Cheeseburger heaven

(Credit: Associated Press file photo)

Rochester has no shortage of fine-dining establishments where you can enjoy swanky surroundings and international cuisine. But the city also is home to a remarkable selection of that most American of cuisines – the burger. From homegrown originals to chain fare, we take a look at some of the standout burgers that can be had in Rochester. 

Original Bacon Cheeseburger

Don's Original

4900 Culver Road, Irondequoit; 323-1177

2545 Monroe Ave., Brighton; 244-2080

2055 Fairport Nine Mile Point Road (Route 250), Penfield; 377-1040

www.donsoriginal.com  

What's in it? The Don's Original Bacon Cheeseburger has been a Rochester staple for more than 60 years. Featuring a fresh-pressed ground-round steak patty made from beef that’s ordered fresh daily, and never frozen, the Original is cooked to your liking and served with bacon on a hard roll. 

Why Don's? As Terry Klee, owner of Don's Original Brighton location, knows, he's carrying on an important legacy: “Our founder, Don Barbado, was an innovator, and he led the way for a lot of other area burgers. Some places can't make a rare burger because they freeze their meat, but we've never had frozen ground beef for over 60 years, and we don't intend to start now.” Throw in speedy service and “the best hot sauce around,” and you've got a Rochester treasure. 

5 Alarm Burger

Red Robin

740 Jefferson Road, Henrietta; 475-1410

905 Holt Road, Webster; 872-2480

www.redrobin.com 

What's in it? Red Robin's spiciest burger boasts plenty of sweat-inducing ingredients: chipotle mayo, jalapeños, salsa, pepper jack cheese and Tabasco sauce.

Why Red Robin? This spicy combination is a favorite of guys who like a challenge. “A lot of guys come in and ask for (the 5 Alarm Burger), thinking they're tough, but they're definitely the ones who end up asking for extra waters,” says Henrietta Red Robin manager Jackie Brice.

Bleu Bayou Burger

The Distillery

1142 Mt. Hope Ave.; 271-4105

300 Paddy Creek Circle, Greece; 621-1620

3010 S. Winton Road, Henrietta; 339-3010

www.thedistillery.com 

What's in it? The Distillery's popular Blue Bayou Burger features the bar’s own Cajun seasoning and crumbled bleu cheese atop 8 ounces of certified Angus beef, served with a side of spicy ranch dressing.  

Why Distillery? At the Distillery, you’re tasting fresh ingredients in every bite. “First of all, you're getting 8 ounces of certified Angus beef, meaning there are high standards with respect to grading cattle in the beef we use,” explains Peter Psyllos, owner of The Distillery's Mt. Hope location. “And we use our own Cajun seasoning, as well as high-quality crumbled bleu cheese.”  

World's Greatest Cheeseburger

Bill Gray's, all 14 area locations

www.billgrays.com 

What's in it? The Bill Gray's burger has been around since 1938. Between 5 and 5½ ounces of fresh ground steak gets topped with two slices of a specially made blend of American and Cheddar cheeses and served on a freshly baked DiPaolo hard roll.  

Why Bill Gray's? Dan Gray, president of Bill Gray’s and the son of founder Bill Gray, wears a lot of hats. “I'll do a bit of everything – cooking, cleaning, visiting our different restaurants,” he explains. “We're always looking at our products to find ways to make them evolve, to try and find better ingredients.” However, he still understands the old adage “if it ain't broke don't fix it.”  For instance, “One thing that sets us apart is our hot sauce. We use the same sauce my mom and dad developed years ago.” 

Wahlburger

Tom Wahl’s, all nine area locations.

www.tomwahls.com 

What’s in it? Tom Wahl’s namesake burger combines ground steak with grilled smoked ham, melted Swiss cheese, lettuce, and Tom Wahl’s own signature special sauce on a seeded bun. 

Why Tom Wahl’s? Tom Wahl’s atmosphere may be a throwback to a simpler era, but the menu offers the variety most customers have come to expect. The Wahlburger has a lot going on, and in a city where the most famous dish is a Garbage Plate, that’s a good thing. “There's a lot of places in the world to get a cheeseburger,” explains Keith Herman, the restaurant’s vice president of operations, “but there's only nine places where you can get a Wahlburger.”