Rhode Island's Best Burgers
Ann & Michael Martini, GoLocalProv Food Editors
Rhode Island's Best Burgers
here in Rhode Island have perfected the hamburger, too… look no further than accolades from the national press which have called Providence a top burger town in the U.S., and the calling out of Harry’s Bar and Burger as some of the best in the nation. We agree, and have found 5 other places where you can enjoy this favorite all summer long.
The Best Burgers in RI -- 2014
Chomp Kitchen and Drinks, Warren
When Owner Sam Glynn and his father decided the time was right for a father and son collaboration in the family vocation, East Bay Rhode Islanders rejoiced. They now had a place to call home when it came to the venerable combo of burgers and beer--craft beer, specifically, and damn good burgers. The chef shares their thirst for creative cuisine and he has set this place apart with that creativity. Every burger we've tried has been excellent, from the House with house-cured bacon and smoked Gouda to the fun and different Shumai burger. This one is basically a pork dumpling filling topped with kimchee, chili-lime mayo and a cilantro-mint salad. 440 Child St. 289-2324
Midtown Oyster Bar, Newport
We love the location and the look of this aptly-named spot in the heart of Newport. Sit upstairs in the airy loft space that is oh-so-Newport, and before you leave have a drink out on the smallish deck with biggish views of the harbor. You want a bison burger? Midtown has you covered. Want something more traditional? Try their “Good” burger which is modestly named and features bacon, Swiss and a tasty onion jam. Our favorite is the Oyster Bar Burger, which sports fried oysters and crispy shallots among other tasty toppings. 345 Thames St., 619-4100
Luxe Burger Bar, Providence
Online reviewers rate Luxe the top spot in Providence and it's hard to argue. A couple of times a year, we find ourselves in the mood for "build your own" burgers, and Luxe is the spot for that. Sure, they have a wonderful selection of creations they have put together--we're looking at you Ultimate Bacon Burger, with your bacon jam and baconaise--but we love to tinker. We love that Luxe lets you take over. You want mac and cheese on that thing? You got it! Hereford chilli? Sure! The menu features so many options that just picking a burger will be tough. 5 Memorial Blvd. 621-5893,
www.providence.luxeburgerbar.com
The Abbey, Providence
You know when you step foot into a place that is a member of the "Cheese and Burger Society" that the burgers are going to be good. And this spot is no exception. You could eat a burger a day here and go a long time before you repeat a burger – that's how extensive the list is. If you had to nail us down to just one, we would go with the Honky Tonk. This burger-apocalypse is topped with pulled pork, Wisconsin Brick cheese, onion rings and BBQ sauce. It was perfectly cooked and a juicy mess--in the best possible sense! 686 Admiral St. 351-4346
The Spiced Pear, Newport
You know that if your burger is named after a national men’s magazine, because the editors ate your burger and raved about it, you probably have a good thing going. While the Spiced Pear is known for more, shall we say, high-end food, they manage to make a burger luxurious, too. The GQ Burger is half hand-pulled Kobe beef brisket and half fresh Kobe beef. Add caramelized red onion jam, Vermont white cheddar cheese, and crisp coleslaw and yep. You’ve got a burger a Rockefeller would love. The Chanler, 117 Memorial Blvd, 847-2244
