The Triangle

Issue date: 2/6/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: Karl Kuchs

Burgers have always been a staple in American culture. In this new era, many have become such food snobs settling only for a good tuna tartar that they forget how satisfying something so classic and simple such as a burger can be. Being a culinary arts student, I love trying new things, but sometimes, I crave something hearty that reminds me of my summers back home. It's hard to judge from only living in Philadelphia for a year, but here is my take on some of the best burgers around the city.

New Deck Tavern is a restaurant located just a block away from campus on Sansom Street that has vamped up the classic hamburger with new and tasty twists that can make anyone's mouth water.

One of my personal favorites is the Deck burger - a juicy, well-seasoned, grilled half-pound burger covered with maple bacon, slices of Portobello mushrooms and topped with loads of melted Colby n' Jack cheese. All of these flavors go well with one another and none overpowers the others in a strong way.

Another favorite is the crispy onion burger - a classic burger stacked with crispy onion rings, Swiss cheese and creamy horseradish sauce. The horseradish sauce is a nice complement to the fried onion rings while the mild Swiss does not take away from the overall meaty-burger. All of the hamburgers are cooked to order and not dry. Also, all burgers are served with a generous portion of crispy french fries and range from only $6.75-$7.50.

Now to another place that also serves some decent burgers: originally from New York City, Goodburger has expanded and now resides at 1725 Chestnut St. The décor consists of red painted walls and plasma TVs. The overall ambiance imparts the feeling of a chic, modernized diner. A hamburger, fries and milkshake combo is a little over $13 and having cheddar cheese added to any burger is an additional 79 cents, but the original goodburger is just $4.99 before tax.

It was a bit expensive, but the hamburger did live up to its name. My burger was served hot and topped with melted cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. Even before I took a bite, the 7 oz. patty had juices seeping out, proving positive signs of a moist burger. Everything was cooked and seasoned well.

In order to have a burger made that well depends on the quality of meat used, and Goodburger proves that point. The burgers there are never, "prepackaged and frozen, each and every 'Goodburger' is made the old fashion way."

Continued...

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