May is #burgermonth, but really, every month is #burgermonth. And while burger love is truly a subjective thing, we've selected our 5 favorite burgers in Wilmington, NC, done brilliantly. The combination of ground beef or vegan alternatives plus a toasted bun is so deeply entrenched in our dining culture that there's always a new creation to taste in and around the Port City.
From angus beef patties topped with fried tortilla chips and pico de Gallo to flaming grilled jalapenos, and toasted brioche buns to organic housemade lentil patties topped with chipotle mayo. May is about to get burgerlicious. Make sure you're sipping your favorite burger alongside one of our Spring Beer Picks. Here are our top picks.
The Nacho Burger
The Burger
Everything you love about Front Street Brewery's famous nachos is served on a burger. ½ pound certified Angus Beef patty topped with fried tortilla strips, queso cheese, avocado, pico de gallo, bacon, and spicy, sour cream. Served with one side for $13.49 (Burger may be substituted for grilled chicken at no additional charge or a Beyond Burger patty for $2.99). Pairs well with Amberjack English Ale.
3 Key Elements
The patty: We only use certified Angus beef patties for our burgers at Front Street Brewery.
The bun: There is nothing worse than a less than mediocre bun on a burger. It's the vessel used to bring all that juicy deliciousness to your mouth. We use freshly toasted Brioche buns. Toasting the buns keeps them from getting soggy.
Temperature: We will cook your Burger to order at FSB, but our favorite way to serve a burger is at medium temperature.
Best Song to Munch to?
What's Happening at Front Street this Summer?
Front Street Brewery is a restaurant and brewery, and nothing goes better with a great burger than a cold craft beer. Most of the burgers are paired with their own craft beer, like the Nacho Burger, paired with Amberjack English Ale, and the Black & Bleu Burger, paired with Port City IPA. Front Street Brewery will also be offering craft beer and food under the Airlie Oak at Airlie Gardens Summer Concert Series beginning June 2nd, 2023.
The McWhat?
The Burger
The McWhat? is a house ground smashed patty with cheddar, as well as a hand breaded chicken tender, with lettuce, tomato, and secret sauce, served on a potato roll. It's our take on the unofficial McDonald's secret menu item that involves putting a McChicken inside of a McDouble and goes by a number of (mostly inappropriate) names. The best thing to sip alongside the burger would be a White Trash Mimosa - a refreshing mix of PBR and SunnyD.
3 Key Elements
Quality ingredients, taking time to make it well, and consistency. You should be able to come in and have the same great experience no matter what time of day it is.
Best Song to Munch to?
What's Happening at Mess Hall for Summer?
The team is just getting settled into a new location, so this summer they're looking forward to introducing some new specials, as well as having live music, and events. Check in on Instagram for upcoming events.
The Rue Morgue
The Burger
The Rue Morgue Burger is unique because of the setup. It’s a plate of fries with a 8oz patty on top with chili, a sunny side egg and smothered in queso. Chef Jeremy Black grinds whole chuck (85% meat & 15% fat) and makes each patty by hand. Both the fries and chili are also made from scratch. And if you're looking to pair it with a cocktail on a sweltering day, then the Poe's Spicy Margarita is a must.
3 Key Elements
A burger's temperature, freshly ground beef, and hand-cut fries.
Best Song to Munch to?
When the Levee Breaks by Led Zeppelin
What's Happening at Poe's Tavern this summer?
Keep a look out for the Poe's Tavern beach sweeps that will be happening all Summer long.
The Chavo Burger
The Burger
Chavo, short for Chipotle Avocado Lentil Burger. Our lentil patties are made fresh, daily! The Chavo is a lentil patty made with organic lentils and seeds, avocado, lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles topped with our most popular chipotle mayo, on a toasted white bun. The majority of Sealevel City customers are not vegan or vegetarian and the lentil burger is for all people, so give it a try you won't be sorry.
3 Key Elements
Texture, it needs a good binder. We use flax meal for added nutrients. No one wants a squishy bean burger. No eggs or dairy, this may sound obvious, but many veggie patties contain eggs. Watch out for sneaky ingredients.
Taste, nostalgic flavors! Many vegans enjoyed the taste of meat, so finding ways to bring those familiar flavors is a must.
What's Happening at Sealevel City this Summer?
Stop by and also try the shrimp burger! It’s vegan shrimp made from mung beans paired with house-made cocktail and tartar sauces.
The Black & Bleu Burger
The Burger
The signature Black & Bleu Burger is a blackened 8-oz. Certified Angus Beef® burger made with a special blend of ground chuck and brisket, topped with caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, melted bleu cheese crumbles, lettuce and mayo on a toasted potato bun. Diners can choose from a variety of sides, but we recommend the beer-battered fries dipped in house-made ranch dressing. Give it a try! You won’t be disappointed!
3 Key Elements
The key to an excellent burger is one that is made with quality ingredients starting with a premium blend of meat. It must be seasoned to perfection, cooked to your liking, topped with the freshest ingredients and served on a toasted bun.
What's Happening at Johnny Lukes this Summer?
At JohnnyLukes KitchenBar, they pride themselves in serving Certified Angus Beef® brand burger patties. Not only are they juicy, but they are bursting with flavor. In addition to their Black & Bleu Burger, you can stop by any day of the week and try one of the many other varieties:
· The All-American Burger: cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion and a mustard-mayo mix.
· New Orleans “The Kicker” Burger: pepper jack cheese, fresh jalapeños, house-made onion straws and sriracha mayo.
· BBQ Burger: cheddar cheese, house-made onion straws, bacon, lettuce, tomato and our signature barbecue sauce.
· Black Bean Burger: fresh avocado, tomato, red onion and sriracha mayo.