The cheeseburger.  Is there anything so uniting and yet polarizing at the same time?  Everybody loves cheeseburgers.  What about the tree-hugging vegans, you ask?  They love cheeseburgers too, but the burger is made of bulgur and whey and twigs, and the cheese is made of soy, whatever that is.  The top-selling vegan product today is the veggie burger.  That's a fact.  Look it up. And when you do, let me know what you find out, because I'm using the word "fact" very loosely here.   ... lindol A Yoni comment-25595 2010-04-25T19:59:21Z 2010-04-25T19:59:21Z I guess one day I'll actually have to try a Suzie Burger. I've been there many times but never eaten one of their burgers because I got hooked on thieir Philly cheesesteaks....Delish!! A Yoni 2010-04-25T19:59:21Z Liam comment-25557 2010-04-24T21:45:56Z 2010-04-24T21:45:56Z I agree that Suzie Burger is a fabulous old school burger and the free toppings are a treat. I know they got a bad rap when they opened but they sure improved. Remind me of Five Guys burgers which are coming to Sac soon. Liam 2010-04-24T21:45:56Z Lindol French comment-25238 2010-04-20T22:08:55Z 2010-04-20T22:08:55Z Thanks Honey. . . .I'll check em out. So many burgers, so little time. Lindol French 2010-04-20T22:08:55Z honeybeeerin comment-25228 2010-04-20T20:32:52Z 2010-04-20T20:32:52Z Oh, and the burgers at The Shack on Folsom across from Socal's are not to be missed. honeybeeerin 2010-04-20T20:32:52Z honeybeeerin comment-25227 2010-04-20T20:31:17Z 2010-04-20T20:31:17Z lindol: If you're going to go for round 2 on this little experiment, you really must include Cookie's on 56th and H. They been around for a long, long time. Ostrich and buffalo burger choices for under $6. So good! honeybeeerin 2010-04-20T20:31:17Z rbcaly8866 comment-24821 2010-04-15T05:30:43Z 2010-04-15T05:30:43Z Hey slackjaw look me up Rod_Burton@hotmail.com. rbcaly8866 2010-04-15T05:30:43Z Ken White comment-24647 2010-04-13T17:49:19Z 2010-04-13T17:49:19Z agreed. On the cheap you can't beat In'n'Out Ken White 2010-04-13T17:49:19Z Jessica Maguire comment-24530 2010-04-11T00:54:41Z 2010-04-11T00:54:41Z MMM...Brix Burger....I think I'll drive to Cupertino to get one....where's the Tom-Tom? Cuz I have no idea where the hell that is...def not on the peninsula! Jessica Maguire 2010-04-11T00:54:41Z midtownchair comment-24522 2010-04-10T13:43:18Z 2010-04-10T13:43:18Z What about In and Out for a decent, inexpensive burger...always reliable. midtownchair 2010-04-10T13:43:18Z Laura Good comment-24433 2010-04-09T04:43:31Z 2010-04-09T04:43:31Z I worked in Menlo Park in the 80s and 90s. Often hung at the Goose after softball games and threw peanut shells on the ground but have to say Oasis burger was my fav! I haven't tried any of the spots mentioned in Sac (lived here 2 years). Which is extremely sad since my niece works at The Squeeze! One of my fav burger joints in the East Bay was Nations. They make a great burger and are open late (or at least used to be). Laura Good 2010-04-09T04:43:31Z Alex Huie comment-24355 2010-04-07T16:56:05Z 2010-04-07T16:56:05Z Fiction916, you know what's good. Your suggestions trump the competition. For burger joints outside Sac, no trip to Reno would be complete without a stop at the Awful Awful under the Nugget. $4 gets you a large burger and a pound of fries. One could honestly split it with a friend. Alex Huie 2010-04-07T16:56:05Z John Todd comment-24346 2010-04-07T14:36:35Z 2010-04-07T14:36:35Z I came to disparage the miserable Suzie burger, but I'll stay to tout the mouth watering, lip smacking, so-delicious-I-could-die Lou's burger. Just grab a buger and fries with a coke, sit out front and watch the suckers go by on Watt avenue. Devine. John Todd 2010-04-07T14:36:35Z Tim11 comment-24336 2010-04-07T02:51:27Z 2010-04-07T02:51:27Z Awful's hamburgers are not much bigger than a regular burger and McD's. They are just too small. Tim11 2010-04-07T02:51:27Z jmerker comment-24333 2010-04-07T00:31:09Z 2010-04-07T00:31:09Z First off, it doesn't matter how much you pay for a good burger. Go inexpensive, Willie's on 16th and Broadway, my #2 and #3 agree with Nationwide Meats. #1 is Formoli's on J St, rich but great! Jon jmerker 2010-04-07T00:31:09Z dl7 comment-24328 2010-04-06T20:51:13Z 2010-04-06T20:51:13Z Another to try - Lou's Burgers on Watt Avenue. Gotta love a burger joint that shares a sign with the shop out back. So the sign really looks like "Lou's Burgers, Radiators & Mufflers" dl7 2010-04-06T20:51:13Z DMCC9581 comment-24318 2010-04-06T19:24:15Z 2010-04-06T19:24:15Z Nationwide Freezer Meats is my No. 1. Suzie Burger - Awful, tried it once and swore it off to never step foot in the place again. Murder Burger - Great name good burger, not great Squeeze - Was unique in old location, now just a cheesy burger Jamie's - Good burger, but much more on the menu/board to waste time on a burger DMCC9581 2010-04-06T19:24:15Z Ken White comment-24316 2010-04-06T19:05:38Z 2010-04-06T19:05:38Z Ford's - Famous Burgers - The Broiler (in that order) Ford's is the best, hands down. I've never had anything like it. I don't know if the Broiler is still down there on K Street.... haven't been for a long time but I remember it being fantastic although it does not qualify as a "hamburger joint." If you go to Famous Burgers at 65th and Folsom, get the 'Famous Burger', medium. This isn't so much a Cheeseburger (though it is, in fact, one) as a local specialty sandwich, but it's amazing as well. Ken White 2010-04-06T19:05:38Z jmrewers comment-24315 2010-04-06T18:57:58Z 2010-04-06T18:57:58Z Hmmm.. I would've given Nation Wide Freezer Meats the #1 spot and Jamie's #2. In my opinion, those are the two best, although the others are definitely notable! jmrewers 2010-04-06T18:57:58Z Ali Tabatabai comment-24309 2010-04-06T18:21:47Z 2010-04-06T18:21:47Z Seriously. It may not be the best burger ever, but it harkons back to childhood or something special. Although repeated trips for the double deluxe add bacon add pastrami will render you to a child-like state. Ali Tabatabai 2010-04-06T18:21:47Z bbbbmer comment-24252 2010-04-04T19:54:19Z 2010-04-04T19:54:19Z We're Sacramentans -- we gotta eat... bbbbmer 2010-04-04T19:54:19Z bbbbmer comment-24251 2010-04-04T19:52:46Z 2010-04-04T19:52:46Z Yuck... bbbbmer 2010-04-04T19:52:46Z Lindol French comment-24250 2010-04-04T19:37:22Z 2010-04-04T19:37:22Z Thanks John, the burger pictured is the world famous "Squeeze with Cheese" from The Squeeze Inn. Lindol French 2010-04-04T19:37:22Z Che Perez comment-24246 2010-04-04T17:40:03Z 2010-04-04T17:40:03Z great, everybody knows the mainstay places that EVERYBODY GOES TO. But the best wasn't even mentioned - try Jay' Cafe on 10th and J. A Captiol favorite for nearly 30 years now. Che Perez 2010-04-04T17:40:03Z John Paul Hayes comment-24244 2010-04-04T17:15:36Z 2010-04-04T17:15:36Z My girlfriend wants to know where the first burger in the slideshow at the top of the page came from. The one with all the crisp cheese :) Nice article, Next time we are in Sacramento, we know where to eat. John Paul Hayes 2010-04-04T17:15:36Z Jackiemaggs comment-24129 2010-04-02T04:15:34Z 2010-04-02T04:15:34Z This article made me very hungry. I will also add that it was very well-written and enjoyable. Love the part on the Oasis vs. Goose. "I was young and experimenting; it never meant anything." Classic. Keep 'em comin', Lindol! Jackiemaggs 2010-04-02T04:15:34Z Ian Merker comment-24033 2010-03-31T03:42:55Z 2010-03-31T03:42:55Z At least seven burgers in five weeks? Slow down, buddy! Flaming grill is decent. Go for the buffalo burger there- more flavor and better for you. Nationwide is my favorite. The folks behind the counter are solid people, and the highlight of my day is when they bring they bring that greasy brown bag. Ian Merker 2010-03-31T03:42:55Z Lisa Palmer comment-24024 2010-03-30T22:42:51Z 2010-03-30T22:42:51Z Wow, a lot of great ideas in the comments...I'm a Sacramento native, and I haven't even heard of some of these places! Definitely check out the Flaming Grill. I've never had a "normal" burger there, but they have some exotic burgers if you're up for a challenge...like the lion/antelope mix I ate there a few days ago. Lisa Palmer 2010-03-30T22:42:51Z Lindol French comment-24009 2010-03-30T05:39:56Z 2010-03-30T05:39:56Z Looks like this might have to be part 1 of a 3 part burger etravaganza. I've got a lot of eating to do. Lindol French 2010-03-30T05:39:56Z cheesendorf comment-24005 2010-03-30T05:12:57Z 2010-03-30T05:12:57Z Do you people ever get out? Try Flaming Grill for the best burgers, bar food and beer anywhere in this area. cheesendorf 2010-03-30T05:12:57Z Sean Villagracia comment-24004 2010-03-30T04:53:13Z 2010-03-30T04:53:13Z I'm definitely with Burg here. Burgers & Brew offers an awesome burger! The array of foreign beers also adds to how amazing it is. I also LOVE Willie's Burgers (I believe on 16th and Broadway?). It is located by the Tower Theatre. If you haven't had it... you should! Sean Villagracia 2010-03-30T04:53:13Z The Parrhesiac comment-24002 2010-03-30T03:02:31Z 2010-03-30T03:02:31Z Willies is barely edible now that Bill, the original owner sold it - even before though it was no better than in-and-out The Parrhesiac 2010-03-30T03:02:31Z Ben Ilfeld comment-24001 2010-03-30T03:02:06Z 2010-03-30T03:02:06Z The Auburn location is the original and it is going strong. Worth the trip if you buy a pie too.. Ben Ilfeld 2010-03-30T03:02:06Z The Parrhesiac comment-24000 2010-03-30T03:01:24Z 2010-03-30T03:01:24Z Lindol I moved from Menlo two years ago, but I can assure you they did not go out of business because of their burgers. From what I hear they moved because of the cost of rent in Menlo park ...the place was always packed when I went there. They still have a location in Cupertino The Parrhesiac 2010-03-30T03:01:24Z William Burg comment-23999 2010-03-30T02:37:23Z 2010-03-30T02:37:23Z Take two trips to 14th & R. The burgers at Burgers & Brew and the Shady Lady are both excellent. I liked the burger at One Speed in East Sac, too, and Awful Wally's is a wonderful treat for those who like venturing into industrial neighborhoods for lunch. William Burg 2010-03-30T02:37:23Z Lindol French comment-23998 2010-03-30T02:00:24Z 2010-03-30T02:00:24Z I do love the rehydrated onions, but it doesn't quite make the cut. Lindol French 2010-03-30T02:00:24Z RichardRich comment-23997 2010-03-30T01:44:44Z 2010-03-30T01:44:44Z McDonalds 39 cent burger on the pillow bun with a bitty squirt of kecthupmustard and that lil dillish pickle bit. Yummy. RichardRich 2010-03-30T01:44:44Z Marika Rose comment-23994 2010-03-29T22:51:41Z 2010-03-29T22:51:41Z That's two for Village Drive Inn- now I need to try it too. Marika Rose 2010-03-29T22:51:41Z Stella M. comment-23993 2010-03-29T22:39:39Z 2010-03-29T22:39:39Z My heart was broken when they closed the Ikeda's on Folsom Blvd. I don't get up to their location (Auburn?) very often. Loved their burgers...although the red onions kept the memories going a little too long (TMI?)... Stella M. 2010-03-29T22:39:39Z Patrick J. comment-23992 2010-03-29T22:30:20Z 2010-03-29T22:30:20Z I just discovered Village Drive-In, you have to try that place. Patrick J. 2010-03-29T22:30:20Z Mike W comment-23991 2010-03-29T22:23:21Z 2010-03-29T22:23:21Z I give Willys a big "meh" for burgers. Im curious if you dig it. Mike W 2010-03-29T22:23:21Z Mike W comment-23990 2010-03-29T22:22:28Z 2010-03-29T22:22:28Z I go to Nationwide for the Steak Sandwich, not to be missed. However its a pricey meal. Mike W 2010-03-29T22:22:28Z Lindol French comment-23988 2010-03-29T22:08:53Z 2010-03-29T22:08:53Z Awful Wallys, Ford's, Willys, Hefty Burger, and Ikeda's. I've got some work to do. Lindol French 2010-03-29T22:08:53Z Ben Ilfeld comment-23983 2010-03-29T21:35:23Z 2010-03-29T21:35:23Z Ikedas! My absolute fav. Ben Ilfeld 2010-03-29T21:35:23Z fiction916 comment-23981 2010-03-31T06:23:52Z 2010-03-31T06:23:52Z grew up on Ford's, but if you want a decently-priced burger at 2:30AM, try Willie's on 16th/Broadway. second on Ikeda's in Auburn. fiction916 2010-03-31T06:23:52Z Damon comment-23959 2010-03-29T20:41:28Z 2010-03-29T20:41:28Z I know it's bit outside the Sacto scope, but how about an ikedas tasty burger? The western is one of the best burgers around. Damon 2010-03-29T20:41:28Z Mike W comment-23958 2010-03-29T19:55:57Z 2010-03-29T19:55:57Z Its gotta be either Squeeze Inn or Awful Wallys. Mike W 2010-03-29T19:55:57Z surefiresacto comment-23956 2010-03-29T18:56:47Z 2010-03-29T18:56:47Z You should try Hefty Burger in West Sac. Awesome burgers and they have an addable pastrami option. surefiresacto 2010-03-29T18:56:47Z Lindol French comment-23953 2010-03-29T18:26:50Z 2010-03-29T18:26:50Z Thanks Ali, that sounds amazing, I look forward to checking it out. As far as the tags, all the tasty burgers got me into something of a fervor, I may have been a wee bit over dramatic. Lindol French 2010-03-29T18:26:50Z Lindol French comment-23952 2010-03-29T18:21:32Z 2010-03-29T18:21:32Z I ranked all the burgers I've tried since I moved here. And, honestly, it was the one that inspired the piece. Also, I never said I didn't like it. I just like it less than the rest. Lindol French 2010-03-29T18:21:32Z Lindol French comment-23950 2010-03-29T18:19:39Z 2010-03-29T18:19:39Z Jim, I couldn't agree more about the eggs at the Goose. There are two kinds of deviled eggs in the world, Goose eggs, and everyone elses. I have dreams about them when I've been gone too long. You lose credibility when you claim Brix to be the best burger in Menlo. That place was below average at best, and the fact that it has been out of business for two years supports that statement. If anyone besides your sainted self thought they were any good, maye they would have lasted more than a couple years. As far as my being related to or in someway connected to Suzies, I can assure you that I am not. I had no dog in this fight, I went in with an open mind and eager palate. If anything ,I was pulling for the Squeze Inn, as I'd heard about how good it was when I was still in the Bay. The rankings above are my honest assesment. As far as Suzies price goes, cheesburger, fries and a drink for $6.39 seems pretty reasonable to me. I wish that you could recommend a burger that still existed. Until then, I will keep searching. Thanks for reading and taking the time to offer your opinions, however misguided they may be :-) Lindol French 2010-03-29T18:19:39Z Ali Tabatabai comment-23949 2010-03-29T18:18:48Z 2010-03-29T18:18:48Z I just discovered the Village Drive-In in Tahoe Park. The double deluxe add pastrami, add bacon will induce a blissfull 3 day coma. This place is truly the definition of hidden gem. Also, I like how this post is tagged patiotism and religion. Was a tax-freeTea Party burger supposed to be on the list? Ali Tabatabai 2010-03-29T18:18:48Z Brendawalsh comment-23947 2010-03-29T17:56:37Z 2010-03-29T17:56:37Z Why did you even place The Squeeze Inn if you didn't like it? Brendawalsh 2010-03-29T17:56:37Z thsas comment-23944 2010-03-29T18:45:26Z 2010-03-29T18:45:26Z Get the meal deal at Nationwide, and they take $3.00 off the tab bringing the whole thing in at about $10.00. You can sub a shake for the drink or onion rings for the fries, at no extra charge-love it! thsas 2010-03-29T18:45:26Z bbbbmer comment-23940 2010-03-29T17:11:33Z 2010-03-29T17:11:33Z I agree about Suzie's... The Haines Bros seem to just want to capitalize on their restaurant imprimatur from 33rd Bistro... Their Riverside Clubhouse is similarly affected - it just SCREAMS 'L.A.. restaurant consultant', and there's a certain affectedness that is just irksome, across the board -- in their wait staff, their food, and their prices... My ex and I went there twice -- once for my birthday -- and the food was AWFUL.... I wrote a review for the Bee at the time which was exceptionally witty but depicted this loathesome place for the fakery it was... Seems to get a good crowd though.... I guess they don't go there to actually eat.... bbbbmer 2010-03-29T17:11:33Z bbbbmer comment-23939 2010-03-29T17:07:34Z 2010-03-29T17:07:34Z Is Ford's still good??? I know it used to be, and it's near my Sacto home... But I heard they changed ownership and the quality suffered... I guess I'll have to give it a try again.... bbbbmer 2010-03-29T17:07:34Z bbbbmer comment-23938 2010-03-29T17:05:51Z 2010-03-29T17:05:51Z Suzie Q's -- overpriced and not all that great... My fav for the authentic burger is Nationwide -- haven't been there in a while, but when I worked downtown it was a REGULAR spot -- that and JIM DENNY's... Nationwide, though, had great big slabs'o beef and cheese slathering on the meat, and those FRIES -- absolutely to die for -- hence our nickname for the place.... BUD'S MEAT HUT.... bbbbmer 2010-03-29T17:05:51Z Marika Rose comment-23937 2010-03-29T16:55:31Z 2010-03-29T16:55:31Z Whoa- testament to the true nature of burger wars. You're pretty fired up! Marika Rose 2010-03-29T16:55:31Z The Parrhesiac comment-23936 2010-03-29T16:44:13Z 2010-03-29T16:44:13Z The Goose has gone downhill, but got to love those deviled eggs - The Oasis is good but not great. Both places are better than anything in Sac, and much much cheaper, even being in Menlo Park. As a Menlo Park transplant, I just dont understand how Sacramento restaurants charge MORE for their food than similar restaurants in the Menlo, Palo Alto or San Francisco. And BRIX in Menlo is the best burger I've had, nothing in Sacramento comes even close - It's huge and under 6 bucks. It would cost $15 bucks in Sacramento. Fords used to be AMAZING, in the 80-90's but not anymore, and waaaaaaaaaaay overpriced. I think they were sold to a new owner, and have gone downhill. Susies is mediocre at best, cheap meat, cheap buns - big price. I suspect the author of this article is related to the owners or a friend....they should not be on ANY list of good burgers in Sac. Nationwide is very good, but overpriced. $15.00 for a burger fries and coke is insane. It's sad, Sacramentans have such low standards....so far I have yet to have a great burger in this town - but I have not tried the Squeez Inn, I wont wait an hour in line to get a burger. The Parrhesiac 2010-03-29T16:44:13Z hurricane comment-23931 2010-03-29T16:12:12Z 2010-03-29T16:12:12Z Hey Lindol, Suzie burger gave the serious runs. hurricane 2010-03-29T16:12:12Z Marika Rose comment-23929 2010-03-29T15:33:26Z 2010-03-29T15:33:26Z I'm with Susie or Jamie's. Ford's is great but the buns are too dense for my taste. Awesome onion rings, though! Marika Rose 2010-03-29T15:33:26Z Lindol French comment-23928 2010-03-29T15:25:37Z 2010-03-29T15:25:37Z My next burger will be a Ford's burger. Thanks for the heads up gentleman. Lindol French 2010-03-29T15:25:37Z gvanacker comment-23927 2010-03-29T15:21:12Z 2010-03-29T15:21:12Z My vote: Gotta try Ford's. gvanacker 2010-03-29T15:21:12Z SactownCharlie comment-23919 2010-03-29T03:03:57Z 2010-03-29T03:03:57Z Hey Lindol. I gotta take you to Ford's. Hop on yer cruiser and meet me at the house and we'll ride over there. SactownCharlie 2010-03-29T03:03:57Z