Author Topic: Best burger? (Read 1873 times)

Bill, Idaho · « **on:** July 03, 2011, 05:32:56 PM »

I debated if I should put this in the Food forum, or here, so Jeff, as you wish.

I don't get into Boise all that much. Whenever I do, I try to eat somewhere that Caldwell or Nampa doesn't have. No sense in driving to Boise and eating something I can get near home, huh?
That being said, I heard about this "Five-Guys Burgers", and drove past one this weekend. Here's my humble review:
They weren't very busy. We did get in and to the counter right away. The guy asked right off the bat if we had ever been in there before. Since we hadn't, he took the time to explain what they have, portion size, etc. That was nice.
We ordered what we thought was going to be plenty. For three of us it came to about $28.
We waited a little longer than we would have waited at a place like Carl's Jr, or that equivelant. Understandable.
The burgers were pretty good. The fries were ok, not the kind I particularly like. But way too many. My bad, as the guy warned us. I should have listened to him.
The atmosphere was ok, but they seem to be pretty proud of themselves, as the only advertisement on the walls is how good their food is. Kinda weird.
Bottom line, it was ok, I wouldn't go out of my way to go back. (Not near as good as the walls told mne they were.) On a 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, I would give it maybe a 6.
Red Robins is still my favorite.
What say ye? Who else in the Treasure Valley has a good burger?
(First one to chime in with McD's get beaten with a sock full of quarters!)

Jaggy13 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 03, 2011, 07:10:11 PM »

Bent fork (blue burger) in nampa is note worthy
west side drive in, Boise near down town (world class cheff owns and oporates. not just drive inn food)
Ha Penny bar and grill (mushroom burger) downtown boise by the Knitting factory.
Hawkins pack out (drive inn)
viking drive inn (the henderson) boise state and 36th.
The office Bar and grill (guac burger) Boise, fairview and curtis
Rockies (earth quake) boise, overland roosevelt.

these are some of my favorites, in no specific order.
5 guys is desent, but overpriced if you ask me. not a fan of smash burger, but I have yet to meat a burger I wouldn't eat.

RGinIdaho · « **Reply #2 on:** July 03, 2011, 07:13:18 PM »

Red Robin is my favorite as well. A1 Peppercorn Burger FTW!

I once worked in Alexandria/Arlington, Va. I remember when Five Guys opened. It was great. Just a hole in the wall turned buger shack. No place to sit save the window sill. I bet the hole works wasn't 15' by 20', kitchen, counter and waiting area. Local breads, boarwalk style fries, hand pressed patties, cheap and a couple of guys hustling to get 'er done. I was jacked to see Five Guys come to town. After walking in the door I was disappointed. I'm happy for the success of the original owners but the new franchises can't capture the taste and feel of the old "salt and pepper" joint.

tgibson · « **Reply #3 on:** July 03, 2011, 08:01:18 PM »

Western plate special at Smoke Inn next to Smokey Davis on State street. That thing is money!!!
If you like Ruban sandwiches, they also have the best one of those I have EVER eaten...anywhwere.
Adios,
TG

Jaggy13 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 03, 2011, 09:20:54 PM »

Quote from: tgibson on July 03, 2011, 08:01:18 PM

Western plate special at Smoke Inn next to Smokey Davis on State street. That thing is money!!!
If you like Ruban sandwiches, they also have the best one of those I have EVER eaten...anywhwere.
Adios,
TG

thats walking distance from my house and I never eat there... looks like I will need to give that a try!

tgibson · « **Reply #5 on:** July 03, 2011, 09:40:33 PM »

Oh man! You have to go there. my parents live right around the corner too so we try to go there quite a bit. The other thing that is good there is the Katie salad. Crispy chicken strips on a salad with some other good stuff. Yummy!

popsgunner · « **Reply #6 on:** July 03, 2011, 10:38:40 PM »

Red Robin IS good, too noisey for me, Rockies is very good, roller skating hotties add nicely to the ambiance, We HEAR BIG JUDS is the place, near BSU, anyone else ?

GrayWolf · « **Reply #7 on:** July 03, 2011, 10:56:32 PM »

The Capri (downtain Boise on Main) makes a pretty good Super Burger - the one with the fried egg, or the mushroom swiss. Their omelets are great too.

Jaggy13 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 03, 2011, 11:28:41 PM »

I'll 2nd Big Juds!
ashamed I left it out of my first list...

adrewiske · « **Reply #9 on:** July 04, 2011, 10:45:15 AM »

+1 on Big Jud's, don't forget Fancy Freeze on State!

egress81 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 04, 2011, 09:10:32 PM »

Boise Fry Co.

111 Broadway, Suite 111

Kcboats · « **Reply #11 on:** July 04, 2011, 10:40:12 PM »

Big Juds!!! (it was even on Man Vs Food)...Rockies is pretty good, I miss the Fairview drive in tho...cute gals on roller blades with mini skirts. Whats the place in Nampa by American Pawn, on 12th...really like there Bacon Cheeseburger. Red Robin is always good and I also like the Burger Dens in Middelton or Eagle. Negatives for Five Guys (yuck), Iceberg (yuck), and last time I went to Bad Boy it was horrible, but might give it a chance.

Now this should be a new topic!! I am always up for good food suggestions!!!

Favorite restaraunt in the valley tho is still the Hong Kong in Nampa...beef noodles with gravy and a large order of pork fried rice is awesoooooommmmeee!

Bill, Idaho · « **Reply #12 on:** July 05, 2011, 04:15:46 AM »

Burgers.

What about Fudruckers?

Grumblecakes · « **Reply #13 on:** July 05, 2011, 05:02:13 AM »

best burger is tough, i do like carls jr, not amazing but it gets the job done. there was a place near hp 10 or so years back i really loved it. the guy cooked it in front of you and he would customize the hell out of it. the guy closed down when they raised his rent, its to bad cause he was super nice too.

favorite place to eat though is mai tai

popsgunner · « **Reply #14 on:** July 05, 2011, 10:30:09 AM »

Blazin burgers in Nampa, some of the best.

neby98 · « **Reply #15 on:** July 05, 2011, 11:55:16 AM »

Boise fry company is #1 in my book. The black and blue at the bent fork is a close second.

agunforeachhand · « **Reply #16 on:** July 05, 2011, 03:29:37 PM »

Burger Connection in Caldwell, Wheelers in Nampa , Hungry Onion in Meridian and Big Bun in Boise off of overland.

I love hamburgers

jordonhurd · « **Reply #17 on:** July 05, 2011, 04:26:33 PM »

+1 for the Burger Connection. Not the fastest food around, but worth the wait.

Bill, Idaho · « **Reply #18 on:** July 07, 2011, 06:06:51 PM »

Update!!!!!
I have found a hole-in-the-wall place that has a burger as good as some of the others already mentioned.
If you're in the area, at Palisades Corner, (exit #3 on the interstate, near Fruitland) there is a bar right on the corner. It's across from the A&W/gas station.
Go in there and order a hamburger or cheesburger. You will be pleased!!! It was good enough such that I figured I had to update everyone before I was even done with it.

Kcboats · « **Reply #19 on:** July 11, 2011, 02:31:48 PM »

How could I forget Wheelers! Love the "long" burgers and the place I was thinking of in Nampa is Beefys. And yup, there is something to be said for a big ole greasy Bacon Cheeseburger from Crack In The Jack.

fj40mojo · « **Reply #20 on:** July 11, 2011, 03:25:07 PM »

Big Judd's get's my vote for Boise. Oregon Trail Cafe-Bar in Glenn's Ferry has awesome burgers if you happen to find yourself there and hungry.

jordonhurd · « **Reply #21 on:** July 11, 2011, 03:58:57 PM »

Pickle's Palace in Arco makes a good burger. Just expect your order to get moved to the back if any locals show up for lunch.

Bill, Idaho · « **Reply #22 on:** July 11, 2011, 05:26:00 PM »

Our snipers took the CheyTac class in Arco. As I recall, we stopped somewhere near the motel and had a killer hamburger. I wonder if that's the same one?

No-One · « **Reply #23 on:** July 11, 2011, 07:42:12 PM »

Pickle Place was OK , to bad their Monte Christo sucked . I lived in the campground as you came into town for 2 months last year and ate at Pickles several times . The Campground restaurant was just as good IMO .

Now if you want a really good Burger you need to get FJ to hook you up with one of his Venison burgers . Now thats some good eating

Kcboats · « **Reply #24 on:** July 11, 2011, 07:53:21 PM »

Or Jeffs Sawtac Road Grill and Steak House...some great burgers with GOOD seasoning and great people.

fj40mojo · « **Reply #25 on:** July 11, 2011, 10:23:52 PM »

Quote from: No-One on July 11, 2011, 07:42:12 PM

Pickle Place was OK , to bad their Monte Christo sucked . I lived in the campground as you came into town for 2 months last year and ate at Pickles several times . The Campground restaurant was just as good IMO .

Now if you want a really good Burger you need to get FJ to hook you up with one of his Venison burgers . Now thats some good eating

Aw shucks

SNAFU · « **Reply #26 on:** July 12, 2011, 12:01:12 PM »

Amazed I didn't see Either Westside Drive in or Good Times (across the street from the Milwaukee Home Depot) Mentioned.

Both do great burgers.

Jaggy13 · « **Reply #27 on:** July 12, 2011, 08:00:01 PM »

Quote from: SNAFU on July 12, 2011, 12:01:12 PM

Amazed I didn't see Either Westside Drive in or Good Times (across the street from the Milwaukee Home Depot) Mentioned.

Both do great burgers.

Nailed westside in reply 1, #2. (not in any specific order)

luvmy45 · « **Reply #28 on:** July 14, 2011, 10:57:42 PM »

Ate at Westside Drive In today, good bacon burger, fries were excellent...

Another one is the Dutch Goose on State just off of Veterans Parkway... go on Tuesday's it's 2 for 1 burgers and they have some good ones to choose from.

Evergreen · « **Reply #29 on:** July 15, 2011, 03:20:31 AM »

Anyone know where in Boise I can get a good hearty Bison burger? I just love Bison meat.. I am picky about my meat, I like free range, grass-fed for all the nutrients and richer flavor. I don't mind a bit of a gamey taste. I avoid all fast food burgers, but do love Burgerville, where the meat is high quality and from local farmers who don't use all the chemicals and hormones that the other cheaper fast food places use.. Please, tell me they have Burgerville in Boise??

Jaggy13 · « **Reply #30 on:** July 15, 2011, 10:28:55 AM »

No BurgerVille,
But we do have a couple Fudruckers. They actually have a decent Bison burger.
(not much of a chain restaurant guy but I will admit they used to be the only place in town with the newest version of Big Buck Hunter a few years ago...)

I know there are a couple of other Bison burger spots, just can't think of them right now. Others will chime in.

Bill, Idaho · « **Reply #31 on:** July 15, 2011, 03:49:33 PM »

I happen to be pretty good buddies with Tim Brown of "Brown's Buffalo Ranch", over in Nyssa. Comwe to think of it, if you ever see the Brown's Buffalo Ranch burger-stand set up at any of the local fairs, grab one.
You'll thank me.

Kcboats · « **Reply #32 on:** July 16, 2011, 09:19:51 AM »

Tim is awesome...when I used to work the fair there in Ontario for Malheur County he would always make sure the deputies got fed well!!

And it was veeerrrryyy good.

GrayWolf · « **Reply #33 on:** July 16, 2011, 06:43:25 PM »

Quote from: Bill, Idaho on July 15, 2011, 03:49:33 PM

I happen to be pretty good buddies with Tim Brown of "Brown's Buffalo Ranch", over in Nyssa. Come to think of it, if you ever see the Brown's Buffalo Ranch burger-stand set up at any of the local fairs, grab one.
You'll thank me.

I wonder if he would consider a group buy...?

http://www.brownsbuffaloranch.com/products/

NoviceHunter · « **Reply #34 on:** July 26, 2011, 01:19:21 PM »

Boise Fry Company offers bison burgers. My two favorites: Bittercreek Ale House, Boise Fry Company.

TrooperBrian · « **Reply #35 on:** July 27, 2011, 04:35:00 PM »

As far as the ones I've tried locally, I'd have to vote for Five Guys.

Evergreen · « **Reply #36 on:** July 29, 2011, 02:04:23 AM »

Ok, now where can I get some good Bison meatloaf..

rixret · « **Reply #37 on:** August 10, 2011, 08:43:45 PM »

Smashburger on Franklin in Boise-not bad, great fries.

All time greatest; Big Bun at CurtisRd/Overland in Boise.

NoviceHunter · « **Reply #38 on:** August 18, 2011, 11:58:39 AM »

Quote from: Evergreen on July 29, 2011, 02:04:23 AM

Ok, now where can I get some good Bison meatloaf..

Your stove. Co-op sells ground bison (and ground elk.) Just remember to bring in your first born for trade.

Evergreen · « **Reply #39 on:** December 30, 2011, 02:42:17 AM »

I am resurrecting an old thread from the dead..

I just went to Big Juds and will have to say I haven't had a burger that dang good for many years.. Wow, I hope more people can support that place..

Not that I don't love McDonalds

, but Big Juds is just an amazing place.. I had the honor to down the half pound burger with mushrooms, blue cheese and loads of swiss.. Yeah, they don't skimp out at this place.. And the Onion Rings are real dang good too.. I loaded up on that pink sauce they had. And the pretty looking waitress that served me the night made it all the more appeasing of an experience..

Anyway, I just have to give my props to this place..

Another well kept secret is Highland Hollow.. The burgers are great, but only half as good as Big Juds.. Try the Avalanche Burger, it's an interesting experience. Ask for an extra 1/3lb patty for $1.00. The beer is usually great, but the Hippie Shake was overhopped and nasty the last time I tried it. However, usually it is great, must have been a bad batch. They have some really great micros at the place, but due to popularity they now charge for tasters, which sucks. It's worth going though, just for the food.

e11charlie · « **Reply #40 on:** December 30, 2011, 07:24:14 AM »

Best place to get a bison burger is in Emmett. A place called the Blue Ribbon Cafe. Best buffalo burger I have ever had. Fudruckers used to be good but since the shitty economy hit they have cut the weight of their burgers in half.

Batwing · « **Reply #41 on:** December 30, 2011, 09:08:22 PM »

Well lets see I have to think about this one, considering I travel around the valley quite a bit for work.

First is my own home grilled burgers.

Second favorite is Red Robbin Peppercorn burger

Then it would have to be Big Juds

Then likely Smashburger

Other favorites would include in no particular order:

Hawkins Pac Out

This one little roadside diner in I think Parma. I remember they have red and white checkered table cloths. Good burger and fries, and good service.

The diner on the way out of Emmett on the way to the Butte, I think someone mentioned it as the Blue Ribbon

That's all I can think of that really stands out in my mind right now. 5 Guys is ok, but not one of my favorites. I like home made style burgers, not premade patty burgers, thats why I like Smash Burger so much.

SNAFU · « **Reply #42 on:** January 26, 2012, 12:32:16 PM »

well, you can scratch off Good Times, they went belly up the other week...

EDGE · « **Reply #43 on:** January 26, 2012, 12:57:32 PM »

The "Baldy Bob" at Big Bun used to be my all time favorite, but since being bought by Fancy Freez, it just isn't the same. It's still a good burger, but not as good as the original.

J Mack · « **Reply #44 on:** January 26, 2012, 03:38:42 PM »

Plus one for the "Baldy Bob".
Was one of my all-time favorite burgers but now unfortunately it only shares the name of the onetime delicious burger.

stevent · « **Reply #45 on:** January 28, 2012, 12:21:49 AM »

As a chef, I had to add my input on this thread..

If we're talkin' sit down restaurant burgers, my vote is Bittercreek Alehouse (The Huntsman) and Boise Fry Company (Bison Burger). If you feel like gettin' weird, Solid in BoDo has a burger called the Defibrillator which has tempura fried bacon doused in their awesome hot wing sauce. Killer. For fast food, I'd say West Side Drive In and Big Bun are two favorites. Big Jud's is up there as well. Cheers!

danmalx · « **Reply #46 on:** January 28, 2012, 10:08:34 AM »

If your ever in Adrian, Oregon go to the Mirage and get a Mirage Burger. Fried egg, Local onions, and beef. Another "post hunting go to" is the Ybar Cafe in Grandview

romo23 · « **Reply #47 on:** January 28, 2012, 11:19:57 AM »

Quote from: e11charlie on December 30, 2011, 07:24:14 AM

Best place to get a bison burger is in Emmett. A place called the Blue Ribbon Cafe. Best buffalo burger I have ever had. Fudruckers used to be good but since the shitty economy hit they have cut the weight of their burgers in half.

Went there yesterday, got the buffalo cheeseburger, it was worth the money but not one of my top burgers i have had. although my buddy had the buffalo chili burger and said it was amazing.

Evergreen · « **Reply #48 on:** January 29, 2012, 04:18:05 AM »

Gonna have to check out Boise Fry Co.. Didn't know they had buffalo burgers..

Gosh, I really miss the half pound burger topped with loads of beef chili and cheddar I had when I was in Hamilton, MT.. It sure tasted good coupled with the Sawtooth Ale from Bitteroot Brewery which was made down the street. I am guessing that burger probably contained about 3/4-1lb of beef and I scarfed it all down. Sure was nice after long day of hiking in the Bitterroots...

One thing Montana didn't lack was places with good, hearty beefy burgers.. I was at a diner there in Hamilton and I asked for some vegetables with with my steak/eggs and said she didn't have any until lunch time. So, I said what could I have instead? She said we would make up for it by giving me extra beef in my breakfast dish.. They sure no know how to improvise over there

Anyhow, the hunt continues.. Boise Fry company is next on the agenda.

BTW.. I am buying freshly grounded (from chuck round cuts) 100% grass-fed Red Devon cattle beef from Homestead ranch that they sell at co-op. It is a bit spendy, at $6.50 or so a pound, but it is soo good, lean and tender.. Red Devon cows thrive on grass, unlike Black Angus, which are more-or-less, production cattle. I'm adding a bit of Sawtooth Idaho BBQ rub to it, along with Worcestershire sauce and other spices. I am yet to try a burger in a restaurant that can compare to these I am making for myself.

hawaii5hoe · « **Reply #49 on:** January 29, 2012, 12:36:25 PM »

I'm looking forward to trying some of the recommendations now that I'm here in Boise but like Evergreen some of the best burgers I've had were at home. I used a recipe from Americas Test Kitchen for the, "Best Old-Fashioned Burgers." The recipe had you buy the meat and grind it yourself in a food processor. The cuts recommended were a combination of sirloin tips and short ribs and one of the keys was to loosely form the burgers. I think the other key to the recipe is the delicious high fat content of the cuts of meat. I used only short ribs and the burgers came out great. It'd be interesting to grind your own bison or elk and try the recipe. The, "Secret Sauce" in the recipe was great too.

Link to a website with the recipe:

http://myyearwithchris.wordpress.com/2010/06/14/best-old-fashioned-burgers/

scoob · « **Reply #50 on:** January 29, 2012, 08:28:16 PM »

My votes go to Bad Boy Burger & West Side Drive-in. Big Bun is still pretty good, but as others said, not the same since Fancy Freeze took over...still good enough to eat there though. (15% mil discount for those still serving too) I've had good luck with Rockies Diner, they're close to my house and cheap too. I try to avoid chains, but Smashburger will get me in on occasion. Hawkins used to be really good, but not so much the past couple times... just mediocre.

Batwing · « **Reply #51 on:** January 30, 2012, 08:51:43 PM »

Quote from: scoob on January 29, 2012, 08:28:16 PM

My votes go to Bad Boy Burger & West Side Drive-in. Big Bun is still pretty good, but as others said, not the same since Fancy Freeze took over...still good enough to eat there though. (15% mil discount for those still serving too) I've had good luck with Rockies Diner, they're close to my house and cheap too. I try to avoid chains, but Smashburger will get me in on occasion. Hawkins used to be really good, but not so much the past couple times... just mediocre.

I have not eaten at Bad Boy Burger in YEARS.....

dswickard · « **Reply #52 on:** January 31, 2012, 11:58:29 AM »

Westside Drive-in - the Daddy-O burger. A complete meal in a burger. It will slop over you, and fill you to the brim.

Have yet to try Big Juds, look forward to it.

Big Buns was not the greatest last time I was there.

Rockies is pretty good.

IDSnow · « **Reply #53 on:** February 19, 2012, 12:22:59 PM »

The Westside drive in is a good one (I worked there for 12 years and was there when Chef Lou bought the place, I left there about 5 years ago) If you've eaten there before I left, I'm sure I've made your dinner. Cabas in Marsing has the best rueben I've ever eaten! We ride out there in the summer, on the motorcycles, with about 7 other bikers just to have the rueben. Big Juds is great in boise, Red Robin is great too, but I like to give my money to local mom and pop places. Moons down town is great, black and blue burger is amazing! Busted Shovel in meridian, the special of the day was a blue russian (amazing) we order that but it isn't on the menu. Can't wait till the Eagle Fun days to go to the oyster feed. Those are my favorites locally.

dwood4215 · « **Reply #54 on:** February 19, 2012, 02:54:25 PM »

Come out and try the burgers at the Parma Range on a weekend when the cafe is open. Larry makes some awesome hamburgers.