Summer invokes memory of firey days, leaky sprinklers and juicy, ketchup-soaked cheeseburgers.
Between then and now, some folks have gotten the idea that bigger is better; that bread should be swapped for extra meat; that you have to shock the diner with funky and elaborate toppings. While there is a time and a (delicious) place for burger-experimentation (hello, Korean BBQ Short Rib Burger at PYT!), there is also something to be said about a classic cheeseburger, done Chester County style. Read on for some of our favorite broiled beauties!
Best Overall Burger
Elkins’ Beef Burger, The Whip Tavern
1383 North Chatham Road, Coatesville, PA
thewhiptavern.com, 610-383-0600
Cost: Under $15
The Whip’s classic eight-ounce Angus burger is made with Chester County grass fed Angus beef (Dr. Elkins, owner of Buck Run Farm, is a Southern Chester County fixture!) This locally-raised beef is juicy and best served English style, as the Whip intends – with crumbled Stilton and, if you’re feeling indulgent, local Green Meadow bacon!
Best Lean Burger
The Full Moon, Half Moon Restaurant & Saloon
108 W State Street, Kennett Square, PA
halfmoonrestaurant.com, 610-444-7232
Cost: $13
The Half Moon is locally adored for their rooftop dining and wild game, and their Full Moon burger (a lean Buffalo burger) is a menu staple. If you’re worried about overindulging, opt for this delicious, 97-percent fat-free burger – and top it with local Kennett Square mushrooms.
Best Burger to Eat with a Napkin
Doghouse Burger, Doghouse Gourmet Burgers
24 E. Lancaster Ave, Downing town, PA
doghouseburgers.com, 610-269-9381
Cost: $8
The Doghouse Burger, the most popular pick of Doghouse customers, is a seemingly manageable six-ounce Angus burger on a warm, lightly-toasted bun. After all the fixin’s are added, though, you might want to tuck a napkin into your shirt! Lettuce, caramelized onions, applewood bacon and a spicy chipotle aioli will find their way into your lap – but it’s definitely worth it.
Best DIY Burger
Goat Burger, with help from the Kennett Square Farmers Market
State & Union Streets every Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: $20 for the whole family’s fixin’s
Sometimes the best burger is one you make yourself. The Kennett Square Farmers Market has a new vendor this year – Linden Dale Farm, a goat dairy that also offers its goat meat for sale. Their ground goat runs around $8 per pound (making about four small patties) and is as juicy as can be. Shop around for your favorite toppings – the market is teeming with fresh greens, local cheeses and the upcoming heirloom tomato harvest.
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