I remember a great “5 napkin burger” at “Nice Matin” at 79th and Amsterdam. I remember it because I was not expecting it to be as good as it was. I also like Nick’s Burger Joint at 77th and BWY. I had an amazing burger with pineapple and mozzarella there that I still remember. In-n-out is classic for cheap and California.
I hate 5 guys. It’s extremely overpriced and the burgers are mediocre at best. My vote is Paradise Pup in Des Plaines, IL. No matter the weather, there’s a 40 minute line that extends into the parking lot. I have no problem waiting for their burgers - as long as they don’t put their always-overcooked bacon on it. Chicagoans may want to say Kuma’s Corner, but I’ve never been impressed with their food - it’s not bad, just overhyped.
In N Out is the best econo fast food burger but their fries suck. They almost remind me of those potato sticks that use to come in the cannister. 5 Guys has good fries.
Captain D’s classic “Captain Sandwich”, two slices of deep-fried battered nondescript fish fillet, between two deep-fried buns, with the Captain’s special creamy sauce mixed with crispy crumbs of deep-fried fish batter, and a side of deep-fried pickles plus anticholesterol pill to keep your system in check following this gastronomic assault. While it may not have the official endorsement of the american heart association, it sure is delicious
Best Burger I’ve had was in Dakar, Senegal at a Shawarma place not too far from La Cornche Ouest. Dakar burgers put American burgers to shame. The beef is amazingly fresh, not that pattie crap they have here in the states! Not to mention it was really cheap!