best burger in cedar rapids

Burgers are a quintessential American food that have been loved by people for generations. In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, you'll find a diverse range of burger joints that offer unique and delicious takes on this classic dish. Whether you're a local or a visitor, here's a comprehensive guide to the best burgers in Cedar Rapids that you can't afford to miss.

5 must-try burger joints in Cedar Rapids

If you're a burger lover, you need to try every burger joint that Cedar Rapids has to offer. But if you're short on time and can only visit a few, then these are the five that we highly recommend:

• 1. Saucy Focaccia: Known for their high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients, Saucy Focaccia offers a handcrafted, gourmet burger that's sure to leave you satisfied.
• 2. Bata's: This family-owned business has been serving mouthwatering burgers for over 40 years. Their classic cheeseburger will transport you back in time when burgers were simpler but oh-so-delicious.
• 3. Edith Lucielle's: A neighborhood favorite, Edith Lucielle's has a wide selection of burgers that'll satisfy any craving. Their most popular option is the Black & Bleu Burger, featuring juicy ground beef with melted bleu cheese.
• 4. The Map Room: Boasting an extensive beer selection and elevated bar food, The Map Room's burger is no exception. Their signature burger, The Bourbon BBQ, is loaded with crispy onion straws, sharp cheddar, and tangy-sweet bourbon BBQ sauce.
• 5. Need Pizza: This pizza joint is also a secret burger haven. Their burger features a juicy beef patty topped with smoked gouda, housemade pickles, and a spicy aioli that gives it an extra kick.

But Cedar Rapids has more than just these five burger joints. If you're looking for a unique twist on a classic burger, head over to The Lost Cuban. Their Cuban Burger features a beef patty topped with ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all served on a toasted Cuban roll.

If you're in the mood for a burger and a beer, check out Parlor City Pub and Eatery. Their burgers are made with fresh, never frozen beef and come with a variety of toppings. Pair it with one of their many craft beers on tap for the ultimate burger experience.

A burger lover's guide to Cedar Rapids

If you want to discover the full range of burgers that Cedar Rapids has to offer, then this is the section for you. From classic cheeseburgers to adventurous toppings, there's something for everyone in this guide.

For fans of the classic cheeseburger, try Bata's or B-Bops. For something with a bit more flavor, The Hamburger Inn offers a Swiss and Mushroom Burger that's loaded with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese. Gaston's Grill is a popular food truck that's known for their inventive burgers, like the Mac & Cheese Burger that's topped with a generous serving of creamy mac and cheese.

If you're looking for healthier options, there are plenty of burger joints that offer veggie or turkey burgers. Try Cedar Ridge Vineyards if you want a veggie burger that's packed with flavor. You can also customize your burger with various toppings like roasted red peppers, onions, or avocado. At Granite City Food & Brewery, you can swap your beef patty for a turkey burger and add on healthy toppings like roasted veggies or fresh herbs.

But if you're feeling particularly adventurous, head over to Zombie Burger + Shake Lab. This popular spot offers unique burger creations like the Undead Elvis, which features a beef patty topped with peanut butter, fried bananas, bacon, and cheese. Or try the Walking Ched, a burger with mac and cheese wedged between two grilled cheese sandwiches. Don't forget to wash it all down with one of their signature shakes, like the Zombie Unicorn or the Cake Shake.

The top-rated burger places in cedar rapids, according to locals

When it comes to finding the best burgers, nothing beats getting recommendations from locals. Here are some of the top-rated burger joints in Cedar Rapids, according to the people who know it best:

• 1. Zagster's: Known for their juicy burgers, Zagster's is a favorite among locals. Their burgers are made with high-quality beef and topped with unique ingredients like roasted garlic and jalapeño jelly.
• 2. The Lighthouse Inn: A beloved neighborhood bar, The Lighthouse Inn is known for their hearty burgers and welcoming atmosphere. Their Weekend Warrior Burger is especially popular and comes with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a fried egg on top.
• 3. Short's Burger & Shine: With a name that includes "burger," Short's Burger & Shine doesn't disappoint. Their burgers are made with Iowa-raised beef and come with an array of toppings like crispy onion rings, queso, and guacamole.
• 4. Popoli Ristorante & Sullivan's Bar: While known for their Italian cuisine, Popoli Ristorante & Sullivan's Bar also serves up a mean burger. Their Sullivan's Burger is a beef patty topped with smoked bacon, garlic aioli, and sharp cheddar cheese.
• 5. Wild Hogs Saloon & Eatery: A biker-friendly bar, Wild Hogs Saloon & Eatery serves up hearty burgers that'll satisfy any appetite. You can't go wrong with their classic cheeseburger or indulgent Bacon Cheeseburger, which is topped with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese.

If you're looking for a unique burger experience, be sure to check out The Map Room. This cozy pub offers a variety of burgers, including a vegetarian option made with a black bean patty. Their signature Map Room Burger is a beef patty topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, and a house-made bourbon barbecue sauce. Plus, their extensive beer selection is the perfect complement to any burger.

The history of burgers in Cedar Rapids

While burgers have been an American staple for a long time, the history of burgers in Cedar Rapids is unique. The first hamburger chain in the world was originally started by a Cedar Rapidsan Walter Anderson. In 1921, Anderson opened his first White Castle restaurant in Wichita, Kansas. Anderson's concept of a "slider" - a small, square burger that could be eaten in a few bites - revolutionized the fast food industry.

Since then, Cedar Rapids has become a hub for unique and delicious burgers. From classic cheeseburgers to adventurous toppings, these burger joints keep the legacy of Walter Anderson alive while simultaneously pushing the limits of what a burger can be.

One of the most popular burger joints in Cedar Rapids is Bata's Restaurant. Established in 1958, Bata's has been serving up delicious burgers for over 60 years. Their signature burger, the Bata Burger, is a double cheeseburger with all the fixings and a secret sauce that keeps customers coming back for more.

Another unique burger spot in Cedar Rapids is Zombie Burger + Shake Lab. Known for their creative and over-the-top burger creations, Zombie Burger offers options like the Undead Elvis, a burger topped with peanut butter, fried bananas, bacon, and egg. They also have a variety of vegetarian and vegan burger options, making it a great spot for all burger lovers.

How to make the perfect burger at home: Tips from Cedar Rapids chefs

If you're inspired by the burgers in Cedar Rapids and want to make your own at home, here are some tips straight from the chefs who know best:

• 1. Start with quality meat: Use high-quality beef that's at least 80% lean. Avoid adding any fillers or spices to the meat - let the meat speak for itself. Be sure to season the meat with salt and pepper before cooking.
• 2. Don't overmix the meat: Mix the meat gently and only until it's combined. Overmixing can lead to tough burgers.
• 3. Keep the patty chilled: Form the patties and keep them chilled until you're ready to cook them. This will help the burger keep its shape and not fall apart on the grill.
• 4. Preheat your grill or pan: Make sure your cooking surface is well-oiled and heated to medium-high heat before cooking the burgers.
• 5. Don't smash the burger: Resist the urge to smash the burger with your spatula while it's cooking. This releases the precious juices and can make the burger dry.

Another important tip to keep in mind is to choose the right bun for your burger. A soft, slightly sweet bun is a great choice as it complements the savory flavors of the burger. You can also lightly toast the bun to add some texture and crunch. Additionally, consider adding some toppings to your burger such as cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion to enhance the flavor and add some freshness. With these tips, you'll be able to make a delicious burger that rivals those in Cedar Rapids.

The best vegetarian and vegan burgers in Cedar Rapids

If you're a vegetarian or vegan, you don't have to miss out on the burger craze. Cedar Rapids has several restaurants that offer delicious meatless options. Try out these vegan and vegetarian-friendly spots:

• 1. Trumpet Blossom Café: This vegan restaurant offers up an array of creative plant-based burgers that feature unique ingredients like beetroot and quinoa patties.
• 2. Sacred Grounds Café: A favorite among vegetarians, Sacred Grounds Café's veggie burgers are made with a blend of hearty vegetables and served on an artisanal bun.
• 3. Freshii: While not specifically a burger joint, Freshii offers a delicious vegan burger that's made with a crispy quinoa base and served with toppings like guacamole and Sriracha mayo.
• 4. Black Sheep Social Club: Their vegetarian Black and Bleu Burger is a popular choice, featuring a plant-based patty topped with bleu cheese, caramelized onions, and horseradish mayo.
• 5. Cedar Ridge Vineyards: A wine destination that also offers a delicious vegetarian burger that's loaded with veggies and topped with pesto mayo.

Burger deals and discounts you can't miss in Cedar Rapids

If you're on a budget but still want to enjoy a delicious burger in Cedar Rapids, check out these burger deals and discounts.

BurgerFi: Enjoy a juicy burger with a side of fries for $7.99 on Wednesdays, only at BurgerFi's Cedar Rapids location.

The Map Room: Get a burger and a pint of beer for only $10 on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Short's Burger & Shine: Enjoy half-price burgers every Tuesday night.

Need Pizza: Take advantage of their $5 burger special on Mondays and Tuesdays after 8 pm.

Meet the chefs behind the best burgers in Cedar Rapids

Behind every great burger, there's a talented chef. Here are some of the chefs behind the best burgers in Cedar Rapids:

• 1. Jon Van Der Veer, Saucy Focaccia: As the head chef of Saucy Focaccia, Jon Van Der Veer's passion for locally-sourced, high-quality ingredients is reflected in every burger he makes.
• 2. Brandon's Grandma, Bata's: While we may never know Brandon's Grandma's full name, her legacy lives on in the classic, no-frills cheeseburgers served at Bata's.
• 3. Tessa Rempe, Edith Lucielle's: As the owner and head chef of Edith Lucielle's, Tessa Rempe has created an extensive menu of delicious burgers that reflect the diverse tastes of Cedar Rapids.
• 4. Paul Riehm, The Map Room: With years of experience in the restaurant industry, Executive Chef Paul Riehm creates burgers that are both inventive and comforting.
• 5. Rob Beatty, Need Pizza: As the owner and chef of Need Pizza, Rob Beatty has created a menu of unique and creative burgers that are unlike anything else in Cedar Rapids.

A comparison of the most popular burger chains in Cedar Rapids

If you're in the mood for a fast food burger, Cedar Rapids has a few chains that can meet your needs. Here's a quick comparison of the most popular burger chains:

• 1. McDonald's: Known for their Big Macs and Quarter Pounders, McDonald's also offers a variety of other burgers with various toppings like lettuce, tomato, and onion.
• 2. Burger King: With the iconic Whopper leading the way, Burger King offers a variety of burgers with various add-ons like bacon and cheese.
• 3. Wendy's: Famous for their square-shaped burgers and signature Frostys, Wendy's also offers burgers with toppings like guacamole, bacon, and BBQ sauce.
• 4. Hardee's: Hardee's offers multiple burgers with thick, char-grilled patties and toppings like jalapeños and crispy onion rings.
• 5. Culver's: While not strictly a burger chain, Culver's is known for their ButterBurgers - beef patties that are cooked on a flat grill and topped with melted cheese and buttered buns.

From classic to creative: Unique burger toppings you can find in Cedar Rapids

While there's nothing wrong with a classic cheeseburger, sometimes it's fun to mix things up. Here are some unique burger toppings you can find in Cedar Rapids:

• 1. The Surf-n-Turf at the Hamburger Inn: This burger features a beef patty topped with crispy breaded shrimp and cocktail sauce.
• 2. The PB&J Burger at Louie's Scoreboard: This sweet and savory burger features peanut butter, grape jelly, bacon, and cheddar cheese.
• 3. The Mac Daddy at Gaston's Grill: This burger is topped with a generous serving of creamy mac and cheese and crispy bacon.
• 4. The Dead Elvis at The Map Room: This burger is topped with peanut butter, bacon, and caramelized bananas in a nod to Elvis Presley's favorite sandwich.
• 5. Spicy Kimchi Burger at Cedar Ridge Vineyards: This plant-based burger features a hearty patty made from black beans and quinoa, topped with fiery kimchi and savory miso mayo.

The healthiest burger options in Cedar Rapids restaurants

If you're looking to indulge in a burger without sacrificing your health goals, here are some healthier options you can find at Cedar Rapids restaurants:

1. Opt for lean beef: Choose burgers that are made with at least 90% lean beef to keep the fat and calorie content in check.

2. Go veggie: Many restaurants offer vegetarian or vegan burgers that are plant-based and lower in calories and fat than traditional beef burgers.

3. Load up on veggies: Add extra vegetables to your burger to increase fiber and nutrient content. Think toppings like avocado, roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions.

4. Skip the bun: While a burger bun is tasty, it can be high in calories and carbs. Opt for a lettuce wrap or eat your burger without the bun.

5. Choose a side salad: Instead of fries or onion rings, choose a side salad to up your veggie intake and lower calorie content.

With so many great burger options in Cedar Rapids, it's hard to pick just one. Use this guide to explore the diverse range of burger joints in the city and find your new go-to spot. Happy burger hunting!

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