Universally Loved
Something I’ve noticed is that hardly anyone will turn down a hamburger, so when I’m with a group of people and unsure what everyone wants to eat, it’s usually my go-to choice in suggesting food. Lewis Grizzard once said “There is something wrong when you wait in line thirty minutes to get a hamburger that was cooked for ninety seconds an hour ago”, so we’re definitely not going to argue about the best national chain here. Rather, let’s explore the best locally owned places to find the most agreeable food.
1. Pimento Cheese Burger at The Downtown Chief
The Downtown Chief started as the west side of the river version of the landmark Big Chief, bringing their expertise to an indoor venue. This burger features a perfectly grilled patty topped with classic pimento cheese, but what sets it apart from other burgers like this is the addition of their green pepper jelly that adds a touch of sweetness. You can probably find pimento cheese burgers all over the South, but not like this. I like to pair this one with regular fries, but it can also be had with sweet potato fries for a nice savory-sweet combination.
210 Locust St, Gadsden
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2. Double Bacon Burger at Burger 101
With a concept of getting back to basics, Burger 101 is the perfect choice for the simple classic hamburger. Rather than explore pairings with creative toppings, they do classic best and let those ingredients speak for themselves. Their bacon is probably some of the best to ever top a burger and is consistently perfect and don’t skip the Basic Sauce either. Their fries are some of the crispiest anywhere and their fast service makes them a great choice for a quick lunch. However, in the late evening their patio is one of the best places to watch a sunset when your day is nearly done.
101 E Broad St, Gadsden
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3. Large Cheeseburger at Pruett’s BBQ
Pruett’s BBQ might be famous for its BBQ or meat-and-three offerings, but its Large Cheeseburger shouldn’t be missed. This burger features a very generous beef patty topped with melted American cheese and other classic toppings, but make sure to ask for their BBQ sauce on it for a real treat. It’s so good, you can dip your steak fries in it too. It’s available next door at the drive through, but this one is best enjoyed in their dining room. You never know who you might run into there.
1617 Rainbow Dr, Gadsden
4. B.Y.O.B at Clover on Court
Featuring some of the most inventive dishes in town, Clover on Court also offers a unique burger experience with their Build Your Own Burger (B.Y.O.B) option. This customizable burger allows you to create your perfect burger from a variety of different cheeses like swiss, bleu, or even goat and great toppings like peppers, onions and mushrooms. My pick here is two patties with cheddar cheese, but topped with an egg and bacon, but it’s also hard to beat a good mushroom and swiss with onion.
124 Court St, Gadsden
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5. Large Cheeseburger at Merrill’s BBQ
Merrill’s BBQ is another gem in Gadsden known for its exceptional barbecue and equally impressive Large Cheeseburger. Another great classic burger done exceptionally well, they’re the perfect pickup option for a workday lunch. Located in Alabama City, they’re close to the courthouse and other professional offices and only open for weekday lunch. Make your plans early to place your order and beat the crowd.
2525 Forrest Ave, Gadsden
Conclusion
Burgers are nearly the perfect food. They’re almost universally liked, easily customized to any taste, and a usually inexpensive way to sample a new restaurant. Lewis Grizzard believed that a cheeseburger was hard to mess up, so this was his advice if he was unsure of a new restaurant. I think his advice works well here if you haven’t tried any of the restaurants listed here and this list should get you started with the best ones. Dining in lets you see what other people order and see these dishes being delivered so that you can make plans for your next visit.
