Billy Burger & Bakery

2 N 5 Points Rd #4
West Chester, PA 19380
(610) 431-3100
Website

A couple of friends had told me I needed to get out to Billy Burger in West Chester, and it admittedly took me much longer than it should have.

Billy Burger (and Bakery) is a busy operation, with staff members all happily buzzing about, keeping things moving. They also offer an extensive baked goods section, and I was blown away at how good the baked goods at this burger bar were.

Husband and wife duo Bill and Sally are the heart and soul of the operation. Bill has cooked every single burger that the place has put out since opening three years ago. Every. Single. Burger. His attention to detail and love are what make the burgers fantastic. Sally, on the other hand, is the mad genius behind the baking end of things. My god, can she bake.

The burgers are cooked on a gas fired indoor grill, and it gets hot enough to char the burgers perfectly.

Billy working his burger magic below.

I was informed that they were prepping for a local burger competition (hosted the next day) while I was there, and was asked if I would like to try their offering. Obviously. The below burger is topped with Mermaid BBQ sauce (a personal favorite), pineapple sambal, grilled ham, shredded lettuce, and cheese. Unfortunately, the slow roasted pork that was going on the official entry instead of the ham was still in the oven. The charred ham was so good, I don't think I missed the pork!

This burger was sloppy. Up to your elbows in pineapple teriyaki goodness, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I absolutely loved the sweetness of the sauce and sambal mixed with the smoky flavor that both the charred burger and ham contributed. This one was a winner in my book.

The waffle fries were also delicious, fried crispy and well seasoned. Billy Burger has true soul, something lacking in a lot of new restaurants, and you could certainly do worse than to go in there and order anything on the menu (try the chili dog). The owners were incredibly cool, and I have to say, this place rules.

Freddy's Steakburgers (and Frozen Custards)

2084 Sproul Road
Broomall, PA ‎19008
(610) 325-6725
Website

Attention Shake Shack & In-N-Out – you have been put on notice. Freddy's is my favorite fast food burger spot.

I didn't expect too much, given the "steakburgers" slogan, but I heard from some reputable (at least food-wise) sources that it was worth it. They were right.

It's a pretty basic format, you order at the counter, and they call your number when it's ready.

The one secret weapon that will make me a believer every time is a place that throws down some fry sauce. I spent half a decade in the Mountain West, and that stuff is everywhere, and delicious.

Another thing to add is that they crush both the East and West Coast burger-cult chains with their fries. In-N-Outs fries just aren't that good. They are always kind of limp. Shake Shack's fries are a damn joke. Frozen crinkle cut? Get out of the middle school cafeteria. These are thin, especially crispy shoe strings, and they come with house seasoning AND fry sauce. For the win.

Perhaps the best part, however, is that the burger at Freddy's is a thing of gluttonous beauty. The patties are fresh pressed so thin that the edges are basically a generous drape of crispy, fatty ground beef bits. Every time. It's unbelievable. I went back and checked quite a few more times to make sure I was reporting accurately. These burgers are the truth. And the long, crispy Claussen-like slices of pickles? Amazing.

The Chicago dog is a pretty decent offering, but it is missing some key ingredients, namely neon relish and a poppy seed bun. The casing on the dog has a beautiful snap to it, the side effect of a roll on the flat top.

Above all, get a burger and fries. They are delightful. Both the burger and fries are better than anything else in the area, in my never humble, expert opinion.

Krystal

3502 U.S. 80
Jackson, MS 39208
(601) 939-8520
Website

I have always wanted to try the "White Castle of the South," but circumstances had never enabled it. Mostly because I live in Philadelphia. On a recent business trip, I had a chance to check it out. Keeping in mind I was dead sober, and in order to fully compare this place to White Castle as it is usually enjoyed, I would have to had been drinking for a substantial period of time. Needless to say, I gave it a go anyhow.

It looked rather similar inside, with stainless steel and a variety of crappy choices.

I got a four 'Krystal burger with cheese' pack, with fries and an additional fried chicken sandwich for good measure. There were a couple of construction workers next to me, and one of them had at least a dozen burger sleeves littered around his tray, so I didn't feel too fat. God bless Mississippi.

These burgers are steamed in onions, with the buns on top, resulting in a flavorful patty, and a fluffy/moist bun. Obviously, they are slapped together hastily, but they aren't too bad.

Pickles, onions, cheese, and yellow mustard are all that you get. But it works well enough.

The fried chicken slider is basically a chicken finger on a bun, and was okay as well. It seemed like I was lucky to get mayo and a pickle, even though it's supposed to come standard.

Krystal burger is exactly what I expected it to be. The pickles are pretty key, but I wouldn't run back. Unless, of course, business takes me down south once again – but that time, there will definitely be booze in the equation.

Burgers and Brew

1409 R Street/ Sacramento Airport
Sacramento, CA
(916) 442-0900‎
Website

It's usually not fair to base your opinion of a restaurant on their airport outpost, but in this case, I was pleasantly surprised.

Burgers and Brew is a Sacramento tradition, as most everyone loves burgers and everyone loves beer. Taken together, they are truly a match made in heaven.

I decided on a classic jalapeno bacon cheeseburger. I did skip fries, however, because I was flying up to Portland next, and I had lots of eating to do there upon arrival.

The Niman Ranch appplewood smoked bacon was awesome, crispy, and satisfying. The combination of marinated jalapenos and fresh jalapeno mayo was perfect. The acidic tang from the marinated version paired perfectly with the hot bite of fresh peppers tempered with creamy mayo.

The patty itself came out nicely medium, and the toppings were quite fresh.

This was not your typical airport food. I was a big fan, and especially because I was able to grab it from a takeout counter instead of going through the whole sit-down experience.

In-N-Out Burger

2001 Alta Arden Expressway
Sacramento, CA
(800) 786-1000
Website

It's no secret that In-n-Out is amazing. What I wouldn't do for one in our area. Luckily Shake Shack does an okay job of scratching that itch. However, any chance I get, I am going for the elusive West coast chain, with their druid-like secret menu.

One of the reasons they always hit the mark: a lot of people are working there at all times. And every single person is always working. Obviously this would never happen in Philadelphia.

All of the employees are always somewhat happy too (again, never in Philadelphia).

The pink lemonade is one of the highlights, besides all of the really great other stuff.

Enter, fatso numero uno. Given my general aversion to sweets, I skipped the shake. But I more than made up for it with my order.

First, was a double double burger. Two meat, two cheese. I had it cooked "animal style" which means the patties are fried in mustard, and secret sauce is added in addition to fried chopped onions. I also asked for chopped chiles on it, lending a beautiful zing of vinegar and a hint of heat to this heavy, delicious, and oh so decadent meal. It was phenomenal.

Now for the fries. In order to squeeze every single drop of artery clogging deliciousness out of this once-in-a-great-while treat, I ordered the fries well done, and served "animal style" as well. Hell.

What it basically comes down to is that the burgers are amazing. The fries are also good, but given a "one or the other" scenario, however remote the chance of that would ever be, I would go double double for sure. Now just bring an In-n-Out to Philadelphia, and we can all die happy. And even more quickly.