Winstead's Steakburgers has been named Food Network Magazine's the Best Hamburger in the state of Kansas. Famed food critic Calvin Trillin also considers Winstead's to have the world's best cheeseburgers. And, it was one of the first drive-in restaurants in the country. With those impressive accolades, the art deco/streamline moderne restaurant was a must visit for me when I traveled to Kansas City. I ordered a single Winstead with "everything," which includes mustard, ketchup, pickle, and onion. I also added cheese. A strawberry shake topped off the meal. A solid, tasty burger? No doubt. The best burger in America? No chance. There was some good burger seasoning, but lack of melted cheese and a lackluster bun knocked a few points off for me. Grade: B

"Y’allternative cuisine. Like momaw made it, but she has tattoos and drinks her whiskey straight," reads Black Circle Bistro's bio on Facebook. Honestly, that is enough to make me a fan of this Beckley restaurant. But, I should also try the food. So while in the area, I placed a to go order and picked up a few items off the menu. A few notes: They don't do ice. They don't do lemon. Their specialty is burgers, but they also have other sandwiches, salads and sides. I went with the Granny, which has cheddar cheese, pimento cheese, bacon and pepper jelly. I picked this one primarily because I love cheese and that salty sweet combo. But every burger was tempting – from adding fried bologna to blue cheese pimento to dippy eggs. I didn't do this burger justice because I didn't get a chance to eat it immediately. I had it later on that evening, and while it was good, I know it would be better hot and fresh. What I did get to enjoy immediately was the deviled egg potato salad, which is perfect Appalachian twist on potato salad. A little kick, which I love. I also tried the pickled eggs, which I know can be divisive, but I love that zippy tang. Finally, I need to give a shoutout to their sauces. I didn't even have fries, but I needed to try the Appalachian Goddess, Jana's Garlic & Onion, Pimento and Hillbilly Holy Trinity. Yes, yes and more yes. Grade: A

Main Street Creamery is a '50s themed diner in Hurricane that serves up burgers, shakes and more. Inside, it is decorated like an old-fashioned diner, complete with themed decor on the walls. Their version of an ice cream blended with candy pieces is called a hurricane. I thought it was funny to have a hurricane in Hurricane. So I went with the pecan pie hurricane, which include pecans, caramel and graham cracker. I fully believe that graham cracker is an underrated ice cream topping, so I certainly enjoyed this. It was definitely on the thick side though. I also tried their Smashburger, which comes with a half-pound patty, lettuce, pickle, and smash sauce. Plus, a side of onion rings. The meal was good. The burger, I wish, was a bit thinner so it got crispy on the edges. But not bad. The onion rings are homemade and huge, and that can be hard to find. Grade: B

Matt's Bar in Minneapolis is known for creating the "juicy lucy" burger, which stuffs cheese inside the burger rather than on top. So, the hot, molten cheese oozes out when eaten.



Shortly after Matt's opened in 1954, founder Matt Bristol explained how the “Jucy Lucy” was created: When a local customer asked for two hamburger patties with a slice of cheese in the middle... they complied and upon biting into this new, molten hot burger, Bristol exclaimed “that’s one juicy Lucy”, and a legend was born.



"Customer demand grew so quickly, we forgot to add the “i” and the “Jucy Lucy” has now become a local culinary hero. Remember, if it’s spelled correctly, you just might be eating a shameless ripoff! Matt's has received numerous awards, and has appeared in publications from Hamburgers Across America to the The New York Times. Matt's has been featured on the Travel Channel's Man Vs. Food and Food Wars, where we won the best tasting "Jucy Lucy" in town. Each "Jucy Lucy" is carefully handmade with the freshest, high-quality beef and filled with the molten hot cheese you can only find at Matt's," reads the website.



This dive bar was packed to the gills when I arrived. There are no reservations, no credit cards, and definitely a wait. I, of course, had to try the juicy lucy burger.



The burger comes with a plump, round patty, stuffed with American cheese and topped with pickles and onions. I added ketchup.



As promised, the burger oozed hot cheese as soon as I took a bite. The cheese was actually a nice, thick consistency, so it didn't just pour out, but rather added a cheesy note to every bite.



Grade: A

H&F Burger in Ponce City Market comes to us from James Beard Award-Winning Chef Linton Hopkins. The shop highlights Hopkins’s famous burger as well as a collection of sandwiches and shakes alongside a diverse selection of beer, wine and spirits.



"The Original" H&F CHEESEBURGER comes with double beef patty, b&b pickles, shaved red onion and Kraft American Cheese.



I got mine to go, so it's not much of a looker. But, man, was it good. Many folks will poo-poo American cheese, but that pasteurized cheese product melts so perfectly over the burger. Some sweetness and acid from the pickles and onion. I wouldn't hate an aioli here, but solid nonetheless.



Grade: A

"Sumburger Drive-in was first opened for business in 1953. It was located on South Bridge Street (US RT 23) and housed in a custom-made trailer. The name Trailer Drive-in was the true original name. The original trailer was moved to 1487 N. Bridge St. in 1954, the name was changed to Logan View Drive-in, and an additional trailer was added. Operating during the warm months of the year, only carhop and carryout service were available. Because the patrons referred to the sandwich as 'some burger' the name officially changed to Sumburger Drive-in in 1974," reads the website.

"In 2003 sumburger celebrated its 50th year in business while its hometown, the state's first capitol, helped to celebrate Ohio's Bicentennial. In 2016, we expanded our brand and opened the sumburger Restaurant on the west-end of Chillicothe!"



I ordered their famous "DBL CHZ SUMBURGER" - Since 1953 folks have driven from miles around to taste our famous sumburger®. This meal-on-a-bun starts with 2 fresh all beef patties, served up on a hot bun topped off with 2 slices of melted cheese, lettuce and our own sumburger® sauce. Served with Crinkle Cut Fries and Cole Slaw.



The burger was decent. I think I was a bit cheated on some of the toppings, which actually made it a little dry. I would like more of the mayo-relish sauce for more oomph.



Grade: B

The Varsity is a long-running drive-in in Atlanta serving up burgers, hot dogs, fries, shakes & other American classics.



"'What’ll ya have… What’ll ya have?' There’s no friendlier greeting than the one you’ll receive when you step up to the counter at The Varsity. And that’s just the beginning of what makes The Varsity so special. There’s not a faster, fresher, or more fun-filled dining experience like it anywhere! Gordy family-owned and operated since 1928, The Varsity is a downtown Atlanta institution, and The World’s Largest Drive-in Restaurant," reads the website.



For me, the experience was a bit stressful. Because the location is so large, it was a little bit confusing on where to park vs. where to get carhop service vs. where the drive-through was.



Once I found a parking spot, I walked in and immediately heard the "what'll ya have" phrase ringing out from all corners. I had no idea what I was going to have - because they have their own language. Here's what I ordered:



GLORIFIED BURGER
One beef patty with lettuce, tomato, and mayo on a steamed bun.

FRIED PEACH PIES
A sweet Georgia treat! A crispy fried pie shell filled with delicious peach filling, served warm.

FROZEN VARSITY ORANGE
Signature orange drink with ice cream



That drink is like a frozen creamsicle. my burger may have been more lettuce than beef, but it was fair nonetheless. And, the peach pie remind me of one of those little hostess hand pies.



Overall, I would say the food is fairly average. The experience and historical significance makes this an iconic place to visit.



Grade: B

Super Duper Burger is a San Francisco-based burger chain that is a step up from others: It boasts organic, locally sourced, humanely raised ingredients, including vegetarian-fed beef with an 80 to 20 protein to fat blend.



"From our famous (free) house-made pickles to the hand-painted signage, to our cheerful staff, we build our restaurants like we build our burgers—sustainably, locally, and with an unwavering commitment to quality. We work with local designers, sign painters, and artisans because it reduces our carbon footprint, and, frankly, because they’re some of the best in the world," reads the website.



The space definitely has a West Coast vibe, with some indoor-outdoor spaces and bright colors. The furniture is pretty modular and not exactly exactly cozy so you're not sticking around too long. There is a pickle jar, but I was a bit hesitant to test the communal waters.



I ordered the mini burger: One 1/4 lb daily ground, all-natural, vegetarian-fed Brandt Beef patty - cooked medium and served on a freshly baked bun with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and Super Sauce.



Plus a side of garlic fries: Fresh Garlic & 6 Month Aged Cheddar



Add in 3 dips: Homemade Super Sauce, Mayo & Chipotle Aioli.



The fresh strawberry shake is not skimping on the fresh strawberry - which had a heaping helping on the top.



The burger not only tasted great, but it also was presented in a lovely way. Certainly a step up from other burger joints. just a bit fresher, cleaner, and more succinct flavors. I think all fries should be garlic and/or truffle fries, so this also receives top marks from me. The shake was great. All in all, an elevated burger experience that is still quick but without cutting corners.



Grade: A

I didn't really know a whole lot about Utah until I started getting interested in national parks. Utah is mostly known for its beautiful, natural landscapes, Mormons, And the Sundance Film Festival.



I traveled here to visit Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion - and of course had to enjoy some good meals while here. Torrey is a small town outside of Capitol Reef National Park and it's where I needed to get some grub.



Slackers Burger Joint is a 50s themed restaurant that is known for its burgers, shakes, and other diner fare. According to their signage, they have been ranked as one of the best drive-in restaurants in Utah. Either way, it is a humble stop that has seen its fair share of wear and tear. It was pretty busy when I was there, but I was able to place an order for a burger and shake and have my meal within 10 minutes.



The world famous juicy burger is served on a stone ground sourdough bun. I had mine with mushroom and Swiss, plus other condiments on the side. I did enjoy the bun which slightly eclipsed the burger, but it was fresh and pillowy. The burger was a little overdone from my liking, but it was clearly homemade. The side of sweet potato fries were good; I just wish someone would figure out a solid dipping sauce that is standard for these.



The star was this giant milkshake, which had all of the cherries and whipped cream. They were not stingy with the portion sizes in, the sweet treat to finish off the meal was a satisfying finish.



Grade: B