Reader’s Digest Names the Best Pennsylvania Burger

The ability to create the perfect burger is an artform. Now, the best Pennsylvania burger has been revealed, thanks to the tasting experts at Reader's Digest. The thing that's so great about Pennsylvania burgers is that they're the perfect meal any time of year. While summer usually brings imagery of great burgers sizzling on the grill, there's nothing wrong with a fantastic burger in the fall or winter, too.

Reader's Digest has released a new list of the best burgers in America, including the best Pennsylvania burger. After doing the tasting, the experts picked one burger per state to highlight. These restaurants "are some of the most loved and reviewed by burger fanatics, and they’ve been awarded by critics and competitions," Reader's Digest states.

Before we get to Pennsylvania, let's look at a few other choice burgers across America. In New York, Reader's Digest's pick for the best burger is Peter Luger. They note that even thought Peter Luger is "one of the most famous spots to enjoy a steak in New York," they also make a fantastic burger. "At Peter Luger in Brooklyn and on Great Neck, Long Island, the focus is on the quality of the beef, and the prime dry-aged meat that goes into Luger's juicy, medium-rare burgers will have you begging for more." That sounds delicious to me, especially if there are some vegetarian burger options. Going out West, in California, the best burger in the state, according to the feature, is Pie 'n Burger in Pasadena. They offer "classic diner fare seven days a week to locals and burger tourists," as well as delicious milkshake and fries on the side. If you're heading up to Washington, Seattle's Lil Woody's is a great spot for a burger. Reader's Digest notes that "Lil Woody's works with local vendors to source the ingredients used at its Seattle locations," so you'll get fresh, local ingredients from Washington and neighboring states.

So, what's the best Pennsylvania burger? Reader's Digest says it's at Burgatory Bar in Pittsburgh. They suggest you try the "Meat Your Maker with one of the most popular options, a dry-aged Wagyu beef patty with a sweet onion crust, topped with aged Gruyère cheese, roasted tomatoes, organic field greens, and truffled shallot aioli, or try making a custom creation from the expansive selection of toppings." Reader's Digest also suggests to eat this best Pennsylvania burger with a specialty milkshake. I'll never say no to a milkshake.

From fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon to fruits and omelets, the breakfast buffet offers an abundance of choices. As tempting as it may be, there are times when it's probably best to avoid certain food items to ensure a healthy and enjoyable dining experience.

Overall, breakfast buffets make a great choice if you're on the hunt for an economical meal or have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, as they allow you to handpick the items that perfectly match your requirements.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that foodborne illnesses were responsible for sickness in approximately 48 million Americans. Within this number, it is estimated that around 128,000 cases required hospitalization, and tragically, 3,000 cases resulted in fatalities.

Breakfast buffets that lack proper maintenance and supervision may fall prey to stale and unappetizing food items. Dishes sitting out for too long lose their freshness and flavor, posing a risk to your taste buds and stomach. It’s best to opt for recently prepared items to savor the true essence of a breakfast buffet.

In breakfast buffet setups, hygiene can sometimes take a backseat. With numerous diners handling the serving utensils, there is a potential for the spread of germs and contaminants. Items like communal bread baskets and self-service stations may be susceptible to bacterial growth.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), buffets should prioritize swapping food trays rather than refilling them with new food to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and ensure food safety. The duration for which an old batch of food has been sitting on the buffet is often uncertain. After two hours at room temperature, the risk of harmful microorganisms thriving on the food increases significantly. Refilling food trays creates a potential risk of cross-contamination between the fresh food and any remaining food on the tray.

When encountering a breakfast buffet, knowing which foods to skip is wise. Here's a rundown of foods to avoid at breakfast buffets.

Many establishments opt for powdered eggs instead of fresh ones, as it's a cost-effective way to prepare large quantities of scrambled eggs to cater to numerous guests at once. However, powdered eggs cannot compare to the taste, texture, and color of their fresh counterparts. Another concern lies in the fact that these eggs are pre-cooked, which means they might sit at unsafe temperatures for extended periods.

According to the FDA, serving eggs immediately after cooking is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Unfortunately, in a buffet setting, it's challenging to determine how long the eggs have been sitting out.

Unless you witnessed the fruit being freshly prepared in the kitchen, it's nearly impossible to gauge how long that eye-catching fruit display has been sitting there. According to the FDA, when fruits are cut, their protective skins are breached, leaving the flesh vulnerable to the surrounding environment and any potential bacteria. This creates two primary reasons that heighten the risk of contamination. Firstly, cutting the fruit makes its water content and nutrients readily available to microorganisms. Secondly, without any heating process, disease-causing germs aren't eliminated, further contributing to the potential hazards of consuming cut fruits from a buffet display.

There’s a joy of pouring your own batter into a Belgian waffle maker, flipping it eagerly, and waiting for that gratifying green light before embellishing it with toppings. However, it's best to exercise caution and avoid the waffle station. As per TikToker Brandi Augustus, a former hotel employee, the waffle batter served there is often old and sour. Instead of disposing of the old batter, new batter is mixed with it. It's worth noting that not all places offering breakfast buffets adhere to this practice, but it's wise to stay informed and make a decision based on the circumstances.