The Conservative Cave

Interests => All Things Edible (and how to prepare them) => Topic started by: Chris on November 04, 2009, 12:40:16 PM

Title: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Chris on November 04, 2009, 12:40:16 PM
We have a new Five Guys Burgers location opening here and they're closing the Chinese buffet that was in that building.  Turns out we have four other Five Guys restaurants in and around the city, but I've never been to any one of them.  We do have a Backyard Burger out by the airport that would be (I assume) the closest thing to In-N-Out Burger east of the Mississippi river.

Steak 'n Shake makes a tasty double cheeseburger, but they have lousy fries.  Sonic is pretty tasteless, IMHO.  Might as well go to McDonalds.

Do you have a favorite burger restaurant?
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Splashdown on November 04, 2009, 12:41:49 PM
For a chain, Five Guys is excellent.

There's a local hole-in-the-wall burger joint that has the greatest of all time, though.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Chris on November 04, 2009, 12:44:49 PM
I voted 'other' for Backyard Burgers (http://backyardburgers.com/dnn/).  They are excellent.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: debk on November 04, 2009, 01:17:13 PM
I voted for MickeyD's since I figure that also kind of includes Wendy's, etal.

The Steak and Shake closest to where I am....went out of business. The other ones I've had here, aren't very good, yet back in IL...they used to be pretty good.

We don't have the other two choices here.  :(
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Flame on November 04, 2009, 01:18:30 PM
I voted for other...In and Out has awesome burgers.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Odin's Hand on November 04, 2009, 01:19:45 PM
Whataburger is good for a fast burger here.

But, this place probably has the best burgers around here: http://www.goldies.com/
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Chris on November 04, 2009, 01:20:02 PM
D'oh.  I meant In 'n Out.  I have no idea why I included Whataburger. 

Lemme fix that.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Mike220 on November 04, 2009, 01:30:24 PM
Not a big fan of chain burgers. Though I don't mind hitting Jack in the Box every now and then. If I do want a burger (and don't want to cook it myself) we have a little place here in Denton called RG Burgers & Grill. The do a damn good burger.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Chris on November 04, 2009, 01:35:32 PM
I voted for other...In and Out has awesome burgers.

fixt
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Odin's Hand on November 04, 2009, 01:40:22 PM
I voted 'other' for Backyard Burgers (http://backyardburgers.com/dnn/).  They are excellent.

They used to have a few here. But, they did a corporate retreat out of the OKC metro. Wish we had a Blake's Lotaburger here...Tucumcari is a 5 hour drive.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: thundley4 on November 04, 2009, 01:45:57 PM
I had to go with Steak-n-Shake, but Culver's has good burgers, too.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Ralph Wiggum on November 04, 2009, 02:13:39 PM
I had to go with Steak-n-Shake, but Culver's has good burgers, too.

Yep, I was going to pick Culver's as well.  With a hat-tip to Whataburger too, but I haven't had one in several years. :bawl: :-)
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: whiffleball on November 04, 2009, 02:19:26 PM
I voted 'other' for Backyard Burgers (http://backyardburgers.com/dnn/).  They are excellent.

They get my vote as well.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Wineslob on November 04, 2009, 02:31:13 PM
We have a local sort-of chain, Burger Hut. The burgers are great as are the fries. Another is Nobbys, who are a very, very, close second. Alot of people like Nobbys more but I like the BBQ sauce that Burger Hut uses on their burgers.

I may have to try Nobbys again.   :drool:
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Chris_ on November 04, 2009, 03:32:06 PM
When I worked in Los Angeles I LOVED In N Out I miss it now that I can't get one. I think it is the best burger in the world to have a Double Double at midnight yum  :-)
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: crockspot on November 04, 2009, 04:19:54 PM
I miss In n out too. As for mass produced burger chains, I like a nice Whopper from Burger King. I have them leave off the mayo, and add bbq sauce.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Crazy Horse on November 04, 2009, 05:48:42 PM
There's a five guys in my birthplace Murfreesboro ad I had it a year ago when I was ther............damn good.

WTF..............as chains go, where the hell is Hardees and Carls Jr.??????
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: debk on November 04, 2009, 05:51:26 PM
There's a five guys in my birthplace Murfreesboro ad I had it a year ago when I was ther............damn good.

WTF..............as chains go, where the hell is Hardees and Carls Jr.??????


I didn't know you were from Murfreesboro.....I thought you were Carolina blue born and bred....
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Duke Nukum on November 04, 2009, 05:56:19 PM
You know, it's been so long since I had a burger I don't even know.  Although the first three choices on the list don't exist near me, as far as I know.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Crazy Horse on November 04, 2009, 06:00:26 PM

I didn't know you were from Murfreesboro.....I thought you were Carolina blue born and bred....

I'm N Carolina Red thank you very much............huge Blue Raiders fan and there is even a building named after my great grandfather at MTSU
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: RightCoast on November 04, 2009, 06:14:24 PM
In-n-out by a mile, five guys is OK but I wasn't overly impressed after all the hype
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: debk on November 04, 2009, 06:35:48 PM
I'm N Carolina Red thank you very much............huge Blue Raiders fan and there is even a building named after my great grandfather at MTSU

My best friend's son is over there right now. He's getting a degree in Music Business Management.

I helped move him over there....pretty campus. I didn't realize it was so large.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Crazy Horse on November 04, 2009, 06:50:58 PM
My best friend's son is over there right now. He's getting a degree in Music Business Management.

I helped move him over there....pretty campus. I didn't realize it was so large.

Largest undergrad school in Tenn.

It used to be much smaller
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: debk on November 04, 2009, 06:54:45 PM
Largest undergrad school in Tenn.

It used to be much smaller

It had probably been 16 years or so since I had been over there until we went over in August. Was really surprised at how much the whole area had changed.

Usually, if I'm in that direction it's either going just to Nashville or passing through on I40.

They have lots of stores over there that we don't have.  :bawl:
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Chris on November 04, 2009, 07:19:18 PM
There's a five guys in my birthplace Murfreesboro ad I had it a year ago when I was ther............damn good.

WTF..............as chains go, where the hell is Hardees and Carls Jr.??????

Whoops.  Sorry.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Hawkgirl on November 04, 2009, 08:53:19 PM
5 guys...

but when I lived in NY, nothing beat Jackson Hole on 5th ave.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Gratiot on November 04, 2009, 09:31:14 PM
I've never been to a 5 Guys, although they seem to be springing up everywhere around me now.

I'll say Wendy's for the fast food burger chain.  I'll also agree that Steak n' Shake have lousy fries.

For regular chains though, I'm going to go out on a limb and say Red Robin.

The absolute worst, for a chain trying to sell over priced burgers though would have to be Cheeseburgers' in Paradise
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: debk on November 04, 2009, 09:48:16 PM
I've never been to a 5 Guys, although they seem to be springing up everywhere around me now.

I'll say Wendy's for the fast food burger chain.  I'll also agree that Steak n' Shake have lousy fries.

For regular chains though, I'm going to go out on a limb and say Red Robin.

The absolute worst, for a chain trying to sell over priced burgers though would have to be Cheeseburgers' in Paradise



A Red Robin just went in here a month or so ago. I haven't been to it yet, but I went to one in Everett WA when I was out visiting my son. His carrier had just come in, and that's where he and the 2 shipmates he had with him wanted to go. It was pretty good.

I've only been to the Cheeseburgers in Paradise in Key West....vastly overrated. Very expensive, food's not that good and the drinks are weak and more expensive than most of the bars on Duval Street.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: RightCoast on November 04, 2009, 10:30:38 PM
Red Robin is very good.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Chris on November 04, 2009, 11:02:13 PM
I'll say Wendy's for the fast food burger chain.  I'll also agree that Steak n' Shake have lousy fries.

I used to work at a restaurant that served the same nasty fries that Steak n' Shake serves.  They switched over to a different style of french fry, more like a thicker Wendy's or Bojangles-style fry.  Our orders went through the roof... sandwich orders, side orders of fries, entrees with fries.  They were pretty damn good.

If you plan on opening a restaurant, pay attention to the kind of fries you serve.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Odin's Hand on November 04, 2009, 11:04:28 PM
Red Robin's fries ARE bomb. Their burgers are too tall, though. I like a flat burger.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Chris on November 04, 2009, 11:13:20 PM
http://www.redrobin.com/

That is a big-ass burger, and it looks like they have the same fries as Bojangles.  Bojangles puts cajun seasoning on theirs.  I would go there just for an order of fries and a soda.  They were awesome.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: IassaFTots on November 05, 2009, 09:02:22 AM
I voted Steak N Shake, because we are voting on burgers.  Their fries are BAD, though.  I like Red Robins, but we have quite a few good local places here that I would go to first, before I would go to Red Robins.  Burger Island, Griffs, Fat Daddys, to name a few. 
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Flame on November 05, 2009, 10:00:00 AM
I used to like Fuddrucker's, but there are none around here.  (I like being able to doctor my burger any way I want!)
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: debk on November 05, 2009, 11:29:30 AM
I used to like Fuddrucker's, but there are none around here.  (I like being able to doctor my burger any way I want!)


We have a Fuddrucker's, but since the kids have been grown, I think we've only been once. LOTS of kids running around in there....

They do have great hotdogs!

Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: NHSparky on November 05, 2009, 11:44:12 AM
In And Out--double-double, grilled onions and spread only.  Heaven on a bun.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Chris_ on November 05, 2009, 01:55:46 PM
In And Out--double-double, grilled onions and spread only.  Heaven on a bun.

100% agreed Sparky
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: RightCoast on November 05, 2009, 05:27:11 PM
Red Robin's fries ARE bomb. Their burgers are too tall, though. I like a flat burger.

Next time you go ask for the camp-fire sauce, I think it's what they give with the onion rings but on their fries...you'll NEVER use catsup again.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Odin's Hand on November 06, 2009, 08:17:23 AM
Next time you go ask for the camp-fire sauce, I think it's what they give with the onion rings but on their fries...you'll NEVER use catsup again.

Damn it! I went there yesterday.  :-)

BTW, the Guacamole Bacon Burger is excellent.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: SilverOrchid on November 10, 2009, 06:06:55 PM
Five Guys is good. I love In N Out but I don't really care for the fries much. Yes, I know you can see them make them in the drive thru but meh, I like Mickey D's fries better.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Chris_ on November 10, 2009, 10:44:05 PM
Red Robin is an 8.6 out of 10 from the East German judge.

The perfect 10 is Fuddruckers (http://www.fuddruckers.com/).  I've been to stores in Mesa and up here in Aurora, CO.  Everything is fresh as you could ask for - buns made daily in the store - you get your burger served open face so you can pile on as much or as little of whatever toppings/garnish/condiments you like.  Their fries rock.  Their hand made ice cream shakes are to die for.  It's every thing the ***** little bitch In-&-Out Burger wishes it could be.

Oh, did I mention that In-&-Out has to have been the NASTIEST burger I've ever mistakenly put in my mouth since the last time I ate at McDonalds?

My wife is a BIIIG fan of WhataBurger, as well.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Wineslob on November 11, 2009, 10:26:43 AM
Red Robin is an 8.6 out of 10 from the East German judge.

The perfect 10 is Fuddruckers (http://www.fuddruckers.com/).  I've been to stores in Mesa and up here in Aurora, CO.  Everything is fresh as you could ask for - buns made daily in the store - you get your burger served open face so you can pile on as much or as little of whatever toppings/garnish/condiments you like.  Their fries rock.  Their hand made ice cream shakes are to die for.  It's every thing the ***** little bitch In-&-Out Burger wishes it could be.

Oh, did I mention that In-&-Out has to have been the NASTIEST burger I've ever mistakenly put in my mouth since the last time I ate at McDonalds?

My wife is a BIIIG fan of WhataBurger, as well.

I've eaten there and Sonic and thought the same thing. I don't get it.

I ate at Red Robin, I had the original burger and fries, and have to say it was good, but not all that. I'd say 6.5 on a 10 scale. What I noticed is they use sweet relish on the burger not dill.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: debk on November 11, 2009, 10:35:40 AM
I've eaten there and Sonic and thought the same thing. I don't get it.

I ate at Red Robin, I had the original burger and fries, and have to say it was good, but not all that. I'd say 6.5 on a 10 scale. What I noticed is they use sweet relish on the burger not dill.


Sonic hamburgers aren't very good. (I know this from the only person who liked MickeyD's  :-) ) Sometimes their pattymelts are good, but they aren't consistent. We have several Sonics here, and they vary from one to the other.

I do love their lemon creme slushes in the summer.  :drool:
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: RobJohnson on December 05, 2009, 12:36:04 AM
I voted 'other' for Backyard Burgers (http://backyardburgers.com/dnn/).  They are excellent.

Wow, that looks good. I agree about Steak and Shake

I'm still partial to this Midwest chain:

(http://www.culvers.com/images/logo_culvers.gif)

http://www.culvers.com/

Here in Nevada I enjoy In n Out or Jack in the Box, both are 40 minutes away...so I don't eat there often. My city is getting a Carl's Jr and we have the other usual suspects...McD's, BK & Sonic.  A single from McD's is good once in a while.

Not really a chain, but very good burgers:

(http://www.jamaicadogsled.com/images/mvilleLogo.jpg)









Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: kenth on December 05, 2009, 01:26:44 PM

Sonic hamburgers aren't very good. (I know this from the only person who liked MickeyD's  :-) ) Sometimes their pattymelts are good, but they aren't consistent. We have several Sonics here, and they vary from one to the other.

I do love their lemon creme slushes in the summer.  :drool:

It must be Sonic's expansion east. I grew up with them in Oklahoma, where they started and they are fantastic. There's a couple here now, in far north Georgia and western NC, and they aren't the same as back home. Especially the one in Murphy, NC. I think it has even closed now, as the quality was so far under par. But a lot of Murphy stores and restaurants are like that. I'm not sure why.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: debk on December 06, 2009, 10:02:13 AM
It must be Sonic's expansion east. I grew up with them in Oklahoma, where they started and they are fantastic. There's a couple here now, in far north Georgia and western NC, and they aren't the same as back home. Especially the one in Murphy, NC. I think it has even closed now, as the quality was so far under par. But a lot of Murphy stores and restaurants are like that. I'm not sure why.


Like Steak and Shake....in Illinois ...it's really good. In East Tn....it's isn't.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: Chris on December 06, 2009, 10:17:07 AM
Like Steak and Shake....in Illinois ...it's really good. In East Tn....it's isn't.

The Steak 'n Shakes around here are pretty good.  Well, there's only one that I know of but I used to go there when I lived in that neighborhood.
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: debk on December 06, 2009, 10:24:29 AM
The Steak 'n Shakes around here are pretty good.  Well, there's only one that I know of but I used to go there when I lived in that neighborhood.

I've only been to the one that used to be closest to us, near the mall. Their hamburgers made MickeyD's singles look like quarter pounders!!! It was shut down, so the land could be taken for a new interstate exchange.

I haven't been to any of the others...that one was enough to make me not bother to go to one.

The one in Illinois where my dad lived was great....
Title: Re: Favorite Burger Chain
Post by: SVPete on December 19, 2009, 01:08:20 PM
Another In N Out fan here - burgers and fries. I think they're mostly or entirely west of the Rockies. Whataburger is more SW US. I liked them when I lived in AZ, but that was 30+ years ago. Wendy's is very decent for a national chain; M is acceptable and consistent mediocrity (you can go into one pretty much anywhere and know what you're going to get). CJ ads make me ill; I don't think I've been to CJ 3 times in the past 20 years. I think Hardees is mostly/entirely east of the Rockies. My family tried Sonic when we were driving through NE: "Quoth the raven ...".