The Ten...er, Eleven...Tastiest Burgers You'll Find

Summer is my favorite season, no questions asked. Not only is the weather usually fantastic and school out, but also the food that comes with is by far the best. Being quite a 'foodie' myself (I watch the Food Network for fun and started cooking my family dinner at age 11), I've come to love the cuisine of summer more than any other. Amidst all the hearty barbeque and refreshing popsicles stands one of the most iconic, delicious, and American foods there is... the burger. The New York Times just wrote a story called "The Elements of an Ideal Burger" and we think it's perfect timing. For a quest that proves both entertaining and tasty, we at the Troc have decided to scope out what we think are the best burgers in Omaha. So, I'll start us off with Trocadero's number 10 pick...

# 10. King Kong's Double Cheeseburger - Even though most chain restaurants' burgers are below-average on the taste and appearance scale, King Kong has made a name for themselves with their awesome cheeseburgers. They're put on the grill the second you order them and cooked to perfection. Though it's served with standard toppings, this burger goes above and beyond Mickey D's any day. Various locations.

#9. The Mattress Factory's Bluejay Burger - This burger is made from 100% Black Angus Beef and is topped with 100% quality ingredients. From bleu cheese crumbles, to cracked black pepper, to caramelized onions, the Bluejay Burger is the closest thing to a delightful 'gourmet' burger you'll find downtown. 501 N 13th Street. Phone: 346-9116.

#8. Burger Star's Angus Star Burger - Despite the fact that this burger comes from another nation-wide restaurant, they only have one location in Omaha, so it isn't quite as common. The restaurant has a ton of fresh, free toppings that are available to the customers. Just ask for the Angus star, add the condiments you prefer, and in the time it takes you to say "Burger Star"... there's one tasty burger at your fingertips. 1222 S 71st Street. Phone: 333-7827.

#7. Applebee's Cowboy Burger - The Cowboy Burger at Applebee's stands out to us because it's topped with a crunchy onion ring and slathered in BBQ sauce. I wouldn't even begin to ask for more taste in a burger, but they provide it anyway. Cooked to your liking and served on a toasted bun, this burger satisfies way more than just cowboys. Various locations.

#6. M's Pub Lamb Burger - This juicy ground lamb burger with hints of rosemary and thyme served with a side of Dijon mustard is sure to please any palate. The unique spices and condiments inside this burger keep us coming back for more each time we venture down Howard Street to M's. 422 S 11th Street. Phone: 342-2550.

#5. The 801 Chophouse's Happy Hour Sliders - Move over, White Castle. For just one dollar each, these mini burgers are an excellent deal from 4-6, Monday thru Friday. Using the finest cut of meat with hand-crafted buns, they're the ultimate treat in a bite-size portion. So, order as many as you like. 1403 Farnam Street. Phone: 341-1222.

#4. Louie M's Burger Lust Burgers - As a recommendation from my Father, I trust that the burgers at Louie M's live up to high standards. These burgers are available with too many toppings to count, served in any style you want, and always made-to-order. Especially juicy, large, and appealing, I now know why it's Louie's true burger to lust for. 1718 Vinton Street. Phone: 449-9112.

And tied for the #4 spot, Dario's Brasserie Cheeseburger - The French aren't exactly known for their spectacular burgers, but French brasserie, Dario's, takes one heck of a shot. Their house cheeseburger impresses us with its full flavor and crispy bite. It's topped with pickles, lettuce, tomato and a special sauce that makes it tres magnifique. 4920 Underwood Avenue. Phone: 933-0799.

#3. Twisted Cork Burger - This locally owned bistro is run by ex-"Seattle-ites" and who knew their Pacific Northwest background would prepare them for a unique burger primed for an Omahan's appetite? With a combination of pork shoulder and flat iron steak with white cheddar and served on a brioche bun, this isn't your ordinary burger. Maybe that's why it was named on the Food Network's 50 Best Burgers in the U.S. by master restauranteur Bobby Flay. 10730 Pacific Street. Phone: 932-1300.

#2. Dinker's Single Patty with Cheese - From the outside (and the inside for that matter), it looks like any other dive bar. But who knew, except for the large sign outside that states "Omaha's Best Burger," that a specialty of the house is indeed the various kinds of hamburgers and cheeseburgers. A nice, sized cut of beef flavored by the griddle has a perfect combo of juicy bits with some grease (the best part). Some of us thinks it is indeed Omaha's best burger. 2368 S. 29th Street. Phone: 342-9742.

#1. Stella's Bacon Cheeseburger with Fried Egg - When we heard about this joint in Bellevue that claimed to be one of the best burgers in Omaha, we were ready to take it to the test. While we expected a dive bar, it was in fact a cute little eatery that served up its pride and joy...on a paper napkin. No plate necessary, as you'll quickly gobble up your burger with all its fixin's. With excellent onion rings and french fries (and RC Cola), you'll truly have one most memorable meal. 106 S. Galvin Rd. Phone: 291-6088.