Hamburger Heaven

(Clockwise from top left) The P237 Burger from Purlieu; Veggie Burger from Butcher & Bee; Pub Fare Burger from Pub Fare

BEST REPEAT-THRILLS BURGER

The P237 Burger (single patty $10.50, double $15.50)
Purlieu, purlieucharleston.com
The Deets: Certified Angus beef patty (single or double), hard seared in a cast-iron pan, served with house mayo, shredded iceberg lettuce, melted American cheese, pickled lunch box peppers, caramelized shallots, Dijon, and a specialty bun made in collaboration with Brown’s Court Bakery, served with julienned fries.

“For my husband and me, a visit to Purlieu requires ordering at least one P237. The flavor combo and lighter-than-air bun are simply irresistible.” —Darcy Shankland, editor-in-chief

BEST MEATLESS BURGER

Veggie Burger ($12) 
Butcher & Bee, butcherandbee.com
The Deets: A house-baked brioche bun slathered with green-herb tahini and feta; topped with a lentil, farro verde, mushroom, beet, and chickpea flour patty; plus roasted tomatoes and bread and butter pickles.

“Many veggie burgers attempt to make you think you’re eating meat. Butcher & Bee defies that convention and celebrates vegetables instead. The vivid colors and flavors bursting from their buttery brioche bun—oh baby, does it taste good!” —Marion Sullivan, food editor

BEST STALK-THEIR-INSTAGRAM BURGER

Pub Fare Burger ($10)
Pub Fare, @pubfarechs
The Deets: Double patty, American cheese, pickles, shaved onions, and special sauce on a Martin’s potato roll, served with kettle chips. Single, triple, and veggie (grilled avocado) patty options available.

“A Pub Fare burger doesn’t pretend to be something it isn’t. It’s a solid, American smashburger with the best tasting ingredients from the beef to the bun to the sauce. These burgers are served out of a food truck. They don’t have to go that hard, but they do. They do that for us!” —Molly Wickham, graphic designer

BEST TAVERN BURGER

Seanachai’s Signature Burger ($11) Seanachai Bar, seanachaiwhiskeyandcocktailbar.com
The Deets: Two thick patties seared over open flame, with melted Irish cheddar, house-made caramelized onion jam, Dijon, horseradish aioli on a Martin’s sesame seed bun, served with Russet fries.

“I would have never thought an Irish pub would make a fantastic burger, but they do. It’s a mighty, meaty mouthful that’s worth every calorie. On Tuesdays, you can get it with a pint for $10, made even better on a night with live music.” —Kinsey Gidick, interim managing editor

BEST NO-FRILLS BURGER

The Black ’n’ Blue ($10.50) Moe’s Crosstown Tavern, moescrosstown.com
The Deets: An eight-ounce Angus and ground chuck patty spiced with paprika and cayenne; topped with Glenview Farms blue cheese crumbles, lettuce, and tomato on a brioche bun; and served with a choice of side.

“The Black ’n’ Blue is my cheap and cheerful option. I may just be a sucker for blue cheese, but that thing has all the right ratios.” —Nate Leach, videographer

BEST SHOW-OF-RESTRAINT BURGER

Petit Raclette Burger ($12) Felix Cocktails et Cuisine, felixchs.com
The Deets: A single, four-ounce, lightly seasoned short rib and brisket patty seared on a flattop, with caramelized onions, Dijonnaise, and melted Livradoux raclette cheese, served on a Brown’s Court brioche bun with house-cut pommes frites and a cornichon.

“It’s the perfect size and gives all the pleasure with none of the overfilled gut-bust after effects that come with most overloaded options.” —Melissa Bigner, senior editor