In case you hadn’t heard, burgers are an essential part of a healthy diet. True story. Spicy, cheesy, saucy, greasy, or piled high with all the fixings, we all have our opinions about what makes the best burger. You can check out that list here. But here in Idaho, there are certain unique burgers that are essential to the Gem State experience for any number of reasons. Some are classics, some are headline-makers, and still others feature unique flavor combinations that might make you wary at first. But all are worthy of a burger bucket list, that’s for sure! In no particular order…
For the perfect Idaho burger, naturally our state fruit should be the crowning jewel! This succulent masterpiece is topped with peppered bacon and their housemade huckleberry bbq sauce
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2. The Crazy Brakeman: Brakeman American Grill, Victor
This towering behemoth will rock your world in all the right ways. The half pound burger topped with all the favorites! Half a pound fresh beef is topped with everything you could ever hope for: grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, jalapeños, incredible bacon, veggies, and more all smothered in melted Colby Jack.
3. The Original: Hudson's Hamburgers, Coeur d'Alene
Delightfully simple, there's a reason this burger joint has been in business for a century. But don't take our word for it! The national headlines speak for themselves, touting the magnificence of this burger, sans trimmings.
Yes, Eureka! is a California chain, but its grand opening in Boise in October is HUGE news for gourmet burger lovers. The bone marrow burger, made with marrow porcini butter and topped with mustard aioli and sprinkled with black sesame seeds, sounds horrendous but is actually magnificent. Definitely a must-try!
The Dish is an exceptional place to dine, no matter what you're in the mood for... but their Brie Burger is simply DIVINE. Brie cheese, truffle aioli, fresh arugula, tomato, and a balsamic onion marmalade sit atop a perfectly textured brioche bun.
6. Highland Beef Burger: 36th Street Bistro, Boise
Always unexpected to the newbie, Boise's expansive garden center/bistro is a magnificent hidden gem when it comes to dining. This deliciously fresh and organic burger is served on an absolutely divine challah bun (which adds just a touch of sweetness) and served with tomatoes, red onion, garlic aioli, and fresh organic greens. The Highland beef is perfectly succulent and you will forever shun regular fast food burgers after a taste of the real deal.
It can be a challenge to transform an ordinary burger into a healthy masterpiece, but My Father's Place is on point with their veggie nut burger. Diners absolutely rave about it - and what's not to love about a whole wheat bun and grain patty so tender and flavorful that it rivals beef?
This beautiful hunk of meaty eye candy is on special, so you'd better hurry! Penny's Pit is basically burger heaven, and right now they're topping their signature patties with a drool-worthy bacon relish, Gorgonzola cheese, and a garlic aioli spread on a bed of arugula and tomato. You're welcome.
From the place that brought you 100,000 different ways to eat french fries come dozens of burgers that are enough to make you swoon. A local favorite? The succulent bison burger, which you can top with any number of extras. For a crazy unique experience, try the blueberry compote, habaneros, lettuce, and spicy ketchup on top.
What’s your favorite burger in the state and what makes it so special? Are you drooling over the Brakeman’s towering masterpiece, or the true simplicity of historic Hudson’s? Let us know!
