If there's one thing the 407area isn't short on, it's places to get a good burger. You have all your quintessential burger chains in Orlando, Smash Burger, Burger Fi, Shake Shack Winter Park, Five Guys, etc., plus the countless Orlando burger restaurants on the menu.
Every year, every publication from the Orlando Sentinel to Orlando food bloggers run their version of a Best Dining Awards in Orlando and the winners change from year to year, all determined by the people who take the time to vote. Orlando magazine is one such publication who announces their award winners in the May issue annually, after calling on their readers to vote and compiling their dining critic's picks. Year after year, one category seems to get plenty of attention, Orlando's Best Burger.
It's no surprise when you look around and see the surge of burger-centric restaurants opening on what seems like every corner. We're clearly a city in love with hamburgers–from chains to local establishments serving anything from frozen patties to craft burgers alike. The people in charge at Orlando magazine noticed all the beefy love and felt it was time to decide once and for all, who has the best burger in town?
So on September 23, the Orlando Burger Battle 2017 is officially on! And the contestants aren't your typical burger chains either. No, over ten restaurants in Orlando who's names aren't necessarily associated with America's favorite food, signed up to battle it out over who has the best local beefwich.
Sample The Best Burgers In Orlando At The Burger Battle
The restaurants include: The Whiskey, Raglan Road Irish Pub, White Wolf Cafe, Artisans Table in Downtown Orlando, Hash House A Go Go, Jimmy Hula's of Winter Park, Planet Hollywood | Orlando, Chroma-Lake Nona, The Tap Room at Dubsdread, and Shula's 347 Grill in Lake Mary.
The judges are:
- Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw, Community Ambassadors to the Orlando Magic and former players
- Erika Dunlap, former Ms. America 2004 and Ms. Florida, 2003
- Riky Ly, founder of TastyChomps and author of Food Lovers' Guide to® Orlando: The Best Restaurants, Markets & Local Culinary Offerings
- Kathleen Blake owner of The Rusty Spoon, 2013 and 2015 James Beard Award Nominee for Best Chef South, 2013 Best Chefs America Southern Region, and nominated for both Golden Whisk and Community Service Awards by Women Chefs & Restauranteurs
- Joseph Hayes, dining critic for Orlando magazine
- Emily Ellyn, chef and culinary educator also known as Retro Rad Diva
The battle is on from 5 to 9 p.m at ACE Cafe Orlando, downtown's newest car and motorcycle hangout. And this isn't your run of the mill cook-off either. There'll be much more to enjoy than just some burger sampling.
Everything included with General Admission tickets:
• All you can eat burgers from each participating restaurant
• Beer, wine, and cocktail bars
• Milkshake bar
• Concert
• Games
VIP Tickets include:
• All general admission items plus ...
• Early admission to the event
• Exclusive VIP Lounge with Ace Cafe catering
• Private butler service
• V.I.P. gift bag
• Meet-N-Greet with celebrity judges
Why spend the money for just one burger when you can have endless Orlando burgers in one night? If you want a chance to win free tickets, head over to Orlando magazine's Instagram page and enter their Burger Battle Giveaway. Otherwise, purchase tickets here and happy eating!
