Smashed or loaded? Vegetarian or grass-fed? Sesame, brioche or potato bun? Burger options are plentiful in Honolulu, and everyone has a favorite. Whether it’s the stack of fresh toppings or a simple sauce and nostalgia, the accoutrements often are just as important as the patty. Here you’ll find our staff favorite burgers in honor of International Burger Day.
The Daley
This should come as a surprise to no one (I’ve written multiple stories about this spot, including the time I ate the entire menu in one sitting), but I have yet to find a burger that hits the spot more than The Daley’s. Start with local grass-fed beef (such a game changer, since you can really taste the meat in simple preparations), smash it onto the grill with diced onion, add a layer of cheese, slide it onto a fluffy bun with a schmear of dijonnaise and you have a knockout. I double down with two crispy-edged patties, and while a double induces a kanak attack in everyone else in the office, it fuels me to finish the day strong. —Katrina Valcourt
I’ve never been one to chase food trends, even before social media influenced a lot of what we eat. But a rare exception is the trendy double smash burger at The Daley, my favorite burger on O‘ahu. Although deceptively simple, every component of this burger works in harmony with each other from first bite to last. —Gregg Hoshida
1110 Nu‘uanu Ave., Chinatown, thedaleyburger.com, @thedaleyburger
Pint + Jigger
Tucked in the lobby of the Ala Moana Hotel, Pint + Jigger serves my go-to burger: the stout burger. I love the sturdy, satisfying weight of this pub burger. From the first bite, the thick, juicy, well-seasoned patty—topped with layers of beer cheese, garlic aioli and lettuce—delivers. I always add bacon for an extra punch of flavor, because everything tastes better with bacon. For the perfect pairing, order it with waffle fries and one of the signature whiskey cocktails, like the Sous Vide Old Fashioned, or a cold beer on tap. —Cody Kawamoto…