Best Burger in the U.S.A.?

It's been a while since the Burger Babes have sat down to meticulously pick apart a Twin Cities burger. We've been busy. There are snow drifts out there that are taller than we are. The excuses are plentiful. This article passed along to me by a fellow burger (and deviled egg) aficionado may have just inspired us get back on our bikes and into the burger routine - and maybe even buy a plane ticket to L.A.  

FleurBurger 5000

Although it's been a couple of weeks since we rang in 2011 (Happy New Year, by the way), it's not too late to declare lofty goals filled with grandeur for the year. 

It's likely that in the world of burger connoisseurs, ordering one of these is the ne plus ultra.

Maybe this is the year we step it up a notch, leave the world of $5 burgers behind, and put our money where our mouth is. But that's a lot of money. Who's buying?

Burger Babe in Hawaii

Hawaii, not just for Spam lovers anymore. No really. Feast your eyes on this beauty! This little secret spot is Annie's Burgers and Beer in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. We wandered in after a successful snorkeling adventure to the Captain Cook Monument looking for something to satisfy a swimmers hunger. This monster burger would satisfy even Michael Phelps. The Steakhouse Burger, featuring grass-fed Kona beef, fresh sauteed Hamakua mushrooms, gorgonzola, and arugula. Topped with a parsley caper relish and served on a toasted ciabatta bun. It was delicious and possibly the best burger west of the Mississippi.

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.