When people from around the country think of the Midwestern states, the thought that almost immediately comes to mind a majority of the time is corn--miles of it. While this is fairly true for the most part, there are so many different areas to explore, as the Midwest has much to offer. One of my favorite things about living here is the profusion of mouthwatering restaurants. It is probably the best kept secret of the Midwest that you will find some of the best food in the country. Sometimes you just have to look around. One delicacy in particular that is growing in abundance in this area of the country, is the burger. There are so many incredible burger joints just hidden around here that it is almost impossible not to find the best burger of your life! Here are a few spots that I've come across that I am dying to get back to:
Vinsetta Garage, Berkey, MI:
Just outside Detroit, driving along Woodward Avenue, you will find a vintage car garage that was converted into a restaurant. The interior stays very true to its original use, in that, you really feel as if a bright red 1967 Mustang should roll in at any second! If that's not enough to pull you in, the tastes definitely will. Vinsetta Garage has a wide variety menu of items but their burgers are definitely some of the best I've ever had! Almost every choice has an option of MI Maple Bacon, which is rare in itself, but there is something extraordinary about the meat. At the first bite, you will experience an explosion of flavors and juices. To top it off, the signature Vinsetta Sauce will be enough to make you speechless for hours. Not only will this restaurant's burger's change your life, but the ambience will make you wish you lived closer!
B Spot, Woodmere, OH:
What started in a small suburb of Cleveland now has eight locations. The founder of this restaurant, Michael Symon of the cooking channel, wanted to create a unique, fresh taste of the burger. He definitely did! There is a long selection of different burgers, all of which are nothing less than incredible. The one item that REALLY brings the magic, is the sauce. I have never seen more burger sauces in my life, before eating here! Each sauce is quite different and they bring about a new revolution of flavor! These sauces are so tasty, you could eat them on their own and still be satisfied! All I can say is that there is definitely a good reason there are eight locations!
Weber Grill, Chicago, Il:
This venue is slightly more upscale, and for good reason! Known all around for their steak and burger seasoning, the bar is set very high for the restaurant itself. Weber Grill definitely lives up to all expectations. No matter what you choose to feast on, whether it be a burger, steak, or really anything else, your whole self will be content after dining here! The burgers are something to write home about! After your first bite, seasoned juices will ooze out of every crevice of that slice of beef. From then on, every time a similar smell fills the air, you will immediately reminisce about your time in this restaurant, and your time in Chicago. It will be all because of this burger!
Thurman Cafe, Columbus, OH:
Right in the heart of Ohio, just outside OSU's campus, lies Thurman Cafe. This hidden restaurant serves some of the tallest burgers I have ever seen! The topping selection is seemingly endless and will leave you wondering if you can stretch your mouth that wide. These burgers make me proud to live in Ohio, and boy are they delicious! One thing is for sure, when you leave to go to the game, you will be so full that you will save money not having to buy anything from the concessions.
The Village Inn, Sylvania, OH:
My hometown is also home to a small bar and grille that not only has great food, but also live music on the weekends. On Tuesday, they have a Retro Revival Night, where the burgers are no more than $3! One might think, with these prices, the burgers might not be too exciting. That is 100 percent wrong- in no way do they disappoint! The Village Inn, or more commonly referred to as V.I. serves simple burgers that look like any burger you have seen before, but they are some of the most amazing sandwiches I have laid my taste buds on! These Retro Burgers are so great that you might decide to make it a regular Tuesday tradition, and you should!
There you have it, just five of the many burger coves you must dine in at least some point in your life, whether you are simply passing through in your travels, or if you also have the pleasure of calling the Midwest your home!
