat a good cheeseburger.
Best Bloody Mary in Seattle 