The Newport Burger Bender is Back and Beefier Than Ever
Now through February 23rd, fifty-six restaurants from all over Aquidneck Island, Jamestown and Bristol will present their take on “The Best Burger."
Burger from Midtown Oyster Bar. Photo by Jacquelina Paiva / courtesy of Discover Newport
What makes a perfect burger? Is it a generously toasted bun? The ideal ratio of cheese to patty? What kind of patty — chicken, beef, turkey, mushroom? Maybe your perfect burger includes generous helping of pickles, or maybe nothing but ketchup and a thick, warm patty. It’s safe to say that none of us exactly agree on what makes a perfect burger, but the Eighth Annual Newport Burger Bender is taking the challenge head on, and they need your help.
Burger from Stoneacre Brasserie. Photo by Jacquelina Paiva / courtesy of Discover Newport
Starting Valentine’s Day and running through February 23rd, fifty-six restaurants — seven of which are brand new to the game — from all over Aquidneck Island, Jamestown and Bristol will present their take on “The Best Burger,” with opportunities to take home top titles in three different categories: beef, non-beef and plant-based. The best burgers will be decided by a vote from the restaurant patrons. The bender is happening alongside Newport’s Winter Festival, making it easy to pop into one of the featured restaurants during your activity-packed day in Newport. What better food to fuel a celebration of the season than a warm, hearty burger?
The perfect burger isn’t always just made of red meat, and because of that, non-beef and plant-based options are plentiful. These categories will also be crowned their own prospective winners, because omnivores and herbivores deserve their perfect burger as well. Some non-beef burger options include the ‘Lionhead Big Mac’ from Yagi Noodles in Newport and the plant-based ‘Meatless Buffalo Burger’ from Rhody Roots in Warren. This bender isn’t exclusively for the all American definition, either. Enter: the ‘Brown Butter Gnocchi Burger’ from Chomp Kitchen and Drinks in Warren.
“We are so excited to see this contest grow, to over fifty-six participating restaurants throughout our region. It’s a testament to the success of the program, and truly to how fun it is for both the diners and restaurant teams, we love how passionate and creative they get!” says Discover Newport Senior Digital Marketing Manager and contest organizer, Julie Grant.
Participating is easy, just pick from the array of local restaurants on discovernewport.org — you can try just one, or you can try them all, this really is a choose-your-own burger adventure. Once you’ve found your perfect burger, simply scan the QR code displayed at your restaurant of choice to cast your vote (note: the rules state only one vote per burger, per person). The winning restaurants will not only get “Best Burger” bragging rights, but will also be considered for future induction into the Newport Burger Hall of Fame. The honor was first introduced during last year’s bender when three-time champ La Forge Restaurant was recognized for taking home the best beef burger distinction in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Other burgers that rack up the same track record will be awarded and inducted in the future. Vote by February 23rd to have your vote counted towards the winners. Remember to check out and use #NewportBurgerBender and #TheClassicCoast on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X to follow along with the fun.
May the best burger win! For more information, visit newportburgerbender.org.
