This column has long been a space to trumpet the savory delicacies of Fayette County’s finest dining establishments, but even this gourmand has a (very) soft spot for dishes that aren’t served on the finest china or under glass. This month, I would like to examine the burger, both cooked at franchises of some of the more popular fast food eateries, and at some of the area’s sit down restaurants.

On the fast food front, every shop seems to have something that draws an eater from time to time. When one is seeking a classic sandwich, McDonald’s tends to beckon with its Big Mac or Quarter Pounder with Cheese, while Burger King and its flamed broiled Whopper often sends its siren call when one is seeking a distinctly different taste. Wendy’s square burgers have perhaps the freshest taste, but Checkers tends to pile on the veggies and condiments and Sonic’s burgers, especially the Toasters (served on Texas Toast) are the perfect mix of size, taste and price.

For my money, I’ll go with Sonic, although when it is all about location, location, location, Wendy’s gets my call.

As for those who herald the steamed burgers of the Krystal, I agree that there is a time and a place for them, but, at least for this food critic, those times are few and far between.

Now, when you have a little more time and money to spare, there are dozens of great choices in the area. At the higher end of spectrum are the burgers, both bison and beef, at Ted’s Montana Grill, while the burgers in the diner-like Mimi’s Good Food and Waffle Houses are delicious as well.

If you sit down at the Chick-fil-A Dwarf House, toss the mantra of “Eat More Chicken” out the window and order either a Dwarf or Giant Burger. Either choice is terrific and blows away most of the other menu choices.

Foodie also recommends the patty melts at both Cameron’s and Mike and C’s, the Gourmet Burger at The Malt Shoppe and the Minis at Ruby Tuesday’s.

Overall, I would have to give Ted’s Montana Grill the prize for Best All-Around Burger. The George’s Cadillac, with its bacon and barbecue sauce, is out of this world. The runner-up, and actually the one I sample more often than any burger in the area, is The Malt Shoppe’s Gourmet Burger. It is always the perfect size and made just how I like it.

I’m curious to see what burgers the readers feel I unjustly left off the list. Debate the merits of the burgers on this column at www.thecitizen.com.