Bite Into Our Burgers
When you're looking for some good old-fashioned pub grub:
Cavanaugh's Rittenhouse - Catch the game, sip a local brew, and enjoy a delicious burger at this joint located in posh Rittenhouse Square. Try the Cavanaugh's Burger made with local vegetables, Hereford beef, and special (read: secret) Cavanaugh's sauce. Why not pair it with some Dirty Potato chips? If you're not up for the challenge of a full burger, try a sampling of sliders. Did we mention it's in the middle of one of Center City's best people-watching spots? With a great location, great food, and great prices, it's something you can't miss.
1823 Sansom St., (215) 665-9500, www.cavsrittenhouse.com
When you want something a little different:
London Grill - This bar-café hybrid from "across the pond" has put a British spin on the American classic. Served on a toasted English muffin with toppings that range from avocado to caviar, the London Burger is bound to surprise you in the most delicious way. Located between the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Eastern State Penitentiary, London Grill is a great place to have a burger and "have a laugh" while checking out some of the city's coolest attractions. If you're here in early July around Bastille Day, be sure to stop in to the Grill, a sponsor of local events. No worries, the only thing rolling will be the party.
2301 Fairmount Ave., (215) 978-4545, www.londongrill.com
When there's a little live entertainment:
The Plough and the Stars - In a great restaurant, the atmosphere is just as inviting as the food. The Plough and the Stars offers live traditional Irish music every Sunday night from 5-9 p.m. The bar occasionally features national performers, but most of the time it's a collection of local musicians who gather around the huge fireplace on the first floor. Dive into the Black Angus Sirloin Burger with a pint of Guinness and enjoy the show. Or, sit outside and watch the streets of Old City come alive while the sounds of Ireland ring in the background. Inside or outside, a burger at the Plough and the Stars is as close to the Irish experience as you can get in Philadelphia.
123 Chestnut St., (215) 733-0300, www.ploughstars.com
When you prefer veggies:
Jones - Burgers don't always have to mean "beef." Focusing on the warm and happy vibes of classic comfort food, Jones offers some truly fabulous vegetarian (and vegan) options. The Portobello Burger comes with pesto ketchup and havarti cheese on a brioche roll, while the Vegetarian Soy Burger has the classic ingredients of lettuce, tomato, onions, and cheese. This swanky yet casual restaurant with retro digs doesn't need beef to make you bite into a burger!
700 Chestnut St., (215) 223-5663, www.jones-restaurant.com
When you prefer fancy-schmancy:
Barclay Prime - Not many restaurants can say they make sliders with Kobe beef. But mini-burgers get a posh makeover at this sleek steakhouse. Formerly a luxury hotel built in 1929, the Barclay Building rests on the southeast corner of Rittenhouse Square. Modern-chic and traditional glamour fill the first floor of the historical building. A burger never tasted so elegant.
237 S 18th St., (215) 732-7560, www.barclayprime.com
Le Bec-Fin - It's one of the most familiar names in upscale Philadelphia cuisine. Amidst the filet mignon and Scottish salmon, you can actually find a burger, but only at specific times, of course. If you're at Le Bec-Fin for lunch, dining from the special Summer 3-course menu, or at downstairs Bar Lyonnais, you can indulge in the Burger Lyonnais - grilled prime beef, caramelized onion puree, and cherry tomato comfiture on a brioche bun with a side of pommes frites.
1523 Walnut St., (215) 567-1000, www.lebecfin.com
Butcher & Singer - The Butcher Burger, with English cheddar, fried onions, and a side of fries will have you crooning. Surround yourself with the style and kick of old Hollywood Glamour at this steak and chop restaurant. Complete with a raw bar and martinis to die for, Butcher & Singer pays homage to the dimmed, romantic, jazzy celebrity haunts of the 1930s. A mere $9.95 is all you need for the burger at lunch - a price you can tip your fedora to.
1500 Walnut St., 215-732-4444, www.butcherandsinger.com
When you're spending a day with the family:
SquareBurger - Smack dab in the center of Franklin Square, you'll find SquareBurger, the city's newest hot spot from famed restaurateur Stephen Starr. After you've spent the afternoon on the Philadelphia-themed mini-golf course, taken a ride on a classic carousel, cooled off by the fantastic fountain, or played on the award-winning playground, the kids are sure to be hungry. Thankfully, SquareBurger offers mouthwatering burgers, fries, and shakes - try The Cake Shake, made from Philly's own Tastykakes© Butterscotch Krimpets blended with vanilla ice cream.
Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th St.
When You’re Ready to Go Big or Go Home
Village Whiskey-Village Whiskey, one of Iron Chef Jose Garces’ many popular Philadelphia restaurants has taken the art of burger-making to a whole new level. The show-stopping Whiskey King is eight ounces of pure decadence. The sustainable, farm-raised Angus patty sits atop a soft sesame bun and is topped with maple bourbon glazed cipollini, rogue bleu cheese, applewood bacon and foie gras. That’s right, foie gras. You could even go so far as to add a fried egg. The description alone is enough to make your mouth water. There’s a reason Garces calls it the King. If we haven’t tempted you enough, you can also order a side of duck fat fries (try them with the Sly-Fox cheddar sauce), house made cheese puffs, tater tots, deviled eggs or shortrib and cheddar fries on the side. If you can’t get enough of Village Whiskey’s burgers, stop by Garces Trading Company and buy the meat to make your own version at home.
118 S. 20th Street, (215) 665-1088, www.villagewhiskey.com
Garces Trading Company
1111 Locust Street, (215) 574-1099, www.garcestradingcompany.com
When You Want a Little of Everything:
Bobby’s Burger Palace - Celebrity Chef and host of Food Network’s Throwdown, Bobby Flay brings his eclectic burger creations to the heart of University City in a bright, casual, cafeteria-style restaurant. Variety is the name of the game at the Palace. The menu features a taste of flavors from around the country. The Dallas Burger is spice crusted and topped with coleslaw, Monterey jack cheese, and BBQ Sauce; the Miami comes with ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles; the Santa Fe features Queso sauce, pickled jalapenos and blue corn chips; and the L.A. is topped with avocado relish, watercress and cheddar cheese. There is, of course, the Philadelphia burger, a tribute to the City of Brotherly Love on a bun – topped with provolone or Whiz, griddled onions and hot peppers. Don’t forget to ask to get your burgers crunchified – they’ll top ’em with fresh potato chips at no extra cost. The shakes and malts range from classic black and white to blueberry-pomegranate. For a night out, get them spiked with bourbon, rum, or vodka or try the Frozen Cactus Pear Margarita.
3925 Walnut St., (215) 387-0378, www.bobbysburgerpalace.com
When You Want Real Value as Much as You Want Flavor:
500 Degrees - Navigating your way through the many restaurants that line the streets of Rittenhouse Square can be difficult, especially if you’re trying to find the best bang for your buck. Owners of the Rittenhouse mainstay Rouge have made that task a little easier with a new burger joint, 500 Degrees. All burgers are made fresh to order to the temperature of your choice. The menu is simple, yet delicious. The 500 comes with bibb lettuce, tomato, cheddar, bacon and the special house sauce and is served on a freshly baked challah roll. Fries are available in classic, spicy, or the truly indulgent truffle varieties. The combos also include the much-raved-about milkshakes for that perfect sweet and salty pairing. With prices that start at 4.75 for burgers and peak at $12.50 for full combos, you can enjoy a uniquely Philadelphia dining experience and upscale flare without breaking the bank.
1504 Sansom St., (215) 568-5000, www.500degrees.com
