Eight Great Burger Joints

You can get a pretty decent burger almost everywhere in Boston. But where do you go for a burger that is worth both your time and your money?   Whether you like your burger old school- a simple patty with lettuce, tomato and mayo -or a gourmet behemoth with all the fancy fixings, here’s a guide to some of the Boston area’s best.

Of course, you can find all sorts of hamburgers at Fenway Park. But the Met Bar and Grill is Fenway Park’s  (Map) only gourmet hamburger purveyor. Order the “Vermont- The Farm” with organic Vermont cheddar cheese, a fried egg, bacon,  and an egg on a seven-grain bun.

Johnny’s Luncheonette (30 Langley Rd., Newton)(Map) A neighborhood spot which has achieved wide acclaim in the Boston- area for its burgers. You can’t do better than the  50′s burger ($7.50)- a classic burger with lettuce, tomato, onion and Johnny’s Luncheonette’s special sauce .

Fans of the  DC- based Five Guys burger chain will also need to head out to the burbs-  this time to Dedham- to get their fix of Five Guys’ heavenly single and double burgers (Burger and fries $12)(170 Providence Highway, Dedham)(Map).

Some of  the best sliders around Boston can be found at Sel de la Terre (774 Boylston St., Boston)(Map). The Mini-Burger Monday Menu features gourmet $2 dollar sliders at the bar every Monday from 5-7 PM.

Winner of a recent “Boston Burger Bash” competition,  the Four Seasons’ (200 Boylston St., Boston)(Map)Bristol Burger is pricey at $19, but you do get 8- ounces of burger greatness, truffled fries, impeccable service, and a stellar view of the Public Garden.

Audubon Circle (838 Beacon St., Boston) (Map) Shh! If you like Audubon Circle’s burgers($9), please don’t tell anyone else- they really are  a step above the rest, reasonably priced, and there is already a wait to get in.

UBurger (636 Beacon St.,Boston)(Map) serves a really good fast-food style burger made from beef that is ground fresh in-house daily . The Boom Burger ($5) is a favorite- topped with fried jalapenos, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, lettuce and chipotle sauce.

Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage (1246 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge)(Map) is a Harvard Square institution. Over the years, Mr. Bartley’s burgers have won countless “best-of” awards and the kitschy decor just adds to the experience.  Be prepared to pay around $10 for your gourmet burger and fries, and it’s cash only.

Image Credit: Met Bar and Grill