Kopp’s Frozen Custard | Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Although burgers and custard aren’t mutually exclusive experiences, Kopp’s is a burger joint. And yes, my most visceral Kopp’s memory is to watch my friend lose a bet to her husband that she could eat 10 of their grilled cheeses in a single sitting. At first glance, it looks like nothing more than your classic double diner adorned with the required vegetation but has that magical alchemy of melty cheese, gluten bun, and perfectly seasoned patties that only the great one owns after further review. — ML
Kopp’s Frozen Custard
Loretta’s Northwesterner | Seattle, Washington
Served across the Duwamish in a tiny little dive bar in Seattle’s South Park neighborhood, Emerald City’s finest burger is a charred, simplistic beauty thing. This humble little number first looks like a standard fast-food burger in size and construction. But you’ll notice the magical alchemy with your first bite between the slightly crisp edges, the raw onions, the special sauce, buttery bun, and the bright-yellow American cheese. On the second bite, the center’s juiciness kicks him into overdrive. — AK
Loretta’s Northwesterner