Cheeseburgers are the classic, American staple, here are 10 places in Eastern Conn. to try

Few things are as American as a delicious cheeseburger. Cooked and topped however you want it, there's so many ways to enjoy a burger. We could go on and on, much like Bubba talking about shrimp from Forest Gump, but we think these local restaurants across Eastern Connecticut do a better job of showcasing all the ways you can chow down on the quintessential American staple.

36 Town Grill & Tap in Norwich

36 Town Grill & Tap is a popular Norwich destination for all things pub food, including some well-made burgers. Choose from an assortment of half-pound, flame-broiled burgers, each served with french fries or tots. You've got the classic Bacon Burger, Sautéed Onion and Mushroom Burger, Chili Burger, Buffalo Bleu Burger, and even a California Burger with bacon, guac, lettuce and tomato. Enjoy a tall pint as you watch the game and dig in to a hearty meal.

Big Dawggs & More in Griswold

A central destination in Griswold, Big Dawggs has more than just a wide assortment of hot dogs. From classic like a $6 Cheeseburger to specialty options like the Mac Burger and Bacon & Bleu Burger, you know you're getting a great, delicious deal. Grab a side of freshly-cooked fries or a sweet ice cream treat to go along with your burger!

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Bobby's Burger Palace at the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino

Founded by Bobby Flay himself, Bobby's Burger Palace is as good as it gets in quality, delicious burgers. Try out their Crunchburger: a classic cheeseburger loaded up with potato chips. Or venture into unknown territory with their Green Chile burger, topped with queso sauce, roasted green chiles, and pickled red onions. Every month brings a new burger as well in their Flavors of the Month specials. 

Hank's Dairy Bar in Plainfield

Hank's Dairy Bar has become a quintessential destination for Plainfield-ians and many more, and their burgers are a big reason. At just $3.25, you can chow down on a simple, delicious cheeseburger. Give their Hankburger a try as well: served with one or two patties along with American cheese, your choice of toppings, and sides of award-winning coleslaw and Hank's Private Reserve french fries. With events aplenty throughout the season, you're sure to enjoy yourself at Hank's.

Jealous Monk in Mystic

A popular destination for beer and German cuisine, Jealous Monk serves up incredible burgers as well. Their famed Monk Burger is an easy choice, cooked your way and topped with cheddar, lettuce, tomato, red onion and their special Monk Sauce. Folks looking for a bit more heat can try out the Brewer's Burger, which comes with buffalo sauce, bacon, bumbled bleu and chipotle aioli. Enjoy each with some Belgian frites and a cold brewski.

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Smokey O'Gradys in East Lyme

Smokey O'Grady's is known for many of its delicious options, and burgers are certainly one of them. Take a trip to New Orleans with their Rajun Cajun and Swiss burger, topped with horseradish sauce and red onions. Looking for something south of the border? How about their Taco Pepper Burger with diced tomato, diced onions, black olives, jalapenos, shredded cheddar, shredded lettuce, sour cream and salsa? There's also their Buffalo Burger with bleu cheese crumble, Black Peppercorn and Swiss Burger, Smokey's Big Boy Burger with bacon, cheddar, onion rings, lettuce, and tomato; the list goes on!

The 24 Hour Chef in Plainfield

A popular spot for a quick bite, The 24 Hour Chef has a solid assortment of burgers to choose from that won't break your bank. Try the classic, $6 Cheeseburger, topped how you want it. There's also the Southern BBQ Bacon Burger with sautéed onions and coleslaw, or the Bacon Mushroom Burger topped with aioli and sautéed onions. If you're feeling especially hungry, they've even got their Mother Trucker Burger: a triple patty behemoth with double the bacon, 4 slices of cheese, and plenty of other fixins.

The Main Moose in Columbia

A tucked away treasure, The Main Moose is a beautiful outdoor destination for ice cream, hot dogs, and burgers aplenty. You'll need to try their famed Moose Burger, which comes with cheddar cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion rings, and their special Moose Sauce. Switch it up with a Mushroom Onion Swiss burger, or go vegetarian with their Veggie Burger. Each comes with freshly cooked french fries and hearty coleslaw!

The Social Bar + Kitchen in New London

Situated in downtown New London, The Social Bar + Kitchen is a gastropub with a cocktails, beer, and plenty of burgers. Keep it classic with their Mr. Nice Guy: a hand-formed beef burger with cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and other optional add-ons. If you're feeling more adventurous, why not dig in to the Sweet Thai & Pineapple Thigh: a grilled chicken thigh marinated in sweet Thai chili with pineapple, mixed peppers, red onions and housemade peanut colada spread. They've got a veggie burger, too, called The Garden 2.0, as well as other delicious options for when you're feeling hungry.

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Triple B - Best Burgers & Brews in Gales Ferry

From the classic Boss Man topped with mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, tomato, pesto mayo, capicola and onions to the Teriyaki Shrimp Burger, a shrimp-topped burger with provolone cheese and grilled teriyaki sauce, Triple B has you covered. They've got nearly two dozen burgers to try for yourself with all sorts of different toppings and styles. Swing on by for their numerous events as well, from karaoke on Fridays and Thursday Trivia Nights to pool tables and DJ music.