Few foodstuffs are more hotly debated than the burger. According to the Daily Meal, three of the best in America can be had in Dallas-Fort Worth.
On a list of 101 entries, Love Shack’s Dirty Love burger, Maple & Motor’s cheeseburger and Keller’s No. 5 double meat special rank Nos. 62, 66 and 101, respectively.
Daily Meal has been producing this list since 2013. This year the editors started with a list of 250; divided it up by region; and sent out a survey to “70 noted writers, journalists, bloggers and other culinary authorities” to obtain their votes for the best.
The criteria included high-quality beef, proper seasoning, well-proportioned components and an overall attention to detail. Large chains were addressed on another list, so this one only accounts for smaller operations.
About Love Shack, Daily Meal notes that this is where “bigger-than-life” chef-owner Tim Love “exhibits playfulness.” It continues, “Normally, when a menu includes 'love' as an ingredient, the appropriate response is an eye roll. That said, given the chef's name, you have to allow for an exception here.”
Daily Meal couldn’t resist referencing M&M’s perceived “attitude” and “arrogance,” then goes on to let the menu description speak for itself, as if no other words could be written other than “American beef flat grilled in its own juices,” which is “dressed in traditional Texas fashion with mustard, lettuce, red onion and dill pickle” and served on a “toasted, grill-shined bun.”
Keller’s description speaks to the joint’s longevity — this summer marks the 50th anniversary of the original — and the trademark poppy seed bun and Thousand Island-like dressing. Bacon is also suggested.
Texas had a banner year, with 11 entries overall — up from six on the 2014 list. However, the story reads that we had 10 winners and that three came from “smaller towns” than Houston and Austin. Is Dallas smaller than Austin?
Anyway, Houston claimed two (Guy’s Meat Market and Becks Prime); Austin had five (Hopdoddy, Second Bar+Kitchen, P. Terry’s, Hut’s Hamburgers, Parkside); and one came from the actual small town of Buffalo Gap (Perini Ranch).
Maple & Motor comes in at No. 66 on Daily Meal's list.
