Burgers are a true staple in the American diet, and a true work of art, really, when perfected by a chef or a simple fry cook. They are a mouth-watering concoction consisting of a patty, buns, and endless opportunities for innovation. In Fort Worth, we've been granted the opportunity to have some of the best burgers around, from the simple ketchup and cheese to innovative creations like candied bacon, grilled peaches, caramelized onions, and jalapeño jam (Sugar Burger at Rodeo Goat). The field of creations is open to limitless possibilities when it comes to creating the perfect burger.

Here's my list of the top burgers across the Fort Worth area:

1. Dutch's

A regular in the diet of a TCU student, Dutch's creates a campus-friendly environment just across the street from us, and, even better, accepts frog bucks. For a starving TCU student tired of the Bluu burgers and pizza, this is a game changer. Easily one of the best burger joints around and a great bang for your buck, Dutch's has a vast menu, from basic burgers all the way to Hickory BBQ & Bacon or the Country Fried Dutch. Be sure and hit it up on Tuesdays for a half-priced Dutch Burger.

2. Kincaid's

If you ask any Fort Worth native, Kincaid's is the first place they rave about when it comes to getting a great burger, and I completely can attest to this. Thick, juicy, and cooked to perfection, Kincaid's brings a truly home-cooked burger to the table. They're marketed as a grocery market, but I'm fairly certain they've never sold anything from the shelves. But that won't even mater once you get your hands on one of these decadently made burgers.

3. Fred's

Live music, a great selection of craft beers, and even better burgers. Fred's is a casual spot to hit up when you're craving a down home, Texas-cooked burger. Don't let the country atmosphere fool you, Fred's cooks up a mean burger. Served with incredible fries and a side of southern charm, Fred's knows how to throw together a uniquely constructed burger while also keeping to their Texas-style cooking roots. From the BBQ Cheddar Burger to their massive 3/4 Pound Burger and a side of Cheese Fries, you'll never leave unsatisfied.

4. Chubby's Burger Shack

Easy to spot by its reflection of the name, the storefront property is designed to look exactly like a shack. Sometimes, especially when it comes to burgers, the best come from the last place you would expect. Chubby's is able to cook a damn good burger and keep it completely old school. Their patties have great flavor and equally kept moisture that will drive a man to drool before taking that first succulent bite. If you're feeling especially hungry, I suggest snagging yourself Tha Big Nasty *with extra napkins on the side,* topped with home made chili, bacon, grilled jalapeños, onions, and monterey and cheddar cheese. Actually, I don't suggest it, I dare you.

5. Woodshed

Everyone knows Woodshed; if you don't, come out from under that rock of yours. Tim Love has outdone himself with this restaurant in the past few years by cooking up the best quasi-Texan BBQ around at Woodshed. The location is on the Trinity river, giving you one of the best patio settings in the city while you enjoy one of the best burgers of the city. One unique factor of the Woodshed burger is that is almost never the same. The burger consists of a normal patty cooked to perfection, chopped brisket, and "today's sausage," along with house smoked smoked cheddar and traditional garnishes. The combination of the three different meats absolutely melts in your mouth, while being exemplified by the smoked cheddar. The thick brown mustard compliments the smokey yet moist flavors held within the burger by creating an almost acidic aspect in the burger, balancing it out to to a perfectly rounded character.

6. Love Shack

Another one of Chef Tim Love's restaurants, this one focuses on the perfect burger. Love Shack mixes it up with a unique location which by itself will make you want to go back, but once you try one of the burgers, there's just no staying away. Deep within the heart of the Historic Stockyards, Love Shack's gourmet burgers are raved about throughout the DFW area. The Dirty Love Burger perfectly encompasses the innovation that Chef Tim Love strives to reach outside the lines of traditional cooking. The burger consists of the usual garnishes, but then is topped with greasy, thick cut bacon, a decadent fried quail egg that melts over the patty as its cracked open, and a perfectly constructed "Love Sauce" to compliment it all.

7. Brewed

Brewed is Fort Worth's most well known and most eclectic coffee shop. Located in the growing Magnolia Street area, it rests perfectly among the other innovative restaurants and shops surrounding it. The home-styled atmosphere has a unique, yet perfectly styled hectic look to it that resembles the comfort of your own living room. Within this upscale coffee shop is one of the best burgers around. Taking pride in their all natural beef, the juicy patty is perfectly supplemented with the aged sharp white cheddar melted upon it and topped with house pickles and a perfectly spiced mustard creme sauce. Not to mention the duck fat fries on the side. This burger melts in your mouth and you won't be able to put it down until it's gone. Keep posted on their Friday burger specials, they change each week.

8. Rodeo Goat

If you haven't been to Rodeo Goat yet, then you're doing it wrong. They have the most unique kinds of burgers while keeping true to an incredibly cooked, thick, juicy patty. From creations like the Whiskey Burger with Irish Whiskey cheddar, candied bacon, blackberry compote, and whole grain mustard, to the Salted Sow. topped with beef, Italian sausage, prosciutto, tomato, basil pesto, basil leaves, mozzarella, and balsamic mayo, you really can't go wrong with anything you try here. Also, always be sure to check out the burger competition they have going on, where they put two new concoctions up to battle and your order counts as a vote to keep it on the menu.

So go snag yourself one of Fort Worth's best!