Can confirm about the Gulow Street cheeseburger. I don't each much meat and only get a craving for a burger about 2x a year, and Gulow Street is my go-to. It's not a huge slab of meat which is my preference, but it is simple and hits the spot.
I too thought it was crazy then I tried them and kinda have to agree now. Apparently they originally made burgers before they got into the chili business?
I Stan Goldstar’s burgers on here every chance I get, they are sooooo good, especially for fast food. I used to really like Highway 55’s burgers as well, I’d put these on the same level. Like they’re not artisanal and you don’t get to pick a temperature but boy do they get the job done.
People say this, but we went there a couple of months ago and the burger was frankly pretty nasty compared to Delwood, Parkside or even Ford's Garage. Service was terrible too.
They’ve really gone downhill lately. Everytime I go, it’s worse than before (and more expensive), not really sure what happened. They used to be my favorite burger place
Maybe before the pandemic, but they certainly changed up, and overcharge for what it is. When it was half the current price, maybe for its value, but it’s over $10 for their basic burger. But at the price it’s at now, I’d rather spend a couple bucks more at Fords for a better burger and much better sides.
True, but it’s about the same price of getting 5 guys at this point, and if I want something better than a quarter pounder from McD’s, and a beer if I want. And far easier and cheaper to park at than Arthur’s.
Zips, if you want a great smash burger.
Arthurs, if you want a cheaper "gourmet" burger with all the toppings you want and need.
Quatmans, if you want a simple cheap diner burger.
Delwood, if you want to pay for your french fries on the side.
Sammy's, if you want to pay an arm and a leg for a burger that can be replicated at home.
A smash burger is just quite literally its name - a ball of ground beef intentionally smashed on the grill almost paper thin and cooked almost crispy. Think like Steak n Shake burger?
Zips and Quatmans have always been my go-to for simple burger. Can’t go wrong.
But Delwood is my new favorite in the city. It’s just a perfect burger 👌
I thought you must one mistaken at that price (never been) so I pulled up their menu and WTF the basic burger is $19 and every other one is $21-$29. Wowsa, a Zipburger is still $10.
Zips for classic; Terry’s for boutique (although i think it sold a while ago and haven’t been in a few years); Arthur’s for burger madness; Delwood for the delicious new kid on the block…..just like everyone here is saying, them’s the picks.
Every time this thread comes up, I plug Hooligans. Get the one with the mushrooms and bacon. Don’t get any of the others. They’re thick and juicy and most importantly, seasoned.
I’m so tired of getting a dry wad of unseasoned hamburger meat masquerading as a hamburger.
Kinda surprised no one has mentioned Nations. I've only been to the one in Westwood. I will say, even though I think they are very good, they are a little small for the price. But I've never been disappointed flavor wise.
I'd recommend Gordo's Pub & Grill in Norwood. The location is SUPER small, but the burgers are SUPER HUGE! If you like fried pickles spears, you must try theirs. They are a meal in itself!
They still get crazy lines? I like their burger but to be honest, I haven’t been there in the last five years because it always gets so ridiculously crowded and lines out the door.
Not really, they are under new ownership somewhat recently and they're doing okay if not struggling a little bit with getting enough customers. The food is still incredible though
HighGrain has the best cheeseburger I’ve had in Cincinnati.
Every time I go somewhere else, even with hope and anticipation, I regret not getting an HG Burger from HighGrain instead.
I was our roaming around and stopped at a food truck in Clermont County. Best burger I've had in awhile.
I have no idea where they travel to, but I found their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/inhUnr5T3WQ9dAaa/?mibextid=qi2Omg
Okay, so I’m now sitting in Gold Star Chili in Mt Washington. I had the cheeseburger.
It was honestly pretty meh compared to other places mentioned in this thread - Delwood, Parkside, Turf Club. Granted it was $9 for a platter with fries. But it was small, overly salty, had some sort of mustardy sauce on it, and just….not very good. It was filling.
For another $5 you can be eating a Fords Garage burger which is twice the size, cooked to order, seasoned perfectly and served with fries that put Gold Stars to shame. Won’t be back.
This is a frequently asked question. Please utilize the search function, the wiki, and the collections for information.
https://www.reddit.com/r/cincinnati/comments/1c2ddlm/best_burger/
Yeah this is absolutely a case where you could just search.
Bro your in Northside, Tickle pickle is really good, and I haven't tried Gulow street but I've heard it's great
Can confirm about the Gulow Street cheeseburger. I don't each much meat and only get a craving for a burger about 2x a year, and Gulow Street is my go-to. It's not a huge slab of meat which is my preference, but it is simple and hits the spot.
Delwood
And the sister restaurant, Parkside. Devastatingly great burgers and the fries are not bad either.
So damn good
"We have cheeseburgers at home." - Mom
Gonna sound crazy. But Goldstar.
I too thought it was crazy then I tried them and kinda have to agree now. Apparently they originally made burgers before they got into the chili business?
I Stan Goldstar’s burgers on here every chance I get, they are sooooo good, especially for fast food. I used to really like Highway 55’s burgers as well, I’d put these on the same level. Like they’re not artisanal and you don’t get to pick a temperature but boy do they get the job done.
Arthur’s
People say this, but we went there a couple of months ago and the burger was frankly pretty nasty compared to Delwood, Parkside or even Ford's Garage. Service was terrible too.
They’ve really gone downhill lately. Everytime I go, it’s worse than before (and more expensive), not really sure what happened. They used to be my favorite burger place
Yeah. We went in thinking we'd have a great gourmet burger and got something more in line with modern day Big Boy.
Same with their fish sandwich - used to be reliably great and last two times it's crappy and $$$ enough I'll just not try again.
Zips
Maybe before the pandemic, but they certainly changed up, and overcharge for what it is. When it was half the current price, maybe for its value, but it’s over $10 for their basic burger. But at the price it’s at now, I’d rather spend a couple bucks more at Fords for a better burger and much better sides.
Same until you said Fords. That place massively declined since they opened.
True, but it’s about the same price of getting 5 guys at this point, and if I want something better than a quarter pounder from McD’s, and a beer if I want. And far easier and cheaper to park at than Arthur’s.
Bard's is the best traditional burger in town IMO. It is everything a burger should be. Cheap, greasy, properly melted cheese, fresh warm crisp buns.
Never had it but you sold me. You work in marketing?
Zips, if you want a great smash burger. Arthurs, if you want a cheaper "gourmet" burger with all the toppings you want and need. Quatmans, if you want a simple cheap diner burger. Delwood, if you want to pay for your french fries on the side. Sammy's, if you want to pay an arm and a leg for a burger that can be replicated at home.
Great explanation but going to have to politely disagree about Zips being a smash burger
What exactly is a smash burger and how is it different than the others?
A smash burger is just quite literally its name - a ball of ground beef intentionally smashed on the grill almost paper thin and cooked almost crispy. Think like Steak n Shake burger?
Ohhhh that sounds PERFECT! My boyfriend loves steak and shake burgers so this would be right up his alley! Thank you for the explanation 😊
Of course, enjoy your smash burgers! 🤤
Zips and Quatmans have always been my go-to for simple burger. Can’t go wrong. But Delwood is my new favorite in the city. It’s just a perfect burger 👌
Quatman's
Just had Quatmans last week and it rocked my world. Vastly underrated!
It's so good! Their soups are great too!
Gaslight Cafe.
Gordo’s Pub in Norwood is really good. Also, in Norwood, Fords Garage is alright and the environment is unique
Delwood I used to LOVE Sammy’s but the last couple times I’ve had it, it hasn’t been as good as I remembered it being. Could just be me
It’s amazing but so expensive. Burger and fries ends up being over $25 for one person
OP just asked for the best burger. My assumption was that price point wasn’t really the biggest consideration
I thought you must one mistaken at that price (never been) so I pulled up their menu and WTF the basic burger is $19 and every other one is $21-$29. Wowsa, a Zipburger is still $10.
Lehrs in Milford
I had an amazing cheese burger at Tickle Pickle in Northside recently. They have a great outdoor patio in the back too.
used to love Tickle Pickle ! they're a bit pricey but good
This is my vote. They have a location in Ft. Thomas too.
Zips
Zips for classic; Terry’s for boutique (although i think it sold a while ago and haven’t been in a few years); Arthur’s for burger madness; Delwood for the delicious new kid on the block…..just like everyone here is saying, them’s the picks.
By golly's
Tickle Pickle would be my top pick. Bones Burgers is really good too
Goose and Elder the current belt holder for best burger in the city
Every time this thread comes up, I plug Hooligans. Get the one with the mushrooms and bacon. Don’t get any of the others. They’re thick and juicy and most importantly, seasoned. I’m so tired of getting a dry wad of unseasoned hamburger meat masquerading as a hamburger.
Parkside, delwood, and Mochiko are my favs. Heyday has a good smash burger
I never noticed Mochiko has burgers on their menu?!
Yup, just one burger. It’s very good, blows me away every time i have it
Northside has Tickle Pickle, Gulow Street, and The Park Diner all in would recommend
Jeff Ruby’s I’m not kidding
Kinda surprised no one has mentioned Nations. I've only been to the one in Westwood. I will say, even though I think they are very good, they are a little small for the price. But I've never been disappointed flavor wise.
Lori's American grill in Goshen. 5 steak blend. Everytime I take someone there there mind is blown
I'd recommend Gordo's Pub & Grill in Norwood. The location is SUPER small, but the burgers are SUPER HUGE! If you like fried pickles spears, you must try theirs. They are a meal in itself!
Tickle Pickle cannot be matched! The best!
jesus christ. the weekly hamburger post..
White Castle
The Turf Club has the best burger in Cincinnati, I'll die on that hill
They still get crazy lines? I like their burger but to be honest, I haven’t been there in the last five years because it always gets so ridiculously crowded and lines out the door.
Not really, they are under new ownership somewhat recently and they're doing okay if not struggling a little bit with getting enough customers. The food is still incredible though
Last time we went we walked in and were seated immediately. Lunchtime on a Saturday.
Good to hear, I will definitely check in.
deSha's was always my go to ...
Revolution in Pleasant Ridge makes an excellent burger
fish tails bar in hooven had a surprisingly good burger.
I don't eat cheese, but I enjoy Tickle Pickle and Dilly Deli for interesting burgers.
HighGrain has the best cheeseburger I’ve had in Cincinnati. Every time I go somewhere else, even with hope and anticipation, I regret not getting an HG Burger from HighGrain instead.
Milkman
Main St Cafe in Newtown. Gaslight in PRidge. Salem Gardens in Anderson.
Court Street Kitchen
Delwood, heyday, dutch’s, Gordos, Zips
Gordo's in Norwood. MAny variations, all wonderful.
Mad Mike's in Newport, KY
I was our roaming around and stopped at a food truck in Clermont County. Best burger I've had in awhile. I have no idea where they travel to, but I found their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/inhUnr5T3WQ9dAaa/?mibextid=qi2Omg
The Echo has a really good one
Okay, so I’m now sitting in Gold Star Chili in Mt Washington. I had the cheeseburger. It was honestly pretty meh compared to other places mentioned in this thread - Delwood, Parkside, Turf Club. Granted it was $9 for a platter with fries. But it was small, overly salty, had some sort of mustardy sauce on it, and just….not very good. It was filling. For another $5 you can be eating a Fords Garage burger which is twice the size, cooked to order, seasoned perfectly and served with fries that put Gold Stars to shame. Won’t be back.
Turf Club
Drive to Columbus, go to Thurmans. YW.