I’m not much of a burger connoisseur, so I had to turn to a few experts and have them help with the research on this one.
We went on a quest to find some of the best burgers in NKY. There are many and endless options, but these are top spots to visit this weekend if you’re all grilled out from Memorial Day.
Herb and Thelma’s: 718 W Pike St. in Covington
This place is the epitome of a dive bar, and I mean that as the highest compliment. I would never think to just make a trip to come here, but trusting the burger experts I enlisted in this endeavor, I went.
For starters, Herb and Thelma’s proved that cost does not always equate to quality. I only payed $5.50 for a cheeseburger — as opposed to $10 nearly everywhere else. This is a burger of your hangover dreams. Nothing fancy or frilly — it’s just a good greasy burger that is sometimes truly all a person needs.
There is a sense of timelessness that transports you to simpler time. They are cash only and the interior is covered in memorabilia and trinkets from old timey rotary phones to beer cans and bottles from nearly every decade.
There’s nothing fancy here but there is no need for it; they do what they do right. The atmosphere is very Northern Kentucky. Everyone knows everyone when they walk in, they’re hospitable and kind and they make some great-tasting food. This earns an extra shout out as it is my dad’s all-time favorite burger joint, and since he is one of the burger experts I turned to for guidance, they are a must stop this weekend.
Frisch’s: Multiple NKY locations, including in Covington, Fort Mitchell and Florence
Is there really anything that can top the classic Big Boy? The West Coast can brag about In and Out all day, but they don’t have the Big Boy. Whoever decided that tartar sauce belongs on burgers deserves an award. There is nothing more classic to this area than a Big Boy: the burger, tartar sauce, lettuce, pickles and extra middle bun is the most elite combo out there and for $5.29. It’s the best decision you’ll make all day.
This is the perfect after a long a day lying out by the pool when you just want something filling and delicious. They are a staple in our society and one of the best comfort foods out there.
Bard’s Burgers and Chili: 3620 Decoursey Ave. in Covington
Bard’s first came to many people’s attention after their debut on Diner’s Drive In’s and Dives. But like many of the restaurants on that show, the locals knew it first and know it best.
Bard’s Burgers has received a lot of notoriety, and for good reason. Their burgers range from $7.25- $15.75 and you’ll get a hefty portion. They have specialty burgers like the Black and Bleu — which has bleu cheese, bacon, and all your regular burger fixings.
In true diner style fashion, they have also have simple and customizable burgers. If you do come here, you’ll be disappointed if you don’t also order their chili. Anyone from this area is very familiar with Cincinnati style chili, but theirs is more than worth a try from the regular chili restaurants in this area. Their fried pickles are among the best I’ve ever had: thick cut pickles lightly fried so they’re more pickle than breading, which is what a fried pickle should be.
BRU Burger: 279 Buttermilk Pike in Fort Mitchell
Bru Burger is the perfect burger spot for mixed company. If you have someone who maybe isn’t a burger fan or who is looking for more of a craft burger with all of the toppings, this is a great place.
Their Fort Mitchell location has a nice outdoor patio to sit and relax and have a beer before deciding which of their many burgers to choose. The Bru Burger is their classic cheeseburger if you want something traditional. But if you’re going here you may as well venture out to one of their specialty burgers.
I firmly believe that if goat cheese is an option when it comes to cheese, that it is the only correct option. The Provençal has basil aioli, marinated red onion, herbed goat cheese and sautéed mushrooms. If you want something that is savory and packed with flavor, this is such a great option.
BRU’s burgers range from $8- $16, but are huge portions that you could split it or save some for later. Or hey, eat the whole thing — no one’s judging when they’re that good. They also have the option to substitute their traditional burger patties for lamb, turkey, bison or even chicken breast.
I also have to call this place out for the best fries on this list, and their house-made ketchup will make you rethink ever having Heinz again.
Mad Mike’s Burgers and Fries: 342 Monmouth St. in Newport
Mad Mike’s is the combination of a fast-casual burger joint and a craft burger bar. Like a craft burger restaurant, they have deluxe and specialty burgers — some I would never even think to exist, but they serve them here.
Mad Mike’s serves their burgers wrapped like a fast food restaurant, which gives it more of a casual vibe, but once you start to unwrap the burger you’ll see just how big these burgers are.
Their slogan is “massive and delicious” and honestly, I cannot argue with that. They’re huge, with toppings that could be their own meal. The American Outlaw is their classic burger, but has a kick to it with their mad sauce. The one that intrigued me the most was their Pride of Zeus, which is a combination of a burger and a Gyro. Another standout is their Mad Cali — I’d never classify a burger as refreshing until I had this one.
Mad Mike’s burgers range from $6.49- $9.19, but truly are the best bang for your buck on this list. Even the most famished will have a hard time finishing these massive burgers.
It’s going to be a beautiful weekend, so save yourself from grilling and try out one of these local burger joints for a truly proper celebration of an American classic.