(photo by Sharon Steinmann)
Review: Alabama’s Best Cheeseburger
September 18 is National Cheeseburger Day, so you have an official excuse to treat yourself. Before running to the nearest drive-thru, take a look at our 2014 trip across the state to find Alabama’s best cheeseburger. While only one can claim the title of Best Alabama, these finalists are all worth a visit any day of the year.
Remember to check the hours before you go – tap on the restaurant name for more information.
(photo by Ben Flanagan)
Van de Vicki lunch in Montgomery
Vicki’s Lunch Van was the winner of our 2014 research for Alabama’s best cheeseburger.
Site: 2520 Fairground Road, Montgomery
Our opinion : “What sets hers apart is the char, that thin layer that surrounds the burger that makes it something really special. The burger was crisp on the outside and juicy in the middle. The fresh vegetables, sourced locally when possible, are crispy and tender. ” – David Holloway
(photo by Ben Flanagan)
Site: 405 23rd avenue, Tuscaloosa
Our opinion : They took burger making to an exciting new level. The chuck and sirloin mix was an interesting and delicious twist on the burger theme. From freshly baked brioche bun to lightly wilted greens, The Avenue Pub Burger is a pleasure to see. Oh, and the fries were spectacular. – David Holloway
Read the rest of our visit here
(photo by Sharon Steinmann)
Site: 4616 St Stephens Road, eight miles
Our opinion : This classic old-fashioned burger has been a Southern Alabamian favorite for 49 years and there’s a reason for it: it’s good. Nothing fancy, the burgers are exactly like founder Forrest Brooks did when it opened in 1965. Excellent waiters, friendly service and a masterful example of a burger. – David Holloway
(Photo by Mike Brantley)
Site: 60 N Florida St., Mobile
Our opinion : The soon to be famous Butch Burger is an incredibly tasty burger and the two slices of bacon are just the icing on the cake. It might be a small kitchen, but they produce burgers with great flavor. They may be calling it Soon to be famous, but in my mind it’s already very well known. – David Holloway
(photo by Sharon Steinmann)
Callaghan Irish Social Club in Mobile
Site: 916 Charleston Street, Mobile
Our opinion: The burger at Callaghan’s Irish Social Club is a superb combination of meat and cheese that will satisfy even the biggest appetites. Once the domain of locals and neighbors, people now come from all over the world to enjoy this world-class burger. He almost won it all. – David Holloway
(Photo by Tamika Moore)
Site: 2007 11th Ave S, Birmingham
Our opinion : If you are looking for a very special burger served in an elegant setting and pampered by very attentive staff, then this burger is for you. It is worth the price. The delicate flavor of the meat shone through and showed how a talented chef can transform what is traditionally a pedestrian dish into true haute cuisine. – David Holloway
(Photo Matt Wake)
Site: 400 S Jefferson St., Athens
Our opinion : The crisp and tangy coleslaw really sets this burger apart from anything else we’ve tasted on this trip. The meat (a mixture of pork, beef and bread) was very tender and flavorful and I can understand why people who have left Athens make a pilgrimage to Dub’s when they visit their homes. – David Holloway
(photo by Ben Flanagan)
Five Bar in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham and Mobile
Pitches: 2324 6th St., Tuscaloosa; 744 29th St. S., Birmingham; 609 rue Dauphin, Mobile
Our opinion : Sometimes you have to think outside the norm and when you do, this is the burger for you. A real treat that makes you wonder why people aren’t doing this from the start. Bacon relish takes this burger to new heights of creativity. – David Holloway
(photo by Ben Flanagan)
Site: 547 S. Decatur Street, Montgomery
Our opinion : An old-fashioned, no-frills burger reminiscent of a time when burgers were non-mass produced and the stuff of high finance. Simple doesn’t mean boring, however; it’s an authentic burger with lots and lots of flavor. – David Holloway
Read the rest of our visit here
(Photo by Tamika Moore)
Site: 8169 Dickey Springs Road, Bessemer
Our opinion : I ate a lot of burgers on this trip and the one at J&J Grocery was among the best. A huge juicy burger that is cooked by people who clearly like to make others happy with their food, it was a real treat for the senses. The clientele may be resolutely blue collar, but the burgers are real haute cuisine. This burger was a hair’s breadth away from winning it all. I am going back and I hope to see you there. They really make their burgers with love. – David Holloway
(Photo Matt Wake)
The little restaurant in Huntsville
Site: 1219 Jordan Lane, Huntsville
Our opinion : Get hungry and prepare to be amazed by this big and tasty burger. Oh, and if you want, you can top it with traditional Korean kimchee. – David Holloway
(photo by Ben Flanagan)
Site: 1151 Opelika Road, Auburn
Our opinion : Niffer’s is the kind of place you go to eat a burger and end up staying awhile. This is a good thing because with over 19 burgers on the menu, you might need more time to choose a burger. They’ve earned a well-deserved reputation for making great, great burgers in a lot of fun ways. – David Holloway
(photo by Ben Flanagan)
Oasis Bar and Grill in Cottondale
Site: 6720, boulevard University, Cottondale
Our opinion : I loved this burger. It’s a massive double slab of goodness that is a testament to the way things once were. A real old-fashioned burger that draws locals and travelers alike for a taste of the real Americana. – David Holloway
(Photo Matt Wake)
Pikeville store and grocery store in Scottsboro
Site: 5182 County Road 21, Scottsboro
Our opinion : This charming outpost is set to become a dining destination not only for Alabama, but for the Southeast as well. Owners Dwayne and Connie Wilkerson produce one of the best burgers your well-seasoned working boy has ever eaten. Believe me, it’s worth the trip. – David Holloway
(Photo by Haley Laurence)
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