All hail the cheeseburger!
Happiness is a warm bun: 10 mouth-watering, all-American hamburgers
Image: Isaac Taylor
America loves burgers, and burgers love America. This match made in the U.S. became official when Lionel Sternberger decided to slap a slice of American cheese over a cooking hamburger in 1924 . Or at least, that’s what most historians seem to agree on. Cheese has since become an almost inseparable item on most hamburgers, but it is not the only ingredient added to the concoction—far from it. Our nation’s cooks’ ingenuity has created some amazing variations of the humble meat patty. Take a good look at the following 10. Have you tried any of these? And if you haven’t, are you tempted to?
1
Double-Double Animal-Style, In-N-Out
Image: Nathan Dumlao
In-N-Out is a well-known fast-food chain with many celebrated products and fans all over the country. But this particular menu item holds a special place in the hearts and stomachs of many of its visitors.
The Double-Double Animal Style burger with caramelized onions has the flavor and texture any burger with high hopes would dream of attaining. The crunchy pickles and lettuce, the soft buns, fresh tomatoes, and delicious cheese complete this culinary wonder.
2
Smoked Bacon Burger, SilverLake Bistro
Image: Arabi Ishaque
Miami, a town with many great eateries, is home to SilverLake Bistro, a mom-and-pop-style restaurant that walks the line between casual and refined. This burger sanctuary creates gourmet-grade burgers from scratch, complete with all the classic toppings.
The classic SilverLake Burger features premium-quality double patties , cheddar cheese , porcini mayo , homemade steak sauce , and smoked bacon , creating a sublime culinary experience.
3
Nasty Burger, Laha’s Red Castle
Image: amirali mirhashemian
It may sound like strong words, but for many who have tried them, Kentucky’s Laha’s Red Castle makes the "best cheeseburgers in the world."
One of its most cherished menu items, the Nasty Burger , is topped with caramelized onions and cheese scrapings from the griddle , creating a flavor experience that evokes the taste of onion soup mixed with a very, very good burger.
4
Dry-aged Burger, Bludorn
Image: Dennis Lorente
Bludorn’s Dry-Age Burger is a perfect example of simple ingredients done right and tasting incredible. The aged cheddar , short rib patty , Dijonnaise mustard , and caramelized onions come together to create a hamburger that isn’t overstuffed, allowing each ingredient to express its flavor.
5
Wagyu Burger, Ada’s Place
Image: Chris Tweten
The name itself gives a hint of what to expect when tasting Ada’s Place’s Wagyu Burger. The ultra-premium quality of the meat provides a tender and flavorful taste and texture.
The hamburger is served with American cheese and caramelized onions, which complement the meat and add a layer of crispness and creaminess to the experience.
6
Cheeseburger in Paradise, Brasil
Image: Fidel Fernando
Good, simple burgers can be hard to find in an age where beastly, gourmet patties seem to be the crowd's prevalent choice. But when browsing through the menus, these options do exist and sometimes make for the best experience possible.
Brasil’s aptly named Cheeseburger in Paradise is one of those cases. The double burger comes with caramelized onions , a delicate touch of jalapeño sauce , and crispy bacon , all lovingly wrapped between toasted potato rolls. All the best. Nothing more, nothing less.
7
Nancy’s Burger, Nancy’s Hustle
Image: Yoad Shejtman
Everybody knows that the menu item carrying the name of the location is bound to be something special, and the namesake burger at Nancy’s Hustle is no different.
The double-meat cheeseburger comes with house-made pickles skewered on top and is embraced by a soft inside, crispy outside English muffin . A simple treat that explodes with flavor in your mouth.
8
Mother Rucker, River Twice
Image: Howard Bouchevereau
Sometimes, the most experimental places also offer simple items that are just perfect. Such is the case with River Twice, a sophisticated restaurant with multi-course menus featuring exotic ingredients.
River Twice’s burger option, the Mother Rucker, might seem like an odd item on such a refined menu, but those who have tried it swear by it. This hamburger features perfectly cooked patties with crispy edges and a pink interior, topped with high-quality American cheese , pickled red onions, and mayo .
9
Lancaster Burger, Hill East Burger
Image: amirali mirhashemian
Hill Burger East is a well-known establishment among burger lovers, offering decadent takes on the classic patty. Its many options have something for everyone, but one stands out as the king: the Lancaster Burger.
This premium beef burger is topped with bacon , smoked cheddar , fresh arugula leaves , pickled onions , and a homemade hot sauce (optional, of course), combining its flavors into a mouth-watering treat for carnivores.
10
Juicy Lucy, Matt’s Bar
Image: amirali mirhashemian
Just as the name implies, the Juicy Lucy is not the kind of burger for someone who prefers their food neat. This creation features grilled beef and onions , topped and enveloped by hot, molten cheese . The flavorful combination is nothing short of delicious, but diners are advised to let the cheese cool off a bit before diving in.
