The Best Burgers in Boston
We spent months devouring every burger we could get our hands on in this town, rating them on the meatiness of their patties, the creativity of their toppings, and, really, just their degree of awesomeness. Here, we present the best burgers in Boston, broken down by category:
(All photos by Sam Kaplan)
Best Splurge: Radius
There are plenty of high-end eateries out there that slap a $20 price tag on a mediocre burger and call it upscale. Radius is not one of them. Chef-owner Michael Schlow’s bar-only creation, dubbed simply “The Burger,” boasts a well-seasoned patty; flowing, sharp Vermont cheddar; crispy onion strings; and, to top it all off, tangy, creamy horseradish sauce. It’s those premium components that make it worth the money — and the calories.
$19, 8 High St., Boston, 617-426-1234, radiusrestaurant.com.
Best Turkey Burger: Trina’s Starlight Lounge
Trading a juicy beef burger for the turkey version is like trading a Cadillac for a Kia, right? No matter how much you dress it up with fancy extras, it’s just not the same. Well, take this top-notch model at Trina’s for a spin. A moist, hearty patty tricked out with a sweet and savory blend of Swiss cheese, mustard, apple mostarda, and peppery arugula, it’s a screaming ride.
$10, 3 Beacon St., Somerville, 617-576-0006, trinastarlitelounge.com.
Best Sliders: Lucky’s Lounge
Sliders, are, in essence, designed for convenience — great for pairing with a stiff drink at the bar, sharing with the crowd, or holding you over till the main meal arrives. The luxe versions at Lucky’s Lounge, however, are more than a mere snack: With rich Kobe beef, Muenster cheese, Applewood-smoked bacon aioli, and petite fried quail eggs, they’re a mini-me indulgence that pack the same punch as their full-size counterparts.
$15 for three, 355 Congress St., Boston, 617-357-5825, luckyslounge.com.
Best Hangover Cure: Grass Fed
J.P.’s new burger emporium offers the ultimate next-day remedy for that long night out: its already-terrific bacon cheeseburger, made morning-after appropriate with the addition of a fried farm egg and the requisite grease (in the form of a healthy smear of house mayo). Order a heap of garlic-truffle Parmesan fries on the side to obliterate what ails ya — and make your stomach incredibly happy.
$10.50 (with egg and aioli), 605 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, 617-553-2278, grassfedjp.com.