a.k.a. The Skinny Burger (and All The Other Types)

Smashburgers are all the rage.

What style of burger is your type?

Anyone else noticed that the popularity of the “skinny burger” is sweeping the nation?! No, I am not talking about whatever vegan burger. Nor am I talking about the places that seem to have a much larger bun than burger (c’mon man.. the burger to bun ratio is KEY)!

I am talking about the classic Pub (aka Smash) Burger. Even our local Boxcar Betty’s, famous for their crispy fried chicken sandwiches, is getting on the Smashburger train. No matter what is surging in popularity the Lowcountry has a plethora of options when it comes to burgers.

Classic Smashburger (Pub Burger)

The classic burger that some of us may remember where the ball of meat hit the griddle and down came the spatula flattening that puppy out. It was thin, crispy edges + delicious! It may not be as drippy juicy but depending on the type of cheese you ooey-gooey can be a thing!

Some classic spots to go visit:

• The Celtic Knot (Summerville)

• Coney Island (Park Circle)

• Black Out Burger (Pop Up)

• Tavern & Table (Mount Pleasant)

• Matt’s Burgers (Summerville)

• The Blind Tiger (Downtown CHS)

Thin-patty (Think Fast Food)

We may recognize these at places like McDonalds or Burger King BUT we have local spots that make a burger that fits this mold! It isn’t a traditional smash with crispy edges but is 100% not a thick gourmet. For many of us this style may have shaped what we thought of when someone said burger. From toppings, to bun + size some burgers that fit this bill are:

• Victors Lab (Food Truck)

• Pink Bellies (Downtown CHS)

• Holy City Brewing (Park Circle)

Fancy Gourmet Burger

You know these.. they are fat, thick, juicy. Often made with grass fed beef or maybe Waygu. They may throw you some truffle, fancy cheese, whatever they can do to make it uniquely theirs + kick it up a notch. Sometimes it is just a thick burger with some solid toppings. They can range in price but never be surprised if you see one for $25-$30 a burger.. maybe more!

• Bison Burger @ Tavern & Table (Mount Pleasant)

• Goat Cheese & Poblano @ Moe’s Crosstown Tavern (Downtown CHS)

• The Oak Burger @ Oak Steakhouse (Downtown CHS)

• Poe’s Tavern (Sullivans Island)

• Community Table (Mount Pleasant)

• Surf n Turf Burger @Tideland Brewing (Goose Creek)

• Big Billy’s Burger Joint (North Charleston)

Patty Melt

This may be a favorite of mine! Mostly cause I love rye bread. This burger is medium in thickness, smashed down + is typically covered with swiss cheese + onions. With some delicious rye bread. MMMmmmm is it too early

• Dog & Duck (All 3 Locations in Mount Pleasant)

• Sesame (Park Circle + Mount Pleasant)

• The Royal American (Downtown CHS)

• Millers All Day (Downtown CHS)

• The Refuge (Isle of Palms)

• Daps Breakfast + Imbibe (Downtown CHS)

Jucy Lucy (intentionally spelled wrong)

The Jucy Lucy started in Matt's Bar in Minneapolis. Why I haven't seen anyone do this in South Carolina is beyond me... but holy hell its a cheese stuffed burger!

• No one does this here!

Various Burger Famous in Their State

Throughout the region there are different types of burgers that are loved. Starting with New Mexico's Green Chile Burger (Thank you Lewis Barbecue for introducing us to this!) Wisconsin has the Butter Burger. Hawaii has the Loco Moco (which is really burger on rice), + for all of my olive fans have you ever heard of the Olive Burger in Michigan. I tried it once + it was delicious!!

• Green Chile Burger @ Lewis Barbecue (+ soon to be Rancho Lewis!)

*Not every burger, or form of, is represented on this list. This is just some staples of each variety here in the Lowcountry.