Best Burger We Ate This Week: Aged Beef Burger at The Dandelion

Photo by Mark Henninger

By Danya Henninger

After this week, there should be no question that there are what seems like a gazillion really, truly great burgers to be had in Philadelphia. In a twist, the most memorable version of this American classic we happened onto this week (yes, it just fell in our mouth... don’t you hate when that happens?) was created by a British chef. Robert Aikens may hail from England, but the house burger at Rittenhouse pub The Dandelion is one of the finest in the city.

Maybe it’s the inclusion of aged New York strip in the meat blend, which also uses short rib, chuck and hanger steak. Possibly it’s the applewood-smoked bacon on top, or the Vermont cheddar, or the Brooklyn Brine pickles. But we’re tempted to say the killer element - the one that makes this a must-try - is Aikens’ Churchill sauce, made from a dozen ingredients including shallots, ketchup, brandy, capers and mayo. Of course, the side of thick fries, super crispy from a dunk in 100% beef tallow, doesn’t hurt either. What's the best burger you've had recently? Head to to Google+ Local and search out where you had it, then cast a vote for your fave.