Royal Tavern- Philadelphia, PA

http://www.royaltavern.com/

This was voted best burger in PA by Food Network and it rises to the occasion.  Made with caramelized onions, smoked gouda cheese and a roasted hot pepper on top.  Sounds like it won't work but I gotta tell ya, it's damn good.  A must do in Philly.

Mother's in Federal Hill/Baltimore, MD

http://www.mothersgrille.com/

I've been waiting to go to this place for awhile.  Rated by Food Network Magazine as the best burger in Maryland.  You're suppose to order the "Heart Attack on a plate" which I promptly did. It's a DEEP FRIED HAMBURGER dipped in beer batter after being stuffed with cheddar cheese.  It's git s crunchy crust similar to good fried chicken.  It's not bad but I can't say I'd order it again.  I think you gotta try it though if you're in the area.  Pass on the chili cheese fries- the chili is good, teh fries were undercooked so they missed the boat on that! Enjoy.

What would Julia do?

Even though I'm a self- admitted Julia Child fan,  you won't find me cooking everything in her cook book and blogging about it. After all, I"m to busy eating hamburgers!  As I was flipping through my 1960 edition of Julia's Original cookbook ( a gift from my friend Will), I had to laugh at this recipe and include it within the many "Bifteck Hache" we have featured here.  Enjoy and I hope it makes you smile as well!

Taylor's Refresher- Napa Valley

This is a classic Drive In     http://www.gotts.com/   You can find it up in Napa which is the best spot to go to and a "must do" when you're in the area.  If you're desperate, there's a location at the Ferry Building in San Fran that will satisfy your taste- somehow it's just not as good as sitting on the side of the road in St. Helena and having this amazing burger.

Five Guys Burgers

Five Guys burgers- it's a pretty darn good burger for a chain. Rivals In0n0Out but they are not consistent enough from store to store.  That won't keep me from stopping there though!