I’ve tried out a few more burgers in the city on my quest to find the best burger around. Last time, the burger from Southern Pacific Brewing finally toppled the reigning champion from Black Sands Brewery that had held the top position for quite some time. This time, I tried burgers from Maven, Comstock Saloon and Hi-Way Burger & Fry to see if any of them could take the lead.
1. Maven
I was interested in heading to Maven for two reasons: They use Angostura bitters in the patty to beef up the flavor and if you go during happy hour, they provide a free beer along with the burger. Both seemed like excellent reasons to head there, so I found myself there early one evening to get my beer and burger. (Sadly the beer selection was quite disappointing.) The burger was served with a side of fries with an olive mayonnaise (which was just olives chopped into mayonnaise with a giant, whole olive in the center). The mayo was fantastic, but the fries weren’t that exciting. The burger also wasn’t amazing. I was expecting a meatier flavor considering the bitters that were included. The bun and the rest of the toppings were nice, but overall the burger didn’t really wow me. And considering Black Sands Brewery is across the street, I can’t imagine coming back here for a burger when I could go there.
2. Comstock Saloon
One of my favorite places to eat burgers in London is called Dip and Flip. They make burgers and french dips, and they even have a combo burger with both types of meat on it. The burger comes with gravy to dip into, and it’s pretty much one of the best ideas ever brought to fruition. So when I noticed that the burger at Comstock Saloon had gravy available to add on, I knew it was quickly going to be a place I had to give a try. It’s also not your ordinary burger as it has salt and vinegar potato chips on top as well. Because really, who doesn’t want chips in a burger? It also has their secret sauce and a fontina-style cheese fondue on it. It’s regularly $15, but the addition of gravy was $3 and I figured since it may be the only time I’m here if the burger isn’t great, I should add on the pork belly as well (for another $3). It also comes with no sides, so it is one of the more expensive burgers on the list. I do have to say though, that the first bite I put in my mouth of the extremely messy burger was like burger nirvana. The gravy just adds that extra meaty flavor that you want in a burger and the cheese sauce, special sauce, pickles and salt and vinegar chips just combine together really well into a burst of flavor into your mouth. Add in the nori topping on the bun, and you’re in umami heaven. Honestly, the pork belly was probably unnecessary, and if you do decide you need to add something, a second patty for $4.50 would probably be a better choice. The burger here was absolutely heavenly, and I was really sad when I finished.
3. Hi-Way Burger & Fry
Another batch of errands in the Mission means another burger place to try. This one is a bit further from Mission street, but not too far, so I hiked up the hill on 24th to find my way to Hi-Way burger. Their burgers definitely seem like they are designed to be like burgers you would have found at a truck stop along the highway, so the name of the restaurant is apropos. I ordered a double cheeseburger and fries. It’s also a decent price, as the double cheeseburger is around $10. The burgers are made fresh on premises as well as I witnessed them squashing the pile of meat onto the grill. It’s definitely a good sized burger for the price. The fries were a bit underwhelming sadly. I would say the burger is definitely on a similar level to Super Duper Burgers, but it definitely lacked an edge to make me excited.
Winner: Comstock Saloon
The burger at Comstock Saloon is literally everything I could want in a burger and had such an amazing combination of flavors in my mouth. The meaty gravy is a necessary addition. It’s definitely on the pricey side, but it is completely worth it. It definitely takes top position in the Great Burger Hunt. If messy and gravy and meaty isn’t your thing, Southern Pacific is a good second choice (although it’s definitely messy as well). Hi-Way is very similar to Super Duper Burgers, but I think I’m giving the edge to Super Duper. Sadly, Maven didn’t really hold up so isn’t going to take a place in the top of the rankings. Keep an eye out for the next part to see if anything can top the fantastic burger from Comstock Saloon.
Ranking:
1. Comstock Saloon
2. Southern Pacific Brewing
3. Black Sands Brewery
4. Wayfare Tavern
5. Son’s Addition
6. Gaspar
7. Wes Burger ‘n’ More
8. Epic Steak
9. Umami Burger
10. ABV
11. 4505 Burgers and BBQ
12. Super Duper Burgers
Wow, congratulations Comstock Saloon! Sounds like they really bring it, especially when it comes to all of the special add-ons. Fondue and gravy and chips and special sauce? Umm… YES PLEASE! The bun looks gorgeous, too. (Sorry Southern Pac Brew– Fleeting fame after Black Sands held the top spot for so long!)
I know. I kind of felt bad for them. Although I would definitely go back to Southern Pacific in a heartbeat!
But yeah, Comstock definitely put on a pretty epic burger!