Summer Burger Experience
The burger, you can find it on just about any menu anywhere, but that doesn’t mean that all burgers are created equal. No, these days it’s all about the experience. Though you can certainly still get your burger with ketchup and the standard fixings, nowadays elite burger creators are letting their imaginations lead the way with unique creations to tantalize the taste buds!With summer finally upon us, adventures are in the air, and while you’re out and about – whether locally or across the state – we’ll connect you to the best burger experiences we’ve found. We’re highlighting five local restaurants that have shared with us their most popular burgers for you to try this summer.
The Outdoor Experience · 406 Kitchen & Tap Room
1207 North 27th Street · www.406kitchenbillings.com
When you dine at the 406, it’s a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience with their rooftop patio/bar – the only one in Billings. They also have a main patio for you to enjoy, so start a new summer tradition with our trademark Rimrocks and Downtown Billings creating the perfect backdrop for your evening out.
Whether you have your burger experience under the Big Sky or indoors at the 406, you’ll be warmly welcomed, and can settle in with 19 TVs, a full bar, and a great selection of food that goes beyond their most popular burger. The staff has decided that the burger earning that particular moniker is their Montana Burger: burger patty, house-made huckleberry BBQ, shredded jack cheese, fried jalapenos, and onions served on a freshly baked bun. Come get your burger fix at the 406!
What’s New · Craft B&B
2658 Grand Avenue
Breathing new life into an old building, Craft B&B is bringing a unique offering of burgers to the West End, paired with a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy as a family, for a night out, or to catch the big game.
Craft B&B’s mission is to deliver mouthwatering burgers to their customers, and they deliver with their blend of fresh beef chuck and brisket that’s specially seasoned, leading the way to a variety of unforgettable burgers. The custom-baked brioche buns by Grains of Montana complete this burger experience. Craft B&B’s owner, Fred Liske, points to the classic Cheeseburger as the most popular item on the menu, but other customer favorites are the Sky Fire (which is packing some heat) and Poutine Burger. If you want to try their signature burger, then you'll want to ask for the Whiskey Burger, which starts with a helping of BBQ pulled pork and caramelized onions, sautéed in a sweet, but mildly spicy, red sauce with whiskey; topped with melted cheese.
Knowledgeable staff will direct you to the perfect whiskey, beer, or cocktail to complement your meal. Craft B&B is proud to offer one of the largest whiskey selections in Montana, along with an indoor/outdoor Biergarten.
Award-winning · The Burger Dive
114 North 27th Street · http://theburgerdive.com
Brad Halsten and wife, Andi, have taken an unassuming downtown location and turned it into a funky and famous must-stop on your burger bucket list. By creating several award-winning burgers, this establishment has earned national attention. Local and visiting diners will find their fill with the regular menu items, but if you want to be in the know, ask for the “secret menu” or a surprise offered up by the chef.
When you go to The Burger Dive, you're embarking on a unique burger experience where everything is either done/created in-house or brought in locally. The burger that Brad marks as his must-try for customers is one that has been on the menu since day one: the Blackened Sabbath Burger. Besides being an amazing burger – and being "named after the greatest band ever" - it also earned them their highest score ever at this year’s World Food Championships. It's blackened seasoning, bleu cheese, bacon, topped with an Angry Hanks beer-battered onion ring, a garlic-basil mayonnaise on the bottom that’s also made in-house.
Expect to be greeted by friendly staff – including Andi, who serves tables five days a week. Have a one-of-a-kind burger experience at The Burger Dive!
Burgers and Brews · Überbrew
2305 Montana Avenue · www.facebook.com/uberbrew
Nestled in the downtown Depot district, Überbrew doesn't disappoint as a little-known family stop, or for date night or girls/guys night out. The brews found here are as big of a highlight as your burger experience. Their array of signature burgers comes with unique and decadent sides, sure to delight the whole family.
The only tap room in town to have a full kitchen, Überbrew proudly serves premium beef from locally owned and operated Project Meats on Grains of Montana buns. They point to the Chipotle Onion Burger as being their most popular, signature burger. Showcasing American cheese, melted over a generous serving of caramelized onions, topped with house-made chipotle aioli.
Known for serving the superlative pint, this taproom pairs their award-winning, hand-crafted ales with the best gastropub food in town, in an environment you want to gather.
The Unexpected · Pita Mill
1001 Shiloh Crossing Blvd · www.pitamill.com
You’ll find Pita Mill tucked into Billings’ latest place to be, Shiloh Crossing. While it’s named after Pitas, that’s not all you’ll find here, their burgers – and beyond that, their exceptional fries – have recently been creating a buzz around Billings.
Burgers might not come to mind when you think Pita Mill, but their unique and varied menu contains three burgers that owner, Dave Deihl, shares are the hands-down favorites from that section of the menu. The Green Chili Pepperjack, Reuben Burger, and Bacon Cheddar. The beef quality and topping selections for the burgers are what sets them apart. Any stop at the Pita Mill is a treat, where the fries, service, and flavors will always leaving you craving more!
Originally printed in the pages of Simply Family Magazine’s June 2018 issue.
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