I have a question for you today. What is your favorite food?
Someone asked me this recently and I realized what a difficult question it was. But as I sat there thinking to myself about the one item that makes me the happiest when I eat, I realized how it easy it was, a burger. I know I know, how does a nutrition student admit to being in love with something so unhealthy? But I am not ashamed and I will continue eating burgers until the day I die. Which may be soon if eat too many burgers! With that being said I have been fortunate enough to enjoy some amazing burgers in my lifetime. My step-dad for example makes the best grilled burgers I have ever had. Back when I was living at home we would take advantage of Fresh Markets $2.99 lb ground beef Tuesdays and turned it into our designated burger day. Tuesdays naturally became my favorite day of the week.
In honor of my families ‘Burger Tuesdays’ I would like to tell you about my favorite burger places in Atlanta. After much consideration I decided the top three burger places are:
1. Holeman & Finch
2. The Vortex
3. Opulent
Last year I went around trying to find the best burger in Atlanta. Out of all the restaurants I tried, these three restaurants had the most memorable burgers. I already told you about the “Amazing Burger” at Opulent in Roswell but I want to focus today’s post on Holeman & Finch.
What a beauty!
All soda’s are served the old fashion way!
When I first moved to Atlanta I kept hearing about this little restaurant in Buckhead called Holeman & Finch. They were famous for their “burger time” and distinct drinks. For example, their Bloody Mary brunch cocktail is made with gin instead of the usual vodka. Although their menu may be small, everything on it is fresh and satisfying.
” In an effort to return to classic techniques that provide the restaurant’s pantry with house-made, house-cured and house-preserved items, made with seasonal ingredients, we have discovered ways to deliver traditional offerings that seem modern and new. “
holeman-finch.com
Every night starting at 10:00 PM Holeman & Finch chefs ring a bell and yell “Burger time!” At this time 24 exquisite, double patty cheeseburgers are assembled and distributed. So what is it that makes these burgers so delicious and desirable? The cheeseburgers are made with house-made buns and served alongside hand-cut fries and homemade ketchup, mustard, and pickles. From personal experience I can assure you that you will never have a more pleasing burger. The experience is quite magical.
“In order to pay the proper respect to this iconic American food, Linton Hopkins and company decided that only a handful would be made and served each night. This way, the burger is done right; and because generally, a burger on any menu tends to trump other items, it allows the rest of Holeman and Finch’s menu it’s time to shine.”
This past Spring, Anthony Bourdain filmed an episode of his show “The Layover” here in Atlanta. One of the restaurants he included in the episode was Holeman & Finch. Because of the show, Holeman & Finch became even more popular in Atlanta. The restaurant is very tiny so there is limited seating available. My advise to you is to go with just one person or even alone. Also, try to go on Sunday when they serve the burger all day (11:30-3:00). If you go at 2 PM you will have an easier time getting a seat. You might have a long wait but it will be worth it, I promise. I have been told that if you go at 11:30AM the line wraps around the building. Eeeek! But if you decide to go early and have to wait, make sure you order some of their famous Bacon Caramel Popcorn. So yummy!
One last thing! Today while I was reading Octobers issue of “Food & Wine” magazine I noticed Chef Linton Hopkins was in it. Chef Linton is the executive chef/owner of Holeman & Finch. It was not surprising when I read that back in 2009 he was named Best New Chef by Food & Wine magazine. He will be participating in a cook-off against three other top chefs. Go to foodandwine.com/cabinpressurecookoff for more information.
