xkcd

by **PatrickRsGhost** » Sat Feb 05, 2011 3:34 am UTC

In-N-Out must be a West Sy-eeed thing, since there aren't any around here.

by **Eseell** » Sat Feb 05, 2011 3:43 am UTC

In-N-Out is based in California, but they're slowly expanding eastward, I think.

My favorite place to get a burger is Coach and Willie's. They make a juicy burger and their black and bleu is amazing. The Heart Attack Grill is very good, but it's all the way across town so I've only been once.

by **greenlover** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 2:52 am UTC

Personally, I really like Culvers. They do a good job on their Burger's, IMO, and they do a fantastic job on the sides.

I have never eaten at a in-and-out before. I will probably be heading out that way here pretty soon. . . I will add that to my list of places to try.

by **ExplodingHat** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 5:23 am UTC

Penny's burgers are pretty much the greatest. Also their pastramis are HUGE. Sadly, they are only a local delicacy.

by **folkhero** » Tue Feb 08, 2011 6:28 pm UTC

Eseell wrote:In-N-Out is based in California, but they're slowly expanding eastward, I think.

Tucson is the farthest east they've gotten so far, although it looks like they're building a pair in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. In-N-Out is easily the best fast food burger. The best fast food burger that I could get right now without driving over an hour is the Sourdough Jack from Jack in the Box, and the best dollar menu burger is the Buck Double from Burger King.

by **Phoenix112358** » Mon Feb 14, 2011 5:25 am UTC

There's this place in NZ called Burgerfuel. They make such amazing burgers! They're very slowly branching out; most of their stalls are in Auckland (NZ), with a couple scattered throughout the rest of NZ. They have like 3 stores overseas in places like Dubai; pretty sure none in America. It's only a matter of time though, and when that happens I urge you all to try them at least once!

by **Rizzo** » Sat Jun 04, 2011 4:04 am UTC

greenlover wrote:Personally, I really like Culvers. They do a good job on their Burger's, IMO, and they do a fantastic job on the sides.

I have never eaten at a in-and-out before. I will probably be heading out that way here pretty soon. . . I will add that to my list of places to try.

I had completely forgotten about Culver's while reading this topic. I would definitely put Culver's as one of my favorite burgers. Most likely a second from Five Guys. (Which I've gone to often enough to memorize exactly how much I pay for my meal)

I just recently tried In-N-Out, which I liked, but did not love. I can see how it's great from a drive-thru though.

Overall, I'd go with Five Guys for lunch and Culver's for dinner (because their ice cream is Amazing....)

by **Chuff** » Tue Jun 07, 2011 4:34 am UTC

In 'N' Out, probably. I spent the first 6ish years of my life with 5 Guys, but I don't remember it, obviously. We've got one in Alberta now, though, so I'll try it out some time soon. As for local burgers, probably Burger Inn.

by **Dark567** » Tue Jun 07, 2011 5:35 pm UTC

ShakeShack in NYC has probably the best fast food burger I have had yet, probably better than Culver's, and certainly better than Five Guys. The Shakes are also very good.

by **DRWS** » Fri Jun 17, 2011 3:05 pm UTC

My favorite place is my own kitchen. I pan-fry my floured burgers in butter, and mix Worcestershire sauce, finely diced onion, and bacon into the beef, topped with chevre and caramelized onion on a simple potato bun.

If I'm out and about, I'm in the Five Guys camp. There are a bunch of them around the greater Philadelphia area. I have never been to an In-and-Out, so I can't compare the two. I have been impressed with Five Guys, and their double-patty burger is plenty for two people to share with a regular fries. Red Robin also makes great burgers, but is a much slower sit-down restaurant with waitstaff to tip.

In Pittsburgh, I say don't bother with the Primanti Brothers nonsense, and go to the Original Hotdog Shop for a burger, fries, and shake.

Someday I will make the drive to the Bobby's Burger Palace in the area. This is Bobby Flay's burger joint (5 locations in the US), and the menu looks tasty and affordable.

by **Nath** » Mon Jun 20, 2011 5:49 am UTC

DRWS wrote:If I'm out and about, I'm in the Five Guys camp. There are a bunch of them around the greater Philadelphia area. I have never been to an In-and-Out, so I can't compare the two. I have been impressed with Five Guys, and their double-patty burger is plenty for two people to share with a regular fries. Red Robin also makes great burgers, but is a much slower sit-down restaurant with waitstaff to tip.

In-N-Out vs Five Guys vs Shake Shack

Never tried Red Robin, but there's one close to where I just started working, so I might give it a shot soon. I'd have to tear myself away from the $2 burgers with onion-bacon jam they serve at the cafe, though.

As for putting flour and onions and whatnot in a burger, that just seems wrong. A burger = beef. Salt and pepper go on the outside. The beef goes into a pan and is cooked. It is served on a bun with optional condiments and foliage. I am going to go make one now.

by **Giant Speck** » Mon Jun 20, 2011 6:36 am UTC

I've found that Red Robin is... alright. It's definitely not the best burger I've ever had.

by **PictureSarah** » Mon Jun 20, 2011 8:45 pm UTC

Nath wrote:As for putting flour and onions and whatnot in a burger, that just seems wrong. A burger = beef. Salt and pepper go on the outside. The beef goes into a pan and is cooked. It is served on a bun with optional condiments and foliage. I am going to go make one now.

I've never heard of flour in a burger, but generally I think of burgers as A) Just beef, or B) beef, onions, breadcrumbs, beaten egg. And they go onto a grill, not into a pan. But maybe I don't know what I'm talking about, since my ideal burger contains no beef, but instead turkey, or even some combination of meatless ingredients such as beans/nuts/veggies.

by **podbaydoor** » Mon Jun 20, 2011 9:54 pm UTC

So I just had Five Guys for the first time. Apparently they have now moved into the mid-Missouri area!

The cheeseburger was good, but I don't know that it was six dollars good.

by **TheStrongest** » Tue Jun 21, 2011 12:25 am UTC

It depends on what my situation is at the time. If I need a quick, convenient meal, I'll go to BK if possible. Their burgers are alright for a fast-food joint. If I want something a little better, Five Guys is my main choice, no doubt about it. I have never had a negative experience there, and although the products may seem overpriced, they are absolutely worth it in my opinion.

Now for local places, this place near me called Liberty Diner made one of the best cheeseburgers I've ever tasted. It was simply great; I'm a medium well or well-done kind of guy, so the patties I get are less likely to crumble apart. The bun was soft, but not flakey. And dear gods, the cheese, whatever American variety they use--kudos to them.

by **merelydicta** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 2:01 am UTC

In Melbourne, Victoria, Australia...there's a 24 hour greasy spoon called the Embassy Taxi Cafe just on the outskirts of the Central Business District...best burgers in Melbourne...in all its artery clogging glory.

For something a little bit more tropical, there's a burger/diner place in Singapore called the Roadhouse that uses a Josper oven to achieve that smokey taste in the burger patties. It's a nice touch. Unfortunately, the doctor's orders have imposed a restraining order of 400m around the place =( or any burger for that matter.

by **ConMan** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 2:26 am UTC

People have already said Burgerfuel and Grill'd, so I will offer ...

Burgerfuel and Grill'd. Can't really go past either of them.

by **podbaydoor** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 3:32 pm UTC

Deleted for dumb. >_>

by **Thesh** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 3:35 pm UTC

Well, if they aren't "six dollars good" I wouldn't think they would be worth $7.

by **Anonymously Famous** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 7:02 pm UTC

5 Guys and In 'n' Out are both good, but they're not my usual go-to places for burgers.

I know it's going to sound odd, but because of childhood memories, sometimes I just have to have a McDonald's burger. I also enjoy Wendy's and Burger King. One of my favorite places, though, is Carl's Jr. All of these places have certain advantages, such as the fact that they're practically everywhere and I can count on a certain degree of... predictability.

by **podbaydoor** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 7:25 pm UTC

Thesh wrote:Well, if they aren't "six dollars good" I wouldn't think they would be worth $7.

Damn, I totally forgot I posted in the thread already. This is the first time that "Unread posts" button has failed me! My opinion remains the same, though.

by **Decker** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 7:28 pm UTC

Anonymously Famous wrote:5 Guys and In 'n' Out are both good, but they're not my usual go-to places for burgers.

I know it's going to sound odd, but because of childhood memories, sometimes I just have to have a McDonald's burger. I also enjoy Wendy's and Burger King. One of my favorite places, though, is Carl's Jr. All of these places have certain advantages, such as the fact that they're practically everywhere and I can count on a certain degree of... predictability.

Although I wouldn't touch a McDonald's hamburger even with gloves on, I understand the occasional craving for terrible food. We all have our own personal C.M.O.T. Dibbler Sausage inna Bun.

More on topic, there is a Five Guys opening up in Amherst, N.Y! I am excite!

by **Nath** » Thu Sep 01, 2011 1:50 am UTC

I tried a newly opened Five Guys in Redmond, WA. American cheese? OK, not the most flavorful of cheeses, but I understand the logic. Gooey fatty goodness oozing down into every nook and cranny of the beef.

Unmelted American cheese? Bad Five Guys. Bad.

by **Giant Speck** » Thu Sep 01, 2011 2:06 am UTC

From what I've heard, the quality of food served at Five Guys decreases substantially the father you get from the mid-Atlantic states.

by **Dark567** » Thu Sep 01, 2011 3:47 am UTC

Giant Speck wrote:From what I've heard, the quality of food served at Five Guys decreases substantially the father you get from the mid-Atlantic states.

From what I have tried, the quality of Five Guys sucks, even in the mid-Atlantic states.

Just sayin'. Your probably better off at your local dive bar.

by **Nath** » Thu Sep 01, 2011 4:12 am UTC

Giant Speck wrote:From what I've heard, the quality of food served at Five Guys decreases substantially the father you get from the mid-Atlantic states.

Well, I've had Five Guys before. In Washington even. It's fine. I just don't remember unmelted American cheese the last time I had it.

by **folkhero** » Thu Sep 01, 2011 7:00 am UTC

Anonymously Famous wrote:5 Guys and In 'n' Out are both good, but they're not my usual go-to places for burgers.

I know it's going to sound odd, but because of childhood memories, sometimes I just have to have a McDonald's burger. I also enjoy Wendy's and Burger King. One of my favorite places, though, is Carl's Jr. All of these places have certain advantages, such as the fact that they're practically everywhere and I can count on a certain degree of... predictability.

Are you saying that In-N-Out is lacking in predictability? Because I find them better on that front than the big fast food places which sometimes botch my order, and I think the burgers are more uniform in taste than the big fast food places as well.

by **AvatarIII** » Thu Sep 01, 2011 12:01 pm UTC

i'm kind of jealous that in the UK we have McDonalds, Burger King, and that's about it. you have kebab places that also serve burgers but they aren't what i'd call good, they are just big and there's a lot of variety, or you have pubs and restaurants that serve burgers that will all be completely different, not just from each other, but from visit to visit.

FWIW BK are hit and miss, their actual burgers are nice, but the presentation is sloppy, and they can be kind of dry, and you are forced to apply condements yourself, and they are pretty expensive.
McDs have sloppy presentation too, but at least they don't require self modification, and their buns and things like big mac sauce are pretty special.

also i should say i've never had a burger from a shop or restaurant better than one i can make at home.

by **Anonymously Famous** » Thu Sep 01, 2011 7:41 pm UTC

folkhero wrote:
Anonymously Famous wrote:5 Guys and In 'n' Out are both good, but they're not my usual go-to places for burgers.

I know it's going to sound odd, but because of childhood memories, sometimes I just have to have a McDonald's burger. I also enjoy Wendy's and Burger King. One of my favorite places, though, is Carl's Jr. All of these places have certain advantages, such as the fact that they're practically everywhere and I can count on a certain degree of... predictability.

Are you saying that In-N-Out is lacking in predictability? Because I find them better on that front than the big fast food places which sometimes botch my order, and I think the burgers are more uniform in taste than the big fast food places as well.

The food at In-N-Out is definitely predictable. They have a nice, tasty, simple, repeatable menu. I've always admired that about them. Whether or not there's going to be one nearby, however, isn't. The nearest one to where I'm at now is 15 miles away. While still not a great distance, it's usually farther than I want to go for a burger. Where I grew up, the nearest one was in a different state. (Now, of course, after I've moved out, there are 3, I think, within a respectable distance).

by **Malconstant** » Fri Sep 02, 2011 11:11 pm UTC

Man, I'm seeing a lot more love for 5 Guys than they deserve. It's not a bad burger, it's just...not a great one either.

For my money, Uburger is definitely up there. Wild Willies takes the cake though. Now, the thing about Wild Willies is that they differ pretty significantly depending on which one you go to. I only know the area around MA, but if you can make it, go to the one in Worchester. They have bison patties, any topping you could want, delicious home-made pickles, decent beer, sweet potato fries, onion rings, wheat bread options, cheese options. And it's all just quality, takes 15 minutes to make.

There are a couple places around Boston though that I plan on checking out, some fancy restaurants like Radius and Harvest. Sel de la Terre has an interesting burger, but they kind of ruin it with an overly salty cheese thing.

Actually, scratch that, best burger place that I've been to is Luxe Burger Bar in Providence RI. They do some crazy stuff there (two whole grilled cheese sandwiches as buns, pastrami, sausages, all in the burgers) but they pull it off perfectly. It's a glorious place, but there's only one. And Providence is full of great food anyway.

by **xkcd follower** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 12:43 am UTC

In the US, five guys is the best. Outside of the US is Fergburger. This restaurant in New Zealand (Christchurch) is THE best one. Look up the menu for Big Al. I eat like a horse and I couldn't finish it.

by **merelydicta** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 12:45 am UTC

xkcd follower wrote:In the US, five guys is the best. Outside of the US is Fergburger. This restaurant in New Zealand (Christchurch) is THE best one. Look up the menu for Big Al. I eat like a horse and I couldn't finish it.

I still have fantasies about Fergburger. Annnd now I'm hungry again =(

by **Jacque** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 1:39 am UTC

Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger, accept no substitutes.

by **Shro** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 9:17 am UTC

Jacque wrote:Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger, accept no substitutes.

Well, I have to, since I haven't been.
Ashley's has a pretty good everything burger, the lineman's burger. Also, Blue Tractor was yummy. Does Zingerman's serve burgers?

by **rabidmuskrat** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 8:52 pm UTC

fast food: Hardee's
sit down: Red Robin

by **Malconstant** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 9:08 pm UTC

rabidmuskrat wrote:fast food: Hardee's
sit down: Red Robin

You need to go hitch a ride out of town someday, see the world. And when you do, I encourage you to try and find out what a real burger can taste like.

by **Anonymously Famous** » Sat Sep 10, 2011 5:11 am UTC

I've heard that Red Robin burgers are okay, but I only remember going there once. It was pretty unmemorable.

by **PatrickRsGhost** » Sun Sep 11, 2011 1:31 am UTC

AvatarIII wrote:i'm kind of jealous that in the UK we have McDonalds, Burger King, and that's about it. you have kebab places that also serve burgers but they aren't what i'd call good, they are just big and there's a lot of variety, or you have pubs and restaurants that serve burgers that will all be completely different, not just from each other, but from visit to visit.

FWIW BK are hit and miss, their actual burgers are nice, but the presentation is sloppy, and they can be kind of dry, and you are forced to apply condements yourself, and they are pretty expensive.
McDs have sloppy presentation too, but at least they don't require self modification, and their buns and things like big mac sauce are pretty special.

Dunno about the BK and McDonald's locations there in the UK, but here in the States most locations will add certain condiments and dressings automatically, and you either have to ask them to leave it off, or add something they normally don't add to it.

For example, by default the BK Whoppers come with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and mayonnaise. If you don't want any of that garbage, you have to say, "hold the..." and whatever topping you want held, or if you want to add, you say, "add..." and they should do it. Back in the 70s and 80s, Burger King prided itself in being the only fast food restaurant that allowed you to "have it your way". They still do today.

If you only want something, you need to specify, "x, y, z only." Hopefully the employee will know to put that in the order, and the cook will know to do it. I've sent burgers back because they didn't put in the instructions, "ketchup, mustard, and onions only" or else the cook ignored the instruction "hold the mayo". If they get the ass with me about it, I'll feign food allergies to a certain condiment; say, mayonnaise. That sets 'em straight.

Both chains have been hit and miss with me, and like Anonymously Famous, I only go there for the nostalgia. If I'm feeling really nostalgic, especially at McDonald's, I'll get a chocolate shake. Usually a large, and to go.

Another good chain I haven't seen mentioned is Krystal. They're pretty similar to White Castle, where the burgers are steamed instead of grilled, and they're the little sliders. I can put away 6 of those babies, with cheese, ketchup, mustard, and onion. I like to dip them in ketchup.

by **Anonymously Famous** » Sun Sep 11, 2011 6:09 am UTC

You know, I find it odd that White Castle has barely been mentioned in this topic. I've never been there, but White Castle is one of the original hamburger places. They're widely held to have invented the hamburger sandwich (So are others, of course).

by **Nath** » Sun Sep 11, 2011 9:00 am UTC

I've never been to a White Castle, but their frozen cheeseburgers are just about the only prepared frozen food I ever buy. Throw in a slice of pickle and a bit of ketchup and you've got a respectable 2am snack. Just rather unlike an actual burger, made with a detectable amount of beef.

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