The Craftsman

Burger Name: Beef Burger / Venison Burger

Although The Craftsman was not originally on our list, a friend's recommendation and a desire for a healthier burger led us to its warm and welcoming door. We sat down to a table lit with candles and immediately fell into a relaxed state. After passing on the affable waiter's entree recommendations (we'll be back), we declared our mission and decided to each order one of the two burgers offered by The Craftsman - the Beef Burger and the Venison Burger. Holding true to it's name, The Craftsman burgers were well-crafted and full of rich flavors. We must admit, we did experience a moment of "My burger's been switched!" pandemonium, but soon realized the waitress had simply miscalled the burgers as she set them on our table. It was reminiscent of a neonatal nightmare, but our discerning palates and quick-thinking got us through it without disrupting our dining ambience. We liked the Beef Burger, a 1,000 Hills Farm patty topped with cheddar, bacon and harissa, for it's non-greasy bacon and excellent flavor combinations, which paired beautifully with the sweetness of the harissa. Hands down, the Venison Burger stole our hearts. The ALL-venison patty was stuffed with small bits of soft bacon, and was topped with bleu cheese and chili ketchup. We were impressed by the smoky taste and moist texture of the venison. Good venison is not easy to prepare, and The Craftsman has nailed it. As a self-confessed french fry addict, I must add that The Craftsman's french fries are some of the best I've had in the Twin Cites, and they are also served with the chili ketchup. Although we can't award these burgers the #1 spot, we whole-heartedly recommend them, and any dish served at The Craftsman, to anyone who appreciates well-prepared, high quality and local food.

Shaw's Bar and Grill

Burger Name: The Shaw Burger

If you or anyone you know suffers from cachexia (physical wasting with loss of weight and muscle mass due to disease) or are otherwise emaciated we have found the burger for you! Slathered with a special mayonnaise sauce, two kinds of cheese, bacon, and 1/3lbs of beef (also lettuce, tomato, onion, and sauteed shrooms), this burger is NOT for the cholesterol conscious. Don't get me wrong, it looked absolutely delicious as I stared at my partner's juicy goodness while I waited for my own Shaw Burger to arrive.

I bit into it once, and kept taking bite after excruciating bite in anticipation of it somehow getting better. But low, the burger just became more and more unruly and less and less tasty. I fought hard to keep the patty and all of the co-stars inside the bun, but I was no match for the slippery special sauce. Yes, I did finish the burger, but that's not the point. I felt mine was overdressed in sauce, and I found it hard to taste anything else. No part of the burger stood out, nor any ingredient made it special. Don't eat the Shaw Burger unless it's the only thing you eat for an entire day as it is more than a days worth of calories and fat (lucky for me, it was the only thing I ate that day :)). By the last bite I was sure my gall bladder would fall out of my body. Next time (if there is a next time) I would ask to hold the mayo and special sauce. Actually, if I did this, then it's not a "Shaw Burger" anymore, so I would get something else entirely. Others swear that this is one of the best burgers...um, yeah, whatever man.

Southern Flair

I know it's been a while since the Burger Babes have been in action, but we're planning on hitting the pavement to continue our quest for the Twin Cities' best burger soon. This post is in honor of my brother and his new wife who were married this weekend in Kingsport, TN, a place full of southern charm and of course, delicious burgers. While in Kingsport, we had the gastronomical pleasure of visiting Pal's - a burger joint known for it's Sauceburger, shakes, frenchie fries and 32 oz. sweet tea. Now, I'll be honest. I do enjoy the ring the name "Sauceburger" has to it, so perhaps that's part of why I find it so delectable. The famed Sauceburger is your typical fast food burger, done just right and without warranting complaints, smothered with Pal's special sauce. What is the special sauce? No one knows. Our best guess says it's a mix of ketchup, mustard and relish, but whatever it is, it's just plain good. I'd say it's safe to say that most of the wedding guests did not leave Kingsport without a Sauceburger, or two. Up here in Minneapolis, I'm already missing their sweet tea. 

The Groom

I also wanted to include this photo my brother sent me while honeymooning in South Carolina. Looks like a Burger Babe kind of honeymoon! He came across this juicy-looking creation while at Poe's Tavern in Sullivan's Island. This burger boasts pimento cheese and fried onion straws - genius!!! I hear their other burger offerings include one topped with a crabcake and another topped with buffalo shrimp. 


I don't know about you, but I think it's time the Burger Babes take a trip down south. And hey, with old man winter on his way, that might not be such a bad idea.