Burger Battles 2024 are in full swing! For the 11th Annual DTSF Burger Battles 2024, there are 37 entries! Who can even try them all? (There are the die-hards out there that will.) So far, here at Sioux Falls Food Tours, we have tried 14. We might make it to all 37!
First off, disclaimer, this is a variety of reviews from myself and my tour guides.
- Intoxibakes – They rank at number one because of their uniqueness and who doesn’t love a cupcake burger? There is nothing to compare them with so they “tied” for number one.
- Wagoolicious Burger – This burger is crusted with cheddar cheese, there are two patties! The bacon jam made with the Snow Eater Stout was delicious. (Jams are definitely hot this year.) The double cheese lends a richness to the burger and paired with the fresh toppings make the balance on this burger just right. So, this ranked number one with our group.
- Another tie for second place was Minervas and Swamp Daddy’s. Both VERY different burgers! Minerva’s introduced the Root Beer Float Burger. So skeptical with ice cream on a burger. It ranked high not just for uniqueness but actual flavor! The ice cream comes on a separate plate and is put on by you with the root beer sauce which wasn’t overpowering. The ice cream adds the creamy dairy component to the burger and compliments the spiciness of the burger. Flavor combination was on point. Step out of your comfort zone and try this one!
- Swamp Daddy’s Boss Hog Burger had so much flavor! Loved the cornbread bun. Sweetness from the garlic honey aioli and the hot honey tamed the spice of the andouille okra queso and jalapeno onion rings. The rich, fattiness of the patty with beef, short rib and brisket added another layer of complexity to this burger.
- Don’t leave the Jones 421 building without grabbing the Flying Santos Steak Burger. The freshness of the toppings push this burger toward the top of our list. The steak patty was well seasoned and cooked correctly. LOVED the jalapeno bun from Breadsmith! Two layers of pepperjack cheese adds gooey goodness. All the taco toppings – cabbage, guacamole, pickled onions plus the pepper bacon is a knockout.
- Blarney Stone’s Star Spangled Burger was huge! Definitely an American classic. American cheese, lettuce, pickles, with carmelized onions. The sauce gives it the Big Mac on steriods favor. We kept with the suggestion of the creamy mac salad. Not a disappointment. I can take or leave a mac salad but the fresh herbs and seasonings made this one a winner.
- Josiah’s Coffeehouse created the Smoky Cow-Tipper – A symphony of smoky flavors! Lots going on here. Sausage, brisket, beef patty, cheddar cheese pulled together with an tangy BBQ sauce. Great job Josiah’s!
- Bread & Circus Sandwich Kitchen’s L.A. Chili Burger has a great combination of flavors but the stamina of the bun is the biggest issue. The chili makes the bun soggy and difficult to pick up. This one is a fork and knife type of burger. Smoked gouda and the chili are the stars.
- Another tie – JL Beers and Tommy Jacks. JL Beer’s Fiery Street Corn Burger does bring the heat. Smoothing it out is is the cream cheese and cheddar cheese. The street corn is well executed. The Cheetos were the downfall for me. Having it as a take out made them soggy. Overall, the flavor was well balanced and spicy. Definitely eat this one fresh. There are so many good burgers that this one is very good but edged out by other burgers.
- Finally, for this week, was Tommy Jacks A Damn ‘Gouda Burger. It is a good burger but not much complexity here. Gouda cheese, spicy pickles, sauce and a great bun. I enjoy the Gouda burger on their menu more but we LOVE their patty melt!
That’s what we have for this week. Join us on Saturday, January 13 to explore Windy City Bites, Monks, Remedy, Falls Landing and Roots of Brasil. Visit our website and get your spot today!