Bare Burger truly caters to all dietary restrictions: they have burgers made of meat or not (like the plant-based Impossible burger and Beyond Meat burger). They even have gluten-free buns! They have a huge variety of burgers and onion rings and fries of various types. Tasty!
Located conveniently near the Convention Center for convention-goers, the burgers here are amazing. They are fresh and made-to-order with toppings as exotic as truffle aioli...or as simple as ketchup and yellow mustard. Their patties are Angus, but you can upgrade to Wagyu...or do a veggie or Impossible "meat" burger. I loved the word "BURGERFI" that they brand onto each bun. Just wish I could eat them. I will need to go back, as they have a keto version with a lettuce wrap. I know that this is a chain restaurant, and a chain fast food restaurant to boot. Nevertheless, it is worth it if you are craving a great burger.
Yes, Five Guys is a hamburger chain. But it is a good hamburger chain. Originating in the Washington DC area, Five Guys has expanded quite a bit because of the quality of their food. Now if we could only get In-N-Out Burger to open up a restaurant in Philly...
Monk's mussels are incredible, but their burgers (especially the Monk's Burger with caramelized leeks and blue cheese) are stunning.
If you are a Belgian beer fan, you will love Monk's. In the past, I could eat gluten. In the past, I could eat bread and drink beer. In the past, I was a frequent patron of Monk's. If I were not gluten-intolerant, I would still be a regular. Monk's has an impressive selection of Belgian beers, including an amazing selection on tap. There is a front bar and small seating area up front. The back bar feels a bit more private and secret. Go there.
Yes, I realize that Shake Shack is a chain. Yes, I realize that I recommend staying away from chain restaurants at all costs. That said, they have gluten-free hamburger buns that are so good that, the first time I tried one, I took it back to the counter after having one bite because I was certain that they had made a mistake and given me a regular bun.
Being gluten-intolerant, having a hamburger in a bun in a restaurant for the first time in years was a wonderful experience. While I think their burgers are excellent, I am a purist when it comes to milkshakes. What they call a milkshake at Shake Shack, I call ice cream. I'm sorry, but when you serve it with a one-inch diameter straw because there is no other way to get anything out of the cup without collapsing a lung, it is no longer a milkshake but rather ice cream. The former, one drinks. The latter, one eats with a spoon. Thankfully they have great draft root beer to make up for their pathetic "milkshakes".
A traditional Irish pub near City Hall, Tir na nÓg also has great burgers, wings, and shepherd's pie. Wish I could eat it all...
As the name implies, they have whiskey (and, more importantly whisky without the 'e', i;e., Scotch). They have a very impressive collection (over 200), including bourbon, rye, Japanese, and Irish whiskies in addition to my beloved Scotch whisky. That said, anybody can stock up on impressive whiskies and call it a day. What makes Village Whiskey so special is that it is owned by Iron Chef Jose Garces, meaning their food is incredible. Their hamburgers have been called the best in the country, and I can attest to the fact that they are amazing. They also serve Duck Fat Fries...yes, French fries cooked in duck fat...and if that were not enough, you can also get them topped with short rib and cheddar cheese. I'm not sure whether or not that should come with a side of Lipitor...
Regardless, the food is wonderful, the spirits are impeccable, and the place is fun and inviting. If you go there, have The Glenlivet for me!