Try a restaurant chain called: 'ninety-nine' or 99 - (I'm in Mass & I think they're in New York too)
I had a really great cheesburger there last week, and I was pleasantly surprised at how really great it was. Maybe I just got lucky!
And regarding APPLEBEE's... I too had my first & last burger there about a month ago. It was so salty I only ate about 3 bites and had to stop. So GROSS
PattiD
I've been in Texas for 2 years and apparently a great Texas burger is a very thin, wide, well-done cooked piece of meat, and sometimes topped with tostadas or beans, etc (man, that's funny!)...definitely not my "thing". However, even though MOST of the folks in Texas don't seem to know much about great burgers (for god's sake Whataburger is the most popular burger chain here and they are awful). There is a really good local place that just opened up calleD BIGZ Burger Joint. Although most locals will slam the place because it's owned by a popular local gourmet chef and it caters to the local Hummer yuppie crowd, the burgers here are thick (each patty is 8 oz), cooked perfectly as a burger should be just as the menu says "with a little pink inside unless requested otherwise" , juicy and very, very tasty. It actually gives Fuddruckers, which is by far and away one of the best burgers you can get ANYWHERE, a run for its money.
Although I can't endorse Steak 'n Shake (I've tried them at two locations and they were average burgers to me), I do give a thumbs-up to Fuddrucker's. Several people mentioned that they used to be better (I agree) but they still can make a good burger.
One place I haven't seen mentioned is a chain that's mainly in the South (but expanding) called Backyard Burgers. I've been to two locations and one is better than the other but both offer a tasty burger. They use Angus beef and the toppings are always fresh. A regular cheeseburger is delicious but you can also get a 'Black and Blue' burger that has a blue cheese topping or a portobello and Swiss burger that is excellent. They have a website with pics of some of their offerings. Just search 'Backyard Burgers' and you'll find it. They have other menu offerings that aren't included on the website.
Chili's, Uno and great hand ground, fresh bacon cheeseburgers at Plan B Burger, West Hartford, Ct.
Another recommendation for "The Counter" (web: thecounterburger.com)... if you can make it to one of their few locations. I was a happy customer in Plano for a few months before I moved. Good meat, not overcooked, and with a wide choice of toppings. I think you'll find it good competition for Red Robin and Ruby Tuesday.
Subscribe to our feeds:
All of Serious Eats, Talk, Required Eating, Videos, Eating Out, Recipes, New York
Subscribe by email:
Website:
Location:
About:
Favorite foods:
Last bite on earth: