As a pharmacist, it’s my job to educate patients on healthy lifestyles including diet and exercise habits that are consistent with minimizing future health risks. That being said, many times strict diets or fads can end up causing harmful weight swings and make it harder to stay on track. Therefore, when someone falls off the wagon it can lead to anxiety and/or depression and create even larger mental obstacles to overcome. That’s why our Sona health coaches encourage a balanced diet primarily focused on majority vegetable content, high-quality protein, and limiting excess carbohydrates and sugar. If this is your staple meal, then indulging or having a nice meal out can feel like a treat and not a failure.
Now to the good stuff. Asheville is known for its beautiful mountainscapes, the best brews, and some amazing food. Today, we take a deep dive into an American staple — the hamburger. I searched far and wide (within the city limits) to find the best burger money can buy. The ratings included 4 components, each on a scale of 1 to 5:
- Main Event: This rating was all about the meat and protein. Where did it come from? Was it cooked appropriately? Seasoned well?
- Bookends: The bun. Was it made in house? Was it soggy or did it hold its own weight? How about the condiments? Were they carefully considered or slapped on at the last second?
- Side Cart: Every good burger comes with even better fries. Were these classic compliments just as delicious or a forgotten piece of the puzzle?
- Overall Value: For this rating, I consider cost and setting as part of the overall dining experience.
First contender: Farm Burger
The No. 1 Farm Burger: This burger is grass-fed, topped with delicious grilled onions, and a sauce that makes mustard and ketchup look like kiddy stuff. Plus you can order a big basket of fries on the side. The biggest downside is that Farm Burger is a regional chain and that’s a hard pill for my “Go Local” heart to swallow.
- Scores:
- Main Event – 4
- Bookends – 5
- Side Cart – 3
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Overall Value – 4
Second contender: Foothills
Foothills Burger: A big burger with a classic presentation. The best part is that Foothills is also a butcher bar so the beef selection is some of the best. The cherry on top — tallow fries, and let me tell ya they are absolutely amazing. The only downside is this meal comes at a pretty penny.
- Scores:
- Main Event – 4
- Bookends – 3
- Side Cart – 4
-
Overall Value – 3
Third contender: Bull & Beggar
Burger & Fries: Picture this, two patties, covered in cheese served with fries and a pork rind thrown in for good measure. However, the potato bun steals the show in my opinion, and provides a surprising fun twist. This location is also in the River Arts District and embodies the perfect Asheville atmosphere. The tricky part is you can only order this meal on Monday nights.
- Scores:
- Main Event – 4
- Bookends – 5
- Side Cart – 3
-
Overall Value – 5
Fourth contender: WALK
Beyond Burger: I couldn’t do a proper burger review without including at least one good plant-based burger and this one did not disappoint. Served with white cheddar cheese instead of the traditional American and loaded on a local bakery bun, the beyond burger still honed in on all the pieces that make a burger great. This might be a nontraditional choice, but a delicious option for all our plant-based friends.
- Scores:
- Main Event – 4
- Bookends – 4
- Side Cart – 3
-
Overall Value – 4
So, drumroll please…my favorite has to go to Bull & Beggar! Though I love the sauce at Farm Burger, the local atmosphere and top-notch bun puts Bull & Beggar as the top contender.
Remember, lifelong health isn’t about what you eat or do every once in a while. It’s about creating a foundation of healthy habits and still enjoying your favorite things now and then!
