The 3rd Annual Owensboro Burger Week ran from March 3rd through March 11th and it was the biggest, best and most successful event to date.  According to Visit Owensboro, there were 34,549 burgers sold from 38 participating restaurants during Burger Week 2023. That doubled the total number of burgers sold in 2022, when there were 32 restaurants participating.

This year's panel of 14 judges "composed of experts and Burger Week fans" sampled the burgers and scored them. Those scores have been tallied and we now know the official results.  We've got the Top 5!

Here they are!

#5- THAI FOOD OWENSBORO'S PA NANG BURGER

Taken from a classic Thai curry recipe, the classic American burger gets a spicy update. It's mild enough for those who don't like spice and can be cooled down with the addition of ketchup or yum-yum sauce. For those interested in heat, replace the pickles with jalapenos. Instead of ketchup, try sriracha. Add a side of fries to round out the meal!
Taken from a classic Thai curry recipe, the classic American burger gets a spicy update. It's mild enough for those who don't like spice and can be cooled down with the addition of ketchup or yum-yum sauce. For those interested in heat, replace the pickles with jalapenos. Instead of ketchup, try sriracha. Add a side of fries to round out the meal!
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#4- OLD HICKORY BBQ'S HICKORY BURGER

1/4 lb. Angus burger with homemade chili, mac and cheese, Sweet Heat BBQ sauce, and Grippos.
1/4 lb. Angus burger with homemade chili, mac and cheese, Sweet Heat BBQ sauce, and Grippos.
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#3- J'S GOOD GRUB'S BIG BOOTY JUDY

1/4 lb burger topped with Boston Butt, cheddar cheese, sweet and spicy pickles, our new Honey Gold Sauce, and- booty so big we had to put a Ring on it- YES, topped with an onion ring on a toasted brioche bun. Also available in a plant-based burger (vegan-friendly option) topped with smoked jackfruit, plant-based cheddar, pickles, and a breaded onion ring on a toasted plant-based butter bun.
1/4 lb burger topped with Boston Butt, cheddar cheese, sweet and spicy pickles, our new Honey Gold Sauce, and- booty so big we had to put a Ring on it- YES, topped with an onion ring on a toasted brioche bun. Also available in a plant-based burger (vegan-friendly option) topped with smoked jackfruit, plant-based cheddar, pickles, and a breaded onion ring on a toasted plant-based butter bun.
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#2- NIKO'S BAKERY AND CAFE'S CROISSANT BURGER

Hillview Farm’s beef with grilled onions, house-made pickles, aioli, and American cheese.
Hillview Farm’s beef with grilled onions, house-made pickles, aioli, and American cheese.
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And, the Grand Champion of Owensboro Burger Week 2023 is . . .

#1- THE WINDY HOLLOW BISCUIT HOUSE SHRIMP & GRITS BURGER

Burger patty with fried cheese grits smothered in shrimps with a Cajun sauce on a Windy Hollow Biscuit House biscuit.
Burger patty with fried cheese grits smothered in shrimps with a Cajun sauce on a Windy Hollow Biscuit House biscuit.
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The Windy Hollow Biscuit House Shrimp & Grits Burger scored an astounding 86.86 out of 100 points.

Dave Spencer
Dave Spencer
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The owners and staff were surprised this morning at 10am when Visit Owensboro, sponsors and members of the media showed up to share the exciting news!

While Windy Hollow claimed the Best Burger in Owensboro title and trophy, Beef O'Brady's, for the third consecutive year, sold the most burgers during the event. This year, the restaurant sold 3,584 of The Smokeshow!

Our fresh, never frozen, flat top grilled angus burger with melted provolone cheese, smokehouse maple candied bacon crumbles & pickles all drizzled with our sweet & spicy bourbon glaze. Served with a side of BBQ chips to add on top for extra crunch!
Our fresh, never frozen, flat top grilled angus burger with melted provolone cheese, smokehouse maple candied bacon crumbles & pickles all drizzled with our sweet & spicy bourbon glaze. Served with a side of BBQ chips to add on top for extra crunch!
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Congratulations to all the winners and a big shout out to everyone who participated. Whether you helped create the burgers, make them, serve them or eat them, Owensboro Burger Week created an "enormous economic impact!"

Burger Week was sponsored by the Kentucky Beef Council, Green River Appliance and Hill View Farms Meats.

And, yes! There's even more good news to share.  Dave Kirk, from Visit Owensboro, says, "Owensboro Burger Week will return in early Spring of 2024!"

 

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