Whether you like them big and juicy, smashed to perfection or just classic traditional style, Long Beach will have the burger deal for you with the return of Long Beach Burger Week.
Modeled after the popular restaurant weeks, when restaurants offer discounts on specials, this event takes place Sept. 13-20 at about two dozen eateries in the city. The participating burger joints range from mom-and-pop spots to high-end restaurants to breweries where burgers will be on the menu with specials priced at $5, $10, $15, $20, plus some combos offered at $25.
“Every single one of these burgers has been vetted by me and my team personally to make the cut,” said Ian Mafnas of Axiom Productions, organizers of the event. “All the restaurants that are participating this year are A-1 fat boy approved, with me being the fat boy, of course,” he added with a laugh.
There is no need for tickets, just walk into the participating restaurants and order the Burger Week special, which can include things like the Dogz Burger from Dogz Bar & Grill. It’s an old fashioned burger made with Angus beef, veggies, Thousand Island dressing and a thick slice of cheese and bacon on a Hawaiian bun.
For a really juicy bite, Mafnas recommends the Fiorentino from ISM Brewing. This burger is all about the meats with a thick beef patty topped with griddled mortadella and a cabbage salad with confit shallot oil, toasted pistachios, lemon oil, Dijon, and mayo on a toasted brioche bun.
“It’s inspired by a sandwich from Florence Italy,” Mafnas explained. “It’s nice and beefy and thick and juicy,” he said.
And for something a little different take a bite out of Jimmy E’s Bar & Grill Peanut Butter and Jelly Burger made with bacon, cheddar cheese, peanut butter and jelly, of course, and served with fries, a pint of 805 or Coors Light or soft drink.
“What makes this one special is that it activates both the sweet and savory aspects of the burger,” he said.
While this place hasn’t ironed out its burger plans yet, Black Pork restaurant will be one to watch for during the week since it’s sure to deliver an unforgettable burger, Mafnas said.
“Black Pork to me is one of the best restaurants in Long Beach, hands down,” he said. “I do not know how they do not have Michelin recognition already. Everything on their menu is phenomenal and they’re still in the works of building a burger. But whenever you go there it feels like the meal was made specifically for you.”
For more information go to burgerweeklb.com/