Sometimes I wish that I didn't like burgers so much since red meat is bad for me and the cows are bad for the environment, but I will not-very-guiltily admit that burgers are just about my favorite food. Which is great because here in Atlanta there are a number of restaurants with just fabulous burgers. I've been planning this post for awhile but was waiting to try out a couple of other burgers that I've heard are among Atlanta's finest; however, I changed my mind today [well, Thursday, when I started this post] after an incredible lunch of burgers and onion rings at Grindhouse Killer Burgers (see image above). I can always write another post if I need to. I picked the three restaurants featured here because 1) they are my favorites, 2) they run the gamut from ghetto (literally) to a bit swanky, and 3) they are my favorites. Really, it's all totally subjective.
In no particular order:
Grindhouse Killer Burgers are great. Located in the Sweet Auburn Curb Market, Grindhouse is essentially a lunch counter inside a large, open market in downtown Atlanta. For me, the only problem with Grindhouse is logistical; although it is open on Saturdays, the Curb Market is only open from 8-6, and since I work nowhere near there, off of my usual lunchtime route. I've managed to make it there twice; the first time there was a long line of suited men and it took more than 20 minutes to order and find a seat, but today we were there a bit after the peak lunch hour and were able to walk right up and order. I love the fact that Grindhouse makes it easy if you don't eat meat or prefer not to eat red meat and doesn't charge extra for a veggie or turkey patty. Every menu option is easily customized with your choice of meat (or lack thereof), can be made as a single or a double, and there are a nice array of toppings to choose from (think Hatch green chilis!). On my first excursion to Grindhouse I tried the Apache Burger (the one with the green chilis; turkey patty), today I tried the Grindhouse Burger (essentially a standard burger; beef patty). Nothing but complete and utter satisfaction with either. I've heard mixed things about the fries and have not tried them, but can vouch that the onion rings are delicious. They are on the crunchy side of fried, which I like, and can be smothered in either Grindhouse sauce (what I think is ketchup and mayonnaise mixed with a lot of pepper) or chipotle ranch, which makes them even better. I also had a coffee milkshake. By the way, I moved 5 tons of stones and topsoil today, so I could afford this meal.
The first time I had a burger at Cakes and Ale I wondered aloud whether it was possible for a burger to be worth $14. The answer is a resounding yes. In fact, the burger is the only entree I have ever ordered there, and I have been to Cakes and Ale a half dozen times as it is probably my favorite restaurant in Atlanta. I love the in-season menu, the wait staff are always knowledgeable and pleasant, and the atmosphere works for either a relaxed but sophisticated dinner or late-night drinks at the bar. The burger is phenomenal--I think it is made with a combination of beef and pork belly, and is always perfectly cooked and juicy and served on just the right bun. I'm scouring my brain trying to remember what comes on the burgers and am coming up short, which means you will you just have to go try it yourself. I also love the fries that come with the burger; Belgian style, served with mayonnaise, and always perfectly cooked. In the summer, don't forget to try the fried okra, too.
My third pick for one of Atlanta's best burgers is the famous Ghetto Burger at Miss Ann's Snack Bar, an Atlanta institution. Miss Ann's is a tiny hole-in-the-wall in the Kirkwood neighborhood, and her lunch counter seats only eight. Seating is in shifts; burgers are made for the first eight people then she cleans up and cooks a batch for the next eight. Perhaps not a very efficient system, but part of the charm. The time I went we arrived at around 10:45 am because we'd heard that there is usually a line on the weekend and we wanted to try and get in the first round of 8 people seated at 11 am. As luck would not have it, the three of us were persons 9, 10, and 11, which meant we had to wait for the second seating. Miss Ann operates on her own time, so she finally opened at 11:40 am and by the time the first shift was done and we sat down it was around 1 pm. The wait was well worth it, both to watch Miss Ann in action and for the fabulous burger. Everything is cooked right in front of you, one slow step at a time. I can't say with any degree of certainty but I'm guessing there are around 2 pounds of beef in each Ghetto Burger--a double burger topped with onions, chili, bacon, and cheese. Completely obscene yet incredibly delicious and an unbeatable experience. In a futile attempt to mitigate the enormity of the Ghetto Burger I rode my bike to Miss Ann's, but I was so full that I was totally out of breath the entire ride home.
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