My Top Three Burger Joints in St. Louis, Missouri

The hamburger plays a major role in the daily eating habits of the American people. People line up at the counter or sit in the drive thru of their favorite fast food burger place to satisfy their need for the glorious sandwich. St. Louis, Missouri has numerous places - McDonald's, Hardees, Burger King and Sonic- designed to provide the immediate gratification when the craving strikes. And which establishment has the best burger is as a subjective notion as is the best condiments to adorn the burger. But sometimes you just want to get out of the fast food rut and sink your teeth into a juicy burger that hasn't been sitting in a drawer or under a heat lamp for who knows how long. While I have sampled many a burger throughout the St. Louis, Missouri area, I always return to three places which I consider to serve the best burgers in St. Louis.

The Mack Bar and Grill
4615 Macklind
St. Louis, MO 63109

The Mack has been a tavern for as far back as I can remember, changing names and ownership over the years. Not a big place, but it has grown from what was once considered the usual neighborhood watering hole. The menu lists the standard bar type finger foods, some salads, sandwiches, pizza and pasta. Then there are the five burgers. A 6 oz., one topped with four chesses, a full pound burger and one, a half pounder swathed in chili and topped with two fried eggs, for the late night "drunks. But my favorite is The South Sider. A half pound burger cooked to the desired temperature topped with cheddar cheese, french fried onion strings and bbq sauce on a bakery bun. It always comes back slightly charred on the outside and moist and juicy on the inside. Add your favorite side choice and the meal only puts you back - $5.75.

Five Guys Burger and Fries
1500 South Kirkwood Rd. (Four other locations in the St. Louis area)
St. Louis, MO 63127

Five Guys Burger and Fries is somewhat new to the St. Louis market. I was skeptical at first thinking it was just another sanitized fast food joint. But I was quite surprised, even though I initially considered it a bit pricey - $5.29 for a cheeseburger. I soon found with my first bite that it was well worth the price. The burgers, fresh ground beef not frozen preformed patties, are fried on a flat top grill when you place your order. The regular sized burger amounts to two 1/4 pound patties. You can add cheese or bacon for an additional charge. Add up to fifteen condiments or toppings for free. Fries cost extra and are fried in peanut oil. I consider it one of the best burgers in St. Louis .

O'Connell's Pub
4652 Shaw
St. Louis, MO 63110

Many consider the burger served at O'Connell's to be the best in St. Louis, Missouri. After all it has one acclaim as the best year after year in polls. O'Connell's has more often than not met with favorable reviews from restaurant critics. I simply find the cheeseburger ($5.75)to be absolutely delicious. Not just a measly half pounder like most places, the O'Connell's burger weighs in at 9 oz. Perfectly prepared and teamed with an order of onion rings, I float gently off to hamburger Nirvana. Don't take my word for it, try it for yourself.