The classic american cheeseburger. Few restaurants do not offer some sort of cheeseburger; especially not the ones I go to. But who does it best? And I don't mean, who has sold the most. I mean, when you bite into the cheeseburger, you bring the burger away from your face, examine it, and wonder "why is this burger so life-changingly good?"; THAT is the burger I am looking for. **Disclaimer: I have not tried every cheeseburger in Lancaster County, but I have tried many, and these are the ones I have found to be the top 5**
Top Five Burgers: (in no specific order)
Red Robin: A.1. Peppercorn
Fact: If you want a good burger, just go to Red Robin. You cannot have a bad burger there. That said, the A.1. Peppercorn is the best. It has all the most key ingredients in a burger; bacon, pepperjack cheese, and onion straws. But, on top of that, the burger features an onion bun and, of course, A.1. Sauce that just bring everything together for the best combination possible. If you're going to give this one a try, it is best paired with bottomless fries and root beer floats.
Harvey's BBQ: The "Babe"
This burger hails from a lesser known place in Mount Joy called Harvey's Barbeque. Obviously, their main attraction would be the pulled pork bbq, but this burger is ALWAYS my choice. The "Babe" features a stuffed burger; which means that, rather than on top, the cheese is melted in the middle of the hamburger patty. Atop that genius creation is carmelized onions, garlic, and mushrooms made in a some sort of amazing sauce. When you put all these ingredients together the combination is so good it could turn a vegetarian. Unfortunately, Harvey's experienced a fire a little while back, but I await the day I can devour The "Babe" once more. Truly, a burger worth waiting for.
Trio Bar and Grill: Sweet Potato Burger
Honestly, this one does sound a little strange; but you have to try it! Basically, its a hefty burger, topped with cheese, sweet potato fries, and maple syrup. I realize it doesn't sound too appealing, but it is very good. While I was eating the burger I was almost confused as to how it was tasting so good. I could not find this item on Trio's online menu, and I hope they didn't take it off their menu, because when I return, I will most definitely be getting the Sweet Potato Burger.
Ruby Tuesday: Portabella Crispý Onion Pretzel Cheeseburger
I feel like Ruby Tuesday is not a place someone would go to get a burger, but they should! They have started making several cheeseburgers with pretzel buns, and that's an amazing thing. It's almost like someone thought of the best things that have ever been on a burger, and put it on this one. The title is pretty self explanatory, but this burger creation features a burger patty, seasoned portabella mushrooms, swiss cheese, chipotle mayonnaise, crispy onion straws, and all of that sandwhiched between a pretzel bun. The only bad thing about this burger is... the last bite. It's a good thing it was so filling, because I probably would have just ordered another one.
Last(but not least) is Grills Goin' Wild: The Cowboy Burger
Get this one while you can!! Grills Goin' Wild started off as a food truck, which they still use, but recently had opened a brick and mortar store on Fruitville Pike. Unfortunately, not enough people know how AMAZING their food is, and that's just so sad. It is unclear whether they are going to keep their food truck or not, but I pray daily that they will. But, on to the burger! They have an interesting menu format; you choose your topping combinations on either a hot dog or a cheeseburger. And the best option I have found is a Cowboy Burger. Every time I get a burger there that is not the Cowboy Burger I think "this is good, but I wish it was the Cowboy Burger". The toppings are simple: cheese, onion ring, bacon, and barbecue sauce, but they are so amazing together. Pair this burger up with Wild Memphis Fries and you have a truly unbeatable combination. I hope that you all have the opportunity to enjoy this one.
So, these are the ones that I have found to be the five best burgers in Lancaster County. Some honorable mentions are the Whiskey River BBQ and Prime Chophouse burgers at Red Robin, The Jack Daniel's Burger at T.G.I. Fridays, Mushroom and Swiss burger at McCleary's Pub in Marietta, and just the good ol' Bacon Cheeseburger from Five Guys Burgers and Fries.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. I hope you all go out and break your diets with these burgers. I'm absolutely positive you will enjoy them.
Be safe, be courteous.
Ryan
