Best and Worst Burgers

[Alice Levitt]

For me, the answer if ever-changing. One thing I know for sure, the burger at the Shopping Bag in Burlington is not the best burger in the state, as Food Network Magazine declared. I tried it, it was fine, nothing more.

Here's my current top three:

Rozzi's Lakeshore Tavern
Half-pound patties, thick enough to be cooked to a juicy medium rare. There are 26 different combinations on the menu. My favorites have been the Elvis (peanut butter and grilled bananas), The Islander (a teriyaki patty with cheddar, pineapple, caramelized onions and guacamole) and Chico's Breakfast Burger, with bacon, egg and cheese.

Stella Notte
The lounge downstairs from the upscale Italian place serves a Boyden burger that's ridiculously moist, filled with herbs and on a fresh challah roll. Somehow it feels fancy, even sitting under the remains of Darth Vader birthday streamers.

Burger Barn
Speaking of fancy, if you want your burger topped with Port Salut cheese or pine nuts, this is the place. Just a trailer in the middle of nowhere in Cambridge, you have to try this place. They have burgers named for everyone from Ira Allen to Miley Cyrus. There's also a plate of fried appetizers called "Mr. Chicken and Friends" that has become a regular part of both my boyfriend and mother's everyday vocabularies despite never having tried it. Only problem? Burger Barn is seasonal.

[tonyo]

I don't know if it's the best burger, but The Scuffer has damn good burgers and on Wednesday they are 1/2 price.  Pretty tough to beat that deal !

[odintao]

The Venison burger at the Bearded Frog is exceptional. 156 Bistro does an admirable Boyden Farms burger noted by their perfect preparation. The garlic burger at Scuffer is quite good and the double burger at Blue Bird is "the" cure for a little too much entertainment the night before.

[jkerchner]

Have to go with Scruffer on this one.  I rarely eat red meat, but Scruffer Wednesday nights changed my mind quickly.

[JasonFrishman]

The Alchemist in Waitsfield.

Shana and I sort of planned our honeymoon around going there (and a bunch of other eateries.) She doesn't eat meat, but knew that I would be getting the burger. It is amazing. The only thing I would say is that you shouldn't limit yourself to the menu (to be honest, i say that about most restaurants.) I mix together a few of the different burger options there and come up with a close to perfection burger every time. (perfection is the one that i make at home.)

the added bonus about the alchemist is that they have amazing sweet potato fries, incredible and always interesting (and strong) beers brewed on premises and unique daily pickle/fermented specials (I am a sucker for restaurants that offer lacto-fermented options!)

 

[dtp123]

There is an Alchemist in Waitsfield?

[Morganna]

I thought it was in Waterbury?

[JasonFrishman]

oops,
that's what i meant. sorry.
it was late when i posted.
it is waterbury.

[siliconghost]

oops,
that's what i meant. sorry.
it was late when i posted.
it is waterbury.

Did everyone forget that the burgers @ the Shopping Bag on North Street were recognized by Food Network?

Looks like we can count on the trusty journalism of the Food Network. Just like Suzanne's reviews.

[Suzanne Podhaizer]

This is not meant as a comment on The Shopping Bag's burgers, but in response to the last post, I'd like to mention that The Food Network airs "Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee." If that doesn't disqualify it as an arbiter of taste, I don't know what does.

[Alice Levitt]

I just wanted to add to my list of favorites. One of the best things I ate all last year, burger or not, was the Bright Eyed Burger at The Mix in Jeffersonville. It's rubbed with coffee and chili and topped with sharp cheddar. Since The Mix is half bakery, the bun is well above average. I don't usually like western-style pickles, but the ones that came on the side were addictive.

[Jessica]

One Federal in St. Albans has great burgers.  I get a craving for their Smoky Black and Blue (big, blackened burger w. blue cheese, bacon, and tobacco onions) every one and a while, and when I do, I have to go there right away.  No ketchup necessary on that burger.  They're always cooked as ordered, and the beef is from local Boyden Farm.

[slaphappiest]

Really, burgers? Really?

[Rahet7]

Best is the Alchemist in Waterbury (I love that home made spicy ketchup!) and Two Brothers Tavern in Middlebury is also AMAZING (and I found it through Vt. Restaurant Week!)

Worst? Any chain?