We, as Americans, have a lot to celebrate and July is unquestionably one of the best times to do just that. We are a people who enjoy our rugged individualism, our right to pursue happiness, and a culinary culture that has brought the world a host of innovations. Certainly one of the best loved examples of American cuisine has to be the hamburger. From its roots as a simple ground beef patty between two pieces of bread, the hamburger is now available in a dizzying array of options varying how it is cooked, seasoned, topped and accompanied. Swiss, American or cheddar? Barbecue sauce or ketchup? Veggies or bacon (or both?) While arguments can be made all around about what makes a hamburger great, Americans will probably agree that this is one controversy we can enjoy getting our teeth into. Local restaurateurs are here to help you wade through the options to find your own version of burger perfection. When you are ready to pursue happiness in the form of mouthwatering burger, turn to one of these local restaurants, all of whom are dedicated to delivering a celebration of freshness and flavor.
Bremer 7th Inning Stretch
Linda’s Cafe
Linda’s Cafe, named for owners Linda Frigaard and Linda Grady, offers a number of burgers to suit a variety of tastes, but one in particular stands out. The Bremer 7th Inning Stretch is an appetite satisfier as American as baseball, made of two patties of hand formed fresh ground beef stuffed with bacon and American and Swiss cheese, then topped with lettuce, tomato and fresh mushrooms on a toasted bun. Frigaard and Grady say this gastronomical beauty is a favorite of many, including sportscaster and patron Dick Bremer, for whom it is named. Available with a choice of sides for $8.49. 13575 Northdale Blvd., Rogers; 763.428.8816
BYO
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
When it comes to individuality, a burger lover can’t beat the options available at Five Guys Burgers and Fries, where build-your-own burgers dominate the menu. Their 80/20 grind of fresh, unseasoned beef is part of the secret behind their well-done but juicy patties, which are offered on dry-toasted bakery fresh buns. Your choice of toppings from a list of options prepped daily makes the burger your own. Multi-unit manager Brandon Dewald suggests trying a two-patty burger topped with bacon, American cheese, mayonnaise, grilled jalapenos, grilled onions, barbeque sauce, lettuce, pickle and tomatoes to captivate all your taste buds with every bite. This burger as described costs $6.99; single patties (or little hamburgers) are also available. 7814 Main St. N.; fiveguys.com
California Burger
Malone’s Bar and Grill
The California Burger is an American classic for a reason, and at Malone’s Bar and Grill, you can see why. Their generous half pound patty comes with Swiss cheese, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato and, in true California style, is topped with Malone’s fresh house made guacamole. All Malone’s burgers are served on flavorful, made-fresh onion buns. Served with chips or coleslaw for $9.95, or upgrade for additional side options. 12635 Elm Creek Blvd. N.; malonesbarandgrill.net
Big Smoky Burger
Dehn’s Country Manor
Burger lovers with a hearty appetite and a taste for nuanced flavors will find joy at Dehn’s Country Manor when they order the Big Smoky Burger. This ten ounce, hand-patted fresh ground sirloin burger brings together Dehn’s Northwoods 12 Pepper seasoning with Tillamook smoked cheddar cheese to create one of their most popular menu items. Also known as the Big Burger, the Big Smoky is finished with a loving dollop of house made barbecue sauce and presented on a toasted sesame bakery roll. Served with salad, soup or French fries for $11.25. Thrifty burger seekers will enjoy Dehn’s daily happy hour from 2-5 p.m. when their third pound Angus burger and fries are offered for only $3.95. 11281 Fernbrook Lane; dehnscountrymanor.com
Carolina Burger
Champps Americana Restaurant
Champps Americana Restaurant can take any of the amazing burgers and prepare it to please anyone, from the beef lover to those who prefer poultry and even the vegetarian. Consider their Carolina burger, which is perfectly seasoned and topped with a bourbon barbecue sauce, melted cheddar cheese, creamy coleslaw, and crispy fried onion strings. This combination of flavors and textures are delightful whether served on one of their fresh, USDA Choice Angus beef patties, a veggie burger, a turkey burger, or, for a dollar more, on a chicken breast. Served with fries for $10.49. 13521 80th Circle N.; champps.com
John Davis Bourbon Burger
Highlander Restaurant
The Highlander Restaurant at Rush Creek Golf Club is excited to offer a new burger for summer named for their chef. The John Davis Bourbon burger is topped with chef Davis’ signature sesame bourbon sauce, thick-cut bacon, shredded lettuce and tomato. Presented on a bakery fresh bun, all of Highlander’s burgers are half pound 100 percent choice all natural fresh, local Angus chuck, hand pattied daily and cooked on the flat top grill to preserve the natural flavor of the beef. It’s served with a wide array of sides for $12. For a lighter choice, a freshly ground turkey patty can be substituted at no cost, or select ground bison for $2 more. 7801 County Road 101 N.; rushcreek.com/highlander
JC’s Ale Burger
JC’s Bar and Grill
Many would argue that the best beverage to accompany a burger is a well-crafted beer, and JC’s Bar and Grill (formerly known as J. Cousineau’s) takes that pairing to the next level with their signature JC’s Ale Burger. Each third pound patty of 80/20 fresh Angus beef is cooked on the flat top grill and finished in the steam of a douse of Summit Pale Ale, then topped with Summit-steamed mushrooms and caramelized onions. Crowned with Swiss cheese, this burger is served on an egg bun, or request grilled rye or wheat bread. It is served with kettle chips for $9.99. For more of a good thing, upgrade to a half pound patty for $2 more or substitute sides for 99 cents. 13540 Grove Drive; jcbarandgrill.com
Loaded Burger
Lynde’s
Lynde’s home style menu offers a Loaded Burger that will make your eyes and mouth open wide. Their half pound Black Angus ground chuck patties are broiled to perfection and topped with a classic combination of Thousand Island dressing, American cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles nestled in a toasted Kaiser roll. Served with chips for $9.50 or upgrade for additional side options. For an epic burger challenge, add a second half pound patty for $2.25 more. Tuesday night’s special offers any burger on the menu for $6.99. 209 County Road 81, Osseo; lyndescatering.com
