Believe it or not....The Raven Inn on Loch Raven Blvd. has awesome burgers..very juicy burgers....

If Five Guys added shakes to their menu, they would destroy In n Out.

Them's fightin' words. :-)

What's not to like? Earthquakes...lol

I prefer to make my own...

since I was a kid I've had a yearly ritual, to have a hamburger from the Atlantic Stand formally the Alaska Stand on the boardwalk in Ocean city. that may be the best hamburger ever created.

Being a vegetarian, I don't eat many burgers... BUT last week I was at Koco's Pub with four carnivores who devoured the Kocoburger, ooo'ing and aah'ing the whole time. It is, I quote, "Topped with ham, bacon, and cheese, served with fries."

Daugherty's Pub has a nice black bean burger...

Nah, after experiencing In-n-Out's 4x4, I have yet to find any fast food joint to come close.

I'm surprised that Bill Bateman's Bistro "Bill’s Big 20oz. Bacon Cheeseburger" - size wise, friends from college got some stories on that one.

Duda's burger is terrific, at least the last time I had one (oh, years ago). I haven't yet had the pleasure of eating an entire Five Guys burger (had a bite of my dad's once); for a quick burger my hubby and I head for Cheeburger Cheeburger in Timonium or Red Robin. Big chains, yes, but their burgers taste like actual meat.

Alonsos is blah. Had one recently and was impressed only by the sheer enormity of it.

And I also prefer non-Kaiser rolls. Soft squishy ones, preferably. That's the only thing fast food burgers do right - the roll.

In College, I used to drive 2 hours (each way, from St. Mary's to Alexandria) for a Five Guys Burger!

I think it is about time to start giving more credit to the anne arundel county food joints. Reckless Ric's Bar and Grill has one of the best burgers in town and for only 5.95. Five guys has a good burger but everytime you leave there you must go home and change your clothes.

Having eaten more burgers than me or my waistline would care to admit, I really don't have an issue with the above list. You nailed all of the usual (and delicious) suspects.

I will, however, vociferoulsy defend In-n-Out's Honor. While Five Guys is certainly a very good burger, In-n-Out is in another league. Any trip out west is not complete without a double-double, a neopolitan shake and a cheeseburger "animal style". Thank goodness for Southwest and it's relatively cheap flights ;-)

Dear Ms. Large,

I'd like to thank you for ruining my morning by not only posting about but also running a picture of the most beautiful site in the world...the In'N'Out burger stand.

For anyone that hasn't had a Double Double Animal Style, you are truly missing out on one of the great pleasures of the West Coast. I will say though, that Five Guys is a pretty reasonable substitute, and I'd agree that if they added some shakes, it might be a good test, but I'll still go with the In'N'Out buns over the Five Guys buns.

And yes, as a youngster I devoured an 8x8 on a bet. It was the tastiest $20 I ever won!

I'VE HAD AN ALONSO BURGER A WHILE AGO AND IT CERTAINLY MAKES FALSE THE NOTION THAT MORE IS BETTER. WHO CARES TO HAVE A MEATLOAF ON A BUN. MICK O'SHEAS MAKES A GREAT BURGER. AGAIN, BIG IS NOT USUALLY BETTER.

Sometime last century when I was at school at St. Mary's, there was a place called Happy Hamburger. They had the most incredible Bleu Cheese Burger. All the burgers were hand-patted and served on great buns. They're long-gone and the county has lost most of its charm and character.

I can see how the Ponca Bird could be omitted. I would guess 90% of the patrons are unable to read, thus putting the PoncaBird at a huge disadvantage with this blog. But the $5 Ponca Burger is probably the best deal in the area, and it is delicious. When the burger is the only reason to go in a place, it deserves a mention.

Where is the Ponca Bird? Love the name.

In-n-Out in the fast food variety, and it's not even close. Fresh everything. The proverbial three item menu (burger, fries, shakes) which ensures a lot of turnover. Locally, I'd have to give it to Five Guys, although wrapping everything in foil makes for a bit of a greasy mess. Tasty burger though.

The Ponca Bird Bar has really good hamburgers.....

Those are good burgers, Walter.

Eric, I completely agree with you on Alonso's. Not impressed at all. Big and blah!

I am anxious to try Duda's.

I had Burger Bros. on Allegheny Ave. in Towson (next door to Strapazza's) and it was pretty good. It's a Five Guys clone but that's not a bad thing. The fries were great and there was a bottle of malt vinegar at every table which is a plus. It was nice inside and the workers were extremely friendly.

Elizabeth - I think you have a great column and I look forward to checking out your Top Ten articles every Tuesday!

I must say that burgers from both Claddagh's Pub in Canton and Ryleigh's Oyster Bar in Federal Hill are delish as well! Claddagh's always has great roll (non kaiser!) and I love how Ryleigh's includes fried onion straws on theirs with a buttery role. I always order mine medium rare and the burgers themselves are always tender and juicy - two great options worth trying! :)

Ponca Bird is on Broening Hwy near Canton, and is located acrossed from the famous Night Shift.

The Phoenix Emporium in Ellicott City has terrific burgers - and its now smoke-free!

Ponca Bird is on Broening Hwy

The Ponca Bird is on Holabird Ave, not far from Broening Hwy. Just a few hundred feet from the site of the late lamented Karson's Inn (now the site of a truck dealer, or something like that).

In response to Fairfax's post about Happy Hamburger... Gadzooks! I remember that! Our grandmother used to take us there after church on Sundays. I remember the logo with the Happy Hamburger smacking his lips... Mmmm... And yes, St. Mary's County has indeed lost whatever charm it ever had. Although there is now a Five Guys on Rte. 235.; a bonus.

Actually, now that I think about it, I believe the Ponca Bird may actually be on Ponca St., right where it bends around the corner and turns into Holabird Ave. Hence the name Ponca Bird.

I was glad to see Koko's did not get over looked. It has a great hamburger. I am vegetarian now, but a Koko's cheeseburger could really tempt me. The Manor Tavern (Manor Road in Baltimore County) has a really good hamburger too.

My favorite burger is Jerry D's in Parkville. They are hand formed, and cooked and dressed the way you like.
Better yet they are half price from 5 till 8 on Thursday night. Yum!

Give all the new Boardwalk Fries and Burgers popping up around town a chance..their burgers are amazing and include all the toppings you want from chili to fried onions to A-1 or hot sauce. They are thin and juicy and very reasonably priced.

I really like the burgers at the Double T diners around town. The meat is excellent.

Try Jerry's Belvedere Tavern. Their burgers are the bomb!!

I agree that more attention should be given to AA county. THe best burger I have had, other than homemade is (of all places) at the The Szechuan Inn on Benfield Road in Severna Park. $5.00 for a cheeseburger with fries on a very soft roll. Very simple and always cooked to order.

My vote locally is for the Ponca Bird as well, excellent burgers.

Heading to CA next week and am already scoping out the closest In-N-Out burger to my hotel. Delicious.

How could you not mention Mount Vernon Stable? By far the best burger in the city.

Koopers has great burgers. I make the drive to downtown for their burgers...1/2 lbs burger and juicy...hell I'm going down next week..

I know it's a haul from Baltimore, but Dogfish Head Alehouse in Falls Church, VA (Seven Corners) has excellent burgers (I recommend the Portabella & Gorgonzola Burger). Hopefully, they'll expand their locations to the Baltimore area soon.

I know its a chain, but Red Robin in White Marsh and Towson has some pretty tasty burgers and all sorts of toppings.

Alonso's burger is terrible.

They don't even have a size under "glutton" and it is impossible for ANYONE to properly cook a one pound burger without drying out most of it. . .and that definitely goes for Alonso's.

Definitely the most overrated burger in town. Possibly the worst burger in town. I'd rather eat a Whopper.

I've been reviewing burgers for a while. So far, my faves in b'more are Rocket to Venus and Woodberry Kitchen. I highly recommend both of these.

Not being a native, I can't speak for anything on the list except Five Guys, and I agree they are very good. Being from Texas, Five Guys is the closest we can come to having a What A Burger which is the best offered by the Lone Star State. Their burgers are fresh, never frozen, local beef and cooked to order. Although I do confess to an adiction for Red Robin's 5 Alarm Burger.

What...the Claddagh didn't make the list? I took friends from NYC there a while back and they declared the Claddagh burger among the best they'd ever tasted.

Very cheap tasty burgers can be found at the Curb Shop on Falls Rd in Mt. Washington.

For the ultimate burger you must drive to Cecil County and visit CM TUGS Pub and Grub in Port Deposit. Hand formed, angus beef, cooked to order (and I mean how ever you want rare to well done). They offer a 1/4 pound burger (pre-cooked weight of 6 oz) and and a half pound burger (pre-cooked weight of ~10 oz.). They also offer a variety of toppings and have half-price night on wednesdays.

Go enjoy

The one and absolutely ONLY thing I miss about Southern Califronia is In N Out Burgers. Fresh ground beef, fresh potatoes. Perfect!!
I think Alonso's is horribly overrated. I could never figure out why it got such raves. Also try McCabe's in Mt.Washington, good juicy burgers. As far as the Prime Rib goes, I wouldn't go there for a bone much less a burger.

Souris' Saloon in Towson. One of the best burgers around.

Despite most of the food being a bit more upscale, Helen's in Canton has great burgers. The best seasoned burger I have ever tasted.

Alonsos really is the best in town. The quality of the beef is great and the fries are excellent (an underrated factor).

Ponca Bird burgers are awesome. Problem is, I am never on that side of town...but they are worth the drive.

I'll second Jerry D's in Parkville. I totally forgot about their burgers. I had one with blue cheese recently, and I was talking about it for days.

The Batter's Box on Belair Road in Nottingham has a terrific burger with a fresh "cookout" taste. They are cooked to order and always delicious. I go on Monday nights when they are half price, $2.50 for a half of a pound burger. What a great deal!

JD's Smokehouse in Canton. THE BEST!

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Fuddrucker's. Pretty tasty burgers, which you fix how you like it at the fixin's bar, but I think the best part is the fresh-baked, buttery roll!

The only cheeseburger I eat is the one from Brewer's Art.

Cheeseburger in Paradise in Pasadena, MD!!!! Get the not too pressed burger..mmmm!!!

JDs in Canton is also worth mention along with Ponca Bird....both have excellent burgers.

Big Bad Wolf on Harford Road in Baltimore!!! duh.. They even ask how you'd like it done. Medium-rare please.

I didn't realize that an article about Baltimore's Best Burger would involve a California fast-food chain and a writer's second and third-hand observations. Surely, a survey of your readers could have accomplished more than this article delivers.

You may be new to this blog, so let me refer you to the Official Disclaimer, which I should probably post again separately:

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2007/10/top_ten_thai_tuesday_redux.html

Please understand that this isn't an article, nor does it pretend to be. For those, please read the newspaper. It's a blog entry, a joint effort made up from my own observations, those of other food staffers, and most importantly, from regular readers of the blog. The idea is to get the discussion going. As for the California chain, that's just to get the fur flying.

So what's your favorite hamburger?

The HON bar has great burgers. They are normal sized and cooked exactly to order. I suppose they are the same as the HON cafe dining room next door, but we prefer to eat in the bar as they have live entertainment several nights a week. The fries are great and Wednesday night is half priced wine night. Oops, I let the cat out of the bag... I hope everyone doesn't run all over my Wednesday night hang out spot!

I have to defend Alonsos. Alonsos has my (personal) favorite burger in Baltimore. I've NEVER had a "dry" burger from Alonsos. They use good quality meat that is ground on site. If you don't want a dry burger don't order it well done!!!

I like Cheeburger Cheeburger personally. You havn't lived life until you ate their 1 pound burger.

A shame that Clyde's in Columbia didn't make the list. Their burgers are outstanding and consistent.

Alonzo's has changed over the years (too high brow for me), but the burger is still pretty darn good. I had one the other day and the residual juice (grease) from the burger kind of sauteed the sliced onion. It was wonderful, despite that the place has been yuppified.

But too bad Little Tavern isn't around anymore. They were numero uno. Although, I think there is still one left in Hgihlandtown. I went in there a couple years ago, bought a bag, and it took me back 30 years like I was in a time machine.

Perhaps better known for their pork chops au poivre, Helen's Garden in Canton Square also offers an excellent burger prepared the same way. As for the square, Claddagh’s (mentioned above) has a good burger but it doesn’t hold a candle to the sweet & juicy au poivre! I haven't tried the bugers at JD's...not while there is brisket to be had :-)

Nobody beats In N Out.
For the guy going to California, there is an In N Out a few blocks from LAX.
California has the best burgers. Others to consider in Cali are Tommy's. www.originaltommys.com/burger.html and Fatburger http://www.fatburger.com/home/. "Quality"

"I didn't realize that an article about Baltimore's Best Burger would involve a California fast-food chain and a writer's second and third-hand observations. Surely, a survey of your readers could have accomplished more than this article delivers
Markmac"

Dear Markmac,
I believe some of Elizabeth's picks were based on reader surveys and input. And stop calling her Shirley !!!

Definitely seconding the good nod for Koopers, very good burgers indeed... and I believe they still run their $3 burgers on Tuesdays. Amazing deal!

Phoenix Emporium in Ellicott City is awful. I've never managed to be served a burger that wasn't the quality of a hockey puck. Medium, medium well, ... all mean not charcoal.

Chains definitely get the nod: Cheeseburger in Paradise, Rocky Run, and Cheeburger Cheeburger... last one is definitely amazing for selecting your own wildly creative toppings and have amazing fries.

While most of the above selections are worthy candidates for a "best of" list, the burger at Slainte in Fell's Point is an unfortunate omission from the list.

In LA this blog would be about taco stands or do-nuts!

I'm saving taco stands for later, but doughnuts we've done http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2007/08/its_doughnut_wednesday.html

I think it is the recognition you get for finishing the 1 lb burger at Cheeburger Cheeburger. Definitely the shining moment of my life when I finished the burger.

In-N-Out is SO overrated. Every time I go to the West Coast I stop there. While it is probably the best on the West Coast, Five Guys buries them in quality, taste and quantity.

The only time In-N-Out tasted very good was while drunk. Ooh, maybe I just discoveredt the appeal!

Fat Burger is better than In N Out. I live 3 minute walk away from an In N Out, but drive 15 minutes away to Fat Burger.

MCG - I second your nod to Dogfish Head. When I go to the beach I make a point to visit the one in Rehoboth. Their veggie burger is grilled and still moist, which is a veritable miracle. You have your choice of a kaiser roll or a rosemary focaccia roll, and though unorthodox I always go for the latter. It's just outstanding. My husband, a dedicated burger man, tells me their beef burgers are delicious. The beer's quite tasty, too. Can't beat that on a hot summer day downyocean!

Duda's and Dougherty's are good additions. In the fast-food category, I like Checkers as much as 5 Guys...like them both a lot.

I like diner burgers, too, but they're yet another category...smaller than restaurant burgers and usually with some nice crispy bits of meat. Werner's is a good one of these.

In-N-Out is the best fast food burger, bar none with Fatburger a close second. To compare Five Guys to either chain would be comparing Matthew's Pizza to Pizza Hut. JD's on the square has Wed night burger night for $4.25. Good burger for the right price.

OK, So somebody explain to me why most places refuse to cook a hamburger any rarer than medium well. I've stopped ordering them out. Some menus even refer to health dept requirements. What gives?

Next top 10 topic has to be french fries.....need good fries to go along with the burgers.

Make it another topic please...

Phyllis - I think it's because of E-Coli risk - they have to cook it to a safe temperature or they could be sued if someone gets sick.

I recently read that because of the mass production of ground beef and the increasing incidents of E-Coli tainted beef, public health experts say that you should never order a burger anything less than well done now. I really miss medium-rare burgers, but I'm following their advice.

I LOVE In-N-Out Burger, hands down the best burger on the planet. And, they will do anything to your burger, like this 20X20...

http://www.blogadilla.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/innout20x20.jpg

I second the votes for Dougherty's Pub - an excellent burger and a very friendly atmosphere.

No votes for Fuddruckers? If anyone's never tried their 2/3 lb burger, you won't be dissapointed.

I second the vote for Brewer's Art. If I go too long without a Brewer's Art Cheeseburger served Medium Rare with their wonderful shoestring fries and a Resurrection, I go into withdrawal.

Christopher Daniel in Timonium. The best burger around. Hands Down.

I wish we had a Sonic in Baltimore. The burgers and tater tots are great.

Now I know why I take the Lipitor.

I agree that the burgers at Slainte are the bomb! Koopers use to be the place for a good burger (half-priced Tuesdays!!), but they changed their buns and they are too dry.

Five Guys has come to Atlanta. We tried it --- never again. Big sign saying "All our burgers are well done" Pleading for medium rare --- evidently against the law at FG's. Burger had strange overdone taste. McD's fries are much better. For a chain snack go for a junior whopper at Burger King (for 99 cents). For a great (medium rare) go to Padriac's in Vinings.

Brother Bim

Reading all these comments makes me think of a favorite burger from years ago, no longer available: the Boursin Bacon Burger at GAMPY's. God, that was good.

The only thing I know is, unless you cook it yourself, you can't get a real good burger in Harford County: Freakin' Health Department wants it cooked until it's a hockey puck. Cheeburger Cheeburger gets the closest for a commercially prepared burger; but if it comes down to it and I want a burger done tastier than medium, I have to go to the Ruby Tuesday in Shrewsbury, PA. Otherwise, my options are medium, medium dead and dead.

Over the holidays I had the pleasure of being treated for lunch at the Mt. Washington Inn. It was the Saturday before Christmas. We sat at the bar for our meal and were entertained by the bartender who gave us a free taste of his homemade egg nog (it was lethal). I had the Black Angus burger with cheddar cheese and it was a piece of heaven - nicely grilled, the cheese perfectly melted, the bun lightly toasted, and some darn fine fries alongside. OMG - I have to back soon!

Definitely the best burger is Helen's Garden 'au poivre' burger. The place may be a bit upscale to go for a burger, but I'll put up with the wine snobs as I chow down on my tasty burger. I also used to enjoy Pickled Parrot's burgers, but haven't had one in a while. Swallow at the Hollow ain't too shoddy either, that is if you can get over the name.

I've been meaning to try out Ponca Bird and Duda's; with all the praise I've gotta check them out.

You can lump Kooper's, Claddagh's, JD, and Alonso's into the average category. Claddagh's is the best of the bunch, with it's only saving grace being the bun. I'd eat a Five Guys burger over any of these burgers.

Okay - now ALL I can think about is In-N-Out burger!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm sooooooo hungry!!!! I haven't had a double double in over a year!

Dude, no love for Brewer's Art?? Their burger is both delicious and the only thing I can ever afford on their menu.

The best were the old Little Tavern franchises, but like every good thing, they are long gone.

It's interesting though to see that the "mini-burger" style (i.e. Little Tavern, White Castle, etc) is now sort of back in "style", as a lot of restaurants are putting them on their appetizer menu and are calling them "sliders".

But the Little Tavern will always be the best in this man's humble opinion. "Buy 'em by the bag", and boy we did!

What's really disheartening about so many of these posts is the "favorites" with glop on them. Boursin and blue cheese are great in their own right, but on a burger it's an insult both to the beef and the cheese. The only "with" that doesn't pollute a good burger is a thin slice of raw onion.

There's still a Little Tavern in Dundalk. I went there about a month or so ago.