Patch Picks: Top Five Burgers

There is a certain kind of hunger that can only be satisfied with a burger and milkshake. Not the dried out and carelessly tossed together kind of burger served through a window, though–a real burger with a substantial amount of patty and fixings to your liking. Luckily, there are actually plenty of local options to get your fix. Without further ado, here are the top five burgers receiving rave reviews from locals: 

1.

Voted "Best Burger" by the Scotts Valley Banner last year, Malone's burgers definitely do have a reputation. Most of all, they are known for not skimping on the meat. The patties are huge and juicy, and one great plus is that they will cook it rare for you if that is how you like it, which is not common these days. The Cobb burger comes highly recommended, with bleu cheese crumbles, crispy bacon and avocado.

Malone's is at 4402 Scotts Valley Dr., Scotts Valley. 831-438-2244

2.

"The original California BBQ," spot serves up much more than just burgers, but their burger department is pretty impressive, with over a dozen ways to serve up their 1/2 to 2/3 pounders. Without question, the Bruno's burger takes the cake, with two patties, two slices of cheddar and bacon. It is heart stopping in more ways than one. 

Bruno's BBQ is at 230 G Mt. Hermon Rd., Scotts Valley. 831-438-2227.

3.

Already a local favorite for its breakfast and lunch, Scotts Valley's Heavenly Cafe's burgers are no exception. Burger superlatives include "juicy," "well seasoned," and "generous portions." When it comes to a healthier, leaner burger though, Heavenly Cafe comes through with a Greek Turkey Burger. Ok, we all know that turkey burgers sound great in theory but sometimes lead to regret after the second bite. You want to be healthier but is it worth sacrificing a juicy beef patty for a dry and bland turkey one? The turkey burger at Heavenly Cafe is exceptionally juicy, and comes with a delicious yogurt tzatziki sauce.

Heavenly Cafe is at 1210 Mt. Hermon Rd., Scotts Valley. 831-335-7311. 

4.  

Although some may call it a "dive," most people agree that Chubby's Diner turns out delicious diner food. Located within easy access to Highway 17, this joint knows what's up when it comes to burgers. Their burger selection includes a highly recommended Swiss and bacon burger and a teriyaki burger, and all of them come on toasted homemade buns. The chili fries and onion rings have also received rave reviews.

Chubby's Diner is at 266 Mt. Hermon Rd., Ste T, Scotts Valley. 831-438-5546.

5. Betty Burger

The trendy Betty Burger boasts "juicy patties and hot buns," and apparently it delivers on this one, since new locations have popped up in downtown Santa Cruz and in Capitola. Betty is all about the burger, and the innuendo-filled menu makes the whole experience a little more entertaining.

"I like the Point Grinder because it has sautéed mushrooms and blue cheese," said local Cordell Trumbo, who once frequented Betty Burger once a week.

The burgers are pretty big, doused with Betty's "Special Lube," and all of the fixings. Oh, the sweet potato fries and milk shakes made with Polar Bear ice cream are also killer. 

Betty Burgers is at 1000 41st Ave., Capitola. 831-475-5901.