best burger in norman is at the service station.

I recently tried HD's Onion Burgers at NW 122nd & Rockwell. That's not a part of town I'm in very often, but it was well worth the trip.

Where I'm at right now, it's tough to get a good burger that reminds you of home. I know unequivocally the first place I want to go when I get back to Oklahoma is Nic's. Here's hoping I get back sometime between 10-2, in that case..

Sorry if I missed this point in this thread, but in my opinion, burgers are placed in 2 categories: Traditional and Gourmet.
Best traditional: Bunny's
Best Gourmet: Republic (a tad biased, but very proud of our final product here)

I honestly don't think that one is better than the other, just different. Sometimes you need a gourmet burger, sometimes not...I could have both on back to back days.

best burger in norman is at the service station.

Maybe the best in the metro. Wow, they sure are good! And don't forget about the real fries.

Anyone had the Land Run burger at Jim's Restaurant? It's at 39th and Council in Bethany. The burger is double patty. Very thick and juicy.

Republic has the best burgers I've ever had by far. Simply amazing.

Republic has the best burgers I've ever had by far. Simply amazing.

They are good. They taste like they were dipped in lard, but still tasty!

They are good. They taste like they were dipped in lard, but still tasty!

I'll take that as a huge compliment. I will tell you that Republic's burgers are not dipped in lard, but I will be trying that very soon.

Speaking of lard, check out this video at the 2:23 mark http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTKysI59HAw&feature=related

It's the heart attack grill in AZ where they actually "butter" the buns in lard.

At many places in Wisconsin, they actually put huge pats of butter on the patty before serving them.

They may use lard as well.

At many places in Wisconsin, they actually put huge pats of butter on the patty before serving them.

They may use lard as well.

That is an old chefs trick to "stuff" the patty with a pat of butter or bacon drippings, this helps the well done burgers remain juicy.

Maybe the best in the metro. Wow, they sure are good! And don't forget about the real fries.

One of my lads and a few of my friends would agree with you. Me, not so much. I don't think their food is bad, but it's not the place that gets selected if I'm doing the picking.

Where I'm at right now, it's tough to get a good burger that reminds you of home. I know unequivocally the first place I want to go when I get back to Oklahoma is Nic's. Here's hoping I get back sometime between 10-2, in that case..

This is because USUALLY you buy a package of ground beef, it's double ground and you can individal strands. You use your hand to form a "loose" patty and it appears Nic's does the same. Restaurants have several choices of methods to how they form their patty, but it's common to for the last step to eventually be pressed tight into a form.

I did a quick search in this thread and didnt' see any mention of S&B's Burger Joint!

They have been open about 1 year - They are at NW 59th & May -- ground floor of the office building that is in the parking lot near Best Buy. (Previously Electro Lounge). They make great full size burgers and sliders -- creative toppings and each week a new special feature burger. Their "Fatty" is made like the onion burgers in El Reno!

Tuesdays they do a "pay it forward" and pick a local charity and donate proceeds for that day.

Yeah, S & B was the first place that came to mind when I read the title of this thread. It's great cause I can get my "gourmet" toppings, and my BF can get his plain (boring ;-)) burger - and we are both perfectly happy. Good side choices, great beer list, creative mixed drink menu, and awesome music. I love this place!!

I did a quick search in this thread and didnt' see any mention of S&B's Burger Joint!

They have been open about 1 year - They are at NW 59th & May -- ground floor of the office building that is in the parking lot near Best Buy. (Previously Electro Lounge). They make great full size burgers and sliders -- creative toppings and each week a new special feature burger. Their "Fatty" is made like the onion burgers in El Reno!

Tuesdays they do a "pay it forward" and pick a local charity and donate proceeds for that day.


Yeah, S & B was the first place that came to mind when I read the title of this thread. It's great cause I can get my "gourmet" toppings, and my BF can get his plain (boring ;-)) burger - and we are both perfectly happy. Good side choices, great beer list, creative mixed drink menu, and awesome music. I love this place!!

Excellent burgers at The Burger Joint! Actually, it's still Electro Lounge. They just pull a Clark Kent In A Phone Booth at 7pm. Something I didn't know until just a couple of weeks ago is that The Burger Joint burgers are still available after 7 until 10 or 11 even after they've switched into "club mode." You can call in and do it as a take-out.

I've been on a burger kick since the past couple of weeks...I tried:

Fat Elvis's, very greasy, not a bad thing, better than average.
Toby Keith's I love this bar, good, not great
Coach's BBQ, Steaks, Pizza and Beer, second best burger I had. Cheap beer, fun atmosphere.
Irma's regular (not the no name) burger, better than average
Bricktown Brewery, awful, don't even bother, from the freezer to your plate
Harry Hudsons, just average.
Kaisers, better than average, but my buddy said it's the best he's ever had.

I'm going to have to try McNellies again this time SOBER as I thought it's been the best burger I've tried so far. Plan on trying RuPUBlic, the Paseo grill which uses tenderlion (filet mignon), Ima's chicken fries then will try the other places you guys have recommended.

Gave McNellies a second try today. I stick to my guns that it was a spectacular burger. As I've stated, comparing a medium rare burger to a well done is apples to oranges. The more cooked you prefer, the higher the fat content you need to provide beef flavor and prevent it from being dry. Toppings including condiments, sauces and dressings can make a big difference especially and again, the more cooked you order, the bigger the impact they make. I always order my burgers with only cheese and bacon. I cannot comment on anything other than a plain medium rare bacon cheeseburger, which is a great way to taste the beef patty. RePUBlic #1 and McNellies a close #2.

You need to try Nics and Bunnys

And The Burger Joint.

tried out bunny's this weekend and it was really good. however, i am going to have to stick with irma's as being the 'best.'

-M

Seems to be a real matter of personal taste here. I personally don't see how anyone could describe McNellie's as anything above average. We stumbled upon a place on the Slaughterville curve on Highway 77 this past weekend called Ballard's. The burgers there were pretty dang good. Definitely worth a stop if you find yourself in that neck of the woods.

Seems to be a real matter of personal taste here. I personally
don't see how anyone could describe McNellie's as anything above
average. We stumbled upon a place on the Slaughterville curve
on Highway 77 this past weekend called Ballard's. The burgers
there were pretty dang good. Definitely worth a stop if you find
yourself in that neck of the woods.
Ballard's has been a staple for us since the early 60's. The
burgers are great but I really like the Rex's Chicken he's
served since I can remember.

Johnnie Osborne is the owner and since 1954 or so.

so... is this ballard's in slaughterville related to the ballard's drive-in in paul's valley? -M

so... is this ballard's in slaughterville related to the ballard's drive-in in paul's valley? -M

Don't know. It seemed new and was called Ballard's Family Diner.

Ballard's has been a staple for us since the early 60's. The
burgers are great but I really like the Rex's Chicken he's
served since I can remember.

Johnnie Osborne is the owner and since 1954 or so.

I don't think this business is that old, unless it has moved locations. I am pretty sure this location used to be a biker-ish little bar until recently.

so... is this ballard's in slaughterville related to the ballard's
drive-in in paul's valley? -M
Ooops. For some reason I was thinking that the Slaughterville
curve was a nickname of a curve in Paul's Valley. I don't know.

You need to try Nics and Bunnys

I tried Nic and wrote about it last page. Still my #3...I'm been thinking about bunnys, but I don't like onion burgers or burgers smashed thin, do they have make non-onion burgers?

Anyone try a burger at Buffalo Wild Wings? I've never had one, but a coworker says they're great. He eats a lot of burgers, so I tend to trust his judgement. He also says the burgers at Earl's are pretty good too. He eats them plain and dry so I guess his only comment is on the burger meat and bun.

I have them there every few weeks and one at Chilis with about the same frequency. I think I prefer Chilis over BWW but they are both good.

I had a Sonic burger tonight which beats Braums, any of the other fast food burgers and some of the others mentioned IMO.

Best Gourmet: Republic (a tad biased, but very proud of our final product here)

I have no reason to be biased and I think the burger at Republic is the best I've had anywhere, including many places out here in LA. Love the pretzel bun!

I have a small lunch trip to El Reno planned for tomorrow...Sid's, Robert's and Johnnies are scheduled. Might swing back by Bunny's and Abraham's for good measure. I'll report back with the group's thoughts. Only doing Onion Burgers tomorrow!

it's cash only at johnnie's... just fyi. -M

Anyone try a burger at Buffalo Wild Wings? I've never had one, but a coworker says they're great. He eats a lot of burgers, so I tend to trust his judgement. He also says the burgers at Earl's are pretty good too. He eats them plain and dry so I guess his only comment is on the burger meat and bun.


I have them there every few weeks and one at Chilis with about the same frequency. I think I prefer Chilis over BWW but they are both good.


I had a Sonic burger tonight which beats Braums, any of the other fast food burgers and some of the others mentioned IMO.

BWW is above average in my book. I like earls/chilis/texas roadhouse/outback about the same. An exception is that Chilis uses thick bacon if you like bacon.



I have no reason to be biased and I think the burger at Republic is the best I've had anywhere, including many places out here in LA. Love the pretzel bun!

I'm with ya...I would welcome a "build your own burger" option for the picky folks like me...


Seems to be a real matter of personal taste here. I personally don't see how anyone could describe McNellie's as anything above average. We stumbled upon a place on the Slaughterville curve on Highway 77 this past weekend called Ballard's. The burgers there were pretty dang good. Definitely worth a stop if you find yourself in that neck of the woods.

Definately a personal taste thing and encourage for everyone to communicate their preferences for a buger. For example, I've repeatedly stated I like a burger cooked medium rare and I dislike patties pressed thin.

Just remembered the honey pepper bacon burger at Belle Isle Brewery is also excellent

No love for Charcoal Oven?

Haven't been there in ages but it used to be great.

just remembered the honey pepper bacon burger at belle isle brewery is also excellent
oh man... that delicious candy bacon. -M

An exception is that Chilis uses thick bacon if you like bacon.

Yes, nom nom nom. I just had one. I also sub the steamed veggies for the fries, one other thing I prefer over BWW. I don't know what the seasoning is on them but they are great. They are good with the chicken sandwich too.

In what bizzaro world does someone NOT like bacon? :lol2:

You guys are making me hungry.

Johnnies is decent too

Went to Sid's, Robert's and Johnnie's in El Reno today. Johnnie's was the best of the three, but give me Bunny's any day.

johnnie's was the best of the three

now that you've gone... you didn't happen to look up around the ceiling while you were in there, did you? :P -M

now that you've gone... you didn't happen to look up around the ceiling while you were in there, did you? :P -M

Uh....No, what would I have seen?

first, i'll say that on each of the two times i've been to johnnie's, it appeared to be relatively clean to me... but after eating i happened to notice that the ceiling had fly strips hanging in two foot intervals circling the entire dining room, each literally full of flies. i'm not usually too sensitive about that kind of thing, but i've never seen anything like it. i probably didn't need to share that, but it really did stick out in my memory.

that said, i will vouch for their food. each time i've been, the food was good and the service very prompt and friendly despite the fact we were a group of around 20 people.

-M

Johnnies was very clean; not a single complaint from me. They have expanded since my last visit. We sat at the counter and had a chance to visit with the owner.

if you were sitting at the counter then you wouldn't have seen it as it would've been behind you around the seating section. other than that one detail, it was a very clean establishment on each of the two occasions i've been and i would totally go back. i kinda feel guilty sharing that detail now. -M

LOL, better on the fly strips than on the food!

Had an onion burger at Nics again today. Gets my vote for onion burgers again.

Had an onion burger at Nics again today. Gets my vote for onion burgers again.

lucky..

Charcoal Oven is a ghost of its former self.

I live in near north OKC — my favorite burgers are at Nic's, Irma's Midtown, Barry's Old-Fashioned Burgers on May and VZD's.

Earl's Rib Palace has a very good hamburger, not the best but you won't be disapointed.

Charcoal Oven is a ghost of its former self.

I live in near north OKC — my favorite burgers are at Nic's, Irma's Midtown, Barry's Old-Fashioned Burgers on May and VZD's.

You're right! I forgot about Barry's. Good burgers and the owner is a very nice guy. Bornhere, have you been up the street to The Burger Joint at 59th & May?

BTW, it was mentioned on the Norman forum that Five Guys is coming to both Moore & University North Park.

Five Guys is an East Coast institution, more or less their version of the West Coast's In-n-Out. They just opened a FG's a couple of miles from me here in California but on my one visit I was not impressed. Simple place with very limited menu and the burger was good but certainly not great.

The biggest detraction for me was the price. It's a fast food place and prices are almost double what you pay at In-n-Out.

The upside is that all burger fixings are included and they have a long list.

Lots of people rave about Five Guys but I haven't been tempted back after the one visit.

http://fiveguys.com/home.aspx

Totally different and better than InO IMO.

Five Guys has way better fries than In & Out, but that's it.

I don't like the fries at In-n-Out either but didn't think Five Guys offered much of an improvement. At least you can get cajun seasoned fries at FG but even those didn't do it for me.

A burger, fries and soda was $13!!

BTW, it was mentioned on the Norman forum that Five Guys is coming to both Moore & University North Park.

Five Guys is an East Coast institution, more or less their version of the West Coast's In-n-Out. They just opened a FG's a couple of miles from me here in California but on my one visit I was not impressed. Simple place with very limited menu and the burger was good but certainly not great.

The biggest detraction for me was the price. It's a fast food place and prices are almost double what you pay at In-n-Out.

The upside is that all burger fixings are included and they have a long list.

Lots of people rave about Five Guys but I haven't been tempted back after the one visit.

http://fiveguys.com/home.aspx
I've been to one here in Austin, no need to go back, to me there are much better options in town than Five Guys.

BlueDogok: What are your thoughts on Mighty Fine?

Mighty Fine is one of my regular places, usually when I am looking for a quick place to get a good burger, a nice alternative to the typical fast food burger. The K&N people do a good job with it and Rudys BBQ, they are consistently good.

I like Hut's and Casino El Camino downtown but they can take awhile with parking and crowds, good places if you have the time. Cover 3 is pretty good and one of the overall best burgers that I have had is Bartlett's which is a former Houston's location.

Tasty Burger out in Choctaw is pretty good if you can catch them open, they have some weird hours.