By: Mathew Stein
The Burger
Brewery Vivant | 925 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, MI
Hamburgers are a timeless classic menu item. There are many varieties especially in Grand Rapids, Michigan, including one called “The Burger” at Brewery Vivant.
This burger is not ordinary because it is a mix of house ground beef and bacon, topped with lettuce and tomato. This burger is also not minimal in size. It is a 1/2 pound of meat sandwiched in between a pretzel bun. Before you take your first bite, make sure to spread on the aioli and put on a pile of the sweet and savory bacon-onion marmalade. When you do take a bite, you are sure to get a flavor that is not like any run of the mill hamburger. You taste the care that was put into grinding the mix of meat and the toppings that compliment the dish.
House cut fries, although Brewery Vivant names them frites, are served along side this burger and each one is a golden taste of deliciousness.
Queso Jalapeño Burger
Stella’s | 53 Commerce Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI
If you like spice and you like kick and you also like tons of great flavor, you need to try the “Queso Jalapeño Burger” from Stella’s Restaurant in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They start out by giving you a 1/2 pound burger, cooked to your preference. Under the burger are hot pickled jalapeños while on top of the burger are two cheeses. These two cheeses are pepper jack cheese and a spicy queso cheese sauce. They also include a crispy and golden onion ring on the burger. A warm, white bun holds the massive sandwich together.
The queso is house made and is a creamy sauce that brings in heat subtly while contrasting the instant heat from the jalapenos.
Spicy mustard can also be requested, which brought in extra heat and flavor to this already great dish.
“Chronic Fries” are served with this dish, which are french fries, but on a whole different level. What makes them chronic are the fact that they are golden and crispy, but also they have a spicy seasoning on top. The seasoning is similar to a dried buffalo spice, which really makes the fries pop with flavor in your mouth.
Bacon Cheeseburger
Corky’s Drive-In 1299 Lincoln Rd, Allegan, MI
Nothing is more classic than a drive in restaurant/root beer stand that serves up great food, especially burgers.
Corky’s is one of those locations in Allegan, Michigan and their Bacon Cheeseburger Basket is something your mouth will appreciate.
The burger, while thin, is very juicy and packed with flavor. They top the hamburger with a slice of classic American cheese and very crispy, savory, flat top bacon.
With the basket comes Battered Fries that were crispy and golden brown, something that will have you reaching for one right after another.
Corky’s Onion rings are also a great menu item and are not to be missed. They are crunchy and fried to perfection! Some might even describe them as the best onion rings on the planet! When you order a drink from Corky’s, they are served in a plastic root beer mug, which really brings out the classic style of this burger joint.
