Robert Phalen, One Eared Stag
With the exception of your own, what’s the absolute best burger you’ve ever eaten? Phillips Grocery in Oxford, Mississippi—I went to school there, so it brings back a lot of memories. They don’t do anything special. They just do it right: really hot flattop, nice crispy outside, juicy inside. Not a lot of stuff piled on to mask the flavor—that’s where a lot of burgers go wrong.
When you’re on the run and need a burger in a pinch, where do you go? If I have a burger craving, it’s almost always quenched by Little’s Food Store or Five Guys Burgers and Fries.
Steven Satterfield, Miller Union
With the exception of your own, what’s the absolute best burger you’ve ever eaten? I love the burger at Gramercy Tavern [in New York City]. It’s ground fresh in house, and they make their own bun and pickles and serve it with Jasper Hill Farm clothbound cheddar. It’s seriously fancy but not pretentious. It costs $18 and is totally worth it.
When you’re on the run and need a burger in a pinch, where do you go? I love the burgers at Little’s Food Store on Carroll Street in Cabbagetown.
Linton Hopkins, Holeman and Finch Public House
With the exception of your own, what’s the absolute best burger you’ve ever eaten? Gina [Hopkins] and I were in Boca Raton, Florida, and were so surprised when we spotted a Shake Shack that we couldn’t resist pulling in to eat. We both ordered double ShackBurgers. While they always make a good burger, these were perfectly prepared.
When you’re on the run and need a burger in a pinch, where do you go? I go to either Yeah! Burger or Farm Burger, whichever is closer. They’re both using fantastic ingredients that are fresh, wholesome, and thoughtfully sourced.
Ford Fry The Optimist, St. Cecilia, King + Duke
With the exception of your own, what’s the absolute best burger you’ve ever eaten? Minetta Tavern in New York immediately comes to mind. I’m talking the black label burger: an eight-ounce-ish patty of a blend of different cuts and dry-aged scraps. It’s all about the meat.
When you’re on the run and need a burger in a pinch, where do you go? I’ll hit up Sonic. It’s the closest to my childhood favorite burger from Avalon Diner in Houston. Also, Whataburger—I typically get a double with mayo and mustard, American cheese, and some jalapeños.
Illustrations by Lindsay Mound
This article originally appeared in our January 2015 issue.
