Epic burgers in the Sierra Foothills

When it comes to burgers, In-N-Out Burger in the West and Shake Shack on the East Coast have cult-like followings. But our local restaurants create some epic burgers, made with organic and local ingredients. Some examples:

CHRISTINA’S AMERICAN BISTRO
The flame-broiled Kobe-style bistro burger features Wagu Kobe-style beef and caramelized shallots, topped with cheddar and onion strings on a pretzel bun with pesto.
17100 Placer Hills Rd., Meadow Vista
530-878-6169
ChristinasAmericanBistro.com

DIEGOS RESTAURANT
A 1/2 pound of Nevada County Free Range Beef, simply grilled and served with fresh romaine, tomato and red onion. Add cheese or Applewood thick-cut bacon.
217 Colfax Ave., Grass Valley
530-477-1460
DiegosRestaurant.com

IKE’S QUARTER CAFE
Free-range beef, homemade organic bun and lettuce and tomatoes from local farms. We like the “Voodoo Burger,” topped with caramelized onions, Andouille sausage and remoulade, or the creative vegetarian burgers.
401 Commercial St., Nevada City
530-265-6138
IkesQuarterCafe.com

JERNIGAN’S TAP HOUSE & GRILL
Niman Ranch ground beef, topped with tomato, red onion, greens and special sauce. We also like the Beer Glazed Burger, grilled and topped with beer glaze, caramelized onions and portabella mushrooms with chili aioli. 123 Argall Way, Nevada City
530-265-6999
JernigansGrill.com

KANE’S FAMILY RESTAURANT
A popular restaurant patterned after SanFrancisco’s famous Original Joes. Kane’s serves a big, juicy burger on an artisan bun with steak fries. Three Kobe beef sliders also are served on a sweet bun.
120 E. Main St., Grass Valley
530-273-8111
KanesRestaurant.com

MATTEO’S PUBLIC
A 1/2 pound Niman Ranch patty with bacon, house mustard, cheddar cheese and served with all the fixings. Also a housemade veggie burger. The sesame slaw is delicious.
300 Commercial St., Nevada City
530-265-0782
MatteosPublic.com

MONKEY CAT
Sun Fed Ranch organic, grass-fed and grass-finished sirloin burger, with caramelized onions, cheddar cheese and mayonnaise served with home-cut fries.
805 Lincoln Way, Auburn
530-888-8492
MonkeyCat.com

PINE STREET BURGERS
A Smoldering Pine Burger with bacon, chipotles, grilled onions, mushrooms and Swiss cheese.
1249 E. Main St., Grass Valley
530-477-5054
PineStreetBurgers.com

TOFANELLI’S GOLD COUNTRY BISTRO
These 1/3 pound burgers are char-broiled, Angus ground chuck served with mayo, lettuce, tomato, onion and a dill pickle spear on an oversized bun with soup, salad or fries.
302 W. Main St., Grass Valley
530-272-1468
Tofanellis.com