Bun Times
Bun Times: In recognition of National Cheeseburger Day, celebrated on September 18, we’ve compiled a few spots known to locals as having some of the best burgers in Western North Carolina
The Cardinal Food & Spirits.
THE CARDINAL FOOD & SPIRITS Boone
The Cardinal serves great American road food, burgers, corn dogs, fried chicken sandwiches, and more “with a pretty significant wild game component” added, says co-owner Seth Sullivan. Their namesake burger consists of a beef burger served all the way with Duke’s mayo, lettuce, tomato, onion. Try their Carolina Style (chili, mustard, slaw, pickles, and onion). At The Cardinal, expect the unexpected. “We also serve a burger from our neighbors at Shipley Farms in Valle Crucis, that is a blend of NC-raised emu and chorizo, as well as rotating game meats like bison, yak, amel, elk, and others,” Sullivan explains. The Cardinal also serves vegan and vegetarian burgers and sandwiches as well as salads made with local produce. Add to that a litany of craft cocktails, wine, beer, and soft drinks. 1711 Hwy. 105; (828) 355-9600; thecardinalboone.com
Farm Burger.
FARM BURGER Asheville
The proprietors and staff of this highly regarded eatery take great pride in embracing sustainable food practices— the meat and poultry are regeneratively farmed. In simpler terms, the cattle eat only grass after being weaned, the pigs are pasture-raised, and none of the humanely-raised meat served at Farm Burger receive hormones or antibiotics. Additionally, The Farm Burger offers vegan burgers with gluten-free buns. Vegetables and other produce also come from sustainable farms. 10 Patton Ave., (828) 348-8540; 1831 Hendersonville Rd., Ste. 100, (828) 575-2393; farmburger.com
Church Street Depot.
CHURCH STREET DEPOT Waynesville
Voted “Best Burger in Haywood County” since its opening in 2015, this venue of culinary delight is famous for their hand-patted burgers, according to co-owner Kay Stegall Miller. There are a plethora of potential cheeseburger choices, including 100% Angus beef, a blend of chuck and brisket, and a natural burger from locally sourced, grass-fed only beef. Those are the basics, but there are plenty more burger options: turkey burger, Palmetto (with homemade pimento cheese), Texas, Brunch, among them. Pair those with hand-cut, freshly made fries cooked in peanut oil, then polish off your meal with milkshakes made with real ice cream or one of many float choices (including adult varieties with Irish cream or beer) or settle down with wine, beer, tea, or soda. 34 Church St.; (828) 246-6405; churchstreetdepot.com