For months now, I have been informally surveying people regarding the local burger scene in Danville, IL. This debate is one that rages fully and, more or less, there are four competitors: Gross Burgers, Mike's Grill, Moon Glo, and Schroeder's.
Everyone has their favorites. Gross Burgers features the crispy-edge thin burger that some might equate to Steak 'n Shake. But Gross Burgers meat is of superior quality and the hamburgers are a delight, no doubt. One thing I like about Gross Burgers is the simplicity of ordering a hamburger that is unique. So many times a restaurant gets caught up on itself, but Gross Burgers keeps it simple. How many patties do you want? Cheese? What do you want on it? And don't ask for tomatoes! You get that with the ketchup.
Mike's Grill, on the other hand, is similar to Gross Burgers in the size of the patty, but it lacks the crispy edge. What stands out the most about Mike's is the cheese melt on the cheeseburger. I have no idea how they get it so perfect, but it is perfect, the best I have ever seen. The cheese literally drips off the burger and clings to the wrap the burger comes in. True cheese paper if I have ever seen it. The meat is of high quality and the burgers are consistent.
Moon Glo is known for the size of their burgers. The Moon Burger lives up to its name. Many people can order one and split it for a meal. The meat is high quality, like the first two joints mentioned, and the condiments are plenty. Moon Glo is entirely ala carte, so be prepared to order everything. Go for the Moon Burger and the fried pickles with ranch dressing. Both are excellent. The most important thing about Moon Glo is the atmosphere and the gigantic burgers.
Schroeder's always comes in fourth on the list of "best burger joint" in the area, but I have a special place in my heart for it. It is a classic drive-thru restaurant that hasn't been monopolized by the trend of upgrading fast food. Schroeder's keeps it simple. They offer a double cheeseburger for .99 cents and the fries are decent. The burgers are not of the caliber of Mike's, Moon Glo, or Gross Burgers, but they are not really supposed to be either. Schroeder's is a place to grab a quick burger (and they are quick) for cheap before heading to park with your kids or to whatever athletic practice or other extracurricular you are currently scurrying off to.
One man's opinion here, but I promised readers of this blog a verdict, so here it is. If I were to pick one place to go for a hamburger in Vermilion County, I would choose Mike's Grill. It's not to say that the other joints are poor. Far from it. It's just that cheese melt is so perfect in taste and consistency I marvel at it every time.
Finally, some other places, should you be out and about, to consider for a good burger:
South Side Drive In - Milford
Dairy Queen - Milford
Mr. B's Cafe - Hoopeston
Please share your favorite burger joints around Vermilion County, and around the country, so that everyone can partake of this truly classic sandwich. Happy chomping!
