For local eaters in the Northern VA area (including DC), this starts and ends with Five Guys (which now has a shop in some NC mall in the Triangle). Greasy, messy, and old school. Awesome stuff.
No Steak and Shake here...I have to get it when I travel.
Thats it Im taking some time off and going on Vacation. My Mission to find these places that you guys have been telling me about. Red robin looks like it is just insane. Steak and Shake is another one that I HAVE to go to.
Red robin is in CT. and the closest S&S is about 300 miles away.
I don't really consider Steak and Shake to be all that good for their burgers but their shakes are to die for. The place is open 24/7 too which is part of the allure. They are expensive Fast Food at best.
Mark, You will like Red Robin. It is along the same level as what you have had at Ruby Tuesdays but the steak fries(unlimited) push it ahead.
I'm staying away from mentioning local joints. They usually make the best burger anyway.
The burgers at the Red Coat Tavern on Woodward Ave (where the famous dream cruise is held every summer) in Royal Oak, MI are the best! Also, the best clam chowder I ever had. This is not a chain restaurant.
The best burger I ever had was at a place in St. Helena in the Napa Valley called Taylor's Refresher. It's a little roadside place with picnic tables outside but the burgers and shakes are fantastic.