Vote for the restaurant with the best burger in Washtenaw County
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Sidetrack's "Billy Burton Mac Attack Burger" starts with a handcrafted burger topped with mac & cheese, Boars Head bacon and a dab of BBQ sauce.
Courtney Sacco I AnnArbor.com
Your nominations for the best burger came in via comment, emails, Facebook posts and tweets. We've compiled them all in a poll, and now it's time to put it to a vote.
Here's your chance to help your favorite hamburger purveyor earn the title of Best Burger in Washtenaw County. You can vote for up to 3 of your favorites once per day, so make sure to check back, and tell your friends! Voting closes at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5.
Once we've determined the favorite burgers in the Ann Arbor area, we'll welcome Mlive statewide entertainment reporter John Gonzalez for a taste test as he travels the state looking for Michigan's Best Burger.
You can vote for your three favorites once per day until 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 5.
Jessica Webster leads the Food & Grocery section for AnnArbor.com, a part of the MLive Media Group, and will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today Reach her at JessicaWebster@annarbor.com. You also can follow her on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
Jay
Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 3:24 a.m.
Blimpy Burger is overrated garbage. Thank god that didn't win.
John Tucker
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 8:44 p.m.
Congratulations Linda! You are the Rockinest Burger Babe in the State!
Kyle Mattson
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 7:18 p.m.
Voting is now closed, we'll be posting the final totals shortly. Thanks to everyone who voted in support of their favorite burger joint!
Resident A2
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 1:42 a.m.
Yeah, Sidetrack seems to be winning. I live in the west side of Ann Arbor and am willing to go there once a week for a FABULOUS cheeseburger. Keep up the good work!!
a2xarob
Tue, Jun 4, 2013 : 9:26 p.m.
I'm surprised at all the votes for Sidetrack. Last time we were there the meat did not taste fresh. Their sweet potato fries are very good though!
Lucas and Kevin
Tue, Jun 4, 2013 : 1:17 a.m.
Get to Roy's in Milan, everyone! We've had most of the above burgers and we'd go: 1. Blimpy 2. Roy's Some others: Bridgewater Bank Sidetrack And, we better head back to Casey's it would appear. Good work, AA.com and Mlive!
Kyle Mattson
Tue, Jun 4, 2013 : 5:03 a.m.
I've been surprise to see the amount of mentiones for Bridgewater Bank through this round of best-of. I think I'll have to make a point to take a drive down there to check it out sometime soon.
Josh Taylor
Mon, Jun 3, 2013 : 4:01 p.m.
Why isn't Vinology on this list?
Kyle Mattson
Tue, Jun 4, 2013 : 4:51 a.m.
Vinology is on the list, Josh, near the bottom.
Jello Biafra
Sun, Jun 2, 2013 : 2:47 p.m.
I have noticed a difference in Blimpy Burger's ever since Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives covered them. The meat got drier and it was never the same again. Thanks for 25 years of delicious burgers though. Sidetracks is my new fav.
tim
Sun, Jun 2, 2013 : 1:33 p.m.
I like the old cottage inn on williams. Once you flam broil -- add swiss and mushrooms, salt and pepper then they are all about the same--- at the A level.
sloppySam
Sun, Jun 2, 2013 : 1:27 p.m.
Personally, i'm voting for the nastiest hackenfleish... If i tell you my fave, you'll be in line in front of me... luckily barely any of the responses know my choice for round, browned and 1/2 pound..
You Don't Say
Sun, Jun 2, 2013 : 4:59 a.m.
Dans Tavern in Saline hands down. Ground round and not greasy. Best burgers no matter which type you order. Plus great atmosphere. Burp!
shepard145
Sun, Jun 2, 2013 : 2:44 a.m.
AA has some great burger joints, but by far the best is the Maui Burger at Dexter's Pub, west of Ann Arbor on the way to Chelsea.
slave2work
Sun, Jun 2, 2013 : 1:38 a.m.
I think this should be judged on a simple plain good old hamburger.. bun.. hamburger cheese.. ketchup mustard mayo.. but not with all the extras. Thats when you taste a good burger.
djacks24
Sun, Jun 2, 2013 : 12:48 a.m.
Just came from Sidetrack bar and grill, Service was absolutely horrible! I can see forgetting about our table once...But four times! After all that, the burger wasn't that great. Red Robin Royal burger beat Sidetracks burger hands down. Never going to Sidetracks again!
BenWoodruff
Sat, Jun 1, 2013 : 8:15 p.m.
There are few better burgers than the Chick-Inn Paul Bunyan!
Jessica Webster
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 3:44 p.m.
I'm a big fan, too.
mpope
Sat, Jun 1, 2013 : 7:42 p.m.
if you love a Sidetrack burger, try Blue Wolf soon. I ordered their Wolf Bacon Burger with every intention of being fussy and biased against it. No deal. it was excellent. And it's been excellent every time.
Peter Schork
Sat, Jun 1, 2013 : 1:19 p.m.
What about the Blue Tractor Burger??
Jessica Webster
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 3:45 p.m.
It's there!
OHHIO
Sat, Jun 1, 2013 : 1:18 p.m.
Did I just overlook Five Guys? Why are they not on the list?
Jessica Webster
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 3:46 p.m.
We've got them on the list.
Basic Bob
Sat, Jun 1, 2013 : 4:30 p.m.
Great burgers and the absolute best fries.
dk
Sat, Jun 1, 2013 : 12:49 p.m.
Casey's
Ron Burgandy
Sat, Jun 1, 2013 : 12:43 p.m.
What about White Castle?....after all, it's not easy being sleazy!
Joseph Maino
Sat, Jun 1, 2013 : 3:49 a.m.
That burger from Sidetracks certainly didn't look like that when I ordered it. However, they do serve fantastic burgers!
Loventhe read
Sat, Jun 1, 2013 : 2:07 a.m.
Banfield's has great burgers!
Little Patience
Sat, Jun 1, 2013 : 12:23 a.m.
I clearly need to go out for burgers more often as I've only had them from maybe a handful of those places.
Ken B
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 11:46 p.m.
OMG! I can't believe you haven't included Blimpy Burger, which (after eating burgers in A2 for over 50 years) has to be the hands down winner! I want to vote for them!
MMB95
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 11:51 p.m.
It's there. Look under Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger. It's what I voted for! Blimpy Burger, hands down!
uabchris
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 11:04 p.m.
What about Ashley's!!!!
Atlas Shrugged
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 10:51 p.m.
Sorry to dash the fantasies, and preferences of lots of well meaning folks out there, but I think the best burgers in the world are from (drum roll...) White Castle. I can eat a dozen of them at a time, never feel full, never feel like it's time to stop and eat no more. Original sliders are tops on my list.
PattyinYpsi
Sat, Jun 1, 2013 : 1:29 p.m.
As many freshman comp students used to say, "To each their own." Life would be pretty boring if we all liked the same thing!
Joseph Maino
Sat, Jun 1, 2013 : 3:50 a.m.
I'm very sorry you feel that way.
Steve
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 10:16 p.m.
I haven't had all the burgers on the list so it's impossible to compare, but, when I want a burger I always go to Great Plains because of the emphasis on local products, grass fed beef, and most important of all, the fries are ALWAYS hot, crisp, and fresh.
Jessica Webster
Sat, Jun 1, 2013 : 1:10 a.m.
I thought I remembered that Great Plains had grass-fed, locally sourced beef, but that does not appear to be the case (anymore?). They're now sourcing their beef from Cedar River Farms, which seems to be located in Colorado: http://www.cedarriverfarms.com/#
a2xarob
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 11:42 p.m.
I agree, Steve. Fresh, juicy, and very tasty burgers. And great fries! Now we've got Cardamom, Great Plains Burger, Carson's and Song for great food here on the NE side. I remember when the Flim Flam and the Coney Island on Plymouth/Green were all we had on this side of town.
treetowncartel
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 8:50 p.m.
Wow, Banfield's East side got pimped and left off of the choices. Not my favorite burger, but a lot better than some of the joints listed on here.
EyeHeartA2
Sat, Jun 1, 2013 : 3:55 a.m.
They must have added it. I hate the bathrooms there and the fact that it is in a strip mall. If it was exactly the same with the bathrooms on one level and stand alone like Fraisers, it would be the bomb.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 9:58 p.m.
agreed. Seems like maybe he's just mailing it in any more.
treetowncartel
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 9:09 p.m.
@ Craig, I don't know that Will has the wherewithal to do any of that.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 8:58 p.m.
living just a few blocks away I've downed a few. But they really need to clean up that place, remodel the bathrooms, and fix the chairs.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 8:18 p.m.
The best burger in town is usually the one I'm staring down at any given time.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 10:11 p.m.
Indeed tdw. ;)
tdw
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 9:10 p.m.
Craig....kinda like pizza huh ?
treetowncartel
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 8:23 p.m.
That is particularly true if your spouse made it for you.
Jessica Webster
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 8:22 p.m.
Amen!
Belisa
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 7:55 p.m.
here's all you need to know ... Bagger Dave's Twisted Mac&Cheese https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/487735_10151411509967920_236307554_n.jpg
woolspinner
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 7:36 p.m.
I'm voting for Culver's ButterBurger, that's where we go when we crave a good burger.
hail2thevict0r
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 8:03 p.m.
seriously.....? I guess everyone has their own taste but a fast food burger is NOT the best burger in town and I think most should agree.
Basic Bob
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 7:36 p.m.
i'm just sayin, if i went to zingerman's or knight's, i wouldn't order a burger.
Jello Biafra
Sun, Jun 2, 2013 : 2:43 p.m.
then you'd miss out on a good burger at Knights
treetowncartel
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 8:12 p.m.
Point taken, I'm partial to the French Dip with a few select added toppings. But their patty melt is good too.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 7:35 p.m.
I confess to having had a burger in...... Aubree's, Casey's Tavern, Chick Inn Drive-In. CUBS' A.C., Fraser's Pub, Inverness Inn ,Knight's Steak House Old Town , Red Robin, Sidetrack, Tap Room, Banfield's Westside (and east) , The Village Pub.... at some point in time.
atwork
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 7:26 p.m.
I wanted to vote for Blimpy Burger, but it's not listed.
Julie Baker
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 7:28 p.m.
It's listed as Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger.
zeeba
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 7:25 p.m.
Oh, come on, people! Blimpy Burger is barely a cut above a standard greasy spoon burger, and on the same cheap bun. A fried, thin burger can never compare to a thick broiled one. Blimpy's rep is entirely based on its student ghetto cred, which can make it a fun place to go but doesn't do much for the quality.
Nicholas Urfe
Sat, Jun 1, 2013 : 4:01 p.m.
I like both griddle burgers and grilled burgers. I would be a sad day if I had to give up either. Griddle burgers have 'flan', a crispy crust that isn't present on grilled burgers. Multiple small patties give you more of that, and it is *spectacular* when done correctly. If you don't like'em, fine. But a lot of people love them. Similarly, a bun crisped on a griddle has a crisp edge that is essential to a great burger (even if that burger is broiled). Also, a griddle fried burger can accentuate the beef flavor, where a "broiled" burger can leave you with an excess of char flavor. Burnt chair isn't meat flavor. And grilled or broiled burgers.. Let's be clear - gas grilled burgers are a compromise. An actual charcoal or wood grill burger is high on my list for a great burger. Nobody in this town sells such a burger, that I am aware of. Another great thing about blimpy's is that you see your food being prepared. Interacting with the person who is making your food is pretty cool.
Joseph Maino
Sat, Jun 1, 2013 : 3:55 a.m.
Zebra must've been yelled at! Hahaha but I certainly agree its kit the best I've had. But seriously, greasy spoon burgers are the best, especially places like Greene's and Bate's.
zeeba
Sat, Jun 1, 2013 : 12:57 a.m.
Nicholas - ground on site doesn't matter if you take the result, mash it onto a steel griddle and fry the life out of it, like Blimpy's does. And combinations of garnishes are simply that, garnishes. They don't make up for a lifeless meat patty, or an inferior bun, even if they call some of them Kaisers.
Nicholas Urfe
Sat, Jun 1, 2013 : 12:41 a.m.
Really? I get my blimpy burger on a kaiser roll. The meat is ground every day on site. Few places can claim that. Where some people run into trouble at blimpy burger is they don't have the knowledge to create a good combination and order. If you go in there asking for a burger with mustard and ketchup, yeah. That'd be boring and common.
Ken B
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 11:48 p.m.
Gosh zeeba, you must have been there on a bad day! The quality and substance of Blimpy is untouched by any place I have eaten in my 73 years of life! And I can tell you I'm not a student!
Brad
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 9:55 p.m.
Since they seem like they might be in "farewell tour" mode they're going to be tough to beat.
hail2thevict0r
Fri, May 31, 2013 : 7:23 p.m.
Has to be Jolly Pumpkin. That hamburger is ridiculous with that cheese they put on it.
Jessica Webster
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 3:58 p.m.
That's one burger that has never let me down. The only problem with it is that it's so good, I have trouble not eating the whole thing.
UpperDecker
Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 3:33 p.m.
I love the Jolly Pumpkin burger and it is my favorite, but it will not get the victory it deserves unfortunately.
PattyinYpsi
Sat, Jun 1, 2013 : 1:26 p.m.
Everything about that burger is crazy-good!