Burger Bonanza!

Photo by pointnshoot

Burgers have been a hot menu trend in 2010 and I have really enjoyed seeing all the creative ways chefs in the Twins Cities have taken the bunned bandit to new levels. That is why it saddens me to learn that popular burger spot, The Nook, burned down this week. The good news is The Nook owners hope to be back up and running in the next few months. In the meantime, here are a few other great places in town to get your burger fix.

Blue Door Pub
If you’re craving a Juicy Lucy, the Blue Door Pub will be right up your alley with ten different takes on the original. Called the Blucy here, if you try all ten you can win a t-shirt and get your 11th for free. Be sure to make your 11th the Jiffy Burger, covered in peanut butter, a little mayo, pepper jack cheese, bacon and a few pickles – it sounds gross, but is so good!

Burger Jones
With a name like this, you know they’re gonna make a mean burger. I love their Black & Bleu – made with cracked black pepper, caramelized onions and Amablu Bleu Cheese. But for an artery plug like no other, try the White Trash Burger – chicken-friend bacon, fried cheese curds, and plenty of Velveeta. Can’t say I’ve ever tried it, but I dare you!

The Independent
Vegetarian? No worries, you need not miss out on the burger trend of 2010. There are several tasty veggie spins on the hamburger around town and the Indy Veggie Burger is a must have. Made in-house with quinoa, mushrooms and parmesan, and topped with mushrooms and Swiss cheese, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Shamrocks
And if you’re really a Nook loyalist, you can stay true and visit sister restaurant Shamrocks in the interim. Known as the Irish Nook, Shamrocks has a similar menu and neighborhood charm that The Nook offers, with an Irish twist of course. Don’t judge, but my favorite here is just a traditional cheeseburger with fried onions.