THE GRILLTY AWARDS.

As this semester comes to a close I can't help but reflect on all of the different places I've adventured to and the amazing people I have met along the way. I have been introduced to the best of burgers and the worst of them and the great and not so great somewhere in between. This blog and I have had a good run but as all good things do, it is slowly but surely coming to an end (or so they say). For my last entry I want to hand out some (serious and not so serious) awards to my favorite and not so favorite places.

AWARDS:

Best Burger: Tir Na Nog (218 South Blount Street)

Hands down, this had to be the winner. This burger was the epitome of perfection.

Most Overrated Burger: Raleigh Times Bar (14 East Hargett Street)

Completely unacceptable service and their burger was absolutely NOTHING to write home about.

Best Service Ever: Brewmaster's (301 West Martin Street)

The place itself is so welcoming and comfortable that the great people just make it that much better. Do not just go for the burger, go for the atmosphere as well. (Amazing call, Jen)

Worst Service Ever: Player's Retreat (105 Oberlin Road)

I'm not sure what I expected out of someone that was so derpy (you're welcome, Maddie). My advice is to read the reviews/blogs on these places before you go.

Best French Fries On the Planet: MoJoe's (620 Glenwood Avenue)

Biggest Surprise: Only Burger (Centennial Campus - MOST Wednesdays 11:30-2p.m.)

Believe me, give Only Burger a chance to impress you. They WILL NOT let you down. I had a good friend of mine, Carter let me know that she was going to their restaurant in Durham. I almost immediately got a text from her saying that "THIS IS THE BEST BURGER I'VE EVER HAD."

Lamest Burger: Fat Daddy's (6201 Glenwood Avenue)

Do not believe the hype. This was my first stop and the reviews make this place sound like the Angus Barn. You've been warned.

Still MY FAVORITE: Five Guys (4120 Main at North Hills Street)

It means the world to me to know that my opinions, thoughts, jabs and experiences through this blog have reached as many people as they did. I wanted to thank all of you who read my blog religiously every Tuesday night for the last few months. 

Thanks for going on this adventure with me. (((:

Five Guys - my FAVORITE [take-out] burger and fries.

Five Guys

Five Guys located at 4120 Main at North Hills Street is the BESTTT. Their burgers and (insane amounts of) fries make them my default favorite place to get a take-out burger. The people that work there are always super nice and helpful and patient while customers take their time going over the menu.

For about $18.00 - Nicole and I ordered 2 burgers, 2 cokes and 1 regular order of fries.

After just a few minutes - our order was called and it was time to eat!

Their burgers are perfection. They are a heart-attack waiting to happen but in the absolute best way possible.

ONLY WAY TO EAT A BURGER!!!

You should absolutely by no means look up the nutritional facts on Five Guys as a restaurant. Go to enjoy the burger, not for it's nutritional value. In their defense they do offer "little burgers" which is a single patty instead of the double, as well as a "veggie sandwich".  

Five Guys

Their burgers are always fresh and hot off the grill. They offer TONS of toppings and the majority of them are deemed "free" - bacon as a topping costs extra.

I asked Nicole her opinion on the experience and even though she is a Five Guys fan through and through she still thinks that "Only Burger is giving them a run for their money" and puts Five guys in a close second. (Ouch) Although I love you, Nicole - I will have to politely disagree. Furthermore - I love Five Guys, they will always (ALWAYS) have a big huge place in my heart.

Proud.

Village Draft House has a HUGE burger.

Village Draft House is located at 428 Daniels Street, right in the middle of Cameron Village. With about 20 different tables outside and the temperature in the mid 70's - Meaghan and I made the obvious decision and sat outside.

Photo Credit: VDH Facebook

I walked inside and the place was empty seeing as I was the first table of the day. The inside decor was very cozy with tons of seating and even more beers on tap.

Photo Credit: VDH Facebook

Our server was really nice and patient. I had never been to VDH before today but Meaghan had. When I asked her what she had had before she replied, "I've had their burger before and it was really good." With that being said, we both decided on the cheeseburger - hers: medium well with pepperjack and mine: well done with cheddar. Meaghan and I hadn't seen eachother in a very long time and we had just enough time to catch up before our burgers were placed in front of us.

This burger was HUGE. Probably the biggest burger I've blogged to date. For some reason, since Meaghan didn't cut hers in half - I didn't feel the need. I was wrong, I was so, so wrong - this burger should have been cut in half. Regardless of size, this burger was great. It was cooked exactly the way I wanted it. Cheddar cheese melted on top and in between the most perfectly toasted kaiser roll. My bill with tax was only $8.82 and with a tip this lunch was pretty affordable - all things considered. Between the price of the burger, the gorgeous weather and being able to catch up with an old friend all at the same time - this lunch was perfect.