Spin-off thread: Who makes the best store-bought burger?

[Dave Schwartz]

Since so many seemed to enjoy the other burger thread, I thought I'd start this one.

Think of it as two types:
Fast food Burger King, Carl's, etc.

Gourmet Outback steakhouse, Fudrucker's, etc.

[InsideThePylons-MW]

Fast Food = Culver's Butter Burger or In N Out

Gourmet = Lucille's BBQ

[witchdoctor]

These are pretty good at the Burger Bar. Especially the Rossini.

http://www.burgerbarlv.com/

[PhantomOnTour]

New place in town called Burgersmith's. They have something like 24 different blends of beef to choose from. A burger, fries and drink will run ya about $22 :eek:

[PICSIX]

5 Guys Burgers & Fries!!

[Overlay]

I can't remember the name (maybe if they're still in business someone from the New York City area can help me out), but when I worked in midtown Manhattan in the mid-70's, there was a burger chain that made the best burger (particularly cheeseburgers, where the cheese was served as a melted sauce rather than a slice) that I've ever had. I believe their slogan was something like "where burgs are better", and I think I remember their logo as a line drawing of the head of a winking chef. I used to go there for lunch when I worked at Brentano's bookstore. They made lunch the best part of the day.

[GaryG]

In-N-Out for sure. I just wish they had them in the southeast. I start thinking about them whenever I get close to the CA line. Maybe the reason they are so good is that they aren't (or weren't the last I heard) franchised, all company operated. Now I am hungry.

[Dave Schwartz]

Gary,

In-n-out's are all company stores. Always have been. Very Christian family owns them. They pay a fair wage (for fast food), have manager training and good benefits.

And you're right. They are excellent. Try the fries "animal style."

My choice for "gourmet-at-a-good-price:" Outback. Seriously great Tenderloin burger is $9.


Dave

[Rookies]

Fat Burger

[chickenhead]

In and out and 5 guys both make nice burgers. For everywhere chains, I go with Wendys and carls Jr.

[witchdoctor]

Smashburgers are pretty good.

http://www.smashburger.com/

[dylbert]

Fast Food: Wendy's especially Black & Bleu burger

Gourmet: Fuddrucker's especially one located inside Louisiana Downs!

[TJDave]

Johnnie's Charcoal Broiler, Oklahoma City.

And...The best damn Onion Rings on the planet.

[lamboguy]

I can't remember the name (maybe if they're still in business someone from the New York City area can help me out), but when I worked in midtown Manhattan in the mid-70's, there was a burger chain that made the best burger (particularly cheeseburgers, where the cheese was served as a melted sauce rather than a slice) that I've ever had. I believe their slogan was something like "where burgs are better", and I think I remember their logo as a line drawing of the head of a winking chef. I used to go there for lunch when I worked at Brentano's bookstore. They made lunch the best part of the day.was it called "fudruckers"?

[Overlay]

was it called "fudruckers"?

No, I know Fuddruckers, although I've never been to one. (I'll have to try them sometime.) The place that I have in mind wasn't that large, just a small outlet on the south side of (I believe) West 45th Street, between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas). (I'm talking 35 years ago, so that's a lot of time gone by.)

[JustRalph]

No, I know Fuddruckers, although I've never been to one. (I'll have to try them sometime.) The place that I have in mind wasn't that large, just a small outlet on the south side of (I believe) West 45th Street, between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas). (I'm talking 35 years ago, so that's a lot of time gone by.)

maybe this place........

[Overlay]

Sounds good, but I don't think it's the one I have in mind.

Don't bother searching. Maybe it'll come to me in a dream.

[ldiatone]

the burgers i make :) but i like Red Robins burgers.

[andicap]

Fat Burger


Amen!

Also Johnny Rockets is good for a chain and in NYC Jackson Hole makes a great burger.

Fast food - Wendy's is undoubtedly the best. (with a good chili and Frosty as well. McD's wins for fries.)

[BlueShoe]

Chains not cared for: McDonalds, Burger King, Jack in the Box.
Chains liked: Carls, Wendys.
Chain not tried yet but on the list: 5 Guys.
Chain overated but still okay: In n Out.
Chain top rated: Fatburger. Expensive, but the best chain burger.
Gourmet: ?? No opinion. Refuse to pay a premium. No burger is worth $10 or more.

[andymays]

the burgers i make :) but i like Red Robins burgers.

Agree about Red Robin. :ThmbUp:

[wisconsin]

1) Fuddruckers. It's good beef, but the grilled bun makes it the bomb.

2) Culver's.

3) Wendy's.

4) In N out. Fries too under-cooked for me. But that's another thread.

5) Hardees/Carls Jr. Only the Sourdough burger.

[Tom]

Tom Wahl's - local place. Very good old fashioned burger and fries.
And homemade root beer in frosted mugs. yum.

[CBedo]

Fast Food: FatBurger

Gourmet: Hut's Hamburgers in Austin & Cherry Cricket in Denver.

[witchdoctor]

Johnnie's Charcoal Broiler, Oklahoma City.

And...The best damn Onion Rings on the planet.


I don't care for their burgers but I love their onion rings.