This Restaurant Makes The Best Burger In Virginia

FRONT ROYAL, VA — There is no shortage of places in Virginia to grab a burger, an all-American classic. But connoisseurs who want the best should head to Spelunker's Drive-Thru in Front Royal, according to a new list.

Tasting Table, a food and drink news site, said the restaurant’s Cavern Burger is the best burger in Virginia.

“On your way into Shenandoah National Park, you'll find Spelunker's in all its old-fashioned glory,” Tasting Table wrote. “This spot does things the tried-and-true way here, like grinding beef in-house for the famed Cavern burger, which comes with just cheese, lettuce, pickles, onion, the holy trinity of condiments (ketchup, mustard and mayo) and optional bacon.”

Those who have tried the Spelunker's agreed.

“My husband and I stopped here after a getaway weekend in Shenandoah, amazing doesn’t begin to describe it,” one person wrote. “My husband and I agreed it is by far the best drive-thru burger we’ve ever had!”

“Splunkers in Front Royal is a must-visit for burger lovers!” another said. “Their Cavern Burger, made with fresh beef, is absolutely delicious, and the fresh-cut French fries are a perfect side.”

The full list of best burgers in the U.S. includes simple creations from ultra-casual spots to gourmet bites from classy, time-honored establishments.

Americans consume about 50 billion burgers a year, or three burgers a week, whether at a restaurant, from a food truck or at home, according to multiple sources.

Burgers have only been around for about 100 years, but have become a quintessential example of Americana. While the “contentious debate” over which state can claim to be the birthplace of the burger has never been settled, “every state in the U.S. is home to some mind-blowing takes on America's favorite sandwich, from classic iterations with just meat and cheese to towering icons of beefy, saucy, veggie-laden splendor.”

To be considered for the list, burgers had to have amassed some serious recognition among burger lovers, whether with culinary awards, positive reviews or “best of” competitions.

“Many of these eateries are local linchpins with histories dating back nearly a century, while others are newer spots that are rapidly accruing cult followings,” Tasting Table said. “The best burger in each state is subjective, and there are plenty of restaurants around the nation that came close to earning our title of best in the state, but we stand by our top picks. These burgers earned their shining reputation and our vote thanks to unique recipes, top-quality ingredients, or expert burger craftsmanship, and all act as a quintessential example of the one meal that can encapsulate America's culinary history.”

If You Go To Spelunker’s Drive-Thru

Address: 116 South St., Front Royal

Phone number: (540) 631-0300

Website: http://spelunkers-custard.com/

Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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