What popular treat comes with built-in handles?

The hamburger, of course! I don’t think I know anybody (or, better yet, anybody I’d care to know) who doesn’t like something savory tucked securely inside a soft, fresh roll. Note the word, “soft” – I’ve been read the riot act by at least one local restaurateur when I criticized his burger rolls! I considered it a compliment. Oh, and after he yelled at me, he started buying better rolls. So there.

Add bacon (it’ll make your pelt shiny), a slice of cheese (dairy is healthy), perhaps some lettuce & tomato (makes it a salad!) and there’s nothing better. So what happens if you’re here at the beach and hankerin’ for the burger experience? Who do ya call?

Not to worry. In fact, it just so happens that Hammy’s Burgers & Shakes (of St. Michaels, Md. fame) opens today, Thursday, June 2, in the Safeway center on Coastal Highway. They’re giving the term “burgers & dogs” a whole new meaning: Every new customer who brings in a photo of his or her dog will be treated to a free order of tater tots. 

In addition, Hammy’s will donate $5 to the Delaware Humane Association. And your dog’s photo will become permanent decor there at the restaurant.

Pointing ourselves back downtown, Blackwall at the Beach puts out a fully-stuffed burger with all sorts of options. I like to ask for the crispy onion frizzles on top. The sleeper at Big Fish Grill (ask any local) is the Old Fashioned Chop House Burger. The Angus beef is freshly ground by neighboring Diamond State Meats, known for quality steaks, pork and the like. If you like your burgers on wheels, don’t miss the Smashmouth Burger Bus that has taken up permanent residence at Big Chill Surf Cantina on the highway across from Giant Food. The signature burger sports a pair of the obligatory beef patties along with a nice thick slice of Taylor Ham topped with a jaunty sunny egg chapeau. You won’t eat for a while after this one.

If you’re in Milford or Millsboro, don’t forget Jake’s Wayback Burgers (juicy slow-cooked patties nestled in an impossibly fresh bun washed down with very good milkshakes). Of course, back in downtown Rehoboth there’s Five Guys where they don’t even form the never-frozen patty until you order it. It marches out of the kitchen wrapped in foil and buried in hot fries.

In Dewey, both the Starboard and Woody’s Dewey Beach Bar & Grill dish up a very good burger. Again – the key is freshly made, with just seconds between the fire and your table.

After researching this I realized I would need several editions of Beach Paper (served with napkins and mustard) to cover all the burgers around here, but these should keep you busy for a while. Remember: The only bad burger is the one you didn’t eat.