Saturday is National Burger Day, which invites the obvious question “What is wrong with the nation?” We’re a state that celebrates Burger Day every day. From sliders to onion burgers and monstrous patties of grilled beef, here are some of the metro’s best burgers.
By Greg Elwell
Photos Garett Fisbeck
and Gazette file
15th Street Grill
1204 E. Lockheed Drive
405-736-6575
For 20 years, 15th Street Grill has cooked up some of the state’s finest onion burgers. And while it’s hard to surpass the simplicity of perfectly grilled onions smashed together with tender hamburger, the menu sure tries. Like the bacon, jalapeño and cream cheese burger. Wrap your head around that concept, and then wrap your mouth around this creamy, spicy, crunchy mess of flavor.
1907 Burgers & Brews
1035 SW 19th St., Moore
405-912-1907
After checking the menu, I am sad to report that 1907 Burgers & Brews doesn’t really offer 1,907 kinds of burgers and beers. But what this Okie-centric restaurant lacks in quantity, it certainly makes up for in quality. And if, for some unfathomable reason, you’re not in the mood for one of its gourmet hamburgers, 1907 does offer a big selection of everything from truffle fries to pigs in a blanket for you to enjoy.
Ice House OKC
125 Ron Norick Blvd.
405-232-6427
Standing in line at Nic’s Grill to get a burger is part of nearly everyone’s Oklahoma City story, but for those in the know, it’s a heck of a lot easier to pop by Ice House at Myriad Botanical Gardens for a slightly smaller but much more convenient version of that beloved fare. Made with Nic’s proprietary meat blend, it’s a wonderful lunch you can enjoy while your kids dash through the water feature. Best of all — Ice House OKC accepts credit cards.
Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler
33 E. 33rd St., Edmond
405-348-3214
Is that a Caesar salad on top of a beef patty? Oh, you know it. There is nothing quite like the taste of a Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler burger fresh off the grill. Made in the kitchen with real charcoal (and several safety measures in place), it has a backyard barbecue taste that keeps patrons coming back for more. When topped with a creamy, zesty Caesar salad, Johnnie’s Caesar Burger is pure heaven.
Right-a-Way
2917 E. Waterloo Road, Edmond
405-359-1020
Take one look at Right-a-Way’s menu and you’ll be spellbound. Sure, there’s always the classic cheeseburger or the bacon and blue cheese variation, but are you ready for The Heater’s ghost pepper cheese, jalapeños and grilled onions? How about the Island Burger’s combo of grilled pineapple, fried onions and honey bacon? But there’s no way to go wrong with The Right-A-Way burger’s blend of cheddar, bacon, fried onions and coleslaw. Go there right-a-now.
Ron’s Hamburgers & Chili
351 N. Air Depot Blvd.
405-733-3729
Sometimes, it’s fun to imagine the thoughts that ran through Ron’s head as he put The Ron’s Special on his Ron’s Hamburgers & Chili menu. First, he probably thought it was great to have such a unique item — ham, bacon, ranch and cheese on a burger — and likely felt pride at it being named for him. But then Ron’s Special could also mean “Ron is Special.” And you are, Ron. You and this burger have a special place in our hearts.
Service Station Bar & Grill
502 S. Webster Ave., Norman
405-364-2139
Running rough? Pop the hood at Norman’s Service Station Bar & Grill and let kitchen technicians get you purring with loaded cheese fries, fried clam strips and, of course, a top-of-the-line cheeseburger like the Studebaker. A juicy burger topped with sliced avocado and bacon just might be the fuel you need to put the rest of your day on cruise control. Or stick around, have a beer and put it in neutral for a relaxing evening.
This article appears in May 25-31, 2016.