What I’m Eating: Gourmet Burgers for National Burger DayDate: 9/26/2023 How can you go wrong with a hamburger? Like most Americans, burgers are a semi-regular part of my diet. I always find myself either devouring grill-charred hamburgers during the summertime heat or swinging by a fast food spot for a guilty pleasure snack to satiate my hunger. All it takes is a piece of meat, two buns and a who’s who of tasty toppings to create an immaculate contraption.
Another remarkable aspect of burgers is the elevated heights they can travel to. Sure, a homemade burger can hit the spot, but that has not stopped several restaurants from reinventing the Americana classic. Piled high with fresh ingredients and an ingenious blend of flavors, gourmet burgers can augment an everyday meal into a mouth-watering feast that keeps diners returning for more.
To celebrate Sept. 18 as National Cheeseburger Day, here are a few gourmet burger spots to check out.
Rail Trail Ale House 23 Point Grove Rd., Southwick
Nestled in Southwick’s winding back roads, Rail Trail Ale House sets an inviting atmosphere the second you step inside. The restaurant radiates elevated comfort food energy, with the walls lined with big-screen televisions and classic bar artifacts. In addition, the outdoor patio sets a cozy environment through its decor and backdrop of the community’s woodsy pastures.
While it is a well-kept establishment, Rail Trail’s true jewel is its fantastic food. The kitchen team promotes bar room classics into a new rank of taste and sophistication, whether it is classic pizzas topped with inspired topping blends or decadent sandwiches with only the freshest ingredients.
Whenever I visit Rail Trail, the behemoth burgers are my go-to order. The Rail Trail’s menu offers various burger options, including zesty southern-style burgers and unique East Coast creations. Every bite conjures an insatiable desire to come back for one more. The burger patties are juicy and expertly prepared, while a satisfying smorgasbord of toppings adds layers to the burger’s rich textures. Accompanied by the addicting homemade, hand-cut french fries, these burgers truly represent a pinnacle of hamburger perfection.
All-American Sports Bar 459 Dwight St., Springfield
Springfield features a remarkably robust restaurant scene brimming with eclectic cultures and cuisines, so much so that keeping track of all the great eateries opening for business can be challenging. All-American Sports Bar is undoubtedly one for readers to put on their list, especially for burger aficionados.
Opening back in April, All-American Sports Bar is a haven for sports fans. The kitchen team and ownership group have envisioned a sleek, upscale twist on your typical sports bar atmosphere. The decor is exquisite, and the nighttime lighting sets a lively atmosphere. This refined environment represents the perfect backdrop for a marvelous meal.
Every menu item at All-American Sports Bar reimagines the familiar into satisfying new creations. Dazzling dishes, like the honey BBQ burger smothered with bacon, fried onions and other fixings, exude an impressive flair. The patties are prepared with a flavorful seasoning blend. The toasted bun skillfully sandwiches a rich helping of ingredients, while the toppings themselves are fresh and pack a potent punch to the pallet. A hearty helping of salty yet crisp French fries also serves as an appetizing accoutrement to the mammoth burgers. No matter what you order, All-American Sports Bar delivers it with the precision and skill of a dynamic sports figure.
Next week, after recovering from my Big E food coma, I will share some of my favorite items from the iconic fairgrounds.
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