Top Three Burger Joints in Utah County, Utah

To me, the sign that summer has arrived is the day the first juicy burger comes steaming off the barbecue, smothered with cheese and maybe a thin slice of ham, to be put on a bun and covered with condiments, tomato, lettuce, and a few slices of avocado. Now that's a burger!

The trouble with summer is that it only lasts about three months, and in the meantime, burger lovers have to live nine months with out that luscious barbecued burger. And that's when a decent burger joint can cure the craving and tide the burger lover over until the next barbecue season. Not to mention those times, even in the summer, when no on feels like cooking and everyone craves a hamburger.

I've scouted out what are, in my opinion, the three best burger joints in Utah Valley. I'd give the three best burger joints in my hometown, but as those who live in rural areas know, towns can be small and might not even have one decent burger joint, so it's no big deal to consider an entire valley as "my home town."

In order of preference, these are the three best burger joints in the area.

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
Provo Towne Ctr
1200 Towne Centre, Suite 1100
Provo, UT 84601
801-852-8093

MENU: Red Robin has a varied menu that includes salads, soups, pasta and chicken, along with a number of really good, first-rate gourmet burgers. They're not your average burger with ketchup and mustard, although you can order one like that, but have a variety of toppings and condiments. I have a friend who swears by the A.1.® Peppercorn Burger, but my favorite is the Whiskey River® BBQ Burger.

Here's how Red Robin describes the Whiskey River® BBQ Burger: Basted with our signature Whiskey River® BBQ Sauce and lasso'd [sic] together with Cheddar cheese, crispy onion straws, lettuce, tomatoes & mayo. $8.99

In addition, Red Robin serves thick, steak-cut, all-you-can-eat fries with a smoky-flavored fry sauce that can't be beat, and the fries are included in the cost of the burger.

ATMOSPHERE: Red Robin has a cute ambiance with nostalgic posters and memorabilia. The noise level is sometimes a little high, but the burger makes it worth enduring the noise. Remember that since this is not a fast food burger joint, the server will need a tip.

Red Robin is, by far, my favorite burger joint, although I will include a disclaimer that it's probably more of a burger restaurant than a burger "joint."

Five Guys Burgers and Fries
1051 South 750 East
Orem, UT 84097
801-765-7556

MENU: If you're looking for an old-fashioned burger without a lot of hoopla-where you can order and get it in a hurry- this is the place to go. They have thick, juicy burgers, french fries, and hot dogs, as well as a large variety of toppings that include several types of cheese, mushrooms, and sauces, which can be added to the burger at no charge. My favorite burger is the bacon cheeseburger, and it's a decent-sized burger for the $5.79 price.

Five Guys fries are also excellent, although they are not included with the cost of the burger. If you've ever eaten Thrashers fries on the boardwalk in Ocean City, MD, these fries are similar. For a little zip, try sprinkling the malt vinegar that's available on the fries.

ATMOSPHERE: The atmosphere is that of a typical fast food restaurant where you order at the counter and sit at a table waiting for your food. The advantage, of course, is that service is fast and there's no need to leave a tip. And there is one other touch that most people enjoy ... Five Guys offers complimentary peanuts, in the shell, for those waiting for their food.

Save A Dollar
330 East Main
Santaquin, UT 84655
801-754-3470

I've never understood people who run to the local mini-mart to grab a sandwich. So, when a friend living in Santaquin let me in on a local secret, and told me that one of of the best burger joints in Utah valley was located in a Conoco gas station in Santaquin, I'm sure my face and voice registered skepticism. Lots of skepticism. Okay, to be truthful, I probably gave a derisive laugh and said something like, "Oh sure. A hamburger from a gas station. That's something I want to eat!" However, I ended up eating my words the first time I tried a Save A Dollar burger.

MENU: Save A Dollar is less than five minutes off I-15, and for those headed south of Utah Valley for a trip or just for a ride out of the more populated areas, this burger joint is an excellent place to grab a thick, juicy hamburger for a very reasonable price. A double cheeseburger costs $4.79, is an ample-sized burger and the order includes fries. They also serve chicken strips, fish dinners, chicken sandwiches, and corn dogs, as well as fries and onion rings. Although there are a few tables for those who want to eat inside, Save A Dollar is better suited to take-out that's eaten at a park, in the car, or at the kitchen table.

ATMOSPHERE: Well, what can I say? It is located in a gas station, but the place is clean, and the refrigerated coolers have drinks and ice cream bars.

The next time you're in Utah Valley, and you're not feeling concerned about calories, fats or any of that other healthy stuff-because face it, if you want healthy, you'd probably be eating chicken, not a burger-try one of these three burger joints. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

Sources:

Red Robin http://www.redrobin.com/food/
Five Guys Burgers and Fries http://www.fiveguys.com/menu.aspx
Personal experience