MR. BARTLEY’S BURGER AND SALAD COTTAGE 1246 Massachusetts Ave. T Stop: Harvard Square
At Mr. Bartley’s, an elderly gentleman takes orders as patrons wait in line outside to be seated, and that quirkiness adds to restaurant’s charm. The Harvard Square dive’s menu offers plenty of variety, ranging from the simple to the bizarre (Hillary Clinton burger, anyone?). Resist the temptation to order a Russell Crowe burger and go with the burger joint litmus test that is the cheeseburger. The beef is fresh-ground on site, and it shows – tender and juicy with all the consistency and chutzpah everyone hopes for in a burger. As far as sides go, either the sweet potato fries or the onion rings are gold. But the best burger ever? That depends on whether you can ignore the submarine bunk proximity of other diners, but the sign does say cottage after all. -Greg White
TIM’S TAVERN 329 Columbus Ave. T Stop: Copley
Quite possibly the most unpretentious place to eat near Copley Square, Tim’s Tavern is well known as one of the best places to get a cheap burger in Boston. Tim’s heavenly onion cheeseburger was cooked exactly to medium. With the addition of lettuce and tomato to the thick, juicy grilled meat, the burger towered a colossal four inches – difficult to eat without getting a little messy. The sandwich rolls used instead of buns suit these burgers perfectly, and don’t miss the onion rings, which are crunchy and actually taste like onion. Tim’s serves seven types of burgers, ranging in price from $4.75 for a hamburger to $6.95 for one with the works, which is slathered with mushrooms, onions and your choice of cheese. An extra $1.75 brings the reward of Tim’s delicious steak fries.
-Jenna Pelletier
THE POUR HOUSE 909 Boylston St. T Stop: Hynes/ICA
The Pour House offers nine different burgers, but all are variations of the same dry patty and white bread bun. The Stately Burgers try to mimic the regional flavors of various states: Bleu cheese tops the Wisconsin burger, and the Hawaiian burger has teriyaki sauce and pineapple chunks. But the burgers aren’t so stately in size or flavor. The patties are modestly sized and topped with a meager piece of lettuce and slice of tomato and served on a bland bun. Condiments range from ketchup to mustard. With prices ranging from $4 to $5.25, the burgers are cheap – but you get what you pay for.
-Emily Beaver
AUDOBON CIRCLE BAR 838 Beacon St. T Stop: Kenmore or St. Mary’s
Not your typical burger joint, Audobon Circle is more upscale, and this class extends into the burgers it serves. The solid burgers come with a dish of spicy ketchup and roasted potatoes instead of fries. The ketchup and potatoes, as well as a semi-crunchy bun, provide a fairly unique burger-eating experience. However, despite the class and unquestionably tasty burger – and the convenience of Audobon’s location on South Campus – spicy ketchup does not “the best burger” make.
– Justin Lamb
GEORGE: AN AMERICAN TAVERN 384 Boylston St. T Stop: Arlington
While George offers items such as Cowboy Steak and pork tenderloin, it also offers three burgers: George’s 10 oz. Fresh Burger ($7), the Gorgonzola and Bacon Burger ($9) and the Ham and Horseradish Burger ($9). Although they are expensive, the saucer-sized hamburgers are juicy, packed with welcome excesses of flavor. The Fresh Burger comes with options: your choice of Swiss, mozzarella, bleu or cheddar cheese, roasted peppers or mushrooms, or bacon or caramelized onions for a mere 50 cents each. Each burger comes with the choice of coleslaw, potato salad or a mountainous pile of crisp, golden fries, making it money well spent.
-Alex Harris
CHARLIE’S KITCHEN 10 Eliot St. T Stop: Harvard Square
Charlie’s Double Cheeseburger, which comes with the essential lettuce, tomato, pickle and fries, is cheap ($4.95) and tasty. A fine lean meat of the West Coast variety, á la the popular In-N-Out Burger chain, the beef flavor lingers on the palate even though mediocre buns surround the patties. Despite its whopper-sized stature, the burger holds together well. Charlie’s burgers are better than most, but did not measure up to their reputation. Then again, the Chef’s Favorite Angus Burger is more highly recommended – but it carries a $7 price tag. -Matt Kasper