Independence Day may have come and gone, but burgers are still king when it comes to summer cookouts. To wit: On August 4 in City Park, the seventh annual Burger Battle pits the state’s very best offerings against one another in an epic food fight. Last year, TAG Burger Bar’s Truffle Shuffle (pictured) won the People’s Choice award. “I almost feel like it’s cheating to do anything with truffle,” chef-owner Troy Guard says with a wry smile. “People just love it.” Chefs will have a difficult time one-upping Guard’s winner—60 percent chuck, 20 percent brisket, and 20 percent short rib served with Swiss, mushrooms, truffle aïoli, and Ruffles tossed with Parmesan and truffle oil. The champion sandwich won’t make an appearance this year, but you can still order it at the Congress Park and Highland Burger Bar locations. In the meantime, get ready for this year’s showdown with 15 competitors, including Steuben’s, Masterpiece Kitchen, and Blackbelly Market. Bonus: Look for Ben Higgins (former star of The Bachelor) on the judging panel.

This article was originally published in 5280 August 2016.
Amanda M. Faison
Amanda M. Faison
Freelance writer Amanda M. Faison spent 20 years at 5280 Magazine, 12 of those as Food Editor.