I recently went on a massive burger run across the country to see what the hype was about. I found some really cool spots that are doing things a bit differently than your average fast food joint. Here are my thoughts on these new burger gems.
The Nostalgic Vibes at Smish Smash
This place in San Francisco used to be a pop up but now they have a permanent home in the Saluhall food court. Their burgers are super messy and nostalgic with plenty of pickles and special sauce that remind me of being a kid again.
Beef Tallow Fries Are a Game Changer
While the burgers are great at Smish Smash, you really cannot skip the sides like fries cooked in beef tallow, which adds so much flavor. They even serve banana pudding if you have any room left for something sweet after all that delicious grease.
Fancy Wagyu Bites at Deux Luxe
Moving over to Manhattan, this spot serves a classic burger made with two juicy wagyu patties and a healthy dollop of garlic aioli. It is served on a soft French milk bread bun, and honestly, it is so rich that you might want to take a nap right after.
Simple Perfection at Boo’s Burgers
Down in Houston, things are kept pretty simple with thin crispy patties and fresh toppings like shredded lettuce and onions. Everything is made with a lot of care, from the ground in house beef to the soft challah buns they use for every order.
A Cool Veggie Twist in Houston
If you do not want meat, Boo’s Burgers offers crispy fried oyster mushrooms instead of a standard veggie patty, which is a pretty bold move. It is a really unique choice that actually tastes great and keeps things interesting for everyone at the table.
High End Flavors at Le Burger 4304
This Minneapolis spot was started by chefs from a fancy restaurant, and you can really tell by the high quality of the ingredients. You can even add foie gras or caviar to your burger if you are feeling extra fancy or just want to treat yourself.
The Best Version of a Classic
Their main burger, called the L’Americain, feels like a much better and more professional version of a standard fast food cheeseburger. Make sure to try the thrice cooked fries because they are super crunchy and basically a revelation for your taste buds.
The Big Vegan Surprise at Face Plant
This was the spot that totally surprised me because I did not expect a vegan burger to taste this much like the real thing. Located in Portland, they offer meat free burgers and shakes at prices that are actually affordable for normal people like us.
Chef Secrets Behind the Shakes
The recipes come from Molly Baz, who used to be a big star at Bon Appétit, and you can tell she spent years developing them. Those milk free shakes are surprisingly creamy and definitely worth the trip even if you usually prefer to eat real dairy.
Massive Smashburgers at Ted’s Burgers
Over in Miami, Ted Amas serves up smashburgers that are so wide they literally overflow out of the potato buns. These are topped with Oklahoma style fried onions, and they are exactly what you want when you are craving a big meaty meal that hits the spot.
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