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Is a good burger too much to ask for? Until recently in New Orleans, that seemed to be the case more often than not.
Burgers are delicious. Everyone knows that. Regardless, finding a good burger pre-Katrina seemed almost impossible without having to trek out to one of the few established burger joints.
In recent years, though, like with pizza and barbecue, the burger game has steadily improved to the point of critical mass. Whereas a few years ago there was room for growth, the burger industry is quickly becoming a blood bath. Not that that’s a bad thing. Five years ago, you could get away with a mediocre burger. These days, if you can’t compete with new giants like Company Burger and Tru Burger, along with the staples like Port of Call, you have no chance.
This is by no means a definitive list, but here are some of the best burgers in New Orleans
Port of Call
When it comes to burgers in New Orleans, Port of Call sets the bar. What started as a quiet neighborhood restaurant on Esplanade Avenue quickly transformed into a place that both locals and tourists flock to. Everything on the menu is good, but if you want the real experience, go with the cheeseburger, a half-pound monstrosity served with a baked potato and any fixins’ you want on top. Wash it down with a Monsoon and you’ll be rolling out.
Tru Burger
What started out as an offshoot of the popular burger at Patois has developed into a beast of its own. Tru Burger, like
many new burger restaurants in the city, combines the counter-service feel of a fast food place with the high-quality ingredients you would see at your favorite local restaurant. The result is a down-to-earth burger that will leave you satisfied, but not too full. The patties are thin, but not too thin, and create a good base for what seems like a limitless amount of toppings.
If you want to make a heart attack meal out of it, try the chili cheese fries and milkshake.
Company Burger
Like Tru Burger, Company Burger opened up at a time when New Orleans desperately needed more burger variety, especially Uptown. Company Burger takes the idea of “fresh” to a whole different level—burgers freshly ground, pickles and mayo are made in-house and the buns are produced by a local baker. You can taste the love in every bite.
Cowbell
Cowbell is a great alternative to the Company Burgers and Tru Burgers of the city if you want a nice sit-down dinner with a casual vibe. Though burgers are king here, you can’t go wrong with any of their specials, or other menu items. Everything from the fish tacos to the mac n’ cheese get the job done. You should get the mac n’ cheese, though.
Bud’s Broiler
No New Orleans burger list is complete without Bud’s. Bud’s isn’t the best burger, it’s not the cheapest burger and it’s by no means the cleanest burger joint, but it will always have a special place in my heart. They’re open late, the food is consistently good and you can even carve your initials in the table. What can be better than that?
Yo Mama’s Bar and Grill
I haven’t been here, but everyone I’ve talked to says that Yo Mama’s Bar and Grill will change the way you think about burgers. It might. I mean, I’ve never heard of anyone putting peanut butter and bacon on a burger, but I have to say, I’m pretty interested. It’ll have to be next on my list.
What are your favorite burger joints in the city? Let us know by commenting below!
