Best Burgers

With cooler weather closing in and the days getting shorter, we may not have as many chances to grill out as we did this summer. So what do you do when you get those cravings for a great burger? Here is “The Dish”s guide to some of Owensboro’s best burgers. For this post, we’re focusing on local burger places, not chain restaurants or fast food.

[tw-divider]Gary’s Drive In[/tw-divider]
Although Gary’s is called a “drive in,” it has an impressive burger selection and a reputation for great burgers. (But for now let’s stick with the burger theme. We’re saving Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives for the next Dish. Stay tuned….) Gary’s burgers are lightly seasoned and taste great with the added touch of toasted buns. They also have inside seating, which is nice. For those feeling adventurous, try the Bison Burger, it’s $4.95 and has a little different texture and thickness. For those who want a burger without the guilt, they also offer a turkey burger and veggie burger on the menu.

[tw-divider]Big Dipper [/tw-divider]
Famous for old fashioned burgers and shakes, the Big Dipper is still in its original location on Parrish Avenue and still an Owensboro favorite (they just celebrated 50 years in April). On summer nights and weekends it’s hard to find a parking spot, and for good reason. If you’re a fan of loaded burgers, order yours “Thru the Garden.”

[tw-divider]Wonder Whip [/tw-divider]
The Wonder Whip has been an east side favorite for over 60 years. The new bypass will route traffic away from the restaurants on Hwy 60, but don’t forget about the Wonder Whip. They’re famous for their “Wonder Burger” which comes with everything, but they’ll make it any way you want it. Their burgers are a little larger portion size, but their prices are not. Wonder Whip also makes a perfect stop on the way to or from Yellow Creek Park or Reid’s Orchard.

[tw-divider]Bee Bops[/tw-divider]
Bee Bops might be the new kid in town on the burger scene, but they’ve been around long enough for people to know they are serious about their burgers. With a 50s diner feel, burgers, shakes and fries are their specialty. Bee Bops’ burgers cost more around the $5 range because they are 100% certified Angus beef, but they’re worth every penny.

[tw-divider]Colby’s [/tw-divider]
For a sit down restaurant burger, Colby’s is a great place to go. Their Kentucky Burger comes with cheddar, the Texas Burger comes with chili and cheese, and the Third Street burger comes with BLT & honey mustard.

[tw-divider]Briarpatch[/tw-divider]
The Briarpatch is known as a steakhouse, but they serve a mean burger too. Their All American is a half- pound burger, their Western Burger comes with bacon, cheese, and barbecue sauce, and their Black & Blue Burger is Cajun-blackened and topped with blue cheese crumbs.

Now that we’re all hungry from talking burgers… let’s take a poll. What’s your vote? What’s your favorite “local” burger in Owensboro?

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The recently closed 8-Ball Restaurant used to have a burger following as well. Which brings up a good point –let’s give a nod to some old school burger stops… who remembers Dermont Drive In? The Dairy Drive In on 25th & Frederica? Burger Chef?
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