Sometimes I get a craving for a big, juicy burger, and it won’t go away until I have one. The debate over which restaurant has the best burger in town is one that’s been raging for years. Luckily, we have plenty to choose from in Fort Wayne. Here are some of my must-try burgers.

Buckets Sports Pub & Grub’s Red, White and Bleu Burger

What would a sports bar be without a large selection of burgers? Buckets has eleven on its menu, but my favorite is the Red, White and Bleu burger. I am a sucker for bleu cheese and buffalo sauce, and this burger has them both. Heavyweight burger char-grilled to order, topped with buffalo sauce and bleu cheese crumbles.

Chili’s Jalapeño Triple-Thick Bacon Smokehouse Burger

Chili’s might not be the first place you think of when you think about good burgers, but the Jalapeño Triple-Thick Bacon Smokehouse Burger definitely tops my list. It is piled high with some of my favorite burger toppings, but it’s not for the faint of heart- this burger packs a punch. Applewood smoked bacon, smoked cheddar cheese, tortilla strips, red onion, mayo, jalapenos and ranch dressing.

Dash In’s Walnut Falafel Burger

I had this burger for the first time last week and I am in love. Though technically not a burger (it contains no meat), the flavor combinations and texture of this dish propel it to the top of my list. Besides, why should vegetarians miss out? The addition of jicama, a root vegetable with the texture of an apple or pear and slight flavor of onion, is genius. House made, topped with a roasted poblano and spinach coulis, jicama and tomato served on a toasted onion roll. Served with kettle chips and a dill pickle spear.

Don Hall’s Big Buster Burger

Perhaps the most famous burger in town, the Big Buster Burger is a must-try for any Fort Wayne resident. Though not the fanciest burger on this list, it’s definitely a classic. A double decker hamburger with cheese, shredded lettuce and Don Hall’s famous sauce.

Kaysan’s 5th Downs’ Bulgoghi Burger

I enjoy dishes that combine international flavors with traditional American fare and this burger does it. Bulgogi sauce is a traditional Korean marinade, typically made with soy sauce, sesame seeds and oil, garlic, and a little sugar, giving a unique flavor to any meat. A thick and juicy Certified Black Angus burger marinated in Korean spices. Served with Colossal Fries, Seasoned Fries or “The Natural” Potato Chips. Served on your choice of a onion or kaiser roll.

Laycoff’s Breaded Cheeseburger

Yes, you read that right: a breaded cheeseburger. It seems folks will fry anything these days, but in this case, they got it right. Hey, if we can deep fry twinkles, why not burgers? Your choice of American, Swiss, or mozzarella cheese melted over a lightly breaded one-third pound patty, deep fried to perfection.

TGI Friday’s Jack Daniel’s Burger

Friday’s Jack Daniel’s Burger contains the perfect mixture of sauce and toppings. It’s making my mouth water just thinking about it. Signature Jack Daniel’s sauce, applewood-smoked bacon and melted Provolone cheese atop a fire-grilled Black Angus Beef Burger.

About the Author:

Amber Recker is a non-profit leader, freelance writer, community volunteer, and food blogger. By day, she serves as the director of development and marketing for Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, where she handles fundraising, marketing, and public relations. In her spare time, she and her husband Jon spend time in the kitchen and maintain their food blog. They have two Great Danes, Lucy and Lenora, who keep them on their toes.

Amber’s website: www.thegingerkitchen.com