9 reader-recommended, hidden-gem burgers in the Wilmington area

Is there a limit to the number of great burgers to be found in the Wilmington area? Not according to StarNews readers. After we launched our first food poll, we got thousands of votes for the best burger. And quite a few emails about burgers that weren’t on the original list of 20 challengers. And because we love reader recommendations, we thought we’d share them here.

One reader said the most underrated burgers can be found at Hardee’s. Another gave a special shout out to the Leland location of Hwy 55, which is one of seven in the area. Here are a few other suggestions in New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick counties.

More: This Wilmington-area restaurant has the best burgers, according to StarNews readers

Fat Andy’s Burgers: In Southport, this unassuming restaurant serves fresh-cut French fries and hand-made burgers at 4655 Long Beach Road S.E. This spot was featured in Our State magazine as one of the tastiest burgers on the coast in 2021.

Jack Mackerels Island Grill: This restaurant at 113 K Ave. in Kure Beach offers an eclectic menu of seafood, salads and pastas. The burgers are made from short rib and chuck and topped with a choice of cheese. One reader said they “are always cooked to order, never overdone, and juicy.”

On Thyme Restaurant: This restaurant at 918 Castle St. in Wilmington has a wide variety of inspired comfort food. The Castle St. Burger has American cheese, pickles, bacon, caramelized onion and Thyme sauce. The Turf N Surf includes fried or grilled shrimp.

More: This restaurant was voted 'Best Burger in America'. Now it's coming to Leland.

Two Guys Grill: Among the Philly style cheesesteaks, salads and handhelds at this Porters Neck restaurant at 8254 Market St. are several burgers, including those topped with fried pickles or chili. One reader mentioned the unique Blueberry Bacon Burger with blue cheese, blueberry preserves from Lewis Farms, and jalapenos.

Brunswick Beer and Cider: The burgers are a big seller at this restaurant at 1313 S Dickinson Drive in Leland. The menu includes two smash burgers, but the one with tomato-bacon jam, grilled mushrooms and onions and smoked Gouda cheese on a Hawaiian bun is a favorite.

Rooser & The Crow: This spot at 225 S. Water St. downtown is well known for their fried chicken and Southern-inspired specialties. “Their burgers are among the best we've had, as is nearly everything I've tried there,” one reader wrote.

Southport Hotdog Company: This former Trolley Stop location is, of course, known for their hotdogs. But they also serve a great burger in singles or doubles with a choice of toppings. Even with the name change, this spot has the same owner and the same menu.

JohnnyLukes Kitchen Bar: On the something-for-everyone menu, one reader especially loves the Black & Bleu with a blackened burger topped with caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, melted bleu cheese crumbles, lettuce and mayo at 5500 Market St. in Wilmington.

Pender’s Cafe: This classic diner-style restaurant has been a staple of downtown Wilmington since 1977. Look for Coca-Cola memorabilia, breakfast and a variety of sandwiches and subs. It’s also home to the double-pattied Pender Burger, at 205 N. Front St.

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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: These are the best burgers in Wilmington, NC, according to readers