Rouses_FB_July_August_2017

BURGERS

Your Mom’s Restaurant & Bar has locations in both Baton Rouge and Hammond, and its burger game is on point. Some of the state’s most original burgers — like the burger topped with a boudin patty; the burger topped with fried pickles, Pepper Jack cheese and ranch dressing on a jalapeño and cheese bun; the Aloha burger topped with grilled ham and a BBQ-sauce-marinated pineapple ring; and the Peanut Butter and Jelly Bacon burger — populate Your Mom’s menu. Also, the name Your Mom’s is pretty awesome. Everything’s made from scratch, and the hand-formed burgers are all a half-pound. When you include the insane toppings, that’s a big ole burger. Wear something you don’t mind getting burger juice on. Or a bib. Your Mom says so. (111 E. Morris Ave., Hammond and 250 W. Lee Dr., Baton Rouge) When your group can’t decide between sushi and burgers, head over to Cate Street Seafood Station in Hammond. Not only does it have a very diverse menu, but the burgers are creative and executed to perfection. Executive Chef Jason Wong says that his kitchen grinds its meat in house from its ribeye, filet and sirloin steak trimmings. The standout burger on the menu is the Hangover burger, a half-pound, handmade patty topped with Pepper Jack cheese, fried egg, bacon and avocado on a pretzel bun. The eponymous Cate Street burger is also a winner, topped with mozzarella cheese, sautéed mushrooms and baby spinach. This place also has a great beer list and live music, and occupies a The Mariner’s Inn in Hammond has been serving up steaks and burgers since 1979. You can get one of their half-pound burgers on Texas toast, French bread or a house-made bun, baked daily. Try the Cajun-style Black & Bleu burger topped with the restaurant’s bleu cheese dressing while studying the antique firearms (and a cannon) on display, or try the Mushroom-Bacon cheeseburger they call “the Heartstopper.” You get your choice of sides, which includes a baked potato with butter, sour cream and chives. (117 W. Thomas St., Hammond) MOOYAH is the local outpost of an international chain that plays hard in the game of beef. It’s got an old-school-diner vibe, and its griddle-cooked burger can be customized — choose bread, sauces, fresh vegetables and other toppings. MOOYAH’s also gets props for having a decent gluten-free/low-carb option for its burgers: You can put one of MOOYAH’s specialty burgers — or one you built yourself — in an iceburg lettuce wrap called the Iceburger. (6555 Siegen Ln. #6, Baton Rouge) Coming Soon: Bud’s Broiler In the very near future, New Orleans’ local bare-bones burger chain Bud’s Broiler will open its first Baton Rouge location to share the joys of 65 years (and counting) of chargrilled burger goodness. It’s about as basic as you can get, and economical to boot. Although straight-up dressed hamburgers and cheeseburgers are always a good bet, try the much-loved #4, topped with grated cheddar cheese (New Orleans style) and your choice of chili or hickory sauce. Bud’s Broiler hopes to have its Baton Rouge location (4343 Nicholson Dr., Baton Rouge) open by football season of 2017, so stay tuned for that. historic former train station. (308 S. Cate St., Hammond)

photo by Caroline Ourso

Everything at Bin 77 Bistro and Sidebar is delicious, including the Bin Burger — a gourmet beef burger with caramelized onions, fire-roasted garlic ketchup and roasted bell pepper aioli. The burger’s received local props for being an approachable, casual menu item that stands out among the more fine-dining, Italian-influenced dishes. The bold flavors of the burger pair perfectly with many reds on the wine list, like the Tuscan Podernuovo a Palazzone. But don’t overlook the cocktail list or the selection of beers — a burger’s best friend. Note: Although it has an extensive food menu, Bin 77 is considered a bar, so kids under the age of 18 aren’t permitted. (10111 Perkins Rowe, Baton Rouge) Another hidden menu item gem at a more upscale restaurant is the burger du jour (on Beausoleil’s new bar-only menu) with toppings that change daily according to the chef’s whims and served by what’s been called one of the best bartending staffs in Baton Rouge. Beausoleil also has a classic cheeseburger with caramelized onions on its lunch menu, which is ooey-gooey delicious. (7731 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge) Even though it’s a national chain, the only Louisiana location of Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar boasts one of the best burgers in the city. The Prime Burger is made with the best-quality meat scraps and topped with your choice of cheddar, Swiss or bleu cheese, along with thick slabs of smoky, peppered bacon. It’s only available at the bar, though, so belly on up there — especially for Happy Hour, between 5PM and 7PM, when this $10 burger can be had for only $8. (7321 Corporate Blvd., Baton Rouge) Baton Rouge-based Walk-On’s Bistreaux and Bar , with locations throughout Louisiana and expanding into more of the South, is the place to go to watch the game, drink a beer and have a burger. Try the Stuffed burger oozing with American and mozzarella cheeses and topped with bacon on a sourdough bun. Or the Jalapeño Jack topped with Pepper Jack cheese, fried jalapeños and chipotle mayo. They’ve also got the classic burger and classic burger toppings like mushrooms and Swiss cheese, bacon and fried egg, and BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese and bacon. (Multiple locations in the Greater Baton Rouge area — the original location is located at 3838 Burbank Dr., Baton Rouge)

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