May unofficially welcomes summer with Memorial Day Weekend. As if summertime isn’t enough reason to fire up the grill, it is also National Burger Month. Get out your “Kiss the Cook” apron and dust off the spatula for the return of a backyard legend. Not interested in cooking or cleanup duty? San Diego restaurants offer endless combinations of toppings, sauces, meats and hot and toasty buns. The key to burger bliss this month is just under your nose; check out our sizzling roundup piled high with onions, ahem, options:
Whether you’re road trip ready or planning a staycation this summer, keep track of one local burger joint because it’s always on the move. Try the gourmet sliders on the go from The InSlider, a one-of-a-kind food truck which serves up a selection of satisfying burgers all over San Diego. Taste the Kobe beef “Cali”ente slider. Size matters at The InSlider and these little burgers pack a whole lot of heat with grilled jalapenos, pepper jack cheese and chipotle sauce. Mix and match your sliders for a fully customizable experience. Just don’t forget a side of sweet potato tots.
Paying homage to San Diego’s beloved author, Pacific Beach Alehouse has a Seuss-ically inspired Green Eggs & Ham burger. Proving it is what’s between the buns that counts, this burger is topped with a fried egg, Prosciutto, oven roasted tomatoes and a deliciously green pesto sauce.
Bringing together two smokehouse favorites, Brazen BBQ Smokehouse and Bar created a monstrosity called the Pulled Pork Burger; perfect for the indecisive diners and carnivores. Pulled pork is piled atop a juicy ground beef patty, topped with cheddar cheese and finished with pickled red onions. Sticking to its southern roots, this burger is served with your choice of Ancho Spiced Baked Beans, Tangy Coleslaw or the Smoked Kernel Corn Medley.
“Cookout chic” is the latest trend and we’re headed to Hillcrest’s Heat Bar and Kitchen for a sophisticated twist on a classic bacon cheeseburger. The Heat Natural Burger boats Gruyere cheese, bacon jam and peppery greens delicately arranged upon a beef patty. Add an optional fried farm egg or marinated mushrooms for a truly personalized plate.
Unleash your inner cowboy at Union Kitchen and Tap and dive into the Bison Burger. Made with Durham Ranch Bison and topped with onion, white cheddar, and a house made garlic aioli, this burger is the perfect blend of modern and rustic. Bonus? Bison carries less fat and nearly half the calories of beef and makes for a tenderer burger.
Vegetarians will not be left out of this May’s National Burger Month celebration. Veggie burgers have come a long way since their inception and one spot has making sure the veggie burger evolution continues. Try The Duck Dive’s DD Veggie Burger. The Panko-crusted black bean patty is paired with southern style pimento cheese, tomato relish, caramelized onions, lettuce, and with garlic aioli on a toasted brioche bun.
*Information courtesy of www.altstrategies.com.
