Hazelhurst bar among ‘Elite 8’ in burgers

The Wisconsin Beef Council has named a Hazelhurst bar and grill as one of the Elite Eight in its inaugural Wisconsin’s Best Burger Contest, according to an April 2 press release. The Pickles Bar & Grill, at 5507 County Road Y, in Hazelhurst, is also the only northern Wisconsin establishment in this year’s finalists.

The Best Burger contest was designed to seek out and promote 100% beef burgers prepared in Wisconsin restaurants, according to the press release. The Elite Eight restaurants that received the most nominations on the Wisconsin Beef Council website over the past month included Brazen Head Pub in West Bend; the Crafty Cow in Milwaukee; the Dog House Bar & Grill in Mt. Horeb; Ferry Xing Bar & Grill in Merrimac; Pickles Bar & Grill in Hazelhurst; Skippy’s Burger Bar in Thiensville; Straight Home Bar & Grill in Eland; and The Dump Bar & Grill in Cambria.

“These Elite Eight establishments will now be visited by a secret panel of judges who will travel to each and evaluate the burgers,” said Tammy Vaassen, executive director of the producer-led non-profit Wisconsin Beef Council. “The winning restaurant will be announced on May 1 to kick-off May Beef Month.”

The burgers will be scored on taste (50 points,) appearance (30 points,) proper doneness (10 points,) overall enjoyment of the burger (10 points,) and bonus points may be given for eating environment, atmosphere and experience (up to 5 points).

To eligibility guidelines for the contest are that the hamburgers on the restaurant menus must be 100% beef (other ingredients may be added to the patty such as spices, vegetables, etc.) All burgers must be composed of a formed ground beef patty/patties served on a bun or other bread product (such as biscuits, focaccia or tortillas). The burgers may also include any combination of condiments (such as ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard), sauces (such as barbeque or hot sauce), cheeses and toppings (such as bacon, onions, tomatoes and lettuce). Every component of the burger must be placed between the bun or bread pieces or served open-faced on a bread product.

To follow Wisconsin’s Best Burger Contest, LIKE the Wisconsin Beef Council on Facebook or follow us on Instagram. You can find a map of Wisconsin’s 2024 Elite Eight Best Burger restaurants at beeftips.com.