BEST B U R G E RS I N C H A R LESTON Between theBun By EMMA DANNENFELSER f there is one item within the lineup of iconic American cuisine, it is undeniably the classic burger. No matter what your personal palate—single patty, double patty or smashed-style—or how long you’ve been enjoying them, burgers will never go out of style. <strong>Charleston</strong> is home to a spectacular variety of burgers, ranging from simple and timeless to creative, inventive, and daring, all of which are sure to impress even the toughest, most Iseasoned burger critic in the Lowcountry. The burger at legendary Melvin’s BBQ comes dressed with a combination of condiments: Duke’s mayo and French’s mustard on a toasted bun. 62 | <strong>Charleston</strong><strong>Living</strong>Mag.com
BIG GUN BURGER PHOTO JONATHAN BONCEK; BUTCHER & BEEPHOTO ANDREW CEBULKA Butcher & Bee 1085 Morrison Drive <strong>Charleston</strong> @butcherandbee Thanks to its locally sourced ingredients and sustainably raised meats, the quality and fresh variety of the menu at Butcher & Bee stands unmatched. From shareable plates to dishes with exciting global influences, and of course an incredible burger option, you are sure to have an excellent dining experience at Butcher & Bee. The lunch menu’s $18 double smashburger plate includes double patties, classic American cheese and pickles, topped off with “house fancy” sauce. The double patty extravaganza is served on a house-made brioche bun and served with fries. For an additional $4 you can add Benton’s bacon to the burger and for $3 you can add fresh, local greens to liven up your meal. Bohemian Bull 1531 Folly Road James Island @bohemianbull Double patties on a house-made brioche bun topped with classic American cheese and pickles and a “house fancy” sauce at Butcher & Bee. If you’re looking for a lively and open-concept dining experience, look no further than Bohemian Bull in James Island. The “Boho Burgers” are all made up of Black Angus brisket and chuck that is ground-in-house and “hand-spanked,” as the menu says. The extensive burger variety on the menu promises a delicious experience, whichever $14 Boho Burger you choose. The Truffle Burger is heaven-on-earth, featuring truffle mayo, friend onion rings, grilled portabella mushrooms and creamy gouda cheese, all on a potato bun. If you’re in a ravenous mood, the Getting’ Smash Burger will be the one for you, with two burger patties, gooey American cheese, pickles, thin-sliced onions and the Bohemian Bull “burger sauce,” promising to satisfy even the hungriest guest. If you’re a fan of trying new flavors and getting a kick of heat, then try the Black and Blue Burger with its blackened patty, jalapeños, bacon jam and blue cheese toppings. The That’s My Jam Burger is also sure to impress any adventurous burger connoisseur, topped with bacon jam, pepper jack pimento cheese and of course, in true Southern tradition, a fried green tomato. The “That’s My Jam Burger” from Bohemian Bull includes bacon jam, pepper jack pimento cheese and a fried green tomato. Big Gun Burger 137 Calhoun Street <strong>Charleston</strong> @biggunburger Opened in 2011, Big Gun Burger is no stranger to both locals and visitors of <strong>Charleston</strong>’s downtown peninsula. Big Gun Burger has a retro, eclectic rock-n-roll atmosphere where its burgers live up to its restaurant namesake, with locally baked buns, house-made sauces and hand-cut fries. The Towering Inferno will certainly pack a punch, with pulled pork, barbeque sauce, queso fresco and spicy habanero slaw. If you’re a fan of mushroom-swiss flavor, try the Thin White Duke, topped with mushrooms, bacon, swiss cheese, caramelized onions and a drizzle of horseradish mayo. The Bungalow Burger is a menu standout with bacon, caramelized onions, buttery havarti cheese, tomato and a fresh, springy dill mayo. Along with the more adventurous options, the Big Gun Burger menu wouldn’t be complete without its $14 Classic Burger option, topped with American cheese, onion, pickles and “Big Gun sauce.” These burgers are offered at a deep discount during happy hour from 4-6 p.m. Monday-Friday. At Big Gun Burger, you can find incredible bites seven days a week, open from noon to 2 a.m., making it the pinnacle of “restaurant by day, tipsy lounge at night.” A Big Gun burger topped with American cheese, onion, pickles, bacon and “Big Gun sauce.” <strong>May</strong>/<strong>June</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 63