Many people claim to have invented the hamburger. Louis Lassen who started Louis’ Lunch in downtown New Haven, Conn. is often cited as the inventor of the good old American burger, while others insist it’s the Menches brothers from Hamburg, NY or “Old Dave” Davis, who supposedly served them up at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis.

Still others say it is an invention straight out of Hamburg, Germany and first appeared in the U.S. when German immigrants brought the Hamburg steak—ground meat salted and prepared with spices—with them in the 19th century. With industrialization and the invention of the meat chopper, the hamburger eventually became what it is today—a  meat patty.

Whatever the truth is, one thing is certain: The burger is all-American and many celebrate this much-beloved food this month, National Hamburger Month.

In more recent years, the hamburger has become a work of art. Gourmet burgers are loaded with endless amounts of toppings including crispy bacon, various cheeses and an array of vegetables ranging from jalapeños to lettuce and tomatoes. This creativity makes the burger a timeless favorite that offers something to all different tastes.

“The hamburger is one of those things you can practically do anything with,” Russell Lewis, 19, communications major, said. “The whole sandwich is a staple of the U.S. and since we are big meat eaters, the diversity of toppings and the different styles just go together.”

While many people are concerned about the high amounts of fat and calories contained in hamburgers, there are many ways to create a healthy hamburger and enjoy it without the bothersome feeling of guilt.

“A hamburger itself is not necessarily bad,” Mary Lyons, registered dietician and nutrition instructor, said. “Because it is a great source of iron meaning it provides all the essential amino acids. There are two things that can help when wanting to enjoy a healthy hamburger, such as having a whole wheat bun and adding tomato, lettuce, onions and maybe even avocado,” she added. “By adding veggies to it you acquire two things; fiber and volume to your meal.”

Since the typical fast food joints are the most popular places to feast on a hamburger, students narrowed their selections down to these four.

In-N-Out

A large amount of students responded favorably to In-N-Out’s hamburgers and said they were the best. The restaurant’s overall quality, location and value made this place just about everyones’ first choice.
“I would say the best burger is the cheeseburger from In-N-Out,” Marlyn Ramirez, 22 sociology major, said. “I don’t know why it’s so good, but I think it’s the sauce.”
“In-N-Out is always fresh and I think that’s what makes their burgers so good.” Ken Abadi, 21, biology major, said. For locations visit www.in-n-out.com.

Carl’s Jr.

Other students would consider Carl’s Jr.’s hamburgers one of their favorite places. The variety and freshness makes this restaurant a go-to spot for hamburger lovers.
“The Western Double Cheeseburger from Carl’s Jr. is the best I’ve ever had,” Mark Tucker, 18, computer engineering major, said. “The barbecue sauce is what makes it so good.”
“My favorite burger is the Famous Star burger,” Kathlen Mendoza, 20, paralegal studies major, said. “It has onions and tomatoes on it; the flavor is so good.” For locations visit www.carlsjr.com.

The Kettle

Some students prefer hamburgers from sit down restaurants more than the usual fast food places. And one of their favorite places is The Kettle in Manhattan Beach.
“The best burger I have tried has been The Kettle burger,” Elizabeth Griswold, 18, political science major, said. “It is their house specialty, and I think what makes it really good is how they cook it, because they cook it exactly how you want it. They also put a special sauce and use fresh ingredients.” The Kettle is located at 1138 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach.

Red Robin

Other students are looking for a variety of hamburgers to choose from when they order and Red Robin provides many different options on their menu. So students named this restaurant an all-time favorite.
“The burgers have great flavor, and I love the atmosphere of the venue,” Lewis said. “It is a good change from fast food restaurants.”
“I have tried many of their burgers and the Whiskey River Barbecue burger is my favorite because I love the crispy onions they put on the top.” For locations visit www.redrobin.com.