Who Makes the Best Burgers in Utah?

by Doug Hartill | Feb 26, 2019 | Food Review

One thing has divided foodies since the dawn of the Drive Through. No, it isn’t how to make the perfect Pizza Crust or Who makes the best BBQ. It’s who makes the best Burgers, specifically available in Utah.

I have had my share of Burgers in my life and I am ready to impart my wisdom on the world. I chose from burgers that are available to me and that I have tried before. Some will be obvious choices and some will be places you have never heard of, so let me know down in the comments below if you agree or disagree with my list.

In-N-Out: The Double Double (Animal Style)

Growing up in So. Cal, I was blessed to live in the promised land for the best burger ever made, the Double Double. Starting out with the Sponge Dough Buns and a special sauce that they call “Spread,” This burger has 2 all beef patties, cheese, Lettuce, Tomatoes, and Pickles. What makes it Animal Style is the fact they squirt some Yellow Mustard on the patty while cooking it. Top that off with sauteed onions and this is heaven on a bun.

If you are feeling extra hungry, you can order from their secret menu, which consists of Neopolitan Shakes (Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry mixed), 3×3 (3 Patties, 3 Cheese Slices), 4×4 (4 Patties, 4 Cheese Slices, the Flying Dutchman (2 Patties and cheese with no bun) and many more.

Find an In-N-Out near you. (Sorry East Coasters, you can have your precious Shake Shack.)

5 Guys: Bacon Cheeseburger (Any way you want)

5 Guys is a special one because this burger you can have with any topping you want. Customizable with thousands of different combinations, one thing remains constant. The quality of their meat, cheese, and buns that make 5 Guys a hit. If you arent in the mood for a burger, they also have Hot Dogs, Grilled Cheese, and BLT’s.

Two hand-formed patties, grilled to order – with two strips of crispy bacon and two slices of Kraft American Cheese – all on a soft, sesame seed bun.

Find a 5 Guys near you.

Burger Bar: Big Ben

Now I did a whole write up on Burger Bar a while back, but it is worth mentioning again. This classic burger joint does burgers the right way. Cranking out classic burgers as big as your head. The burgers are classic with an all beef patty, special sauce (Thousand Island), Onions, tomatoes, lettuce, on a super soft bun. I’m not kidding about the size of the burger. It is almost 3 times bigger than a normal burger. You can also order the Big Ben Burger as a double or triple.

Burger Stop was featured in Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives with Guy Fieri a while back, which may explain the lines all the time. Burger Bar is only found in Roy Utah.

Crown Burger: Crown Burger

What can I say about Crown Burger other than PASTRAMI BABY! I cannot think of a more classic combination to put on a burger than Beef, melted cheese and a huge pile of thick cut pastrami. Served with their amazing fries and Fry Sauce, it doesn’t get much more Utah than that. Crown burger has been serving Utah since 1978 and has recently expanded to its 7th store along the Wasatch front.

They do serve more than just Burgers including Pastrami Sandwiches, Corn Dogs, BBQ Beef, and Burritos.

Burger Stop: The Deuce

Opened in 1993, this 1950’s diner has been cranking out the classics and becoming a fixture in the Davis County community of Layton. They aren’t just a Burger joint as they serve Breakfast items in the morning as well. They embrace their 1950’s vibe by also hosting classic car shows every few months featuring the best of what made America great. What Burger Stop is really famous for is their 2 lb challenge burger called The Deuce.

For $18.99, you can participate in the Deuce Challenge with the signature 2lb burger with Ground Beef, 5 slices of cheese, 4 strips of thick cut bacon and topped with special sauce and onion rings. Finish it in less than 30 minutes and you get a t-shirt to lay claim to your conquest.

My Favorite?

To be completely honest, I get a hankering for each of these burgers at different times. Each one satisfying my craving, but if I had to choose, life or death, I would have to choose the Crown Burger. It’s unique and delicious Pastrami is often imitated, never duplicated. Now I know a lot of you guys will disagree, but for me, that is the one burger that I crave the most.

Which is your favorite?

R&R BBQ: Best BBQ in Utah

by Doug Hartill | Feb 22, 2019 | Restaurants

Here in Utah, we aren’t known for much more than green Jell-O, funeral potatoes and polygamy. But there is a new kid in town. R&R BBQ has come in like a wrecking ball and re-ignited the food revolution on the Wasatch Front. Come check out the Best BBQ Joint in Utah, R&R BBQ.

Best BBQ in Utah

Founded by Rod and Roger Livingston as a hobby, they entered into competition BBQ and haven’t looked back. After winning several BBQ championships, they decided to open up their own restaurants. In a few short years, they have opened 7 restaurants and continue their rise to the top. Their whole philosophy has been “No Shortcuts.” From the quality of their meats to the preparation and execution of each plate, that philosophy is apparent.

Before you even see the restaurant coming up, you can definitely smell it. The mouthwatering smell of smoked meats surrounds each store and makes you crave it even more. Entering each location is an adventure in and of itself.

Their Food

Staples in the arsenal for any BBQ joint is the Brisket, Pulled Pork, and Smoked Sausages. But their most famous dish would have to be their Caveman Burger.

The Caveman Burger

Filled with smoked sausage, pulled pork, jack cheese, fried jalapeños, and topped with your choice of BBQ sauce, you will have to unhinge your jaw like a python to fit it in your mouth. Bursting with smokey goodness, it is BBQ perfection.

If you aren’t in the mood for a delicious burger, you can order the meats by the pound. Each item on their menu is heaven on a plate. Pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked sausage, boneless chicken thighs, smoked chicken, and St. Louis Spare Ribs. My personal preference is the 3 meat plate with Brisket, Sausage, and pulled chicken. You also cannot go wrong with their Brisket Tacos and Nachos.

So if you are in the mood for some great food, good smells, and a friendly atmosphere, go check out R&R BBQ. Find the nearest one on their website and check out their menu.

R&R BBQ