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Ask anyone about their favorite burger spot. Chances are it’s the drive-thru around the corner you visit after your late night shift. Or maybe that burger stand on the corner frying up burgers and smelling like hot oil all day. Fast food burgers just have a certain magic about them that balances speed, flavor, and nostalgia into perfection.

Sure there are exceptions to every place that solely focuses on speed with generic food. But the absolute best burger joints know how to take a simple menu staple and turn it into a craveable flavor sensation you’ll remember. Whether it’s their secret sauce or just seasoning their burgers perfectly, these places know how to make you crave their menu.

Quality Ingredients Make a World of Difference

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Ingredient quality is probably the biggest factor that distinguishes great burger stands from average ones. You wouldn’t believe the difference a fresh, never frozen patty makes over something that’s been industrially processed. Plus, when burger stands take pride in sourcing their ingredients locally (or at the very least not using frozen toppings), you really can taste it. Everything from the acidity to the texture just pops more, and you know that more care was taken to prepare your meal.

Same thing goes for the buns they use. Ideally, burger stands are baking their buns in-house daily. If not, they’re buying from a local bakery. A burger bun should be slightly sweet and very soft. Having a dry, hard bun won’t ruin your burger experience, but it sure won’t make it great either.

Don’t forget the power of toppings and condiments. The right sauce, crunchy pickle, or even fresh lettuce can take your basic cheeseburger to the next level. Little things like this is what separates good burger stands from great ones. They know that flavor profile doesn’t just stem from the patty.

Creative Menus Keep You Coming Back

Finally, incredible burger stands like to experiment. Sure there is a time and place for plain old cheeseburgers. However, if you frequent the greatest burger joints around you know they will have limited burgers and twists. Specialty burgers, crazy combos and creative toppings allow for that excitement every time you walk in. The excitement that you may just find a new flavor you haven’t tried yet.

Of course, specialty burgers are reason enough to visit. It’s not every day you can walk into a burger stand and see a burger concocted just for them. Whether it be a mouth-watering jalapeño burger or a bacon-cheddar burger with smoke hints, stands that take risks like this stand out. Because they know their ingredients will wow you every time. So you better believe they will gain a line of eager people waiting to get their hands on these unique burgers.

Don’t forget about the extras either. Great burger places even make your sides taste like heaven. Sweet potato fries, unique onion rings and special dipping sauces that tie your burger together are what will have you leaving with a complete meal instead of just a burger.

Consistency and Service Matter More Than You Think

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A burger may taste fantastic on your first bite, but consistency is what will win you over for life. Premium burger joints pay attention to make sure every burger that comes off the grill meets the same expectations as your first. How thick is the patty? Is it cooked to the right temperature? Are the toppings fresh? You know you’re getting a great burger every time you step foot in your favorite burger spot, and that’s what makes you a repeat customer.

Customer service. It’s one of those things people tend to forget about when thinking about what makes a burger stand great, but it’s essential. Order friendly staff that remember what you want and have it ready for you when you order will make your burger that much better. Who knows, you may even find yourself enjoying a burger that’s slightly under cooked if you know you’ll get a smile and great service from your friendly burger vendor. Poor service is the number one reason why some burger chains are simply mediocre.

Keep it clean. This ties into service and overall experience. The best burger stands have clean kitchens, dining rooms, floors, and atmosphere. We live in a society where fast food is synonymous with grab and go. But the cleaner your diner is and the more comfortable you feel while you’re waiting it seems less like you’re rushing through life and more like you made a conscious decision to be there. As silly as that may sound, when you combine these factors with a delicious burger you will wow your competition.

So there you have it. If you want to wow your competition, serve a great burger. It’s really that simple. But great burgers come from knowing what makes food memorable. From using quality ingredients to thinking outside of the box with menu options and giving your customers great service every time. When you walk into one of these establishments it feels like a reward every time. You know what you’re getting and that makes every burger taste better than your competition.