Travel & Leisure Magazine's 20 "Best" Burger Cities

This list came out last week, and I am kind of surprised that no one here mentioned it (since I know how much you all love lists!).  If there is already a running thread on this topic and I missed it, then hopefully, the moderators can merge the topics.
 
The original article can be found here: America's Best Burger Cities
 
Since I hate slideshow presentations of lists, you can find the complete list of cities posted at A Hamburger Today.
 
And, for some keen observational analysis...and gratuitous food porn, you could always click here.

I'm so with the Los Angeles "scene" that I didn't know any of the Los Angeles burger places until page 3 and that's only because some here have written about the Umami Burger.
 
 

was Providence a nod to WJ?

I couldn't figure out what you meant - The T&L article didn't have three pages of burger listings for any city.  I think the most they had was three restaurants for any city.  Then I realized that you clicked on the link from the AHT web site.  "Ah ha" moment.

I'm not saying they are wrong, but Salt Lake City number #2?  Providence #3?  Didn't see that coming.

BB - 
 
The amazing part to me is that SLC is #2, Providence is #3, Savannah and Charleston make the list, but no love for Santa Fe, NM - and they are even one of the chosen 35 cities from which readers were polled.
 
Blows my mind.

TTM-
Okay, NOW I am saying they are wrong!

Clearly, you were not one of the readers surveyed in their poll.

buffetbuster


I'm not saying they are wrong, but Salt Lake City number #2?  Providence #3?  Didn't see that coming.

I did,  and remember that the next time you TOURISTA'S are lining up at the clam shacks!
 

That list might as have been the renamed the "largest cities in America."    

The thing you have to realize about T&L's "America's Best Burger Cities" article is, it
really is not a listing of the Best Burger Cities in America.  It is a comparison of how high the burgers were rated in each of just the winning cities of T&L's latest annual "America's Favorite Cities" survey, and is not at all a list of the cities where you can find best burgers in the U. S.  You have to read it carefully, but this is spelled out in the introductory paragraph which starts, "Which American city does burgers best?"
 
This, of course, means their rating is pretty worthless unless you are already in one of T&L's chosen cities and want to see if it is going to be worth it to try the local burgers.

Do these cities have more 5 Guys than the rest??

@ 6star - You will notice that I put "Best" in quotes in the thread title.  I guess it was too subtle, but your assessment is spot on.

TTM:
I had read the original article when it was first posted on MSNBC (about a day before you posted it here) and considered posting about it, but after seeing what it actually was, I decided not to.  I wasn't that impressed with their original survey and the various categories they had rated in "America's Favorite Cities".
 
The only reason I posted my explanation above was because of the discussion (argument) that has already ensued about it in this thread.

I am not nominating Miami for a position in any sort of "best burgers" list, but in the past few years there has been a crazy jump in the number of restaurants specializing in burgers.  It seems like one opens every couple of weeks!  I can't see how they all can survive in the long run, but it's burger-lovers heaven for now.   For any who care, the latest is Damn Good Burger in downtown Miami.
 
If you live in a larger urban area, is it like that where you are?

As someone who now considers himself a "Providence Local" (although most Rhode Islanders define locals as someone who has been here at least 10 or 11 generations)
I have to defend their position at # 3.
 
I know from a Roadfood perspective, Rhode Island is all about Hot Weiners, Clam Shacks and Pizza Strips, but if you ask a majority of Rhode Islanders, they will defer the clam shacks to the tourists and claim that Providence and Rhode Island in general has a large and significant burger culture.

I stay in Savannah frequently while working. B&D Burgers does an excellent job with burgers and an awesome beer selection. Not a vote for the article or the choices jus sayin. This is "The Lucas". Half Pound hand patted burger with cheddar,blue cheese crumbles,lettuce,tomatoe,and a couple of homemade onion rings on top. Sorry for the Blackberry pic.
 

 
http://bdburgers.net/

chickenplucker


I stay in Savannah frequently while working. B&D Burgers does an excellent job with burgers and an awesome beer selection. Not a vote for the article or the choices jus sayin. This is "The Lucas". Half Pound hand patted burger with cheddar,blue cheese crumbles,lettuce,tomatoe,and a couple of homemade onion rings on top. Sorry for the Blackberry pic.



http://bdburgers.net/

 
 
Nice picture. I lived in Savannah from 2005 to 2008. B&D is probably the best of the burger choices. In a different style altogether there is an excellent burger at the bar at the Mansion at the Park. That said, Savannah does not seem to really have much of a burger culture in the way that Many other places seem to.
 

I would agree with that. When I think of Savannah seafood comes to mind more than anything.

wanderingjew


As someone who now considers himself a "Providence Local" (although most Rhode Islanders define locals as someone who has been here at least 10 or 11 generations)
I have to defend their position at # 3.

I know from a Roadfood perspective, Rhode Island is all about Hot Weiners, Clam Shacks and Pizza Strips, but if you ask a majority of Rhode Islanders, they will defer the clam shacks to the tourists and claim that Providence and Rhode Island in general has a large and significant burger culture.

 
As a recent Rhode Island transplant I had to respond to this. I have had TERRIBLE luck finding any decent burgers in Rhode Island at all!
 
I have tried lots of them, from diners to pubs and have had trouble even finding a burger that wasnt made from a frozen patty. :(  I've traveled pretty extensively and would rate Rhode Island as the worst burger state I have been to based on my current experience
 
I made the trip to Stanleys under recommendations from this site and was very disappointed. My burger was very well done to the point of crumbling. When I do find a fresh patty in this area? It seems like burning it is the standard!
 
I plan on making a trip to the place in Warwick you recommend soon but PLEASE help me out with some other places to get a delicious juicy cheeseburger! My arteries are becoming less and less clogged by the minute.
 
 
 
 

philbeans

wanderingjew


As someone who now considers himself a "Providence Local" (although most Rhode Islanders define locals as someone who has been here at least 10 or 11 generations)
I have to defend their position at # 3.

I know from a Roadfood perspective, Rhode Island is all about Hot Weiners, Clam Shacks and Pizza Strips, but if you ask a majority of Rhode Islanders, they will defer the clam shacks to the tourists and claim that Providence and Rhode Island in general has a large and significant burger culture.

As a recent Rhode Island transplant I had to respond to this. I have had TERRIBLE luck finding any decent burgers in Rhode Island at all!

I have tried lots of them, from diners to pubs and have had trouble even finding a burger that wasnt made from a frozen patty. :(  I've traveled pretty extensively and would rate Rhode Island as the worst burger state I have been to based on my current experience

I made the trip to Stanleys under recommendations from this site and was very disappointed. My burger was very well done to the point of crumbling. When I do find a fresh patty in this area? It seems like burning it is the standard!

I plan on making a trip to the place in Warwick you recommend soon but PLEASE help me out with some other places to get a delicious juicy cheeseburger! My arteries are becoming less and less clogged by the minute.

 
I share your pain, however unlike you, my negative experiences were in Los Angeles and San Diego
I went to the holy trinity of burger joints , In and Out, Tommy's and the Apple Pan and my experiences ranged from
"ordinary" to "nasty" to "I liked the sauce". Hodad's in San Diego was a monstrosity of a sandwich but I'm convinced a hockey puck would have had more the flavor that the burger that was in that sandwich, the only way I knew that the burger was there was because I could "feel" the consistency.
 
Anyway, I've always been more fond of the "bar style" burger vs the "slider" variety. Interesting that you mentioned your thoughts about Stanley's being too well done. I don't recall every enjoying a slider anywhere that wasn't.
 
I don't eat out much locally, but there are some excellent burgers to be had here in Rhode Island
 
My favorite, which I've mentioned previously  is
1- Ward's Publick House- Warwick RI- the Erin Burger (with real Irish Bacon) is amazing, and you can get your burger rare, medium rare or however you like. I've had burgers all over the country- and this ranks up with the best.
 
2- Gillian's Ale House- North Kingstown- a file solid chili burger
 
3- Mudville Pub- Newport- Just ask any Rhode Islander about their burgers- what's even better is that they're located right across from Cardine's Field- where the Collegiate Wood Bat baseball team the Newport Gulls play. I love the blue cheese burger here
 
4. Fat Belly's - East Greenwich- more sports bar than Irish Pub- they are best known for their burgers.
 
One place I haven't been too which is on my hit list, my friends have raved about
 
Rare Burger Bar in North Providence.
 
Where do you live in Rhode Island?
If you get to Ward's please let me know, I'd be happy to join you for a meal

I'm shocked to see Houston ahead of DFW on any list save for one about foul odors.

wanderingjew

philbeans

wanderingjew


As someone who now considers himself a "Providence Local" (although most Rhode Islanders define locals as someone who has been here at least 10 or 11 generations)
I have to defend their position at # 3.

I know from a Roadfood perspective, Rhode Island is all about Hot Weiners, Clam Shacks and Pizza Strips, but if you ask a majority of Rhode Islanders, they will defer the clam shacks to the tourists and claim that Providence and Rhode Island in general has a large and significant burger culture.

As a recent Rhode Island transplant I had to respond to this. I have had TERRIBLE luck finding any decent burgers in Rhode Island at all!

I have tried lots of them, from diners to pubs and have had trouble even finding a burger that wasnt made from a frozen patty. :(  I've traveled pretty extensively and would rate Rhode Island as the worst burger state I have been to based on my current experience

I made the trip to Stanleys under recommendations from this site and was very disappointed. My burger was very well done to the point of crumbling. When I do find a fresh patty in this area? It seems like burning it is the standard!

I plan on making a trip to the place in Warwick you recommend soon but PLEASE help me out with some other places to get a delicious juicy cheeseburger! My arteries are becoming less and less clogged by the minute.

I share your pain, however unlike you, my negative experiences were in Los Angeles and San Diego
I went to the holy trinity of burger joints , In and Out, Tommy's and the Apple Pan and my experiences ranged from
"ordinary" to "nasty" to "I liked the sauce". Hodad's in San Diego was a monstrosity of a sandwich but I'm convinced a hockey puck would have had more the flavor that the burger that was in that sandwich, the only way I knew that the burger was there was because I could "feel" the consistency.

Anyway, I've always been more fond of the "bar style" burger vs the "slider" variety. Interesting that you mentioned your thoughts about Stanley's being too well done. I don't recall every enjoying a slider anywhere that wasn't.

I don't eat out much locally, but there are some excellent burgers to be had here in Rhode Island

My favorite, which I've mentioned previously  is
1- Ward's Publick House- Warwick RI- the Erin Burger (with real Irish Bacon) is amazing, and you can get your burger rare, medium rare or however you like. I've had burgers all over the country- and this ranks up with the best.

2- Gillian's Ale House- North Kingstown- a file solid chili burger

3- Mudville Pub- Newport- Just ask any Rhode Islander about their burgers- what's even better is that they're located right across from Cardine's Field- where the Collegiate Wood Bat baseball team the Newport Gulls play. I love the blue cheese burger here

4. Fat Belly's - East Greenwich- more sports bar than Irish Pub- they are best known for their burgers.

One place I haven't been too which is on my hit list, my friends have raved about

in North Providence.

Where do you live in Rhode Island?
If you get to Ward's please let me know, I'd be happy to join you for a meal

 
Definitely going to try to get to Wards really soon.
 
I'm not such a stickler about the burgers being well done as dry and crumbly, which I found at Stanleys and many other places.
 
I'm definitely a fan of both pub style burgers and "fast food" style. I spent a lot of time living in the midwest and Austin Tx so I'm accustomed to being able to find great examples of these at almost any bar.
 
I have avoided Fat Bellys because of the chaininess but I'll probably try to plan a stop at the one in Providence soon.
I'm also in the Narragansett area a lot so I'll have to check out Gillians. Recently tried the Mews tavern and it was better than most but still pretty disappointing, especially for $11.
 
I live way up in the NW corner of the state and its awfully quiet up here as far as good roadfood. I'm near Wrights Farm though and have definitely enjoyed their chicken dinner.  If I run across any other good burgers in the area I'll let you know. 
 
And I can always make them good at home!
 

 
 

Also, I'm definitely checking out "Rare" VERY soon. That place sounds awesome!

philbeans


Also, I'm definitely checking out "Rare" VERY soon. That place sounds awesome!

Spending time int he midwest and Austin, I can certainly understand how you can be very selective with your burgers.

Fat Belly's is a chain, but it's a local "only in Rhode Island" chain, I believe the original location was on Forge Road on the Warwick/East Greenwich line.
 
I've never been crazy about the Burgers at  the Muse, they have an incredible selection of Craft Brews, probably the best in Rhode Island  and believe it or not, killer Chicken Nachos (for Rhode Island at least) .
 
My friend and his girlfriend are moving out west to LA at the end of February, we've all been talking about doing a "guys night out" before he goes, one of the options we discussed was Rare . I've been holding off on going, since I've been awaiting our final decision.

Funny you mention nachos. Me and my girlfriend spent a couple weeks trying to find the best around recently. Union Station Brewery was the best we could do, not great but very good. I have heard great things about the nachos at Snookers in Providence but have yet to get there. 
 
Will report back on some of the burger places very soon!

In Providence, no love for Luxe Burger Bar?  We ate there a couple weeks ago and thought they had fine burgers- mine with a fried egg and pepper jack.  A week later my doctor, lab results in hand, disapproved.  Nice selection of craft beer too.

Went to Union Station the other day, right next door to Luxe. Will have to make that another stop. 
 
Stopped by Rare on a whim yesterday, closed.

RC51Mike


In Providence, no love for Luxe Burger Bar?  We ate there a couple weeks ago and thought they had fine burgers- mine with a fried egg and pepper jack.  A week later my doctor, lab results in hand, disapproved.  Nice selection of craft beer too.

 
For the most part, I try to live a healthy lifestyle when I'm home, so I don't dine out that much. When I do dine out in Providence, I tend to focus on more on ethnic restaurants ie. Thai, Indian, etc.  in fact there is a relatively new Ethiopian restaurant I've wanted to try for a while now.
 
http://www.abyssinia-restaurant.com/

WJ:  Ethiopian restaurants tend to be very good veggie restaurants.  I can understand how your lifestyle diets trend toward that type of cuisine.  You are great.  Looking forward to seeing you in Nashville.
 
Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN