Is this Philly's top burger?
A Fishtown shop is the top-rated.
Is this Philly's top burger?
Zagat Survey has unleashed its lists of the top burgers in 25 U.S. cities.
Philly's top burger, according to Zagat voters, comes from a little storefront in Fishtown called Sketch Burger. It snagged a 28 out of 30 for food in the 2013 Zagat Survey, placing it in the upper echelon of all restaurants.
The review reads: “Super-messy burgers” and other “comfort-food” classics are “worth the hike” to this Fishtown “joint” where diners doodle while they wait and seating options include “vintage church pews”; Kobe beef and even vegan patties plus sauces that add “the right amount of sloppy, fatty goodness” are a testament to the kitchen’s “creativity”, and while it all “might cost a few bucks more”, “personal, passionate” service seals the deal."
The smashed onion burger - amped by pepper jack and garlic aioli - is indeed a thing of beauty.
Owner Phyllis Farquhar today said she was "surprised but delighted" at the honor. She attributed her success to "exceptional customer service and buying the highest-quality ingredients and not messing with them."
The Inquirer's Craig LaBan in 2010 praised Farquhar's vegan burger: "She experimented for more than a year to perfect her unique vegan burger, which has so many grains (quinoa, oats), beans (seven kinds), veggies (potatoes, carrots, onions), spices (coriander, cumin), herbs (spearmint), and textured vegetable protein inside, it's practically an entire health-food store on a bun. It is remarkably satisfying in flavor, with a deep-fried exterior crisp that makes it taste like the love child of a burger and a falafel - especially with tahini dressing. Polish it off with a sweet wedge of one of Farquhar's marvelously moist vegan cakes - either rich chocolate or tangy red velvet - and you can add the word decadent to that vegan meal, too."
Also making Zagat's list for Philly burgers:
2. Charlie’s Hamburgers in Folsom, Delaware County: "You can just taste the homemade love” in the “no-nonsense, bang-for-your-buck” hamburgers and “great” shakes from this “old-school” Delco “institution” dating back to 1935; if some find the digs “questionable”, fans insist the setting is “part of the charm”, leaving just one lament: “wish they would offer french fries”; P.S. now open every day."
3. Coco’s, the Jewelers Row bar: "“Delish burgers” and other “good ol’ bar favorites”, “cheap beer” (30-plus varieties) and “attentive” service are the selling points of this lively pub in the middle of Jeweler’s Row in Wash West, a convenient, budget-friendly stop for ticket-holders at the Walnut Street Theatre; 10 TVs keep sports fans happy, and tolerable decibels mean that “waiters don’t have to use sign language.”
4. Bobby’s Burger Palace, the Bobby Flay-owned eateries in University City and Cherry Hill: "Burgermeisters brave “lines out the door” for Bobby Flay’s “big, juicy, sloppy and delicious” hamburgers, “awesome” milkshakes and “unbelievable” sweet potato fries, served by a “friendly” staff at his colorful “fast-food joints”; though some gripe you “pay a premium” for the Iron Chef’s imprimatur, many are happy to “add crunchify to their vocabulary.”
5. PYT, the bar in Northern Liberties: “Chuck E. Cheese’s for hipsters” tucked into Northern Liberties’ Piazza, this affordable burgertory-cum-bar offers up an “original” menu of “crazy concoctions”, from “kickass, wacky burgers” to “amazing” “boozy milkshakes”; while opinions are split on the service (“super-nice” vs. “fail” with “attitude”), most agree “awesome” outdoor seating and weekend DJs will help keep “your inner child satisfied.”
Of course, you are welcome to weigh in with your own favorite(s) in the comments.
Sketch is good; I've been there a couple times, and the vegetarian ex liked it as well.
PYT was disgusting; felt like I ate a pile of grease. The restaurant itself was dirty as well...we had a half price Groupon there and never went back, it was that bad.
Bobby Flay's was a joke, just a trendy, overpriced place that didn't do anything that you can't get for less (and better) anywhere else.— DeltaV- Monks Cafe not on the list? Pffft!— Tatt2
- Village Whiskey followed by gelato at Capogiro is an unbeatable > $20 meal. Charlies is a grease pit, PYT & Bobby Flays are just above average and have not tried Coco's. Looking forward to trying Sketches!— Earl J
- I have not tried Sketch but will soon. Charlies burgers are awesome. Yes, they are tiny and greasy and truly awesome. I put in a vote for Billy Burgers in West Chester PA. If you are out that way try them fresh and delicious. They also have a fantastic array of baked goods.— lenmako
- Really Philly.com? You take overall zagat ratings from restaurants that serve burgers as one of their main dishes and use that to decide the best burger in the city? Could you be any lazier? Other than Sketch, this is ridiculous. The list would have to include places like Royal Tavern, Village Whisky, Rouge, Monks, and others to even be relevant.— Meierovics
- I like Copa Banana....and burgers are on sale once a week!— pennyrobinson
- Yeah dude, I have had Sketch and Village Whiskey burgers. Liked the both, but really, no comparison. Village Whiskey burger was better.
- Typical “main liner” just upset that a Delco institution and now regionally recognized eatery is close to topping the list. The burgers are delicious. RIP Closed on Tuesdays.— Gilmore,Happy
- Charlie's is a smashed-and-griddled type of burger. It's supposed to be thin and small. It's supposed to be covered in gooey american cheese. It's just salt and beef and it's great. Coco's burger is decent, but the price makes it exceptional value. Zagat has lost its meaning quite a while ago anyway.— suporma
- Bobby flays burger was not impressive at all. Good Dog's I also believe are a bit overrated. As said by previous commenters in the know, Royal Tavern, Monks and Pub and Kitchen have the best burgers in town in my opinion. Im embarrassed to admit i have not been to village whisky, yet.— tboneee
- I hear and respect you guys' opinions but I grew up on Charlie's and they're still pretty darn good when I can get there.— PhillySubsMac
- Shake shack and Village Whiskey - Its a good thing I don't live on that corner.— BOB355
- I love washing down a Sketch burger with a craft brew a block away at Kraftwork; two great restaurants in Fishtown.— barcadefire
- I love comments on surveys. The survey is wrong, my single opinion/experience is controlling. I shall now validate some of it and sh! on the rest.— murdock08
- I love comments on commenters. — Tatt2
