In The Wall Street Journal’s pursuit of the best burger in America, they’ve chosen Ann’s Snack Bar on Memorial Drive in Atlanta. Since some of y’all live in/near or travel to the Atlanta area, I wondered whether you’ve had a chance to sample Miss Ann’s burger–and is it really that outstanding? I’m anxious to hear your first hand comments, since next to the pursuit of woodworking excellence, the search for a great burger must rank near the top of worthwhile endeavors in life.
Bob
Replies
Well, there are gourmet burgers and there are burger-chain burgers. In terms of fastfood chains I swear by Burgerville's burgers. They're not especially noteworthy other than that they use much higher grade of beef than their much larger rivals do. But their "special sauce" is to die for!!!! Of course only NorthWesterners know this because it's only a NW burger chain. They also have a seasonally available Hazelnut/chocolate milkshake that is nothing short of amazing. If you love that Nutella spread stuff then you'd love these because they taste the same.
The best burgers I've ever had ................are homemade.
Paul
You mean to tell me McDonalds wasn't rated #1? Imagine that!
I was in California for the holidays a few years ago and Hardees/Carl's Jr were advertising a burger that has three 1/4 lb patties, cheese, bacon and butter. From what I hear, they call it "The Widowmaker".Get the paddles- CLEAR!
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
Has anybody had a Buffalo burger and can you comment on the taste. I eat almost anything but I am having a had time getting myself to try one.
Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .
Jerry,
Buffalo is extremely lean but full of flavor...most places out here in Colorado do a good job cooking it...they usually serve it medium because anything more and the meat dries out pretty quick. I like my buffalo burgers with just a hint of BBQ sauce, you really don't want to cover up the taste of the meat, especially since a buffalo burger can run you between $8 and $10.
Erik
I don't know about the best burger in America, but the best one I've found in Central Minnesota is at a sports bar in St. Cloud called The Ultimate. I lived in a number of different parts of the country, and this one is the best I've had. Especially their bacon double cheeseburgers. They are sooooo good!!! Just the right amount of grease dripping down your chin when you're done.
Hey epearso,
Check out the buffalo burger at CityGrille here in Denver, they are located on Colfax between Grant and Logan. I think that they were rated #5 for best in America. If there is a better burger anywhere else I would love to know about it. They don't recommend cooking buffalo beyond medium-rare. Pretty fair selection of beer on tap too (mostly MB's and imports). Either the fries or salad are a good choice. Enjoy.
Edited 3/22/2007 1:50 pm by BigK
oh yea man, bison burger! ruby tuesday has 'um here it ct and they are delicious. i just had one yesterday. no weird taste of any kind. to me they taste like prime beef.
You have convinced me to try one the next time I am at Smokey Bone's. I have heard that Ruby Tuesday's bison burger's are good.
Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .
Just give me 3/4lb. of Raw Angus ground round and a little salt, That makes me happy.Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
"How would you like your steak?""Knock its horns off, wipe its butt and put it on a plate."
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
Steak? Just walk the steer past a hot grill ;-)Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
But not too close.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
Has any one ever put a nice thick piece of Blue Cheese in the middle of a Buffalo burger and throw that on the grill. My local butcher has buffalo for about 6.00/Lb.
Have not tried a buffalo burger but a chunk of blue cheese on a burger is great.Troy
Guess my mom liked her's well done. She told the waiter to "walk it through a hot kitchen, take off the horns and tail, and bring it out bellowing."
My mom bought into the old "if it still has any taste, it's under cooked" rule, although she didn't have any problem with medium burgers from the grill. We broke her of the shoe leather habit, eventually.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
Edited 3/22/2007 5:17 pm by highfigh
Bob: I vote for my own burgers: 1/3 to 1/2 lb of pure ground Kobe beef. I have the butcher make up a half dozen with the press they have, they are even and all cook the same, if making more then one. Cooked medium topped with pre-warmed BBQ sauce. Out here (S.F. Bay area)we get buns from a place called the Cake Box: they are out of this world (white flour and lard)and complement any burger or sausage off the grill.
Duke
Support the Troops, Support your Country
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Here in the SF bay area I like the burgers at a place in Alameda called The New Zealander. They make a burger with very good cheddar cheese. Plus they have beer on tap and Rugby on the idiot box. At home I prefer a burger made with 1/3 to 1/2 pound of fresh ground chuck grilled over a very hot charcoal fire. For a fast food burger In and Out is as good as it gets.Troy
There are only 2 places to go for great burgers, one is in California and it's called in-n-out burger. They are a chain, But man are they good. The second is in my hometown of Washington D.C., and it's called Five Guys. Just like In-N-Out, they are fresh ingredients and made fresh and are they tasty.
Being here in australia at the moment this post has not only made me hungry, but alittle home sick as well. Thanks.
http://www.kalafinefurniture.blogspot.com
I have to agree that In-n-out has a good burger, had one last year while in San Diego. Here on the east coast, there was Acme Burger in Nags Head, N.C., they had a burger with chili, best at the beach. Have not been there in a couple of years, I think they are gone now. My other favorite is What-A-Burger, there a few in VA. & N.C., a good greasy flat burger. Rob
I'll second Five Guys--and they have an outlet up here in Connecticut.
another interesting post steve. and where would that five guys be?
It's in Milford (or perhaps Orange) in the same shopping center as the Home Depot on the Boston Post Road. Have some peanuts while you wait for your burger.
thanks steve, i'll check that out. by the way, nice to know you're in ct too.
Steve,
Forget that chain rest. stuff...just go to Paul's for truly fresh food. They process the forequarters to hamburgers fresh evey day along with hand cut fries.
I'm currently on a project in York, PA - had Five Guys for lunch today for the first time - incredible burger. Very In-n-out-ish. It's a pretty good value and they don't stick you with price on every little extra on the burger.
I'd also put Nations in the SF Bay Area (east bay) and Fatburger in LA on the list (there's one near the UCLA campus that got me through many a night after the bars shut during undergrad)... mmm, a kingburger from fatburger with bacon and a fried egg on top. now we're talking.
BOB, I expect that Miss Ann's is an owner/operated place like many I have encountered when I was working(100,000 miles a year air travel, US only). They ARE the best, cheapest and I bet that even the fries were blanched/ then fried and might even have just a little peel on the edges, but they had never seen a freezer-all fresh. They are a true joy and a potential colhestoral(sp) injection. These places are every where but ya have to ask the locals to find them. The WSJ dosen't know spit about great burgers, only what they are told! Enjoy, Paddy
Gang,
Some great burgers I have known:
Callahan's in Pantego / Arlington TX. A burger joint attached to a butcher shop...it don't get any fresher!
Brams in North Texas, Panhandle, Oklahoma. Great greasy burgers, homemade dairy stuff, real cream ice cream in their shakes and malts.
Johnny B Goodes in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. A classic 50's style diner run by a guy from the Bronx.
Backyard Burgers, Memphis and other points South. Open flamed burgers almost like you can do yourself on your grill.
Huey's in Memphis. Fresh burgers, live music, great steak fries.
Whataburger, in Texas and other places. A good griddle fried burger, no frills.
Beck's Prime in Houston
And the ABSOLUTE BEST BURGER IN AMERICA: The ones you make at home, on your grill!
Happy Eatin', Y'all.
Erik
Atlanta is too far to drive. I go to CJ's Butcher Boy Burgers I-40 exit 81 in Arkansas. Fresh ground tenderloin (ground at the restaurant) and fries (also cut fresh at the restaurant) - best I have ever had. Number 1 combo including burger, fries and a drink - $5.98. Very clean and 50's retro style.
Steve
Few good places in my hometown of Napa (SF area). Red Rock Cafe on Lincoln, Big D's on the Trail and Andie's which is a shack on the same lot as a car wash. Andie's only does lunch, I believe, but people tend to rave about both those places. These are no chain burger joints, but for those that have the IN-n-Out locator number on speed dial, yeah, we have on of those too.
I haven't had one in a few decades, but I was remembering the other day how good Tommy's Burgers in LA were. I have no idea if they are still there; I remember we used to go to two different locations in college.
Yeah Tommy burger I have been there but it's been about a decade. But they had a great chili cheese burger. Man I am getting so hungry.Kaleo
http://www.kalafinefurniture.blogspot.com
sorry barry, but if you haven't had one in 2 decades i think you must abstain from voting!
Dan's Hamburgers in Austin, Texas. My vote for the best since Holiday House went out of business here way back when.
BruceR
Portland, Maine, Vivian's diner. Double cheeseburger, can of soda, small bag of chips, $2.75. Have a steamed hot dog while the burger cooks. Standing only, you don't get it your way, they only please one customer a day and it's not your day. Other burgers will never be the same.Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Hammer,
Let's steal the topic and change it to Lobster roll....he,he
"Let's steal the topic and change it to Lobster roll....he,he" Better hadn't tell them MacDonalds serves lobster sandwiches up here.Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Hammer,
Just Googled Vivian's Diner and found Vivian's Drive-In on the corner of Forrest Ave. and Walton. That it? Brown and yellow building?
Headed down the end of this week and think I'll check it out.
Where's the best fish 'n chips in Portland now?
Thanks
oldfred
OK, this is important stuff here. In Northern CA in the 101 corridor, from north to south:
Lost Coast Brewing Company in Eureka - get the burger with Bleu Cheese and bacon, fantastic seasoned fries.
DJ's Burger Bar in Rio Dell - extra greasy, cheap.
The Chief in Laytonville - greasy, and great people watching (if you like modern-day hippy wanna-bes).
And the best hands down - Phyllis' Giant Burger in San Rafael, get the Bourdenave Burger (made on a sourdough roll from the Bourdenave Bakery) - many ounces of pure beef bliss.
Honorable mention: Oscar's in Berkeley, Barney's in Berkeley, and the late, lamented Fatz in Oakland.
Man, I'm hungry now.
Hey Fred, that's Vivian's. Been there for ages. It's just a hole in the wall and open for breakfast and lunch, most of the time. One of the best charcoaled burgers, pub style, is Rosie's in the Old Port, Fore St.. For fish and chips you have to go to Scarborough, Chowderheads. No bits of fish there, just a thick filet of haddock, succulently done, $5.95. One of the best lobster rolls is Bailey's at Pine Point. Not the restaurant on Rte 9 but the fish market just past Salty Bay take out. Grab a pair and take your honey over to Ferry beach and watch the sunset across the harbor.Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Thanks, Hammer!
Have to make a pilgrimage to Maine Coast Lumber on Warren Ave. and Vivian's is right around the corner.
I'll check Chowderheads. They always do well in the "Best Seafood" polls but we've never been there. We get as fer south as Scarborough, might as well hit Mardens for a barhgin or two in Saco huh?
Never heard of Rosies. Did have a great pizza at Flatbreads on the waterfront at the Old Port a couple weeks ago. And once and a while we drive down for breakfast at Becky's Diner.
Have you ever tried the fried clams at the restaurant/take out at Two Lights? Very Good! (but not cheap!)
oldfred
Two Lights is always a stop during the summer. More for the view than the food. Just the opposite at Vivian's, some might be scared to go in. If you venture down to Chowderheads you should go a half mile south on Rte 1 and look for Cliff's antiques on the left. A flea market with some old hand tools in one of the booths. I'm headed to Maine Coast, too. Atlantic Hardwoods is also worth a look. The Rockler in South Portland has a bunch of turning blocks and some exotic lumber, a bit expensive. Have fun and don't eat too much!Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Will visit Atlantic Hardwoods . Thanks
But first, a burger at Vivians.
Well I have got to weigh in for a Seattle classic. I will be the first to say that these burgers aren't gourmet fare, but there is something about the whole Dick's Drive In experience that keeps you coming back. Their fries are the best. I have sat in my work van on many occasion and watched employees through the plate glass windows, taking huge Idaho potatoes and rhythmically placing one after another in the hand operated frenchfry cutter until they have a new batch ready. They leave the skin on the potatoes!
The shakes ( my downfall ) are hand dipped not soft serve. The burgers are ... well you might say they are a cut above the original McDonalds style $.15 burgers, but similar. All but one of their locations is in the old 1950's Mc D's style ...walk up to the window, and service is fast .
I found that they have a web site: http://www.ddir.com/index.html
If you are ever in Seattle you should try one , but don't expect ground fillet Mignon.
Hey Melonhead,Oh yeah, I can remember many a late night run to Dick's. There is something addicting about a Dick's Delux.Some other Seattle classics:Red Mill burgers on Phinney Ridge
Zekes Burgers in Ballardand my favorite:
Dad Watson's 'Captain Neon' (w/blue cheese crumbles) and a 'Hammer Head' ale.Tom
If you get out to the Eastside, Wibbley's (at Evan's Plaza in Bellevue) has great burgers and fries. Not for grease lovers, however.
In another lifetime, a client told me of having lunch <at a very wealthy guy's place>. He commented to the host that the burgers were the best he had ever eaten, and asked "How do you make them?" He was directed to the kitchen to ask the chef. When he asked the chef what he put in the burgers, the chef went to the fridge, pulled out a prime steak, walked over to a grinder, put the steak through the grinder, showed my client the ground meat and asked "any questions?"
You can read the reviews on City Search. Sounds like the G-hetto burger is an excellent but giant burger that I would like to try.
http://atlanta.citysearch.com/review/11469935
Check out your city for the best eats.
http://cleveland.citysearch.com/allcities
Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .
Thanks for the link. There's no substitute for seeing first hand accounts of a burger experience. Seems to be a lot of enthusiasm for Miss Ann's Ghettoburger.Bob
I like the Project X burger from a local place in Fort Worth called Charley's.
Also, it's tough to beat the historic favorite--Kincaid's. They sell 'em now at the Fort Worth Cats minor league baseball games. A Kincaid's burger, a Rahr beer, and the Cats--Fort Worth heaven.
Now if I could only find a Lovera cigar.
"Roger Staubach for President"
I was reading this and thinking of Kincaid's Grocery when I saw your post. I also used to go to Merry Go Round on Berry St in Ft Worth for good cheap burgers.While I'm reminiscing about Cowtown, I should mention Angelo's Barbecue and Joe T. Garcia's. Is the Back Porch still open over there? Story was that place was the first to offer Oreo Cookie ice cream.As other posters have mentioned, Braum's in North Texas and Oklahoma are good fast food burgers. Their milk shakes are good and I swear they have better milk than you get in the stores.Whataburger is pretty dependable.Beck's Prime is a new find for me that I enjoy. Its a little pricey but their chile cheeseburger basket is very good.
Phil,
Man! Merry-go-round! I remember the place, but not the burgers. We usually went to Candelight near Forest Park and Vickery, or Good Luck on Rosedale for the grease. They're all history now, as well as Carlsons on University.
The Back Porch is long gone, but Angelo's Barbeque is still the king around here. You sound like you may be a Paschal Panther."Roger Staubach for President"
I went to Carlson's a few times and Good Luck once that I can recall. Not a Pascal Panther. I'm a Horned Frog. Got two degrees there.
Can't forget Fred's near the old Wards building. The fact that his kitchen keeps catching fire tells you it's good. Kinkaid's is the classic.
WM1776:
Dunno about them Atlanta burgers (never had one....), but....
Burger chain: Blake's LotaBurger -- double-meat LotaBurger w/green chile & cheese!!
Non-chain burgers:
Owl Burger, Owl Bar and Grill, San Antonio, NM
Famous Jemez Burger (with green chile & cheese), Los Ojos Bar & Grill, Jemez Springs, NM
Enjoy!!
.
Tschüß!
James
"I'm sorry, Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that...."
-- A.C. Clarke
Edited 3/12/2007 3:53 pm by pzgren
Bob, I am blaming YOU for my cullinary failure today. You started this topic and after reading the last of the 34+threads, I couldn't take it any longer. I jumped in my truck and headed 15 miles south west to (rt 27A) Merrick Rd. in Massapequa Long Island to an old Carvell style building that is "The All American" for a double ¼ pounder rare, plain except for some fried diced onion, large fries, small onion rings and a black & white shake-all for $8.15 inc. tax. I quietly receded into my truck turned on some tunes and ate it all right in their parking lot.
It's the best/juciest ½ pounder in the world on a flat(not too bulky) bun with sesame both sides. The fries are fresh cut next to the fryer, blanched and then fried in a constant stream and never sit more than 3 or 4 Min. I have gone there at every time day or night, any day of the week and the best I ever did(in a snow storm) was 15 th on line with 5 or 6 servers at the counter. In the summer the line starts in the parking lot all the time.
I try real hard to limit my visits to no more than twice a quarter but you foiled that plan. I guess that one day they will find me expired in the parking lot with a smile on my face and french fries in my hand. Maybe it won't be so bad, after all, I did have a big Japanese fish, vegetables, soy and green tea on Sunday. Ya think?
HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY.
Happy to provide the excuse for your downfall, although it does sound as though you were overdue for a trip to the All American. You do make it sound like one incredible burger.Even so, the link JerryPacMan provided for customer reviews of Miss Ann's Snack Bar tempt me to find an excuse to drive from Evansville to Atlanta to sample one of her Ghettoburgers. I'm not sure, however, that I'm tough enough to withstand one of her withering stares should I inadvertently disobey one of the house rules.Bob
Then Cozy Inn in Salina, KS!! It's not just that I grew up there, they really are kinda famous:
http://www.ahamburgertoday.com/archives/2006/05/the_cozy_inn_salina_kansas.php
The place is very small, just a lunch counter, not even any tables. They sell burgers and nothing else. No fries, not even a cheeseburger. The burgers are small, as well. 2 dozen to go is a routine phone order. The cook is usually a guy who learned to cook in the Navy and has the tattoos to prove it. If you eat in the restaurant and don't carry out everyone you meet for the rest of the day will know you had lunch at the Cozy Inn, the aroma will permeate your clothing. Ah the memories...
Ann's is good to be sure. The wait and location leave much to be desired. Human nature is prone to value something they work for more than the easy stuff. I think that's part of the charm of Ann's. For almost as good a burger in the ATL check out the restraunt at the PDK airport on Clairmont Rd. Exec. airport with a runwayside restraunt. Burger is about as good and watching the single prop Cessnas and highroller Gulfstreams takeoff and land beats waiting in G-ville in my book.
Thank you! For the first hand account of a visit to Ann's Snack Bar. But the runway-side airport restaurant does sound like much more fun. Might have to try 'em both should the opportunity arise.Bob
eagles deli in boston rated number 3 in the us on the food network
I am not much of an expert on most subjects on this forumn but this one I "think" I know. Having logged 20 years in the fast food business with Burger King I speak from a wellspring of knowledge. For the major Chains it's gotta be the WHOPPER. It's flamebroiled and always made the way you want it and made to order to boot. Some clowns are still frying their burgers but not us. We also have the Angus burger that will someday be the #2 best selling fast food burger. With the ingredients in most B.K.s there are over 1400 ways to prepare a WHOPPER.
Now I have shopped the competitors and I have found a new Chain at least in this area called Culvers. They have a burger called the butter burger that is pretty good. As a kid in Michigan we would always eat at Dog n' Suds during the summer and the Texas Twin was the best going. I Have had a couple of Bison burgers and the flavor was really good. BUt I have to say that my favorite burgter has got to be the ones they serve at the local fair every fall. The area FFA chapter sells pork burgers (yeah it's not beef but it is ground meat ) they have a special seasoning and serve em with pickles, onion and mustard. If a guy can get about 2-3 of those and an order of fried cheese with an adult beverage of choice he has it made.
P.s. After 20 plus years of eating burgers on an average of 4-5 days a week my cholesterol is only about 160-180 the Dr. scratched his head over that one.
When in Colorado the best burger i have found is at Bud's Bar in Sedalia. No Fries, just a bag of chips and a hamburger or cheese burger. This place has been around since the 1940's and I don't think the menu has changed at all.
Edited 3/22/2007 9:24 pm ET by tyman78
A Whataburger (Texas) all the way. Only way to go.
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