Leslie Davis is a journalist major from Emerson College in Boston. She freelances for many different publications, including Guide to Online Schools, an online education website for online degrees and online colleges.

The Best Burger Joints on the West Coast

When you’re in the mood for a thick, juicy hamburger, not just any burger will do. Here are 10 places along the West Coast that you should not miss if you are craving a burger.

1. In-N-Out (California). It’s not uncommon for people passing through the West Coast to seek out an In-N-Out. It’s also not uncommon to see cars lined around the corner waiting in the drive-thru for their burgers. This Southern California-based chain offers a no-frills burger made with fresh ingredients, and the menu has stayed the same since the company was founded in 1948. The bare-bones menu makes ordering easy, but frequent visitors of In-N-Out will likely order something off the chain’s “Not-So-Secret” menu.
2. Dick’s Drive-In (Washington). Dick’s is an old-fashioned drive-in that lives up to its promise of burgers, fries, and milkshakes that are fresh, inexpensive, and fast. Since 1954, Dick’s has become a Seattle-area landmark for locals and visitors alike. Don’t expect many accommodations at this burger joint, which only offers in-car dining or picnic tables.
3. The Counter (Throughout California and Seattle). When you’re just not sure what type of burger you’re in the mood for, hit up The Counter where you can create your own burger. Select from a page full of options, which include such toppings as roasted corn and black bean salsa, sun-dried tomatoes, and a ginger soy glaze. You can even opt for a burger on an English muffin if the mood strikes. The Counter also makes tasty sweet potato fries and milkshakes, and serves wine and beer.
4. Burgers and Brew (Sacramento and Davis, Calif.). This late-night dine-in restaurant may have a long wait, but it doesn’t disappoint. On the menu are a bacon jalapeno cheeseburger and a Portobello mushroom burger for vegetarians. The large burgers come with a flavorful side of greens, curly fries or onion rings. To help wash down your food, Burgers and Brew serves wine and a large selection of beers.
5. Bistro Burger (San Francisco). Bistro Burger is an environmentally friendly burger joint, offering 100 percent grass-fed and completely free-range beef, with no hormones or additives. In addition to beef, Bistro serves veggie and turkey burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, and fresh garden salads. Locals can find five locations around San Francisco.
6. Father’s Office (Los Angeles). Father’s Office may bill itself as an upscale pub, but its two locations in the city are known for some of the best burgers in Los Angeles. This gastropub entices customers with its craft beer and food pairings, as well as its famous Office Burger, which comes on a French bun with caramelized onions, applewood bacon compote, gruyere, blue cheese and arugula.
7. Five Guys (Washington, Oregon and California). Five Guys, a chain based out of Washington, D.C., claims to be known for its “juicy, greasy and delicious burgers.” This chain has expanded to more than 450 locations in 30 states, and operates with no freezers - promising only fresh ground beef. With 15 toppings, there are more than 250,000 ways to order a burger at Five Guys.
8. Red Mill Burger (Seattle). Named one of the 20 hamburgers you must eat before you die by Oprah and GQ Magazine, Red Mill Burgers is somewhat legendary in Seattle. Though it has only two cozy locations, Red Mill consistently ranks among the best burgers in the city. Adding to its burgers are homemade onion rings and a no-cell phone policy.
9. Burgerville (Oregon and Washington). Burgerville’s claim to fame is its use of only locally grown foods. That means that, as the seasons change, so does the menu. Its signature item, available year round, is a juicy pepper bacon cheeseburger. Burgerville has nearly 40 locations in the Pacific Northwest, and partners with other local, sustainable businesses.
10. 50’s Diners. If you’re in the mood for a hamburger, nothing beats sitting in shiny red booths at a table with a jukebox. Chains like Johnny Rockets and Ruby’s, and local haunts like San Francisco’s Burger Joint recreate 50’s diners with panache. In addition to fresh-off-the-grill burgers, you will be treated to milkshakes in a glass (with the leftovers in a tall metal cup) and the side of your choice.

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The economy is down, and one blogger in Marietta, Ohio wants to save a local eatery from extinction.  The Brighter Day Restaurant would like to invite everyone to stop by and enjoy a meal.  Check out the blog post.

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