Best of Miami 2016 Preview: Best Burger

Hey, Miami, the wait is almost over!

This Thursday, New Times' 2016 Best of Miami issue will hit stands, and it may win an Olympic gold medal for awesomeness — or at least it would if there were such a thing. 

You'll find in this annual issue more than 400 picks for the Magic City's greatest restaurants, bars, clubs, people, and places, as well as the winners of our Readers' Poll, which garnered thousands of votes online. The issue hits the web tomorrow, but in the meantime, we're previewing a few select winners, so enjoy a little taste of things to come.

Best Burger: Blue Collar

Not to be dogmatic, but there are only a few ways to make a cheeseburger. The bun must be soft. The meat must be fatty and freshly ground; that way, the patty can be grilled medium-rare, giving it the color and juiciness of a peak-season strawberry. American cheese is the preferred choice. Cheddar doesn't melt right. For you aristocrats, blue cheese or pepper jack will do, but seriously? Danny Serfer's dry-aged cheeseburger at Blue Collar ($17) is his homage to the comforting excess of Americana, and it blows the roof off every category. The Portuguese muffin, sort of like an English muffin for the uninitiated, is bulky and tender enough to sop up the juices that pour out of a patty fashioned from prime New York strip. The kitchen is even magnanimous enough to let you have cheddar if you like. But don't, please. Get your burger with American so you can sink your teeth into perfection.

Readers' choice: LoKal Burgers & Beer

Best of Miami 2016: A full list of the 2016 winners will be announced Tuesday, June 14, and the complete issue will be available on newsstands Thursday, June 16. Celebrate with us at the Best of Miami Launch Party at the Rusty Pelican on Thursday, June 16. Tickets cost $45. Visit microapp.miaminewtimes.com/bestofparty/2016.