— Best Burger
- And the winner is...
- Mussel & Burger Bar
The Basics
Opened: 2013
Neighborhood: J-town and downtown locations
Self-description: “Inventive burgers along with gourmet twists on classic bar-and-grill fare. And don’t forget the mussels.”
Website: mussel-burger-bar.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 5
Total wins: 4
First nomination and win: 2014, Best Restaurant Worth the Wait
Also won: 2018, Best BurgerThe Voting Academy Says
“Love how the Taylorsville Road location is a little off the beaten path.”
- And the other nominees are...
- 80/20 @ Kaelin’s
The Basics
Opened: 2018 (the original Kaelin’s, at the same location and rumored as the birthplace of the cheeseburger, opened in 1934)
Neighborhood: Deer Park
Self-description: “All-American cheeseburger, fried chicken and an ice cream parlor reminiscent of times past.”
Website: 8020atkaelins.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 3
First nomination: 1989, the original Kaelin’s was nominated for Best CheeseburgerThe Voting Academy Says
“My go-to burger. And go-to patio when it’s not too hot outside.”
- Game
The Basics
Opened: 2013
Neighborhood: Lexington Road-Grinstead Drive location and in Jeffersonville, Indiana
Self-description: “Offerings ranging the alphabet, from antelope to yak, and our rotating chef’s burger of the month. A true carnivore’s paradise.”
Website: wildgameburgers.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
The Voting Academy Says
“Took my second-grader, and he couldn’t believe a place in Louisville served burgers made of kangaroo, wild boar, elk.…”
- Grind Burger Kitchen
The Basics
Opened: 2014 (2012 as a food truck)
Neighborhood: NuLu
Self-description: “Serve a superior, chef-driven burger using the best local and regional ingredients available, prepared and served by happy employees who are paid a fair wage.”
Website: grindburgerkitchen.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 4
Total wins: 1
Won: 2014, Best Food TruckThe Voting Academy Says
“I mean, their burgers were good enough for Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives!”
- Holy Grale
The Basics
Opened: 2011
Neighborhood: Highlands
Self-description: “We worship beer.”
Website: Holy GraleBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 6
Total wins: 4
First win: 2011, Best Bar Without a TV
Also won: 2013, Best Tap Beer SelectionThe Voting Academy Says
“That pretzel bun.”
- Toasty’s Tavern
The Basics
Opened: 2020
Neighborhood: Shelby Park
Self-description: “Where classy is a state of mind.”
Website: toastystavern.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
The Voting Academy Says
“My favorite smash burger.”