Are you craving a burger, but you're not crazy about beef? After tasting alternative burgers all over town, here are five of the best
Carytown Burgers & Fries — Turkey Burger
3500 1/2 W. Cary St., 358-5225
Though it's not pretty falling over the side of the bun, Carytown's 99 percent fat-free ground-turkey burger really tastes like turkey. Adorned with just enough tomato, onions, lettuce and condiments, this hand-shaped patty melds easily with its buttery sesame-seed bun. At $4.79, it's also quite a deal.
Gibson's Grill — Mini Lamb Burgers
708 E. Broad St., 644-2637
Who wouldn't love these sliders? At three to an order ($8.95), they're so tasty, so compact, so cute. The flavor profile is phenomenal: a juicy, well-seasoned grilled lamb patty under a blanket of creamy fennel-yogurt sauce and over a ripe, balsamic-soaked red tomato, all tucked into a tiny toasted bun. For that, and house-made potato chips, it's worth heading downtown.
Positive Vibe Café — Buffalo Burger
2825 Hathaway Road, 560-9622
Moo-o-ve over, beef, there's a big, bad buffalo burger ($9.50) in town. House-made from 100 percent natural buffalo, very low in fat and bursting with juicy, meaty, well-seasoned character, my burger was grilled to medium-rare perfection. Add cheese, bacon or onions if you wish, but that's gilding the lily.
Palani Drive — Veggie Burger
401 Libbie Ave., 285-3200
Grab onto this veggie burger ($6.95) with both hands. It's huge and a little sloppy, with a moist, chunky texture. Corn, green peppers and onions play well with black beans, and fresh toppings and a whole-wheat bun make this a winner. Ask for a side of salsa to add a little zip.
Capital Ale House — Lamb Burger
619 E. Main St., 643-2537
They don't call it a Greek burger, but a thick, savory lamb burger ($8.99) topped with feta and house-pickled tomato, cucumber and red-onion relish certainly inspires a comparison. Forego the side of mint jelly and tuck into the fries with zippy cayenne-spiced aïoli. Opa !
Back to: Whatta Burger!