Best burger joints

dansaint · Sep 21, 2012, 11:47 AM

what's everyone's choice for best burger place?

Got the idea for this from another message board.

I'd say Culvers. Just really like it...Wendy's is a close 2nd, however.

And I have not had an In and Out Burger nor a Five Guys...so I can't fairly judge...but apparently Five Guys is supposed to be coming to Springfield (IL) fairly soon.

CaptainHindsight · Sep 21, 2012, 11:57 AM

you made a burger thread before. link

crane alley in urbana has good burgers.

Sure Shot · Sep 21, 2012, 11:57 AM

Oh man, you've gotta get west and try some In-n-Out. It is outrageously good.

dansaint · Sep 21, 2012, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainHindsight

you made a burger thread before. link

crane alley in urbana has good burgers.

That's old and forgotten. lol. This a whole new topic.

-josh- · Sep 21, 2012, 12:39 PM

Farrens downtown Champaign has great burgers.

Ransom Stoddard · Sep 21, 2012, 02:59 PM

Smashburger, Cheeseburger Bobby's (a suburban ATL chain), WhatABurger, and Checkers.

AzIlliniFan · Sep 21, 2012, 03:20 PM

The Big Buford from Rally's/Checkers is my favorite chain burger and their fries are the tastiest of all. Carl's Jr's 6 dollar burger is also good. I recently ate at a Five Guys and the burgers were pretty good, but a bit on the expensive side. A buddy and I ate there and paid $25 for two double cheeseburgers, one large fries and two medium sodas. In n Out is good but I think the burgers are too small. Culvers is decent. The ones I make myself and cook on the grill are the best of the best tho!!

illinois_hustle · Sep 21, 2012, 07:50 PM

For a fast food burger, In-N-Out and Five Guys are in a virtual tie for me. Very different burgers but both delish.

Fortunately I have both just down the street.

stlillinifan · Sep 22, 2012, 05:06 PM

Seamus McDaniel - St. Louis

danielb927 · Sep 22, 2012, 10:55 PM

Haven't had Crane Alley, but my favorite burger in C-U is at Iron Post in Urbana. Farrens is a very close second, I need to have them closer together to really make sure I have the order right.

ChainsawFan · Sep 23, 2012, 02:18 PM

Five Guys is hands down the best burger place out there. It's a little pricey, but a single patty is filling enough and a small order of fries could feed an army.

I just had In-n-Out Burger for the first time last week when I was out in California. It was definitely good, but the rave reviews I heard built it up too much. I tried it "animal style," which was a good choice.

ComplementaryColors · Sep 24, 2012, 07:28 AM

For fast food, In and Out is number one. I like In and Out's concise menu. Just hamburgers and cheeseburgers and double hamburgers. Do one thing and do it well.

I'd rank Smashburger second, and Five Guys third, followed by Culver's.

Last place goes to McDonald's.

dansaint · Sep 24, 2012, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ComplementaryColors

For fast food, In and Out is number one. I like In and Out's concise menu. Just hamburgers and cheeseburgers and double hamburgers. Do one thing and do it well.

I'd rank Smashburger second, and Five Guys third, followed by Culver's.

Last place goes to McDonald's.

I'd agree on McDonalds. ONly thing I get from them is either Chicken Nuggets (which I got today for lunch) or their Chicken Selects. And, of course, fries.

katu06 · Sep 24, 2012, 05:19 PM

There is a new Smashburger in town, I have been avoiding it for some unknown reason, but I may give it a try since many of you seem to like it.

In Bloomington-Normal, I haven't been able to find a good "local" place for a good, real burger. I'd rather grill one at home most of the time, than to go spend $10 for one that doesn't taste better than my own cooking. I usually avoid fast food burgers; I don't like really greasy food.

That being said, the Jack Daniels Burger from TGI Friday is amazing, but only because I love that sauce.

DrewD007 · Sep 24, 2012, 07:50 PM

The double cheeseburger at Dave and Buster's is amazing. I can only speak for the St. Louis location, but I'd imagine it's just as good at the other locations as well.

BananaShampoo · Sep 24, 2012, 08:07 PM

In-N-Out is definitely up there. I've always liked Portillo's burgers, as well (and love their fries). Haven't tried Smashburger yet but that are all over around here so might give it a try sometime. There is a great local joint in Tempe called the Chuckbox that is one of my favorite non-chain burgers, and beats any of the chains hands down.

illinois_hustle · Sep 24, 2012, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BananaShampoo

I've always liked Portillo's burgers, as well (and love their fries).

Portillo's fries are the best anywhere. Never had the burgers; can't get past the weenies and beef.

AzIlliniFan · Sep 25, 2012, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BananaShampoo

In-N-Out is definitely up there. I've always liked Portillo's burgers, as well (and love their fries). Haven't tried Smashburger yet but that are all over around here so might give it a try sometime. There is a great local joint in Tempe called the Chuckbox that is one of my favorite non-chain burgers, and beats any of the chains hands down.

Chuckbox, there's a name I haven't heard in a while. I used to go there when I first moved to AZ and was living/working in Tempe. I'm talking '95-'97. If memory serves me correctly they used to have a butchers display and you could pick your own steaks, burgers, brats, etc.. and cook them yourself and order your sides. Do they still do that or have they turned to a traditional restaurant?

KBLEE · Sep 25, 2012, 07:06 AM

I just ate at a Meatheads over the weekend and was quite impressed with the burgers. The chili-cheese fries were pretty darn good too. I ate at the Naperville location, but it looks like they are also in Champaign and Bloomington.

mdonsbach · Sep 25, 2012, 07:02 PM

If you happen to be in the Indianapolis area I would recommend going to Carmel, IN and going to Bub's. Was on Man vs Food so we stopped by during a roadtrip to Cedar Point and I still can taste the burger in my mouth.

As for Fast Food...I really like Steak N Shake but it has to at least be a double as their patties aren't the largest.

Ransom Stoddard · Sep 26, 2012, 07:36 AM

I totally forgot about Red Robin....great gourmet burgers. Crappy service, but great burgers.

gibb52 · Sep 26, 2012, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ransom Stoddard

I totally forgot about Red Robin....great gourmet burgers. Crappy service, but great burgers.

Red Robin does make a nice burger. Spendy for sure but good.

OTOH I ate at a Five Guys in Panama City and was totally unimpressed. Ordinary to say the very least and massively overpriced. Just my take.

Kramer116 · Sep 28, 2012, 07:42 AM

For those of you in Chicago, or anyone in Illinois, I challenge you to find a find better burger than Kuma's Corner at Belmont and Elson pretty much. You usually have to wait 30 mins or so for seating, but wow. I usually just get the Famous Kuma's Burger (1/2 lb patty, cheddar, bacon, fried egg). I usually love ketchup/mustard on my burger, but it is absolutely unnecessary. My recommendation is get some of the chipotle mayo though and add it on, delicious. They have good beers too.

My next favorite place for a burger is Bad Apple on Lincoln just north of Irving Park. I have tried a few of them and they were amazing as well. They have one of the best beer selections I have ever seen too, well over 200 beers from all over the US and world.

I am a fan of DMK Burger at like Sheffield and Wellington, always good but not nearly the level of these other places.

I am a fan of 5 Guys, but I think Burger Boss is better in that similar type of genre. There is one in Oak Park off North Ave, not sure of other locations.

Illinell · Sep 28, 2012, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by illinois_hustle

Portillo's fries are the best anywhere. Never had the burgers; can't get past the weenies and beef.

I go to Portillo's every time I get back to Chicago.

Two dogs Chicago style, cheese fries, a Sam Adams.

Soooooo good.

Magoo2 · Sep 28, 2012, 11:10 AM

If you are ever traveling through Decatur, Mt. Zion or Springfield, make sure you track down a Krekels and have double Krekel burger or two with cheese if you have the chance. Definitely my favorite.

Sep 21, 2012, 12:39 PM	#5
-josh- STAHP! Location: The paign born and raised Posts: 3,176	Farrens downtown Champaign has great burgers. __________________ virtus junxit mors non separabit

Sep 22, 2012, 10:55 PM	#10
danielb927 Orange Krush Class of 2013 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 3,739	Haven't had Crane Alley, but my favorite burger in C-U is at Iron Post in Urbana. Farrens is a very close second, I need to have them closer together to really make sure I have the order right. __________________ Illini Pride President 2012-2013 Orange Krush Class of 2013! - Orange Krush Road Trip @ Iowa, Feb. 3, 2010 The views expressed in these posts are solely individual and do not represent the views of any student organizations.

Sep 24, 2012, 07:50 PM	#15
DrewD007 Location: Swansea, IL Posts: 3,531	The double cheeseburger at Dave and Buster's is amazing. I can only speak for the St. Louis location, but I'd imagine it's just as good at the other locations as well. __________________ Follow me! http://www.twitter.com/illinidrew11

Sep 24, 2012, 08:07 PM	#16
BananaShampoo Captain 'Paign Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 8,566	In-N-Out is definitely up there. I've always liked Portillo's burgers, as well (and love their fries). Haven't tried Smashburger yet but that are all over around here so might give it a try sometime. There is a great local joint in Tempe called the Chuckbox that is one of my favorite non-chain burgers, and beats any of the chains hands down. __________________ C-U/UIUC Historian and Lover of all Things Illini

Sep 25, 2012, 07:02 PM	#20
mdonsbach Location: Bethalto, IL Posts: 1,260	If you happen to be in the Indianapolis area I would recommend going to Carmel, IN and going to Bub's. Was on Man vs Food so we stopped by during a roadtrip to Cedar Point and I still can taste the burger in my mouth. As for Fast Food...I really like Steak N Shake but it has to at least be a double as their patties aren't the largest. __________________ Twitter

Sep 21, 2012, 11:47 AM	#1
dansaint Location: Middletown, IL Posts: 851	what's everyone's choice for best burger place? Got the idea for this from another message board. I'd say Culvers. Just really like it...Wendy's is a close 2nd, however. And I have not had an In and Out Burger nor a Five Guys...so I can't fairly judge...but apparently Five Guys is supposed to be coming to Springfield (IL) fairly soon.

Sep 21, 2012, 11:57 AM	#2
CaptainHindsight Location: Champaign Posts: 299	you made a burger thread before. link crane alley in urbana has good burgers.

Sep 21, 2012, 11:57 AM	#3
Sure Shot Banned Posts: 1,912	Oh man, you've gotta get west and try some In-n-Out. It is outrageously good.

Sep 21, 2012, 02:59 PM	#6
Ransom Stoddard Location: Johns Creek, GA Posts: 1,103	Smashburger, Cheeseburger Bobby's (a suburban ATL chain), WhatABurger, and Checkers.

Sep 21, 2012, 03:20 PM	#7
AzIlliniFan Posts: 2,068	The Big Buford from Rally's/Checkers is my favorite chain burger and their fries are the tastiest of all. Carl's Jr's 6 dollar burger is also good. I recently ate at a Five Guys and the burgers were pretty good, but a bit on the expensive side. A buddy and I ate there and paid $25 for two double cheeseburgers, one large fries and two medium sodas. In n Out is good but I think the burgers are too small. Culvers is decent. The ones I make myself and cook on the grill are the best of the best tho!!

Sep 21, 2012, 07:50 PM	#8
illinois_hustle My Kool-Aid needs vodka Location: San Diego Posts: 3,001	For a fast food burger, In-N-Out and Five Guys are in a virtual tie for me. Very different burgers but both delish. Fortunately I have both just down the street.

Sep 22, 2012, 05:06 PM	#9
stlillinifan Location: Saint Louis, Mo Posts: 29	Seamus McDaniel - St. Louis

Sep 23, 2012, 02:18 PM	#11
ChainsawFan Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 23	Five Guys is hands down the best burger place out there. It's a little pricey, but a single patty is filling enough and a small order of fries could feed an army. I just had In-n-Out Burger for the first time last week when I was out in California. It was definitely good, but the rave reviews I heard built it up too much. I tried it "animal style," which was a good choice.

Sep 24, 2012, 07:28 AM	#12
ComplementaryColors Posts: 101	For fast food, In and Out is number one. I like In and Out's concise menu. Just hamburgers and cheeseburgers and double hamburgers. Do one thing and do it well. I'd rank Smashburger second, and Five Guys third, followed by Culver's. Last place goes to McDonald's.

Sep 24, 2012, 05:19 PM	#14
katu06 Location: Downstate Posts: 2,357	There is a new Smashburger in town, I have been avoiding it for some unknown reason, but I may give it a try since many of you seem to like it. In Bloomington-Normal, I haven't been able to find a good "local" place for a good, real burger. I'd rather grill one at home most of the time, than to go spend $10 for one that doesn't taste better than my own cooking. I usually avoid fast food burgers; I don't like really greasy food. That being said, the Jack Daniels Burger from TGI Friday is amazing, but only because I love that sauce.

Sep 25, 2012, 07:06 AM	#19
KBLEE Location: Montgomery, IL Posts: 6,255	I just ate at a Meatheads over the weekend and was quite impressed with the burgers. The chili-cheese fries were pretty darn good too. I ate at the Naperville location, but it looks like they are also in Champaign and Bloomington.

Sep 26, 2012, 07:36 AM	#21
Ransom Stoddard Location: Johns Creek, GA Posts: 1,103	I totally forgot about Red Robin....great gourmet burgers. Crappy service, but great burgers.

Sep 28, 2012, 07:42 AM	#23
Kramer116 Location: Chicago Posts: 9,615	For those of you in Chicago, or anyone in Illinois, I challenge you to find a find better burger than Kuma's Corner at Belmont and Elson pretty much. You usually have to wait 30 mins or so for seating, but wow. I usually just get the Famous Kuma's Burger (1/2 lb patty, cheddar, bacon, fried egg). I usually love ketchup/mustard on my burger, but it is absolutely unnecessary. My recommendation is get some of the chipotle mayo though and add it on, delicious. They have good beers too. My next favorite place for a burger is Bad Apple on Lincoln just north of Irving Park. I have tried a few of them and they were amazing as well. They have one of the best beer selections I have ever seen too, well over 200 beers from all over the US and world. I am a fan of DMK Burger at like Sheffield and Wellington, always good but not nearly the level of these other places. I am a fan of 5 Guys, but I think Burger Boss is better in that similar type of genre. There is one in Oak Park off North Ave, not sure of other locations. __________________ @TomCrean: I am doing great. I have been thinking about you alot since last weekend. A whole lot. How are you doing?

Sep 28, 2012, 11:10 AM	#25
Magoo2 Location: Springfield, IL Posts: 269	If you are ever traveling through Decatur, Mt. Zion or Springfield, make sure you track down a Krekels and have double Krekel burger or two with cheese if you have the chance. Definitely my favorite. __________________ The one and only...........