Best Hamburger in Midwest

[Phil]

Where is it? Thanks for any and all suggestions.

[Steve]

Booches in Columbia Missouri.

Second best- O'Connells Pub in St. Louis, although I always get the roast beef sandwich.

[Pat Hammond]

In the 3+ decades I lived in St. Louis I always meant to try an O'Connell's hamburger. But every time I'd be seduced by the roast beef sandwhich, very rare, with lots of horseradish. I always liked the fried mushrooms too.

[SBCochran]

I second, third, fourth and fifth Booche's....the best I've ever had. Not big (bigger is NOT necessarily better), not small, just the perfect balance. "DCE" (double cheese with everything, 2 singles formed into a single patty with a single cheese slice - I don't think they even sell single burgers anymore) served steaming on waxed paper with napkin on top; white American cheese, mustard, ketchup, onions and pickles; also potato chips, Pepsi products, cold beer with or without an accompanying shot. No lettuce, tomato, FFs, other extraneous items. Also good country ham and sausage sandwiches, good bowl of red, daily soup. All walks of life welcome......Enjoy.

Booches Billiard Hall - 110 S. 9th St - 573/874-8772 - Pool hall - M-Sat>~10-0000h

[Gordon Elliott]

Onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard? No lettuce or tomato? Sounds like McDonald's quarter pounder to me.

[Enso]

It's the white American cheese that has me turned off...

[Mick Ruthven]

>Onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard? No lettuce or tomato? Sounds like ...<

Sounds like the Midwest :-) I don't think I ever saw lettuce or tomato (or mayo) on a burger until I moved from Missouri to California (a long time ago). And my burgers anywhere I get them are are still with onions, pickles, ketchup, and mustard.

[simone]

Booches - amen

Blimby Burger in Ann Arbor is a close second.

[Kelli2006]

I saw that place mentioned on DD+D's and wondered if it was worth the trip from 23. I pass though that area when I take my daughter back to college in Grand Rapids, and thought about stopping in.

[alsamuelson]

A few shots from Booche's

[alsamuelson]

Booche's. Get there 11-11:30 or after 1. Love that place. I have been known to plan trips from KC to St Louis to stop there. Ok, almost every time.
In St Louis, Lou Rook's (at Annie Gunn's) burger of the month (whatever it is) or Newstead Tower on Manchester is a little more high brow, but great.

[JBinStl]

You are 100% correct...Booche's in Columbia and O'Connell's in St. Louis. BTW, I also like the Village in St. Louis

[tusti]

Hey JbinSTL were you talking about The Village Bar on Manchester Road out by 270?

[Karl]

Redamak's in New Buffalo, Michigan

[stpaulbreadman]

I lived in Columbia MO and hated booches - small greasy and with too much bun for meat.
O'connells is number one and Blueberry HIll in St Louis very good also .
I live in St Paul MN now and think the best here is vincents (fancy burger with braised short ribs in the middle. Different concept but great burger.

[skreamer]

I have eaten burgers all over the country. I've had Booches...great. I stop there everytime I'm in the area. Meers...funky, very interesting place with a nice BIG burger, but it's not great. Cozy Inn...pretty good, but no cheese available...bummer. Five Guys is indeed the best national chain (other than White Castle, which I consider in a category by itself). A great burger that hasn't been mentioned is found in Colo. Springs ONLY: Conway's Redtop. I haven't been there for awhile, but I've eaten it every time in in the Springs and it is fabulous. They steam Velveeta cheese onto the burger and it absolutely melts in your mouth. Town Topic in KC serves up a great greaser. Also, in St. Louis there is an old joint on Manchester called "Carls" and it serves up a mean greaser in a funky oldtime joint that only seats about a dozen people around the countertop.

s

[hill food]

skreamer, Manchester can mean so many things, cross street for Carl's please? I have an idea it's probably not far off K'hwy, but that whole area has been changing so fast in the last 5 years.

[rtsholmes]

Carl's is in Brentwood just west of Brentwood blvd. I believe the seating is closer to 8 than 12. enjoy to rootbeer also

[hill food]

ahhh, thx, so it's near my new favorite Szechuan place.

[rtsholmes]

what Szechuan place would that be? this is off the topic but, have you tried Yen Chings on Brentwood across from the Galleria?

[jpryde]

Even though this is a burger thread I wanted to respond. Yen Ching was my fave until I found King Doh, on Manchester, about a mile east of Lindbergh.

[hill food]

FSP http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/120085

[beerambassador]

The best burger I've ever had was at the Totten Trail, in Totten Trail, North Dakota. It's about halfway between Bismarck and Minot right on the big lake. If you're ever out that way do yourself a favor and eat one.

[Bobfrmia]

I would love to go with something in my home state, but truthfully the best burger I ever had was at the Granite City Brewery in Sioux Falls S.D.

[Matt]

In Cincinnati it's Zip's (see link below).

In Indianapolis I'll go with Ralph's Great Divide, a little neighborhood bar downtown on New York Street.

Link: http://www.cincinnati.com/freetime/di...

[m.toast]

I have to speak up for the southern Midwest here. Best burger I've ever had was at Meers, Oklahoma. A little butt-crack town just north of Lawton, OK. The burgers are huge. Lean, but juicy. Definitely worth the off-road pilgrimage if you're a hefty beef lover.

The Meers Store and Restaurant is a prosperous family restaurant, famous for Meersburger - 7" diameter burgers made exclusively from the Texas Longhorn beef, raised on the family's ranch. The beef is free from antibiotics, pesticides and growth hormones, and is lower in cholesterol than chicken. The Meers Store and Restaurant also has on its menu, steaks, barbecue, salad bar, home-baked bread, and desserts including homemade ice cream.

Link: http://www.meersstore.com/

[panache]

the meers burger is the best!!! i can't believe bon apetite magazine had it as 3rd in the usa.. to me, it is numero uno hands down!! best burger ever!!

[Firegoat]

I agree with the Meers burger. How can you not like a burger that is described like this?

• Meersburgers are made with 97% lean grass fed Longhorn beef from our own Longhorn herd.
• Our famous burgers are cooked medium well done and are served with mustard, dill pickles, tomatoes, purple onions, and green leaf lettuce. We use American cheese because our burgers are American burgers. We have been fixing them this way since the beginning, for over 50 years and this is the way our cowboys like them. 99% of our customers like them this way so this is why we respectfully call this burger (and your hats off boys) the COWBOY BURGER.
• Some folks like mayo on their burgers instead of mustard but call burgers with this a SISSY BURGER! Other folks like ketchup on their burgers instead of mustard. We call burgers with this a YANKEE BURGER! Cowboys believe ketchup belongs on fries, not beef.
• A few folks out there want all three---mustard, mayo, and ketchup---on their burgers. The poor fools are simply confused.
We don't care how you want your burger fixed. We will fix it any way you want it. We cook your burger to order. Try one with bacon, jalapeno or both. However, if you order something other then a cowboy burger, please be patient; our cooks rarely encounter sissies, Yankees or confused souls.

[Sony Bob]

Some people consider Detroit as Midwest (seems pretty north to me). Gotta go for Miller's Bar on Michigan Ave. just east of Telegraph. It's a whole experience. You don't get a bill, just go to the bartender and he'll ask you what you had. All on the honor system. Hamburgers supreme.
Bob

[coney with everything]

Millers is darn good, but I prefer the Red Coat in Royal Oak. Sidetrack in Ypsi has a fantastic burger, too. In the summer, eat outside and watch the trains go by!

[stephanieh]

I haven't lived in the Detroit area for over ten years, so I was happy to see Red Coat mentioned in this thread. It was the first place that came to my mind when I saw the subject, but I didn't know if they'd still be there. I haven't had a reason to go back (besides the food I miss, which doesn't justify the cost of the trip), but Red Coat is on the short list of places I'll hit if I do get there again.

[coney with everything]

Red Coat is still there, still packed to the gills most nights, still weirdly lit, and still excellent.

[stephanieh]

That makes me very happy! : ) I hope I get back there someday!

[boagman]

Heh. Well-put, Coney. "Still weirdly lit" is quite the understatement. I absolutely love Redcoat, but I've never been in any other restaurant wherein it seemed more like a microcosm of Vegas: there's no indication *anywhere* except at the front door of what time of day it is. You...just can't tell, since the lighting is just so stinking weird.

Still a great stinking burger, though, and I'm partial to Brent's bartending.

[dave98svt]

I agree. Millers if you want a basic hamburger/cheeseburger. Red Coat if you want the works (also the best clam chowder). Millers has burgers, cheeseburgers, friench fries, and onion rings. Your options are burger temperature, onions (not grilled), pickles, ketchup, and mustard. THATS IT!! No lettuce, mayo, or anything else. But the do have the tastiest basic cheeseburger in my opinion. Its so good you don't need special sauces and extra condiments.

[ratitidinenow]

I've been to the Rec Coat twice and it was good but not on the same level as Miller's though I have to admit I grew up on them so it has become my standard. There's a great little neighborhood bar on the corner of Inkster Rd. & Cherry Hill called Jon's Goodtime Bar and they do a burger there that's among the best, too.

[boagman]

Boy, I dunno. Miller's and Redcoat both have just an outstanding, outstanding burger. They are slightly different animals, though: Miller's does tend to have a bare bones approach to theirs, while Redcoat can provide a laundry list of quality toppings for yours, and that only enhances it, IMHO.

It'd be interesting to do a side-by-side comparison between the two just based on the meat and bun alone...I think that they'd be *severely* close in quality and such. That being said, I love them both, and wouldn't turn either down were I given a chance.

[Mid Michigan Dining]

I have not had Miller's burger yet, but if you take the condiments off, I would almost guarantee Miller's would win. I found Redcoat to be highly overrated.

When I talk best burger, all I talk about is the best meat on a bun. Redcoat failed on both accounts. The meat was bland and the bun was a supermarket seasme seed. They may have great toppings and a killer special sauce, but I don't count either of those as part of the burger.

[RedTop]

Had a Jonburger at the Goodtime Bar today, ratitidinenow, and have to agree with you. Wonderfully turned out! Deserving of mention when talking about the best!

[yorbacus]

Mason's in Livonia is pretty darn good too.

[bobr821]

Just came back from Miller's Bar. The cheeseburger was very good but the true standout of the meal was the staff -- they were the nicest and most pleasant bar staff I have ever encountered. It was a real treat.

[Jim]

My vote goes to the Burger Station in Winfield, Kansas.

[nypb]

Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger in Ann Arbor, MI. Hands down. Triple on a kaiser with american cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, black olives and ketchup/mayo. Side of onion rings.

[Steve]

Hey, is the Garbage Pit still in Ann Arbor? Now there was a heart attack on a bun!

[Ellen]

Kewpee Burger in Lima, Ohio! Downtown location only.

[Fibber McGee]

What's wrong with the Bellefontaine Rd location? Since that's so convenient to I-75 it's the only one I've been to.

[70lisette]

The Kewpee Burger is great (all locations)! Everytime we're home we can't wait for a burger, fries, malt and homemade pie. Still one of my all time favorite meals! (I know this is an old post but I could not resist adding a comment.)

[M&M]

Okay, Okay there are some good hamburger places in STL but if you really want what I consider a great burger go to Rossino's. The place is a bit funky but its the only place to get a really great burger that comes on french bread. The fries are stupendous!

And for all you Hounds that think O'Connel's has a great roast beef sandwich, you haven't had the roast beef that Rose cooks at the Hilltop Inn. Corner of Loughborough & Morganford in South City. As far as I know only served at lunch on Monday's, Wednesday's and Saturday's but by far the best roast beef this side of Mother's. And the ham ain't bad either.

[Michael]

Matt's Bar in South Minneapolis. Just looking at the picture starts the crave.

Link: http://twincities.citysearch.com/revi...

[hill food]

oh yeah Hilltop Roast Beef. one of my grandmother's favorite sandwiches.

http://www.divebardashers.com/barsvis...

but back to burgers - WHEEL-INN! Sedalia, MO.

also Hibachi Hut in Manhattan, KS used to be good - wasn't impressed after the remodel (they lost the dead trees the side dining room was built around to make room for the ok Tex-Mex-ish place next door) but the food was still good.

[Firegoat]

Mmmmm. Hibachi Hut! Good memories there. I almost always had the teriayki chicken sandwich there tho. Ofc, we're talking about 16 years ago since I was a regular when I was an undergraduate student at KSU.... but boy it gets the sentimental vote!

[hill food]

I left KSU 18+ yrs. back. good place to nurse a hangover.

[amy_rc]

As a K-Stater I love all things Manhappiness. I haven't had one in ages, but the burgers at Litle Apple Brewery were pretty darn good.

As far as the Wheel Inn, I love the Guber Burger (topped with peanut butter). They closed in September of '07 but...recently I ate at Chefburger in the Power and Light District in KCMO, and they had a Guber Burger. It was delish.

[Firegoat]

Is the Vista Drive In still going in Manhattan? I ate many a Vista burger there

[amy_rc]

I'm not sure about Vista, I haven't been to that side of Manhattan in a few years. One of my roommates lived on Vista (circa 1999). I never tried it.

[rballa]

Yes in fact Vista does still exist. I currently go to school at K-State and have definately been there. It's just something you should do before you graduate. It is a little greasy but love the old fashion-ness of the place and how they make them.

[Irishbeer4me]

They reopened the Wheel Inn on Hwy 65, so you still can get your Guber burger !

[amy_rc]

For real they reopened??? I waited for nearly 2 hours on the last Saturday they were open at the original location. If I had known they would reopen I would have just waited for the new location. Oh well, that day I had a great hamburger and it was crazy busy, so I probably won't soon forget the experience.

[Melissa]

Tanner's is great. Make mine a Tannabooga - mushrooms and onions, no cheese, always cooked just right, with a huge basket of fries. Go on Wednesday with a friend 2 for $3.50 (that includes the fries!) and a pitcher of Miller Lite for $5.50. College basketball on the big screen. It's great to be alive.

- 4 locations in the KC area, or is it 5 now? 119th, downtown KC- Broadway and 10th?, Lee's Summit off of 291, Blue Springs off of 7 highway - and is there one more in Kansas?

Also love Steakburger in Independence, off of Blue Ridge Cutoff. North of the stadium.

And my H raved about the great burgers at a little bar in Hermann, MO. On the south side of town near the city park/campground. Small, but a good thickness, wrapped in plastic. He said they satisfied his craving.

[Kad]

I have to go with Big Boy combo burger!!!! Just thinking about it makes me hungry.

[ron c]

Thurman's for the homemade style and Max and Erma's for the chain style...either way, bring your appetite.

[Rantoul Davis]

Moody's Pub, Chicago
Up north on Broadway. I like the bacon-bleu burger.

[Ron Ryser]

The char-cheddar burger at Wiener Circle takes the cake. A huge patty topped with grilled onions and Merkt's (style?) cheese spread on a good bun will have grease running down your forearms. Comes with a delicious big pickle spear. If you want to bust your gut, get a bag of home-cut fries topped with the same cheese.

[sullysully]

It's Merkt's cheddar cheese spread. It comes in a tub, and they heat it up and slather it on burgers. It's also great on cheese fries.

[biga290]

I second the char cheddar burger at Wiener's Circle, 2620 Clark St., Chicago. Excellent natural casing Chicago redhots as well.

[Fydeaux]

1) Mickey-Lu's, Marinette, WI (Small but perfect)
2) The Plaza, Madison WI (although it's mostly for the Plaza sauce)
3) Leff's Lucky Town Milwaukee (Wauwatosa, actually), WI

[funholidaygirl]

Definitely Mickey-Lu's. That old bar with the open fire pit can't be beat.

[Fydeaux]

Wow! Someone else here knows about them!

My father grew up in Marinette, and my grandfather owned a ladies' ready-to-wear shop there until the 70s. Mickey-Lu's is the first restaurant I remember eating at ever, around the time President Eisenhower started his second term.

[misslinnea]

Mickey-Lu's BBQ in Marinette, WI is one of the best burgers ever!! Thin flavorful patties, crunchy buns, a slab of butter!!!!! This place is wonderful.

[Fydeaux]

My 8 year old nephew from Minneapolis decided he wanted to try his FIRST EVER hamburger at Mickey-Lu's, so this Saturday they drove from Mineapolis, my wife & I drove up from Milwaukee, and my mother & her husband drove over from Door County for this event. It was my first time there since the early 90s, and I am thrilled to say that the burgers lived up to memory in every aspect! Charcoal-grilled burgers on a bakery-made bun with a pat of butter...pure heaven!

And seriously, the place [except for the prices, and even those not by much] has barely changed EVER. The formica table tops, the juke box, the one-cent tootsie rolls...if only they still had orange Ne-Hi!

My nephew gave his burger a thumbs up too.

Two double burgers, a double brat, and a vanilla shake later, we drove back to Milwaukee, full and happy.

So some who dont have a 55-year relationship with one burger place may legitimately argue that Mickey-Lu's is not the greatest hamburger on the face of the planet. But there is 100% certainty in my own mind that there is not better place in the world to eat one.

[Living4fun]

My choice is Sobleman's in Milwaukee. A perfect balance of tastes and textures. Friendly atmosphere and also serves up a Bloody Mary that qualifies as a salad because of its garnish.

http://www.milwaukeesbestburgers.com/...

[swsidejim]

a second vote here for Sobleman's burger and Bloody Mary.

[Fydeaux]

Well, I'll tell ya...I had occasion to need to go to Lighting Liquidators this afternoon, and since Sobleman's is across the street, I decided to have lunch there. This was one spectacular burger! The Sobleman burger (3 cheeses, jalapenos, a bunch of other stuff) sounded just a little too complicated for the frame of mind I was in, so I just had a bacon cheeseburger, and it was perfection on a bun. The bun was pretty perfect too.

It's way off my beaten path, so I dont think it will become a regular stop, but you can bet that any occasion I have to head to the east side, I'll be there.

[rweater]

Hmm...having lived in both Columbia, Mo., (home of Booche's) and in metro Detroit (about a mile from Miller's), I see that my loyalties are divided. I'm going to wuss out and say that Booche's burgers are better than Miller's, however, Miller's wins for overall burger joint in that you can get fries, onion rings, etc.

[Kelli2006]

5 guys burgers or Backyard burger is the best burger for a national chain, but BYB left the state.

I also like Swenson's in Akron or Yours Truly.

[Firegoat]

I like Backyard Burgers in Tulsa as well. There is also an Oklahoma chain called Goldie's Patio Grill that makes a burger that is hard to beat.

[stephanieh]

Goldie's burgers are seriously delicious. I know part of the reason they're so flavorful is the char-grilling, but there's also some top secret seasoning on them that makes the flavor something I've never been able to duplicate or find anywhere else. The downside to Goldie's, the waitresses aren't usually very nice (and not sassy enough to be forgiven as part of the experience), the buns are sometimes very dry, the restaurants are out-dated looking (even the newer ones) and not in a quaint diner-esque way. I sometimes go back to Goldie's when I'm visiting home, but each time I wish I were eating that burger anywhere else but there. No matter which location I go to (but especially the one on 31st, near Yale).

If anyone knows their secret to their seasoning, I would give you my firstborn.

[rise14]

Sorry to resurrect an old post but Goldies makes my favorite cheeseburger ever and i had to chime in. i don't live in Oklahoma so i only get to have it about 1 or 2 times a year. I tried to make a similar one at home and got pretty close. The inlaws had bought us some meat from 'idaho steaks', so i used the burger patties with lowrys season salt and soy sauce, grilled on foreman grill. it was the closest i've ever gotten to a real Goldie's burger. II tried it again later on with cheaper hamburger patties and it was not even close. I suspect they use really good ground beef and at least one of the ingredients i mentioned. Mine were a bit saltier, perhaps omitting the soy sauce would help. For the record i've never had any complaints about the staff or the decor, but im usually too busy stuffing my face to notice.

[sullysully]

I love Pete's Hamburgers in Prairie du Chein, Wisconsin. Only open during the summer, but so good.

[lanibug65]

I would have to say it is either a Hooter at the original Burger King in Mattoon, IL (look it up, it was there before the chain) the same way they have always been or a Crabill's in Urbana, Ohio's double cheese the hometown way, onion, relish and house mustard and Crabills has made the Bon Appeitt and Gourmet lists for best burger in the country -- it is a little dive but the best burgers....

[bradsalzwedel]

Dotty Dumplings Dowry in Madison Wisconsin. It has even been picked as the best burger in the United States by USA TODAY.

[amgarrison]

Go to The Nook in St. Paul. The 5-8 Club in Minneapolis.
Both have excellent variations on the "Juicy Lucy." Incredible...

[BigE]

Having been to both places, the Juicy Lucy at the Nook is MUCH better than the version at the 5-8. I've never been to Matt's or the Blue Door (the newcomer), so I can't throw those in the mix.

My favorite burgers in MSP are the Juicy Nookie, the Nookie Supreme and the 112 burger.

[BigE]

A few follow up thoughts on this post...

Strictly in terms of Juicy Lucys, my order would be:

1) The Nook
2) Matts
3) Blue Door
4) 5-8

My only gripe with the Nook is the meat quality. I know their daily volume is astronomical, but if these guys took the time to have a local butcher grind meat daily (it could be darn near a full time job, actually), it would be out of this world. The burgers are prepared properly, the toppings, buns and fries are awesome, but the actual meat is just...lacking.

[amgarrison]

I just thought of another one. The Uptown Bar & Café in Minneapolis. I had a burger there called the Farmer's Glory and it blew my mind. It's a burger patty with bacon, cheese, ham, 1 egg cooked to order, lettuce, and tomatoes. Holy crap...

[green56]

Holy crap is right when talking about an egg over easy on a good burger. Neuman's in North Saint Paul makes them and is where I learned about them. They're fairly expensive, so I started going to Mac's right across the street and ording my cheese burgers that way.

Talk about a made-to-order burger! I'd sit at the counter and direct John on how to make my burger and I always got a perfect burger. That man knows (knew? Didn't he sell the place?) how to burger!

[soupkitten]

you can get an egg on the excellent grass-fed burger at strip club in st paul. it's an excellent burger with or without the egg.

[Bring Back the Stein]

1. Fred's Parkview, Burlington, Wisconsin.
2. Sobelman's, the Sobelman's Burger, Milwaukee.

[Fibber McGee]

If you're in the Dayton, Ohio area during the day, Voltzy's on Kettering in Moraine can't be beat for size, taste or humor. Owner Rick is hilarious. Don't let the fact it's little more than a lunch stand scare you.
If you need to sit down inside to eat, go up to Tipp of the Town in Tipp City, right off I-75, exit 68.
As far as chains go, nothing tops the small chain Kewpee, with Ohio locations in Lima. I believe Wisconsin and Lansing, michigan, have these as well.

[pikawicca]

Boy, this is an old thread. I'd like to nominate the delicious burger served up at Nick's English Hut here in beautiful Bloomington, IN. Juicy and cooked just the way you order it, served up in a great college-town bar atmosphere.

[Chalkie]

Nick's is like that place in the bad version of the world in "It's a Wonderful Life." People go there to drink, and get drunk fast. I've never seen anyone go there for the food, of any variety.

[pikawicca]

Thanks a bunch, Chalkie! It's many long years since I went anywhere "to drink, and get drunk fast." When was the last time you were at Nick's? Chef "Raggs" Raggo is a talented chef who produces, among other things, a mean gumbo and a superlative venison burger. Many sober, grown-up people go there for the food.

[sam o]

I haven't perused the entire thread, but if no one has mentioned Thurmans in Columbus, you are missing a world class burger.

[Tripper]

Loved Miller's in Detroit and Pinocchios in Racine Wisconsin. Pinocchios also had homemade root beer and great custard ice cream.

[funholidaygirl]

Pinocchio's closed in Racine. I never went there the entire time I lived here and I really never heard anyone recommend it. Looks like I may have missed out. What about the Spot in Kenosha, pretty tasty!

[BZArcher]

Look through the Columbus threads and everyone will tell you to go eat at the Thurman Cafe, and to try the mighty Thurman Burger. Best burger I've ever had.

[tomintulsa]

Ron's Hamburgers and Chili in Tulsa, OK. The Sausage Cheeseburger is the BEST. As Guy would say.. It's Money.

[stephanieh]

Amen. My hubby and I were in Tulsa for a week and a half and ate at Ron's four times. I think he'd have eaten there everyday if I'd have let him. And yes, the Sausage Cheeseburger is the BEST... but no matter what burger you get, you have to get it with chili. For those who haven't been there, I'll describe. They make your delicious burger as you request it, then put it on a plate and ladle the chili OVER the top of the whole burger until it fills the entire plate. They also have hand-cut fries which are really yummy dipped in that extra chili on the plate.

I keep wishing Guy would go to Ron's on DD&D, but since they've closed that old location, I can't really call it a Dive, and it's also not really a Diner. Still, it's seems to fit the character of the show. Maybe I'll submit it and see if he goes.

[jberendzen]

Billie Burke's on Burchett, north St. Louis

[g rote]

I've lived in Detroit, Milwaukee and Minneapolis. Here are my best of for those 3 regions:

1) Miller's Bar, Dearborn, MI
2) Solly's Butter Burgers Milwaukee, WI
3) Blimpy Burger Ann Arbor, MI
4) Red Coat Tavern Royal Oak, MI
5) Lions Tap Eden Prairie, MN

also, I just want to let my Twin Citian friends know that Jucy Lucys might be unique, they don't make a great burger. The patties get dried out.

[Jim M]

The burger at the Sidetrack in Ypsilanti, MI, was named one of the top 20 in the country by Esquire magazine, so it should have some claim to being the best in the Midwest. These things are totally subjective, I guess, but it's a top-notch burger in a great bar in an old commercial strip by the railroad tracks.

[tdmort]

I just discovered Sideacks in Ypsi. I love it. The burger is good but the sliders are the best I've had anywhre!

[Jim M]

Gee, I've never tried the sliders there! I'll give 'em a whirl.

[tdmort]

They're awesome. The same great quality beef, you get 3 mini's and lots of melted cheese. They don't come with fries, but I usually steal a few from my husband's plate and I'm happy.

I really am going to have to go there soon!

[Jim M]

Went last night, and they had a special "gourmet" slider, with blue cheese, that they were thinking of adding to the menu. Really top-notch.

[sazfed]

Im from Michigan so----
1.) Shamrock pub (utica by hall road) best ever!!! burger, fries, and a beer for about 5 bucks!
2.) Krazy Jims Blimpie Burger ( do some studying b 4 u go in or youll get yelled at)
3.) Red Coat Tavern
4.) Millers
5.) Travis burgers

[greggold]

There are a number of great burgers in STL. First has to be O'Connell's. Simple and delicious. With swiss cheese and grilled onions and lots of napkins. No frills and far and away the best. Blueberry Hill is great with the soft cheddar and Tuckers is up there also. You can never rule out the burger at Annie Gunn's and for a griddled burger there is the double cheese at Carl's with a large house made root beer. I would eat at any of these, anytime!

BTW, I went to Mizzou and the Booches burger is good, but I don't know that I would put it on the best of list...

Gotta eat!

[rweater]

Actually, I amend my Booche's vote. The best burgers in Columbia were actually at a place called Billiards, on Ninth Street, right next to Booche's. Billiards closed a few months ago. It's been revived in a new location but with the same grill. I contend that the Billiard's burger beats the Booche's burger. Plus you can get fries.

[greggold]

rweater, I amend my Booches vote. I'm moving it back up the leaderboard. I had it for the first time in years this week and it was sooo gggoooooodddd!. Pickles, onion and ketchup. Oh my! I wanted to order an few more but they were backed up before the Mizzou/Iowa State game. I'll definitely be back, soon I hope.

[Firegoat]

I was thinking about good burgers here in Oklahoma, but totally forgot about some of the best burgers in Kansas --- the cozy burgers from The Cozy Inn in Salina, KS. A tiny 6 stool cafe that cooks the onion burgers right on the grill in front of you. So good you buy them by the sack.
http://www.choppedonion.com/id30.html

[napolean]

The best burger I've ever had would be in Indianapolis at The Working Man's Friend. Paper thin and crispy burgers served up old school style. Better than the fancier types that seem to focus more on toppings than flavor.

[silvergirl]

I'm in complete agreement. but I don't think I'd go there at night. Lunchtime, however, it's basically a meeting of the Indianapolis Bar Association.
I like the burgers at Charley & Barney's too (never understood the devotion to their chili though - bleck), but they're totally different. Huge and juicy.

[uhockey]

http://www.thethurmancafe.com/

[sharky1]

1. Joanne's - Marshall MO
2. Booches - Columbia MO

[alsamuelson]

Booches it is. The perfect stop between Kansas City and St Louis.

[Insiderman]

O'Connell's used to have community tables, also. Haven't been there since the late 80s.

[FriendOfTheDevil]

Has not changed one iota...

FOTD

[skyboy]

There are 3 places in the Cleveland area. Whitey's in Brecksville, Jigsaw Saloon in Parma, and Heck's in Ohio City. You won't go wrong in any of them.

[ConfitMe]

Lola Burger at Lolita in Tremont rocks, go Michael Symon, second fav. is the Burger at the Flying Fig in Ohio City, with third being tough, really liking Bier Market's burger right now

[fzzychef]

I know it's almost in Canada so not really the midwest. If you're ever in the area check out The Anchor Bar and Grill in Superior, WI. It's a dive bar with great burgers!

[Hankdad1]

I'll second that, the "Hook" is near the docks in Superior. Interesting people, great burgers.

[educator1953]

J.W. Grill in Chickasha, Oklahoma, has the best burger anywhere. Fried onions and all the fixings make it the best I've ever eaten. (Their fries are GREAT, too!!) Folger's in Ada, Oklahoma, is second-best, and they have good fries as well. I'm not a fan of the Meers burger.....J.W. puts Meers to shame!

[Firegoat]

That's good to know. I'm hoping to go try a meers burger son and haven't had either of those yet.

[Budair]

Des Moines has a small neighborhood grocery store that serve's up a killer burger. Literally, they call all their sandwiches Killers. IMO, they have the best burgers in Des Moines. They probably have the only burger that go from butcher block to the grill.

It is truly a unique experience to eat there. The store has been around forever and it's like walking back in time. The butchers are fun and their food is great!

[Etsweiler]

The Sidetrack in Depot Town in Ypsilanti, MI, just east of Ann Arbor, has a deservedly-famous burger. Outstanding fries, Great bar. A real, grown-up burger.

[pikawicca]

According to the June/July, 2009, edition of "Food Network Magazine," the Best Burger in Indiana is Chef Daniel Orr's Lugar Burger at FARM.

[chetatkinsdiet]

I'm hearing more and more that FARM, among others, were often the only ones submitted for the contest, so take it for what it's worth.

[Michigan Mishuganer]

Knights
Ann Arbor

[jpryde]

I would narrow it down to 2 places, given the choice.
O'Connells in St. Louis - I grew up on these burgers and they are absolutely amazing.
Paddy Malones in Jefferson City

After reading these posts, I am going to have to make a stop in Columbia to try Booches though!

[KoolWhip]

Can't choose between the thin, cooked on a flat top, Sobelman's burger and the thicker more gourmet style APV II (au poivre with bacon and blue cheese) burger from Elsa's, both in MKE

[RNemes]

This is a fairly ridiculous proposition, as almost everyone is just going to say that the best place in an *entire region composed of many states* is of course in their state and it's the one or two places they have been to that are reputed to be great in that state. Unless many people have been to many states and tried many of these places they couldn't realistically judge the "best in the midwest".

Seriously, I don't see alot of posts that say #1 is in state X, #2 is in state Y, #3 is in state Z, etc. I am in Michigan so of course I would say "The best is Miller's in Dearborn and Sidetrack in Ypsilanti" but I have 0 in-depth knowledge of burgers even in Ohio, let alone Wisconsin, for example. (my off-the-radar burger suggestion in SE Michigan is Haab's in Ypsilanti......they are in the same league as the others I mentioned....)

Now if the intent was simply to gather an enormous listing of many well-regarded burger places in many states, rather than to really determine "the best" of that entire region, then that's another matter, and if so then please forgive my pedantic response. (but the thread probably should have been called "Great Burgers in the Midwest" in that case)

[hill food]

point taken, it is a sort of apples vs. oranges request. one I can't take too seriously and only in a spirit of fun.

[soupkitten]

totally agree with your post RNemes but it still is fun to see all of the faves.

[keiko66]

I moved from Detroit to Cleveland 5 years ago and am still searching for a hamburger that even comes close to Millers in Dearborn. By far and away the best burger i have ever had!!

[billjames_88]

AppleRum Burger at the Alchemy Cafe in Madison, WI (get the wasabi green beans as a side yummm !!)

[Phil Novara]

Check out Smittys' Bar in STL county on Clayton Road. The Bacon Cheddar Spread is calorie overload on a plate, but incredible! A gristled grill cooks the 1/2lb burger to PERFECTION. Top it with cheddar spread, onions, pickles, and bacon to add to the heart attack. This burger is next to the best in STL. I agree Booche's makes tasty burgers, but Smitty's gives them a run for the money.

http://stlouis.metromix.com/restaurants/american/smittys-food-and-drink-chesterfield/413138/content

Phil Novara
www.urbanbacon.com

[FriendOfTheDevil]

I guess I need to get to this place. I am maybe ten minutes away. I have heard their Fried CHicken on Wednesday is really good.

Have you had that?

FOTD

[RyanMad2]

From STL but went to Milwaukee & had a great burger @ Kopp's! Awesome..... Didn't care for the chocolate shake though....

[Teague]

When in Kansas City, it's the Westport Flea Market burger, hands down. Delicious and inexpensive, made with fresh-ground McGonigles' beef (a local, excellent butcher). I had one last Sunday - they come in 2 sizes, regular (10 oz) and junior (5 oz).

[SavoryBrown]

I strongly second Westport Flea Market. I've lived in Michigan most my life and always thought Millers (Dearborn, MI) to be the best. Moved to KC for a year and regularly ate at the Flea Market (as much as my arteries would permit). Came back and had a Miller's burger... it was a sad day. Miller's burger is very good, but the beef is not nearly as good as what the Flea Market serves up. Now that I'm in Ann Arbor again, I've found the places serving Knight's meat to be the best around (though I haven't actually been to Knight's restaurant). Surprisingly, the place that I find handles the meat with the most finesse and confidence is Cubs AC (attached to the bowling alley). I find it to be better than Casey's in Ann Arbor (overly packed and too many distractive flavors in the burger) and Sidetrack in Ypsilanti (too loosely packed and doesn't have the same beefy flavor), though these are both good burgers worth checking out. Keep in mind, my reviews are of hamburgers, not cheeseburgers with a dozen toppings. Similarly, if I want a good steak, I'll go to a steak house, if I want an interesting steak, I'll go to J Alexander's and get a marinated steak covered in garlic, mushrooms, and cheese. Not that there is anything wrong with Blimpy Burger (in fact it is really good... especially the sides) but it should be in a different category.

[mrnyc]

the best burger in all of ohio is at the kewpee diner in downtown lima:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v63...

it's of the popular cali in-n-out burger type style.

also, atmosphere at kewpee is a definate bonus.

heck, whatever you think of them anything that inspired wendy's has to be epic.

as they say in the michelin guide, worth the detour!

[Fibber McGee]

Like I've said, I like the Bellefontaine Road location well enough, but that's all I've been to. I'll just have to take the few extra minutes to head to the downtown location.

[FriendOfTheDevil]

This place got listed in the new Savuer Mag as one of the top ten destination burger spots in the country.
Anyone been?

<<

<<The Wheel Inn
Sedalia, Missouri
A hamburger drizzled with melted peanut butter sounds like a postmodern experiment in American cookery, but over the past 50 years the Wheel Inn has become famous for its delicious "guberburgers," created on a whim by the restaurant's founder, Lyman Keiper. Slathered with Skippy and dressed with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, guberburgers are the best when paired with the restaurant's signature drink, chocolate Pepsi (Hershey's syrup and cola over ice).
(660/826-5177; 2103 South Limit Avenue, 65301)

>>>

FOTD>>

[wekick]

I've had it and love it and sometimes make it at home.
Thin patty of ground round cooked quickly so it browns. I use the crunchy skippy or real valencia peanut butter and a shaving of onion on a regular bun.

[wekick]

If you are ever in NE Iowa try the Gunder Burger at the Irish Shanty-home made buns.
http://www.thegunderburger.com/
Also try an Onion Burger at Johnnie's Grill in El Reno,Oklahoma.
http://splendidtable.publicradio.org/...

[Cuisinepro]

And thanks for asking!
Lyons tap
Eden Prairie Minnesota

[Tguide]

Take a trip thru Michigan for burgers.
1. Redamaks-New Buffalo
2. North Shore Inn-Benton Harbor
3. Mammina's-Benton Harbor
4. Goog's- Holland
5. B.C. Burger-Battle Creek
6. Roxy's-Jackson
7. Schlenker's-Jackson
8. Side Track-Ypsilanti
9. Crazy Jim's Blimpie Burger-Ann Arbor
10. Miller's-Dearborn
11. Redcoat-Birmingham
12. Choo Choo's-Grand Rapids
13. Corner Bar-Kalamazoo
14. Sleder's-Traverse City

[boagman]

Number 11 Redcoat is, in fact, in Royal Oak, not Birmingham. Birmingham is north of Royal Oak.

[Fibber McGee]

Redcoat is also now in West Bloomfield at the former Zinc's location on Orchard Lake. Technically, Zinc was a higher end Redcoat that had the same great hamburgers. I guess they felt the name change was in order.

[Jim M]

Spelling errors if you're GPSing these: Sidetrack, Krazy Jim's Blimpyburger. Both good places for a hamburger!

[johnnyrocco35]

This is a great list. Thank you very much. The best burger I have had is at Gars Bar in Marine City, MI. It is called the Gar Burger. It is simply the best.

[Cambridgeater]

I highly recommend the Burger Bar, which is at the back of Dempsey's Bar in Lawrence, Kansas. Sort of gourmet-ish (homemade sauces, relishes), with lots of variety and DELICIOUS, juicy burgers. Also, you can have duck fat or truffle fries. Heaven.

[hill food]

duck fat fries....

</Homer slobber>

[benlee78]

There are many places but Im going to highlight a chain burger joint; Culvers. Burgers are the best and way better than Wendys, McD's, Burger K, etc...

[JenInTosa]

AJ Bomber's (Milwaukee, WI)
Nitty Gritty (Madison, WI) It must have been the "gritty sauce" though!
Kopp's (Milwaukee, WI) (with fried onions and extra pickles)

[RedTop]

New contender identified:

Eastgate Pub, Gratiot Avenue south of I-696, in Roseville, MI.

A fire-grilled, half-pound burger that matches up well with Miller's or Red Coat Tavern. I kid you not!

[foodguy3]

This is the best burger in Indy!
Grilled to perfection and always a big burger enough for 2.
A big burger loaded with toppings and a big helping of fries, real tasty potato fries.

Come and see for yourself. your mouth will Thank You and you will always come back for more.

[Fibber McGee]

What is the best burger in Indy? You don't mention a specific restaurant.

[Indy_Foodie]

For a Chain restaraunt - Steak and Shake

[KansasTravel]

For a chain, my vote would be 5 Guys.

[TasteTreat]

Jane's in Chicago has a great hamburger!

[jmw497]

Come down to Texas and get a What-a-Burger.

[stephanieh]

I hope you're joking.

[jmw497]

No, I'm not joking; and BTW, anybody that puts ketsup on beef is a barbarian.

[weewah]

Sparky's in Eureka Springs Arkansas - Friggin' awesome, juice runs down your arm, burger.

It's the big thick burger, not the skinny-crispy kind, which I personally do not like. If you jazz it up with any of their assortments of cheeses, bacon, shrooms etc. this burger can get too big to bite. But you will keep going as it's the best dammn burger you've ever had. All the ingredients are the finest - no processed plastic ingredients here. Real flavor.
I live an hour and 1/2 north of Eureka, in Missouri and I dream about those burgers. I really wish that place would franchise out!

Their motto at Sparky's is: S.U.A.E. (Shut Up And Eat).

[misslinnea]

When you visit Green Bay, WI the burger you will hear about most is the Kroll's burger. They are located either on the East side in an old retro building, or on the West side right across the street from Lambeau Field. These burgers are very good, however I have found a burger that I like just a tad better. The Drift Inn, located on Ashland Ave. right down the road from Krolls. Very cheap prices, flavorful meat, good toasted bun, slab of butter! YUM. Great chili (better than Krolls) huge portions of cheese curds or fries. They don't do curds before 2PM, not sure why, just what they do. Always a busy place. Try it, you'll like it.

[rtsholmes]

If you like grilled onions then you need to try LC's in Kansas city, mo