BURGER BLOG: BEST OF THE BEST

Boston Burger Blog’s Richard Chudy weighs in weekly in all matters meat.

Last week we discussed the merits and drawbacks to “best of lists.” Frankly, most suck, and after reading my list, you’ll probably think the same. I almost feel guilty that the majority of burgers appearing on this list are of the “expensive” variety. Don’t judge me and don’t judge the burgers; a cheap burger doesn’t necessarily mean squat, and anything over $12 doesn’t automatically qualify as “gourmet” either. But of course this list in incomplete, it has to be. I have not eaten every burger in the Boston area, but then again, who the hell has? Who knows what will crack my list in the future. For now, based on where I’ve eaten, these are a few of my favorite things…

Close but no Cigar;

My toughest omissions, great burgers in their own right and worthy of repeat visits. But for the purpose of this column, they fall a bit short, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth mentioning;

The Beehive, Washington Square Tavern, Sel de la Terre, Radius, Russell House Tavern, Casablanca, Miracle of Science, Redline*.

*probably the toughest to leave out, but since they are closing up and re-opening as a different concept/restaurant in the fall, thought it wouldn’t be fair to all the burgers that are available right now.

My not-so-toughest omissions: the places that the masses may love, but for me are nothing more than aesthetics, reputation, and food memories. Of course some are better than others, but for the most part, popularity doesn’t equate to shit;

UBurger, Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage, R.F.O’Sullivan’s, Charlie’s Kitchen, 5 Napkin Burger, Tasty Burger, Eagles Deli, 5 Guys Burgers and Fries.

And of course I have to lay out some ground rules; unless otherwise noted, it’s all about the beef and the burger itself. I realize in my regular reviews certain aspects such as service, fries, and atmosphere play a role, and for the purpose of this list they still do. But in reality the taste of the burger, the value of the burger and the convenience and desire for repeat visits are what matter the most. Let’s not underestimate the value; am I more enthralled with the idea of having two $8 Toro burgers on two separate visits for less money than one Radius burger? Or does one $21 Back Bay Social Club burger make me happier than multiple trips to Flat Patties? This is what I think…

10. Highland Kitchen – As simple and as flavorful as it gets for a classic grilled burger. It does not come with shitty out of season lettuce or tomato, just a beautifully buttered and toasted bun and caramelized red onions. Oh yeah, the $9.95 price tag certainly doesn’t hurt its case.

9. 51 Lincoln – Sure, it’s served on toast and you have to venture out to the scary suburbs (my hometown, Newton) but the beef is superb, local and seasoned to perfection. Top it off with some truffled ketchup or garlic aioli and you have yourself a mighty fine burger.

8. Lineage – Juicy, beefy, salty and unique with the subtle addition of blue cheese, the Lineage burger is divine. The rare instance of brioche making some sense, Prime beef, and beautiful house-made pickled vegetables all add up to excellence that does not go unnoticed.

7. The Bristol Lounge – Kind of a rite of passage on the Boston burger scene, you pretty much have to go if you too, are starting a search for the best. It’s classic mixed with gourmet all in one, over-the-top and modest all at the same time. It also doesn’t hurt that I had my own burger on the menu a few weeks ago, where I was of course treated like royalty.

6. Flat Patties – The epitome of the West Coast or griddled burger style I adore, for some reason they are often neglected on the fast food burger scene. They blow similar burgers out of the water (ie Tasty Burger, 5 Guys, and UBurger) because they aren’t afraid of seasoning, creating an exterior crust, thus making it juicy and flawless every time. Don’t expect dry-aged beef, it’s just the perfect example of a difficult style of burger to master.

Coming up next week I will round out my top ten list and discuss the burgers I’m most eager to try. Who will be number one? Perhaps there will be a surprise at the top, see you next week.

READ MORE RICHARD AT THE BOSTON BURGER BLOG