ocregister.com
BEST HAMBURGER
It's hearty, it's a great protein source, it can be prepared in an infinite number of ways, and it tastes great, so the hamburger's popularity is unquestionable. Many commercial burgers get the big nod from our readers, but those that seem less commercial - and more like homemade - are the clear winners
1. In-N-Out
Sixteen locations throughout Orange County. In 1948, those who dined out, but preferred to order from their cars, were served by car hops who ran or rollerskated from the main kitchen to the parking lot. Then, a Baldwin Park couple, the Snyders, created the first drive-through hamburger stand in California. Their philosophy was to get customers "in and out" as quickly as possible, with the most delicious burger they could find anywhere. That formula has been the key to success for the chain for more than 45 years. It doesn't hurt that its flagship burger, the Double-Double, is a big, hot, slurpy mess of ground beef that reminds us of every reason we eat hamburgers in the first place. The burger patties themselves are 100 percent beef. Frozen beef is not allowed. Buns are baked fresh and given several hours to rise, just like in the 1940s.
2. Knowlwood
Six locations throughout Orange County - Anaheim Hills, Fullerton, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo and Santa Ana. Little did the founders of Knowlwood realize that, when they opened a roadside stand on an Orange County dirt road in 1957, 40 years later they'd provide one of the most popular hamburgers around. The hamburgers are so good, they have been called "some of the best burgers you can sink your teeth into." The big, messy, juicy hamburgers are made from 100 percent fresh-ground chuck. The basic burgers on the menu - the classic, bacon burger and turkey burger - are available in third-and half-pound sizes. Other favorites are the veggie burger and the frisco deluxe.
3. Ruby's
Various locations throughout Orange County. How many Ruby's burgers can you name? Sure, everyone knows the basic Ruby burger, and the RubyDooby double cheeseburger. So, how about Ruby's "beach theme" burgers: the pierburger, the wedgeburger, the beachburger and the Balboaburger? Ruby's also has the superburger (topped with swiss cheese, tomato and avocado on grilled sourdough bread), the Ruby melt, and a delicious line of specialty burgers. Each is served on a Rubybun with special Ruby sauce. Each can be made with beef, turkey, chicken or veggie patties. |
