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New England Has Two Of The Best Old-Fashioned Burger Joints

Author Jeff Gorra

Eat This, Not That! did a special feature last March that highlighted the some of the best old-fashioned burger joints across the country, and two New England establishments made the list.

In order to properly set the table here, lets examine what makes up such an establishment. Typically, the restaurant has an diner-style vibe. Think early 1900’s, with barstools that are attached to the floor. You pull up and often feel crammed inside, rubbing elbows with the person next to you. However, that’s part of the fun. The burgers are then cooked on the flattop in front of you. A chef who has operated the grill for years uses their extra large spatula to constantly flatten and flip the patty.

Quickly, you are then served. Accompanied by a soda glass, or shake, and even some fresh-cut fries, you are in lunch heaven. Furthermore, you walk with your clothing submersed in the grill smell of this legendary hometown spot. Usually, it has a hint of onion aroma to it.

In New England, we are fortunate that two out of the eight old-fashioned burger joints are right in our region.

Stanley’s Burgers – Central Falls, Rhode Island Ranked #5

Located at 535 Dexter St, Stanley’s Hamburgers has been cooking up its famous burgers since 1932. Here, they have 20 different burgers on the menu. This ranges from their classic cheeseburger to a double pepper burger. Furthermore, each of them ranges from only $3.19 to under $8.

To join your burger plate, five different fries options can be added on, or an order of onion rings.

Louis’ Lunch – New Haven, Connecticut Ranked #1

You simply can’t talk about historic old-fashioned burger joints without mentioning Louis’ Lunch. “Considered the birthplace of the American hamburger, Louis’ Lunch has been serving this delicious sandwich for over 125 years,” Eat This, Not That! explained. They date back to 1895.

On this menu you will just find eight items, and four of them are drinks. The original burger will cost $8. It is cooked in a cast iron grill and then placed between two pieces of toast. A slice of cheese, tomato, and onion, then complete this famous plate.

3 New England Restaurants Ranked For Having Best Breakfast Sandwiches

As a father of four, my mornings are always a bit hectic. I enjoy being an early bird; however, I rarely have the time to prep a good breakfast. Therefore, I was quite thrilled to see that Tasting Table recognized three New England restaurants for having the best breakfast sandwiches in the country. I’m always looking for a good quick breakfast.

A morning in my world usually consists of a sunrise workout, followed by a scramble to get myself and the kids out of the house. Then I embark on an hour-long drive to the office. On the weekends, it’s taking one of my kids to their sports game. Let’s focus on the latter for a moment.

While I am more lenient on my breakfast choice (a banana or shake will do), I insist upon a healthy start for the little guys. Driving them all around New England on weekends requires a few drive-thru meals that you eat in the car. My preference is for the kids to have something substantial, with a protein they enjoy. A breakfast sandwich is often the choice.

The perfect breakfast sandwich should follow three simple rules. It’s quick, both to order and make. It’s fresh (not a microwaved egg slab pulled out of plastic). Finally, it’s a balanced hand-held item that is not too heavy, processed or sugar-filled.

When trekking through interstates and unfamiliar towns at sunrise, it’s easy to settle upon the quickest Dunkin’ Donuts. Now, there are some other options that you (and I) should know about. These three New England restaurants ranking among the best breakfast sandwiches in the country.

Before we get into the list, it is necessary to give one other shout-out. The Portland, Oregon establishment named by Tasting Table has both the best restaurant and sandwich name. The “Yolko Ono” by Fried Egg I’m In Love.

  • Massachusetts - "Geno's Egg Sandwich"

    Sofra Bakery and Café in Cambridge, MA, is the first stop. Tasting Table calls out “Geno’s Egg Sandwich.” This is a brioche bun filled with egg topped with halloumi cheese, feta butter, tomato concasse, and spicy green cilantro.

     

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  • New Hampshire - "Egg Simit"

    Next, we hop on 95 North and pull into the Elephantine Bakery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Here the selected breakfast sandwich is called the “Egg Simit.” It’s the healthiest of the three choices based on pure ingredients. This sandwich consists of egg, hummus, beat pistachio spread, feta, and spinach on a sesame simit.

  • Maine - "The Breakfast Sandwich"

    I actually had a very hard time securing a quick bacon, egg, and cheese this past spring while in Maine for a lacrosse tournament. Now I know I need to go to a coffee shop next time. Tandem Coffee has something so good, it doesn’t even need a clever name. “The Breakfast Sandwich” is simply egg, American cheese, and smoked paprika. However, when you rest it upon a homemade buttermilk biscuit, you reach a new level.

     

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Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.
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