SAnParis2

5 Guys are pretty good, but here is my personal favorite - http://www.fincastles.com/

obxgirl

Since 2006, I've revised my opinion on 5 Guys. Still very good but I think the quality has dipped slightly since they've expanded into the gazillions of locations. Definitely still a cut about your avge burger but not one of 20 to die for.

bookchick

Obxgirl, I think I know what you're saying. My impression was "pretty good for a chain", whereas the indies I mentioned all kind of have their own (good) way of doing a burger that's a bit different from anything I've ever tasted done by a chain, even a good chain.

BTW, another chain just opened up here, and it's kind of funny because we'd been seeing their TV commercials for a few years before they arrived here. It's Sonic. Anyone have any comments on them?

Thanks,
BC

nanabee

If I ate 20 hamburgers I'd probably would die.

Sassafrass

I like thin, crispy patties, and the best ever are at:
Homer's Drive In, Leavenworth, Kansas. This place has been there for nearly 80 years; serving great burgers, onion rings, pies and shakes.

Also love the burgers at Steak & Shake (a chain) in the Mid-West.

CAPH52

I've only ever had ice cream at Sonic, BC. We first encountered them in Santa Fe back in '99. At the time, they served great "pie flavored" (banana cream, coconut cream, etc.) shakes. There's one in Vandalia, Il where we often stop for sundaes, root beer floats, their cream slush drinks, etc. on our way back from my MIL's. But we've never eaten a meal there. I too would be curious to know what people think about their burgers, etc.

I've always been a fan of Steak n Shake, Sassafrass, and also really like Culver's, another midwestern chain.

bookchick

Steak N Shake to me, unless you get a LOT of "wet" condiments, the meat is kind of dry. Which I understand, because it's ground sirloin, so there's not a tremendous amount of fat in the meat.

Funny, CAPH52, 'cause at the Culver's not far from our house, I've never had their burgers, only their ice cream, much like your experience with Sonic, LOL! A favorite memory of my mom, within about 6 weeks or so of her passing away, was going to get her a "flavour of the day" ice cream at the drive-thru and watching her enjoy it while she ate it at home.

BC

CAPH52

I understand what you mean, BC. I always get my steakburgers with mustard, pickles and tomato. Love those "flavor of the day" choices at Culver's! In fact, I'm always kind of happy when I drive by and see on the sign that it's something that doesn't interest me (like Oreo cheesecake). Otherwise it's tough to fight the temptation!

traveller69

If you want to cross the line to Canada - the best burgers in the world are at a legendary restaurant in North Vancouver. http://www.tomahawkrestaurant.com/ There are many testamonials on the walls from every actor/actress who have filmed in Vancouver.

smetz

"I would be happy with a meat-free diet, but, unfortunately, I live with a bunch of hairy carnivores."

Ha ha! But I don't think I'd prefer hairless carnivores!

Five Guys is great, but to me what really makes it is the fries. The burgers themselves are good, but not good enough to rate at the top. But the fries are amazing.

japw82

Thumser's 19th Hole in East Dubuque. IL. The owners bought the meat grinding machine and recipe from a local meat market when the butchers retired. The meat is fresh ground daily. The place isn't fancy and has a miniature golf course adjacent but don't let that influence your decision. The burgers are out of this world and the prices aren't bad. They also serve pizza, chicken fingers, etc.. but the burgers are not to be missed.

Keith

The big mark down for 5 Guys is they don't cook the meat to order. Every burger is cooked the same. Slightly over cooked to my liking.

kansasmom

I like Five Guys burgers very much, but I've never cared for their fries at all. Very average to me.

Here's my vote for an awesome burger -- Freddy's. It's a small chain in Kansas and I think it has expanded now into Oklahoma and maybe Texas. Thin patties (piled two or three on the bun) and great thinly-sliced french fries. Also excellent frozen custard.