2008 Awards

Best Overall Score:
The Tractor Room










Best Straight Up Burger:
Hodads
(Cheeseburger)








Best Place to Nurse a Hangover:
Urban Mo's










Most Inventive Burger:
Nicky Rotten's
(Rotten Breakfast Burger)








Best Place to Get Wasted With Your Grandparents:
Albie's Beef Inn








Best Bang for Your Buck:
Bare Back Grill (Gaslamp)
(Lunch Special)









Best Buns:
Big Kahuna's










Biggest Belt-Buster:
Just Burgers










Best Late Nite Burgers:
Nunu's Cocktail Lounge










Best Build-Your-Own Burger:
Boomerang's










Most Organic Burgers:
Burger Lounge










Best Turkey Burger:
Mr. Peabody's










Most Meats:
Tioli's Crazy Burger










Best Kept Secret:
Paradise Lounge










Messiest Burgers:
Western Steakburger










Spendiest Burgers:
The Linkery










Greasiest Burgers:
Canada Steak Burger
(Any Burger)









Most Overrated Burgers:
Rocky's Crown Pub










Most Over-Cooked Burgers:
The Gathering










Worst Burgers:
San Diego Burger Co.

BPI - Burger Power Index

This is something we talked about putting together for those who don’t care about the whole burger consuming experience, surrounding environment, etc. Those that just want to focus on the burgers and see how they stack up. Well here it is. It’s called the Burger Power Index or BPI and it is calculated by the following equation:

BPI = Bb + Bf

Bb – Burger Base – this is the total of the Bundle, Burger, Bun, Boldness & Belt-busing scores. Highest possible score = 25.

Bf – Base Factor – this is the overall review score / 50. Highest possible score = 1.

Notes: 1. Total highest possible score = 26.00.

2. Burgers with multiple scores are averaged.

Here’s how they stack up:

25.94 Paris Burger – Urban Mo’s

25.94 Buffalo Burger – The Tractor Room

25.94 Lamb Burger – The Tractor Room

25.88 4^th of July Burger – Just Burger & Lounge

25.86 Backyard Burger – Just Burger & Lounge

24.90 Spicy Burger – Urban Mo’s

24.88 Teriyaki Burger – Big Kahuna’s

24.41 Offshore Burger – Offshore Tavern & Grill

24.41 Sourdough Burger – Albie’s Beef Inn

23.90 Hula Burger – Small Bar

23.90 Hamilton's Burger – Small Bar

23.90 BBQ Bacon Burger – Toronado

23.88 Neighborhood Burger - Neighborhood

23.88 Meltdown Burger – Urban Mo’s

23.88 A1 Burger – Thurman's Cafe (Ohio)

23.87 Bacon Cheeseburger – Hodads

23.86 Marsala Mushroom Burger – Neighborhood

23.85 Napa Burger – Bangin' Burgers

23.82 Big Kahuna Burger – Big Kahuna’s

23.77 Niman Ranch Burger – The Ritual Tavern

23.38 Queenstown Fave – Bare Back Grill (Gaslamp)

22.92 Stoner Burger – Hamiltons

22.88 BBQ Burger – Bangin' Burgers

22.88 Pastrami Burger – Nicky Rotten’s

22.88 Spicy J Bag Burger – Toronado

22.86 Witchyfyre! – Hamiltons

22.86 Rotten Breakfast Burger – Nicky Rotten’s

22.84 BBQ Burger – True North

22.84 Frisco Burger – Paradise Lounge & Grill

22.84 Patty Melt – Studio Diner

22.84 Jackie Burger – Brian’s American Eatery

22.83 Spicy Western – Kristy’s MVP Sports Bar

22.80 Baja Burger – Studio Diner

22.34 Create Your Own Burger – Boomerang’s

22.21 Dobson’s Bar Room Burger – Dobson’s

22.15 One Big Turkey Burger – Mr. Peabody’s

21.90 Kiwilango – Bare Back Grill (Gaslamp)

21.86 Da Works Burger – Tiny’s Tavern

21.86 Teriyaki Burger – Nunu’s Cocktail Lounge

21.84 Sid’s Cowboy Burger – Corvette Diner Bar & Grill

21.82 Double Angus Burger - Nunu's Cocktail Lounge

21.82 Rod Luck Buck - Lucky Buck's

21.81 Western Burger - Brian's American Eatery

21.81 Grand Thrill Burger - Blueberry Hill

21.80 Frank's Burger - Paradise Lounge & Grill

21.80 Mushroom Burger – Albie’s Beef Inn

21.80 Veggie Burger – Hodads

21.80 Prosciutto Burger – O’Brien’s American Pub

21.76 Famous Steakburger – Kristy’s MVP Sports Bar

21.76 Pastrami Burger – Western Steakburger

21.74 Grass-fed Burger with the Lot – The Linkery

21.72 Turkey Burger – Burger Lounge

21.30 The Cameron – Xavier’s Bar & Grill

20.84 Double Cheeseburger – Station Tavern

20.84 Cheeseburger – Station Tavern

20.84 Shrimp Burger – Tiny’s Tavern

20.82 Tomato Pesto Burger – The Corner

20.82 Buffalo Blues Burger – Corvette Diner Bar & Grill

20.82 Dion Burger – Corvette Diner Bar & Grill

20.80 Sourdough Cheeseburger – Maloney’s Tavern

20.80 Sicilian Burger – Brian’s American Eatery

20.80 Big Bird Burger – Tioli’s Crazy Burger

20.80 Spicy Jalapeno Burger – The Corner

20.79 Wisconsin Ground Sirloin Burger – Red Fox

20.78 BBQ Bacon Burger – Jewel Box

20.76 The Burton – Xavier’s Bar & Grill

20.76 The Chinook Burger – Tioli’s Crazy Burger

20.74 The Burger – Starlite

20.73 Cheeseburger – Rocky’s Crown Pub

20.72 Grilled Lounge Burger – Burger Lounge

19.80 Bandito Burger – True North

19.80 Big Bacon Burger – Maloney’s Tavern

19.78 The Eastwood – Xavier’s Bar & Grill

19.75 Rory Burger – Corvette Diner Bar & Grill

19.70 Blue Cheese Burger – Western Steakburger

19.30 Nick's Burger – Nick's At The Pier

18.78 Blue Cheese Bacon Burger – Wits End

18.78 Waterfront Burger – The Waterfront

18.78 HOH Burger – Corvette Diner Bar & Grill

18.78 Aztec Burger – Downtown Johnny Brown's

18.77 Venison Burger – Tioli’s Crazy Burger

18.76 Best Buckin’ Burger – Lucky Buck’s

18.74 Beer Cheese Burger – O’Brien’s American Pub

17.78 Texas Burger – The Waterfront

17.76 Santorin Burger – Tioli’s Crazy Burger

17.76 Kangaroo Burger – Tioli’s Crazy Burger

17.74 Aloha Burger – Tioli’s Crazy Burger

17.61 Hob Nob Burger – Hob Nob Hill

16.72 Mushroom Swiss Burger – Wits End

16.66 Hawaiian Burger – The Shack

16.20 Ortega Swiss Burger – Jewel Box

15.72 Bacon Cheddar Burger – Downtown Johnny Brown's

15.66 Mushroom Swiss Burger – The Shack

15.60 Blue Cheese Burger – The Gathering

15.12 Charbroiled Steak Burger – Canada Steak Burger

13.54 Southwest Burger – The Gathering

12.58 Double Cheeseburger – San Diego Burger Co.

12.54 Buffalo Burger – San Diego Burger Co.

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The Shack - a spontaneous blog

Ben: HAWAIIAN BURGER w/ tots. Burger, med-rare, with grilled pineapple, teriyaki sauce and swiss cheese on a bun.

HOW THEY STACK UP:
1. BACKGROUND 1 2 3 4 5
2. BONUSES 1 2 3 4 5
3. BUNDLE 1 2 3 4 5
4. BURGER 1 2 3 4 5
5. BUN 1 2 3 4 5
6. BOLDNESS 1 2 3 4 5
7. BARGAIN 1 2 3 4 5
8. BELT-BUSTING 1 2 3 4 5
9. BURDEN 1 2 3 4 5
10. BUZZ 1 2 3 4 5

TOTAL SCORE: 33

NOTES:

- very average burger

- the boldness rating was mostly due to the delicious flavor of the teriyaki

- good beer deals and nice outdoor patio

- pretty chill lunch spot

James: MUSHROOM SWISS BURGER. Burger, med-rare, with sautéed mushrooms, grilled red onions, swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato on a bun.

HOW THEY STACK UP:
1. BACKGROUND 1 2 3 4 5
2. BONUSES 1 2 3 4 5
3. BUNDLE 1 2 3 4 5
4. BURGER 1 2 3 4 5
5. BUN 1 2 3 4 5
6. BOLDNESS 1 2 3 4 5
7. BARGAIN 1 2 3 4 5
8. BELT-BUSTING 1 2 3 4 5
9. BURDEN 1 2 3 4 5
10. BUZZ 1 2 3 4 5

TOTAL SCORE: 33

NOTES:

- just about as average as it gets

- I would go for fish tacos instead

The Linkery - For Real

Ben: GRASS-FED BURGER W/ THE LOT. Pastured open space beef, topped with pastured chicken egg, grilled pineapple, house cured Duroc bacon from Vande Rose farms and Winchester Gouda cheese on a house baked bun.

HOW THEY STACK UP:
1. BACKGROUND 1 2 3 4 5
2. BONUSES 1 2 3 4 5
3. BUNDLE 1 2 3 4 5
4. BURGER 1 2 3 4 5
5. BUN 1 2 3 4 5
6. BOLDNESS 1 2 3 4 5
7. BARGAIN 1 2 3 4 5
8. BELT-BUSTING 1 2 3 4 5
9. BURDEN 1 2 3 4 5
10. BUZZ 1 2 3 4 5

TOTAL SCORE: 38

NOTES:

- only one burger option, but you can add any of the daily special links to top your burger if you’re worth enough

- no booze but an awesome local beer (including cask ales) and wine selection

- the bun is a little much but it holds up to the punishment that the egg yolk and burger juice inflict upon it

- all organic, locally raised food

- pretty pricey, even for what you get (about $30 for a burger and beer with tax and tip)

- the yolkiest egg you’ll ever get at a restaurant, you’re hands will get messy

James: GRASS-FED BURGER W/ THE LOT. Pastured open space beef, topped with pastured chicken egg, grilled pineapple, house cured Duroc bacon from Vande Rose farms and Winchester Gouda cheese on a house baked bun.

HOW THEY STACK UP:
1. BACKGROUND 1 2 3 4 5
2. BONUSES 1 2 3 4 5
3. BUNDLE 1 2 3 4 5
4. BURGER 1 2 3 4 5
5. BUN 1 2 3 4 5
6. BOLDNESS 1 2 3 4 5
7. BARGAIN 1 2 3 4 5
8. BELT-BUSTING 1 2 3 4 5
9. BURDEN 1 2 3 4 5
10. BUZZ 1 2 3 4 5

TOTAL SCORE: 36

NOTES:

- bun was a little too dense, but it held up to the task

- egg was pretty good, but overall the burger was a little salt heavy on the palate without enough zest or sweetness to really pull it together

- the ingredients are of great quality however and the beer selection is fantastic, representing many local breweries and boasting four cask conditioned beers

- overall a little pricey to just drop in for a burger for the blue-collar worker

Bare Back Grill

Ben: QUEENSTOWN FAVE BURGER w/ fries. Organic burger with lettuce, tomato, red onion, aioli, bbg sauce and edam cheese.

HOW THEY STACK UP:
1. BACKGROUND 1 2 3 4 5
2. BONUSES 1 2 3 4 5
3. BUNDLE 1 2 3 4 5
4. BURGER 1 2 3 4 5
5. BUN 1 2 3 4 5
6. BOLDNESS 1 2 3 4 5
7. BARGAIN 1 2 3 4 5
8. BELT-BUSTING 1 2 3 4 5
9. BURDEN 1 2 3 4 5
10. BUZZ 1 2 3 4 5

TOTAL SCORE: 42

NOTES:

- lunch box special: burger, beer & fries = $9.95, one of the best deals in town

- outdoor seating and open indoor seating with natural wood top tables and bar with a Kiwi theme

- personal condiment tray is a nice touch

- salt & pepper fries are tasty

- very tasty bun that compliments the burger & doesn’t overwhelm the burger (not overly doughy)

James: KIWILANGO BURGER. Organic burger with bleu cheese crumbles, fresh diced jalapenos, lettuce, tomato, red onion, hot sauce, aioli, bbg sauce topped with crushed tortilla chips.

HOW THEY STACK UP:
1. BACKGROUND 1 2 3 4 5
2. BONUSES 1 2 3 4 5
3. BUNDLE 1 2 3 4 5
4. BURGER 1 2 3 4 5
5. BUN 1 2 3 4 5
6. BOLDNESS 1 2 3 4 5
7. BARGAIN 1 2 3 4 5
8. BELT-BUSTING 1 2 3 4 5
9. BURDEN 1 2 3 4 5
10. BUZZ 1 2 3 4 5

TOTAL SCORE: 45

NOTES:

- very rare & delicious combo of ingredients to have on a burger

- I was skeptical of tortilla chips on the burger at first, but it soaked up the juices perfectly and gave it a nice texture

- jalapenos complimented the sweet sauce very well

- place has a pretty cool vibe, land back new zealandy

Darrin: QUEENSTOWN FAVE BURGER w/ fries. Organic burger with lettuce, tomato, red onion, aioli, bbg sauce and edam cheese.

HOW THEY STACK UP:
1. BACKGROUND 1 2 3 4 5
2. BONUSES 1 2 3 4 5
3. BUNDLE 1 2 3 4 5
4. BURGER 1 2 3 4 5
5. BUN 1 2 3 4 5
6. BOLDNESS 1 2 3 4 5
7. BARGAIN 1 2 3 4 5
8. BELT-BUSTING 1 2 3 4 5
9. BURDEN 1 2 3 4 5
10. BUZZ 1 2 3 4 5

TOTAL SCORE: 46

NOTES:

- cool laid back surf vibe atomospher

- awesome cast iron tree lighting

- best burger deal: burger, beer, fries = 10 bucks

- perfectly cooked burger, excellent sauce compliments the organic beef and fresh organic vegetables