In the name of journalism, I ate a lot of burgers around Fargo-Moorhead. You're welcome.
A dad has few sacred duties, but knowing where the great burger is ranks near the top. So I set out to settle it, one cheeseburger at a time, across the metro.
The old-school taverns
There's a certain kind of unpretentious local spot — vinyl booths, a griddle that's been seasoned since the Carter administration — that just does it right. No truffle aioli, no brioche, just a great burger. These are the backbone.
The new-wave smash spots
The craft smash-burger wave has fully arrived in F-M, and honestly, some of it is excellent. Crispy edges, good buns, thoughtful toppings. A little pricier, but a legit treat.
Pro tip for taking the kids: ask for the patty plain, on the side. Saves you the meltdown over 'something touching something.' I have learned this the hard way more than once.
Final verdict? I'm not naming a single winner — that's how you start a fight at the playground. But I'll say this: the best burger in town is usually the one you're eating with your kid on a Friday night with nowhere to be.
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