In many ways – the hamburger is like a canvas waiting to be painted.
Sure, a good old-fashioned char-broiled burger or cheeseburger can be simply delicious on its own. But there are so many things you can do with that patty, the buns and everything that goes on top or in between.
We found 10 out-of-the-ordinary burgers you can gobble up at local restaurants.
First – let me stop all the angry comments before you write them…
This is not an article about the best burgers in Green Bay and Appleton. Yes we know – Joe Rouer’s is incredible, the butter burgers from Kroll’s West and Kroll’s East melt in your mouth and Al’s Hamburger is legendary. Plus, Northeast Wisconsin may even be the home of the first hamburger.
This article is about the weird and funky sandwiches that happen to be called hamburgers. Here they are…
1. The Luther Burger – The Mad Hatter, Appleton
A Luther Burger isn’t exactly something that’s unique to The Mad Hatter, which recently changed its name from McG’s Tavern because it was too similar to other local establishments.
But as far as we know, this is the only place in Northeast Wisconsin where you can get one.
A Luther Burger is a bacon cheeseburger with two glazed donuts (Krispy Kreme style) replacing the bun. It was apparently named after soul singer Luther Vandross – who may have invented it as well. It might sound strange to some – but imagine the scrumptious combination of sweet and salty. Healthy? No. Delicious? You tell us.
The Mad Hatter also has some other interesting burgers, including the Pittsburger which is topped with fries, and you can get any burger on a pretzel bun for an extra 99-cents.
2. The Lonely Guy Burger – Townline, Suamico/Bellevue
You could also call this one the Bad Breath Burger.
Townline Pub & Grill makes a burger that no breath mint can defeat. The Lonely Guy Burger is seasoned with black pepper and fresh, minced garlic. It’s topped with fried onion straws and pepperjack cheese.
Speaking from experience – if you like your personal space – eating this burger will do the trick. There’s lots of flavor that lasts and lasts.
3. The Surf & Turf Burger – Spats, Appleton
Spats in Appleton has a nice selection of unique burgers, but the most interesting might be their Surf & Turf.
Of course, the turf is the burger itself. The surf comes from the mini crab cakes, a Spats specialty, which they put on top of the burger. It also comes with a creamy dill sauce.
Spats reserves the honor of getting two burgers on this list. But we should also mention their Berlin Burger (sauerkraut, swiss cheese and 100 Island) as well as the Herbie Burger (nestled inside a grilled cheese sandwich).
4. The Spicy Elk Burger – Titletown Brewing Co., Green Bay
This one from Titletown Brewing Co. has two things going for it. First, it’s made from lean, locally raised elk meat. Plus, it’s got a spicy kick.
The Spicy Elk Burger comes with chipotle and jalapeno peppers, plus smoked gouda cheese, spinach and a creamy garlic mayo. Bam – wash that baby down with a Green 19 IPA! If you’re mouth’s not watering – check your pulse.
5. The Retro Burger – Jack’s Burger Shack, Kaukauna
The next time you stop by Kaukauna for a breath of fresh air, consider dropping in at Jack’s Burger Shack.
One of the unique burgers on the menu harkens back to the days when TV dinners were all the rage. His Retro Burger is an open-faced sandwich on white bread topped with mashed potatoes and gravy. Jack told me it’s based on the classic Salisbury steak dinner.
It’s a comfort burger with a serving a nostalgia.
All credit for this awesome list goes to Whoo New. http://whoonew.com/2013/08/10-unique-burgers/
