Podcast Summary: All Of It with Alison Stewart
Episode: A State-by-State Guide to the Greatest Burger Joints in America
Date: April 13, 2026
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: George Motz (author, burger historian, owner of Hamburger America in Soho, NYC)
Episode Overview
This lively episode delves into the rich cultural and culinary history of America's most iconic dish—the hamburger—through the eyes of George Motz, the so-called "burger scholar." Motz discusses the new, fourth edition of his book Hamburger America, now expanded to 220 burger joints across the country, and shares insights into regional burger differences, the enduring appeal of simplicity, and the importance of preserving local food institutions. Callers from across the country weigh in, sharing favorite spots, memories, and opinions, making this episode a true community celebration of burger culture.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Why Update the Burger Guide Now?
- George Motz: “It had been a very, very long time since the last update. Solid eight years.” (03:02)
- Motz explains many entries are “old, but new to me”—long-standing joints newly discovered for the book (03:10).
How Are New Burger Joints Discovered?
- Motz leans on his group of "Expert Burger Tasters" (EBTs) who tip him off to hidden gems across the country. “If you want to be an EBT, just reach out.” (03:12)
What Makes a Great Burger?
- Simplicity is key. “The simpler burgers are the ones that have stood the test of time…they only have two or three ingredients on them.” (03:39)
- "Stunt burgers" with extravagant toppings don't tend to persevere, with rare exceptions like Shady Glen’s four-cheese burger (04:09).
Motz’s Path to Burger Scholarship
- Motz describes a “complete fluke”—a career as a filmmaker, then making a documentary about burgers, which led to being seen as an expert and eventually to writing the book. (04:35-05:27)
Regional Styles: A Culinary Road Trip
- Every region has its own iconic burger style, based on local ingredients, methods, and traditions:
- Butter burgers in Wisconsin
- Green chile cheeseburgers in New Mexico
- Deep-fried burgers (Midwest)
- Steamed burgers in Connecticut (06:09-07:27)
- Defining a hamburger: “It has to be ground beef that is cooked somehow and served on bread, period, full spell, period.” (06:20)
Burger Legends: Addressing the Myths
- On Louie’s Lunch in New Haven, CT: “They are the oldest continually operating hamburger restaurant in America at 126 years,” but not the documented inventor (07:37).
NYC Burger Classics
Regional and Historic Burger Spots Highlighted by Callers
- Milestone (Georgetown/Mystic/Glastonbury, CT): Burgers fired in a 750-degree pizza oven for a crisp texture (09:51).
- Court Street Restaurant (Hoboken, NJ): A local legend for over 40 years (08:58).
- Upstate New York: The “Ground Round” in Rochester, super-thick patties with signature toppings (20:50).
- Kuma’s (Chicago, IL): Heavy metal, burgers, and a cult local following (21:33).
- Hildebrandt’s (Long Island, NY): Saved from closure and upgraded while retaining its retro vibe—“To me, those are my hamburger heroes, the ones that can see the need to preserve this history and go ahead and just buy it.” (19:39)
- White Manna (Hackensack, NJ): Originated as the “Diner of the Future” at the 1939 World’s Fair, lauded for efficiency and historical value (23:10).
The Smashburger Phenomenon
- Motz defends the Smashburger: “Of course I take it seriously…It’s not a recent phenomenon. That’s probably what [the caller] is referring to. But it is unquestionably the original American hamburger method.” (17:50)
- Explains the origins—flattened for speed of cooking.
Vegetarian Options Debate
- Motz clarifies his stance: Not anti-veggie burger, but prefers to stick to what he does best, noting the abundance of veggie options nearby. “I don’t know how to [make them] and I didn’t want to pretend like I did.” (22:31)
Trends and Looking Forward
- Motz predicts an ongoing swing between thick and thin patty trends. “I think we’re going to start to move back to a slightly thicker patties…a beefy hamburger experience.” (25:40)
- Refuses to play favorites among burger joints: “The minute I play favorites, I’m in trouble. Of the 220 restaurants in my book, I’d go to any of those.” (25:13)
Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)
-
On Simplicity:
“The simpler burgers are the ones that have stood the test of time…they only have two or three ingredients on them.”
— George Motz, (03:39)
-
On Burger Definitions:
“It has to be ground beef that is cooked somehow and served on bread, period, full spell, period.”
— George Motz, (06:20)
-
On Restaurant Survival:
“The ones that survive are the ones that really do focus, and they focus on making great food.”
— George Motz, (12:33)
-
On Burger Trends:
“We go back and forth between, you know, thin patty, should it be a thick patty… I imagine it’s just going to go back and forth between the two.”
— George Motz, (25:40)
-
On Burger Heroes:
“Those are my hamburger heroes, the ones that can see the need to preserve this history and go ahead and just buy it if they can.”
— George Motz, (19:39)
-
On Not Playing Favorites:
“I can’t play favorites. The minute I play favorites, I’m in trouble. Of the 220 restaurants in my book, I’d go to any of those.”
— George Motz, (25:13)
-
On the Smashburger:
“It’s not a recent phenomenon… it is unquestionably the original American hamburger method.”
— George Motz, (17:50)
Important Segments & Timestamps
| Segment | Topic | Timestamps (MM:SS) |
|---------|-------|-------------------|
| Opening & Book Intro | The mission of Hamburger America | 01:01 – 02:44 |
| What Makes a Great Burger? | Simplicity, longevity, “stunt burgers” | 03:35 – 04:21 |
| Motz’s Journey | From filmmaker to burger author | 04:28 – 05:27 |
| Regional Styles | Butter, chili, steamed, and more | 06:09 – 07:27 |
| The Louie’s Lunch Myth | Dispelled; oldest operating, not inventor | 07:37 – 08:07 |
| NYC Burger Classics | Corner Bistro, Brennan & Carr, Donovan’s | 10:45 – 15:55 |
| Callers: Regional Picks | Community voices & local favorites | 08:58 – 24:49 |
| Smashburger Discussion | History and legitimacy | 17:50 – 18:21 |
| Vegetarian Options Debate | Approaches and audience diversity | 22:31 – 22:57 |
| White Manna | Burger efficiency, history, and design | 23:10 – 24:13 |
| Motz’s “No Favorites” | Refusing to single out the best | 25:13 – 25:30 |
| Burger Trends | The thin vs. thick patty debate | 25:40 – 26:04 |
Flow and Tone
The episode is enthusiastic and inclusive—listeners and the guest are passionate, and Alison Stewart fosters a vibrant exchange. George Motz comes across as both a scholar and a vibrant storyteller, weaving personal anecdotes, historical tidbits, and a sense of mission about preserving culinary heritage. Callers inject local pride and personal memories, giving the episode a communal, almost celebratory feel.
For Listeners: Takeaways
- The greatness of a burger is as much about history, setting, and regional quirks as it is about ingredients.
- Simplicity triumphs, but local innovation continues to define America’s burger landscape.
- Community—both in restaurant crowds and in passionate burger fans—keeps these places thriving.
- There’s no single “best” burger; the true joy is in the hunt, the stories, and the shared experience.