When I asked readers last week to share their favorite burgers in Charleston, I expected you might have a lot to say on the subject. But I had no idea just how much, and how passionately, you would respond.
I had dozens of messages before 9 a.m. that same morning - and a hundred more (and counting) in the days that followed.
Never seen anything like it, but I guess I shouldn't have been surprised. I mean, we're talking hamburgers here - America's favorite food. What's not to love?
And love them you do, at places big and small, fancy and casual.
Although a bunch of restaurants and bars received votes for serving the best burgers around, there were definitely a handful that rose to the top. As a result, I see a Food Guy Burger Showdown in my future where these finalists all go head-to-head, bun-to-bun in an epic battle to be declared "Charleston's Best Burger."
Clearly, I have lots of work ahead of me. This may even require brackets and stuff.
But based on your comments, it looks like our local throwdown may come down to Sam's Uptown Café, The Smokehouse, The Grill and South Hills Market & Café. Here's the call.
Sam's burst out of the gate as the early favorite, drawing a passionate and extended response from fans.
"Sam's Uptown Cafe has the best burger I've EVER tasted!" gushed Karen Kelly. "It's truly better than my own homemade hamburger."
Anthony Paranzino said: "Sam's Uptown Cafe and Big Joe's. No other places come close. Not even a contest. Sam's Pork Belly Burger with gouda and caramelized onions is to die for. Joe's Breakfast Burger is incredible."
"The Samburger, hands down," vowed Duane Legg, with Chris Marshall adding, "and it isn't even close."
It was a sentiment I would hear from lots of others, too.
"Sam's, no question," said Morgan Griffith. "Sam's Uptown!" agreed both George Lively and Carol Abshire. "The Samburger at Sam's Uptown ... classic!" added Laura Conner.
Former Gazette-Mail sports editor Chuck McGill gave the win to Sam's as well.
"The Samburger is the best ... and I've had a lot of burgers." Brooke Brown agreed, "That is the correct answer!"
Several folks named also-rans, too, but Sam's still seemed to be their favorite.
"The Samburger, with several B&D Gastropub burgers closely following," said Rob Absten.
"Sam's is awesome!" added Paige Hill. "Also, Dwight's in St. Albans is great, but not fancy."
The Grill (which I do know is on Charleston's WEST Side) also came on strong.
"The Grill, hands down!" said Susan Maier, with Adam Krason, Paula Flaherty and Alan Wright agreeing. "And the piping hot fries on the side," added Wright. "Perfection."
After questioning my geography (I mistakenly placed The Grill in the East End - d'oh!) John Perrow said, "The best cheeseburger in town is at The Grill, and this comes from a West Sider who grew up eating there."
Harry Bell also thinks The Grill's burgers are "solid," with wife Carrie agreeing, plus adding Grano to her list.
"But I'm just talking about the meat," she said. "Their buns aren't special, but I'm all about the burger itself."
Jim Kirby said his daughter likes The Grill's basic cheeseburger, while he prefers the Oliverio Cheeseburger.
The Grill can't claim sole West Side bragging rights, though.
"I think the best burger in the area is prepared at The Smokehouse on Charleston's West Side," wrote Neal Holly. "Once a year, I'll try a double cheeseburger there on a self-dare, but I have only finished it on one occasion. The rest of the time I'll order a single cheeseburger all the way, which is fantastic!"
Jon Fowler couldn't agree more.
"Don't forget the terrific burgers over on the West Side at the one and only Smokehouse! Fresh ground beef and crispy bacon make for the largest bacon double-cheeseburger I have ever seen, with a great toasted bun and all the fixins' you would want - even Miracle Whip upon request. Try asking for that at some foo-foo wannabe burger palace."
Reader Greg Ray also cast his vote for the Smokehouse's bacon double cheeseburger, with Facebooker "Irish1919" agreeing they have "the best burgers and coldest beer around."
Not to be outdone by its more casual competitors, South Hills Market's gourmet burgers got lots of love.
"South Hills Market is the clear winner," said Stephen Sites. "They have the best quality and the highest service in Charleston."
Sandy Westfall, Lesli Forbes and Jean O'Connor all agreed.
Fellow foodie Luisa Di Trapano added her endorsement ("The Kobe Burger at South Hills Market! It is topped with caramelized onions, fried egg, Bernaise sauce and roasted tomatoes. To die for!") and former Gazette-Mail food writer April Hamilton chimed in, too: "That brioche bun, top it your way. Cut it in two and share with a friend. And the frites!!"
South Hills Market also serves a Patty Melt (Swiss, cheddar and mushroom bordelaise) and American Burger (American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayo) all served on a brioche bun from Charleston Bread.
And then, there were votes for burgers from the unlikeliest of places, like fresh seafood and Mexican joints.
"I hear you on the burgers. I've had good ones at The Grill, B&D Gastropub, even Tidewater," wrote Taylor Raab. "However, the best burger I've ever had in town was found at an unlikely place - Los Agaves in South Charleston." (They have a place in Dunbar, too).
"They have a small section on their menu that I believe is titled 'fusion' and features a burger with chorizo, Mexican white cheese, a fried egg, jalapenos and avocado slices. Aside from the great toppings, it is a very good and very solid burger. If you eat it for dinner, I highly recommend fasting that day as it is very filling!"
Stephen Sites also agreed Tidewater "has an AMAZING burger" and Zack Bandak gave them a shout-out as well: "Order a made-from scratch, jerk-spiced, feta-stuffed burger with sautéed onions, mushrooms and bacon."
While the four spots above were your favorites, there was plenty more burger praise to go around.
"I always tell people that the best hamburger in town is the Big Ed Burger at Swiftwater Café downtown," said neighbor Jay Arceneaux. "It is a thick, old-fashioned, juicy burger - not like those skinny burgers you find at a fast food restaurant. You can only get it on Wednesday and Friday and you have to go early, by 11:45, because there are usually lines and he runs out."
Mark Bolton said South Hills Market and Sam's used to be his two top burgers. "But as of late, the best burger downtown in my opinion is at Big Joe's. Phenomenal burgers every time," he said.
Susan Mullins insisted the best cheeseburger she's ever had comes from Loretta's Pastime Café down on Tennessee Avenue, but she also highly recommends the burger at Skeenie's.
"While more famously known for their hot dogs (voted as one of America's best, which I am a little doubtful on) the cheeseburgers are where it's at," she added. "I imagine a lot of people look past these places to eat, but I never pass up an opportunity to eat at Loretta's and it's always fun to talk to Mr. Skeenie while he makes your food!"
Former Gazette features reporter Dawn Nolan said she's a fan of The Melt at B&D Gastropub, with reader Suzanne Posey picking B&D as well. Dick Jennings says the burger at Big Joe's is "the best in town" and Joe Kerner said he's a "big fan" of the burger at The Block. "The Block has the best burgers," Catherine DeMarco agreed.
Jeff Sikorovsky touted Fat Bob's Harley Shop in South Charleston, Charles Bockway said Adelphia "can do a very good burger" and Lisa Calderwood recommended the Peggy Sue Burger "and probably any of the others" at Happy Days Café in South Charleston. John Earle's vote goes to Blossom Deli.
"Check out Dave's Tavern and Grill on Thursdays or Fridays," said Darlene Carns. "Their hamburgers are awesome! And only $4!!"
Although it's a chain, Five Guys Burgers & Fries shouldn't be overlooked, according to some readers.
"They should definitely be in your top 5 burgers, unless you're excluding them and only talking about sit-down restaurants," said John Luoni, one of a handful to mention 5 Guys. "Fat Patty's and Recovery's burgers are also very good. For lower cost dining, I like the Smokehouse's burgers as well."
We received several suggestions for spots outside city limits, too.
"You asked and we're responding with the best burger in the Valley," wrote Dave and Cheryl Wilson of Winfield. "I know you are a busy man, but if you have not eaten the burger at Shucker's on Olde Main Street in St. Albans, you are backin' up." Love that!
"My wife and I drive from Winfield a couple of times a week to enjoy this tasty delight. Juicy half-pound of meat, cooked to perfection with all of your favorite toppings. As Sheriff Buford T. Justice once said: It'll make you wanna slap your Mama right in the mouth! Stop by and check it out."
Kay Knight agreed, pleading: "Please try the burger at Shucker's on Olde Main Street in St. Albans! We think it's one of the best around! Get some jerk shrimp as an appetizer and you won't be disappointed."
"Fat Patty's, no contest," insisted Jeff Gress. "Can you work your Food Guy magic to get one of those in Charleston, preferably Kanawha City, ha-ha." I wish! Right now, this burger-centric restaurant and bar only has locations in Huntington and Teays Valley.
"It's not Charleston, but you might want to try a burger at Fireside Grille in Teays Valley," suggested Donna Quesenberry. "You can make your own with a long list of cheeses and condiments. Not bad!" I've actually had one there and would have to agree.
"A little outside of Charleston in Alum Creek, Ryan's Country Cooking has best burgers around, including the Fire Chief that will fill you up and burn your mouth with peppers," said Linda Bricker. I guess that's a good thing? "I love their Cajun-spiced steak fries and they have homemade pies, too. But definitely the best burger in town."
Added April Darling: "I know it's not in the Kanawha Valley, but you simply must try the recently reopened Peddler in Huntington. I adore the Big Texan Burger topped with their signature brisket in blueberry barbecue sauce. On my last visit, I tried the Ackenpucky topped with beets, avocado and an amazing aioli. They have a diverse selection and the best duck fat fries."
Mmmmm, duck fat.
Steven Keith writes a weekly food column for the Charleston Gazette-Mail and an occasional food blog at blogs.wvgazettemail.com/foodguy. He can be reached at 304-380-6096 or by email at wvfoodguy@aol.com. You can also follow him on Facebook as "WV Food Guy" and on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest as "WVFoodGuy."