Before beginning to grill the hamburgers, be sure to you have everything you will need to serve with the grilled hamburgers. You will want to have the common condiments like ketchup, mustard, mayo, lettuce, tomato, onions, and BBQ sauce. You can have some uncommon toppings like special sauces, like a dill sauce or salsa. A variety of cheeses are also a good idea when grilling hamburgers. They can be added during or after grilling. When you grill the perfect hamburger you will want it to be set upon the perfect bun. Have you favorite side like potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, and pasta salad. You will probably be full after you finish your grilled burger so keep the deserts small and light.

10 Tips for Grilling Burgers

1. Make sure the coals the right temperature. If they are not hot enough or too hot the meat won’t cook evenly. Spread coals out evenly to avoid hot and cold spots.
2. Choose the right meat. Almost any ground meat can be grilled. Lean meat may seem like the best choice, but it will often turn out dry. Choose meat that is 80%-85% lean so that you will have a juicy grilled burger.
3. Season the burger to taste. You can cook plain ground beef patties and season both sides of the burger or you can make a mixture similar to meatloaf and form patties to put on the grill and season to taste. Wait until you are ready to grill to season, because some seasonings like salt will remove the moisture.
4. Make the burgers 3/4 of an inch thick. This will give you a burger that will cook well on a grill. Indent the middle of the burger to prevent it puffing up when grilled. The less dense the patty the less shrinkage there will be when cooked.
5. Handle the burger little as possible. The more you handle and pat the meat attempting to form the perfect burger, the more likely the burger will be tough.
6. Avoid pressing down on the burger. When you press down on the burger when grilling all the juices are removed and it can cause the burger to be dry instead of juicy. Flip the burger only once. It will usually be ready to flip in 5-6 minutes depending on the grill temperature.
7. Brush the burger with olive oil or canola oil. Just put a light coat of oil on the burger before it goes to the grill. This will keep it juicy on the outside.
8. Use a thermometer to monitor the burger temperature. Color can be deceiving so use a thermometer and grill the burger over the coals until it reaches 160F degrees.
9. Before serving, allow the burger to rest. Let the burger rest for about 5 minutes before serving and adding toppings and condiments.
10. Try different burger recipes. Don’t limit yourself to a basic burger. You can add flavorings and seasonings to create a BBQ burger, green chili burger, teriyaki burger, or an Italian burger.

When you are done grilling your burger, load it up, grab your sides, get a cold beer or soda and sit down to enjoy your meal with your family and friends.

For those days when you just want to sit back and let someone else do the grilling, head over to the 8oz Burger Bar in Miami Beach, Florida or Los Angeles, California. You’ll find great burgers and a selection of beers to accompany any burger you choose.

Of course a small burger is easier for a child to handle, but why are adults eating them? They are convenient and for those with smaller appetites or on a diet, it reduces the calorie intake while still satisfying the craving for a burger. For people on the go, ordering a mini burger to eat while driving is more convenient and less messy than a full size burger loaded up.

Depending on what is used for a bun and how big the burger is, it is easy for the burger to get lost in the bun. When making mini burgers, try to use smaller buns and have a burger that is a little thicker. This will make sure you can taste the burger. When it comes to mini burgers, they need big taste.

Suggestions for making mini-burgers at home:

- Make a big batch and freeze the raw or cooked burgers

- Use dinner rolls for the “bun”

- Add a little extra seasoning

- Cut cheese to size ahead of time

- Serve as snacks or for dinner

- 2-3 mini burgers will equal a full size burger

- Have a large selection of condiments and toppings

Mini burgers are great to order at a restaurant. They are easy to share and leftovers are easy to take home.

The joy in mini burgers is because of their convenience. They are good on the go, for kids, for those on a diet, and for those with small appetites. For those who can’t decide what they want on their burger, they can have a variety of burgers at one time. With mini burgers you can enjoy one mini burger with Mexican flavored toppings and condiments, enjoy just meat and cheese on another mini burger, and lots of veggies on a third mini burger.

If you live in the Miami Beach, Florida area or the Los Angeles, California area and you prefer a full size customized burger with a beer, head over to the 8oz Burger Bar today.

Onion Burger

Can be served with sliced onion, onion dressing, or onion ring on the burger for additional onion flavor. Tastes great with a sharp cheese or pepper cheese.

3-3.5 pounds of ground meat

1 package of onion soup mix

1 tablespoon parsley

1-2 bullion cubes crumbled or dissolved

1 teaspoon garlic powder or granulated garlic

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/8-1/4 cayenne pepper

3 tablespoons beer (optional)

Mexican Burger

Can be served with sliced peppers, salsa, and cheese.

3-3.5 pounds of ground meat

¼ cup salsa (mild to hot depending on taste preference)

Small can of green chilies, drained

1-2 bullion cubes crumbled or dissolved

1 teaspoon garlic powder or granulated garlic

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/8-1/4 cayenne pepper

Combine meat, ingredients, and seasonings for burgers

Bacon Cheese Burger

3-3.5 pounds of ground meat

1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder or granulated garlic

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Combine meat and seasonings for burgers

Mixture of the following

1lb cup chopped cooked bacon

2-1/4 cup shredded cheese

1/2 cup chopped onion (optional-sautéd)

Make a thin patty, put mixture on top, cover with another thin patty, and seal the edges.

Cajun Burger

3-3.5 pounds of ground meat

2 eggs

1/4 cup bread crumbs

6 green onions chopped

3 tablespoons spicy mustard

2-3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

Combine meat, ingredients, and seasonings for burgers

Mixture of the following

3/4 cup spicy BBQ sauce

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

If you can, mix BBQ sauce and Cajun seasoning the night before. Use as a sauce on cooked burgers.

Italian Burger

Can be served with provolone or mozzarella cheese and a spoonful of spaghetti sauce

3-3.5 pounds of ground meat

1-2 bullion cubes crumbled or dissolved

1 teaspoon garlic powder or granulated garlic

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1 tablespoon parsley

1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs

2 eggs

2 tablespoons red wine (optional)

Combine meat, ingredients, and seasonings for burgers

When you can’t decide which burger recipe to use, pick two or more and make a variety of burgers to choose from.

For those who don’t like to cook or grill burgers and those who sometimes enjoy when others do the burger grilling, there is the 8oz Burger Bar. You can sit back and enjoy a beer or other beverage while one of the cooks at the 8oz Burger Bar prepares a your burger to your specifications and their friendly staff serves you.

There are different opinions on what makes good burger meat. For those who just want to grill a burger with the minimal amount of preparation, high quality meat should be used that has been aged. It will have a delicious flavor and will need the minimal amount of seasoning. For others, good burger meat is ground, seasoned, and flavored.

Some things people want to know about their burger meat that will include the following:

- Type of meat-beef, turkey, chicken, pork, or meat alternative (vegetarian)

- Percent of meat that is lean-the amount of lean meat will affect the juiciness of the burger. Generally 80%-85% lean will result in a juicy burger, depending on how it is going to be cooked

- How the animal is raised-many animals are raised in conditions that are inhumane and unsanitary. Some people only choose burger meat from humanely raised animals.

- Hormone free meat-many hormones that are injected in animals can end up in the meat that is used for burgers.

- How the meat is ground-the more ground meat is handled, the tougher the burger can become, the least amount of handling is best. Coarser grounding is often preferred.

- Aging-the way meat is aged and the length of time it is aged affects ground meat for burgers.

- Combination of types of meat-the meat can be different kinds of beef or a combination of beef and pork.

Having good burger meat is not enough; a burger can be ruined if not grilled or cooked properly. Know how to cook the burger so that you can enjoy having good burger meat.

When you are at the 8oz Burger Bar, you will know that you are getting good burger meat. They use only Black Angus Black Angus sirloin, short rib, and chuck. The meat is from cows that have been raised humanely, are hormone free, and is aged in a Himalayan salt-tiled meat locker. It is grilled to order and served with any and all the toppings, condiments, cheeses, and sauces you want. You can enjoy your beverage of choice from a selection of domestic beers, import beers, and micro-brewed beers.

FOOD

Great burgers are a must for a restaurant to be considered one of the best burger joints. No matter what else a restaurant has going for it, the burgers must be top notch. The burger should start out with high quality meat. Cooking is best when done over an open fire, but on a grill can be acceptable. Fresh ingredients and soft textured buns are a common in burger joints that are labeled the “best”. Though a bad burger cannot be fixed by covering it in condiments and toppings, a great burger can be even better with favorite toppings, condiments, and cheeses. A wide range of burger options makes sure a varied group can all order something that they like. Great sides are definitely a plus.

ATMOSPHERE

A great burger joint will have a relaxed atmosphere. Many will have a sports atmosphere; so if you are looking for a place to visit with an old friend, avoid those during the big games. Others are more casual with pool tables and a quieter atmosphere where conversations can take place. A friendly atmosphere (patrons and staff) is towards the top of everyone’s list when looking for a great burger joint. Interesting décor is a plus for any restaurant.

PRICE

It is expected to pay a little more for a quality burger served in a great atmosphere, but it should still be considered affordable by most people. The food should be a good value as well. Generous proportions of high quality food that tastes great should be expected when ordering food in one of the best burger joints. The extra toppings, cheeses, and condiments should be affordable also.

BEVERAGES

Most people want an ice cold beer served with their burger. A wide range of beers that include inexpensive domestic beers, craft beers, and imported beers is expected when going to a burger joint that is labeled as “the best”. There should be wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages available, too.

The 8oz Burger Bar has the traits of a great burger joint. They are located in Florida and California.

Here is a list of beer drinking types, common personality traits, and the types of burgers they prefer:

CRAFT BEER DRINKERS

• Liberals
• Sarcastic tendencies
• Prefer a Mac laptop
• Focused on beer
• Happy-go-lucky
• Buys organic
• Particular about preferences

Craft beer drinkers are sometimes referred to as gourmet beer drinkers. They often want all the specialty toppings on a gourmet burger. They will choose the more unusual toppings and uncommon cheeses to add to a burger. They are particular about what meat is used and how the burger is cooked.

DOMESTIC BEER DRINKER

• Middle of the road on political views
• Moderately conservative
• Practical
• Resist compliancy to authority
• Low maintenance
• Average in many areas of life

Domestic beer drinkers enjoy the basics on their burgers. Ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomato, and cheese are common toppings and this suits the domestic beer drinker just fine. They often pass on all the fancy toppings and will order their burger medium cooked.

LIGHT BEER DRINKERS

• Easy to get along with
• Outgoing
• Extroverted
• Knowledgeable about diets
• Perfectionist tendencies

Light beer drinkers are often particular about their burgers, but unlike the craft beer drinker will make choices about their burgers based on calorie intake and may even order a burger with no bun at all or choose the veggie burger if it has less calories. They rarely finish everything on their plate.

IMPORT BEER DRINKERS

• High maintenance
• Most likely to buy a round
• Energetic
• Busy
• Keeps up appearances
• Likes to fit in

The import beer drinker will often order their burger last and conform to the orders on others at the table. Though the burger order will be similar to others at the table, he or she will have specific instructions like the order it is added to the burger and will be very specific on how well done or how rare that it is cooked.

No matter what type of traits you have that are or are not related to the type of beer you drink, 8oz Burger Bar has the burger for you. With the wide range of types of beer available almost everyone can find their favorite type of beer at the 8oz Burger Bar to go with anything, like a gourmet type burger or just a basic burger.

The beer available at 8oz Burger Bar ranges simple to complex. For the burger eaters that like basic and simple beers, there are the following beers available in cans:

• Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR) Beer
• Schlitz Beer
• Olympia Beer

These beers are also available in buckets.

For those who like their beer like their burgers with different and unique flavors, there are micro beers and specialty beers available. Some of the beers you will find at 8oz Burger Bar include the following.

• Beer On Tap-Joe’s Lager, Green Flash West Coast IPA, and Telegraph Porter
• Small Bottles of Beer-Franziskaner Hefe Weisse, ACME India Pale Ale, and Port Brewing Shark Bite Red
• Large Bottles of Beer-Allagash White Ale, Russian River Damnation, and Wandering Aengus Cider

Not everyone likes burgers or beer. Though 8oz Burger Bar specializes in burgers, they have other items on their menu like lamb, salads, appetizers, a veggie burger, filet of fish, and turkey sandwich. For those who don’t like beer there are other beverages available at 8oz Burger bar. Some of them include the following:

• Wines (available by the glass, carafe, or bottle)-2006 PerBacco Pinot Grigio (San Luis Obispo, CA), 2007 Leasingham (dry) Reisling (Clair Valley, Australia), and 2005 E. Guigal (Cotes du Rhone, France)
• Classic Cocktails-Classic Manhattan, Sidecar, Gimlet, Classic Whiskey Sour, and Greyhound
• Signature Cocktails-Lavender Mojito, Blackberry Collins, and Basil Elderflower Daiquiri
• Bloody Mary Drinks-Original, Smokey Bacon, and Bloody Murder

Of course there are non-alcoholic drinks available as well as beer, wine, and cocktails.

Everyone is a little different in their tastes of food and drinks. At the 8oz Burger Bar just about everyone can find great food and drinks to enjoy in the friendly atmosphere at the 8oz Burger Bar.

If you are fortunate enough to go to a burger bar that has a veggie burger you will be set. You can load it up with your favorite toppings, sauces, and cheeses. Add a salad or appetizer and you’ll be full. For burger restaurants that don’t have a veggie burger, you can always order some of the following:

• Select items off the menu to put together on a bun
• Eat appetizers, many of them don’t have meat
• Have a hearty salad and add extra cheese
• Eat several sides for your main course

When creating your own vegetarian meal, ask for an extra plate so you can have all your sides or appetizers together on one plate to eat so it feels like a main course. Anyone who has filled up on appetizers and not had room for their meal, knows how filling that they can be! Be sure to ask for them to be served with the main course when those who you are eating with get served their food. If you don’t your food will sit while you wait or if you can’t help yourself, you’ll be done eating by the time they get their food.

More and more restaurants have healthy, meat free alternatives on the menu, even at a burger place like the 8oz Burger Bar. At the 8oz Burger Bar, it’s pretty easy to fill a burger bun with enough vegetarian friendly items to create a healthy, hearty, and filling sandwich that satisfies. Some of the items to choose:

• VEGGIE BURGER-homemade
• CHEESE-Bel pease, Humboldt fog, fried mozzarella, American, white cheddar, Cave aged gruyere, Blue cheese
• EXTRAS-house cured bacon, sunflower sprouts, garlic roasted tomatoes, avocado, charred escarole, roasted mushrooms, and more
• SAUCES AND CONDIMENTS-all the basics plus purple mustard, hothouse cucumber relish, green peppercorn aioli, and more

The appetizers on the menu aren’t just the usual bar food, it includes fried Wisconsin cheese curds, fried olives stuffed with chorizo, and grilled marinated artichokes. The salads options include the following:

• House salad
• Oak leaf lettuce salad
• Escarole Caesar salad
• 8oz Cobb salad

8oz Burger Bars are located in Miami Beach, Florida and Los Angeles, California. In addition to a great food menu, at the 8oz Burger Bar you will find a selection of specialty beers, wines, and signature drinks in addition to non-alcoholic drinks.

The Lug Nut Lager can be described as follows:

• A citrus hop aroma
• Strong malt flavor
• Hints of caramel
• Strong but balanced hop flavor and bitterness
• 5.2% ABV
• 40 IBU

This beer has won some awards including the following:

• Gold Ribbon – 2009 San Diego County Fair
• Silver Ribbon – 2007 Los Angeles County Fair
• Bronze Ribbon – 2007 California State Fair
• Bronze Ribbon – 2007 San Diego County Fair

Skyscraper Brewery’s Bulldozer Honeyweizen (American Wheat Ale) and Power Tool Pilsner (American Lager) have also won awards at local state and county fairs.

The owner of Skyscraper Brewery Company first brewed his first batch of beer while in college in 1998. Phillip Sutton found his true love and has been dedicated to brewing beer since. Sutton has a passion for all aspects of beer brewing, the complicated machinery to creating recipes.  Before opening his own brewery, Sutton gained experience at as an intern and head brewer at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse in Brea, California. In 2007 he opened his brewery. Phillip Sutton is the founder, president, and head brewer at Skyscraper Brewery. One of the two beers that Sutton started out producing at his brewery when it opened was the Lug Nut Lager. In 2009 his brewery opened up a tasting room that offers food and non-alcoholic drinks for sale.

The L.A. Times mentions Skyscraper Brewery Company in its article “At the Tipping Point” (August 16, 2007). It is an article about local microbrewers and how beer drinkers are eager to drink the beers that they produce. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune covered Skyscraper Brewery Company’s grand opening on January 20, 2007. The article was “Craft Brewery Will Open Today”.

The 8oz Burger Bar knows the popularity of beers micro brewed beers and Skyscraper’s Lug Nut Lager is one of the micro brewed beers that they have on tap. You will also find a unique drink menu that includes canned and bottled beers at 8oz Burger Bar to accompany a custom made to order burger. When in Los Angeles, California or Miami Beach, Florida be sure to make time to stop by the local 8oz Burger Bar.

The 8oz Burger Bar knows that the burger is all about the meat, even if the “meat” is veggies! The meat in the burgers at the 8oz Burger Bar, are made with meat with grass fed Estancia beef. The humanely raised cows are hormone free. You will be able to taste the difference when Black Angus sirloin, short rib, and chuck are used for the meat in your burger. All meat for the burgers is ground in house. It is then allowed to age in a Himalayan salt-tiled meat locker.

Meat like this doesn’t deserve to be slapped down and fried. All burgers at 8oz Burger Bar are grilled on live oak to give it exceptional flavor. These burgers don’t need to be covered in any toppings to taste good, but there is a wide selection of the following on the menu that can be added to compliment the taste of these delicious burgers:

• Sauces
• Toppings
• Vegetables
• Condiments
• Cheeses

All burgers are grilled to your order specifications.

So what if you or your dining partner choose not to eat beef or reduce the amount of red meat that you consume? The menu at the 8oz Burger Bar includes a turkey burger made with free-range turkey and a homemade veggie burger. There is something for every kind of burger eater available.

If you are fortunate enough to live in or visit the Miami Beach, Florida area or Los Angeles, California area, be sure to find the 8oz Burger Bar to find out the taste difference when you know where you meat originates.