food trip: northern california burger joints

Now that summer is in full swing, let's count down some of the best burger joints on this side of the continent.

History: Being a creature of habit, I always find myself ordering the classic you-can't-go-wrong cheeseburger when visiting a restaurant for the first time. Foie gras doesn't really cut it for me. Here is the result of years of research into the perfect cheeseburger:

#5 - In-n-Out Burgers

Cheeseburger animal style, baby! Nothing tops french fries + secret sauce + caramelized onions + cheese on your burger = LOVE. It is the perfect mathematical equation. You just simply cannot go wrong.

#4 - The Counter Burger (Walnut Creek, CA)

(photo courtesy of www.thecounter.com)

If you are into making a "customized" burger, this is the place to go. They have a wide selection of add-ons, sauces, and everything else that you could possibly put on your burger. It's a whole new experience, and if you are indecisive, ordering can be torture.

#3 - Taylor's Automatic Refresher (St. Helena, CA)

If you like blue cheese on your burger, you have to try Taylor's Blue Cheese version. The St. Helena location is always packed every single time I've been there. And, I've been there quite a few times in the last year.

#2 - Barney's Hamburgers (San Rafael, CA)

Barney's has a wide range of burger combinations - dizzying! The Cheese Lover's burger is...well..perfect if you can't make up your mind on what to have. Oh, and you have to try their sweet potato fries! To die for!

#1 - Boonfly Cafe (Napa, CA)

Kobe beef burgers, baby! You also have to try their crispy french fries. I need not say anything more.

Yummy!
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