Beef Up For Burgers

Who doesn’t loooove a hamburger? (OK. Vegans and vegetarians this is not your article.)  When the Pink staff discovered May is National Hamburger Month, we felt remiss in not celebrating America’s favorite food. We wanted to rectify that. With little persuasion, staff volunteers went out to sample a few of the Lowcountry’s best burgers.  Here is their report.

ELA's Blu Water Grille
This “ela-gant” twist on our national obsession is ironically listed as the “Ugly Burger” on their menu…and described as “just ugly good.” When it arrives at the table, the hefty butcher ground prime beef 8 oz. burger on a buttery pretzel bun is the foundation for a tower of traditional and unexpected tastes: cheddar cheese, thick bacon, fried green tomatoes; topped with arugula and shallot dressing. The plate is loaded with a mound of hot crispy truffle fries. The trick is to not have anyone watch when you take the first amazing bite; the burger’s size defeats all efforts at finesse. Oh my. It really is indescribably delicious. No words. Just satisfied sighs. This is a burger for big and curious appetites.
- enjoyed by Diane McMahon

Red Fish
The Red Fish Burger has been voted “Best Burger” for years by locals. The reason: It is mouthwatering, all-American delicious. Regular diners at Red Fish know that every dish there has an interesting epicurean twist. For the burger, the twist is the freshness and grade of beef, which differs from lunch to dinner. Both are excellent. The lunch burger is made thick with freshly ground Angus prime beef, cooked to perfection, then stacked with goodness on top of goodness, including apple-smoked bacon, smoked cheddar cheese and fried thin fresh onions. These aren’t add-ons, they come standard on this two-handed treat and meld together bold flavors for a yummy burger that you can hardly eat without humming mmmmmmm. Of course, lettuce, tomato and pickles are a part of it, too, and it’s generously served with fresh, hand-cut fries and jicama slaw.
- enjoyed by Elizabeth Millen

Ruby Lee's
Tim Singleton’s prime burger sliders serve up an all-American classic times two. Presented open-faced with crispy leaf lettuce, juicy ripe tomato and sweet white onion, these far-from-slider size burgers are draped with melted American cheese. The first bite is “nod your head while chewing” good. When you finish the delectable duo, it’s hard to remember a meal more satisfying.  The burgers are accompanied by not one, not two, but three choices from their list of soulful sides, including favorites like sweet potato fries, collard greens, creamy coleslaw and mac’ and cheese.  The twin burger treats with triplet sides are available for lunch or dinner. You’ll love this plateful of festive flavors, but good luck saving room for dessert.
- enjoyed by Jessica Caruso