We Have Officially Dubbed Alison Rymer the Queen of Cincinnati Burger Week

Alison Rymer: Cincinnatian, burger enthusiast and the unofficial official queen of Cincinnati Burger Week.

Alison is a human who loves burgers, and she has been highly dedicated to trying as many $5 specialty burgers as she can during this week's Burger Week (which, sadly, ends Sunday), reporting back to her instagram followers and the general public about her flavor findings.

CityBeat's Burger Week features seven days (July 16-22) of $5 burgers at more than 70 restaurants across the Tri-State with topping options ranging from classic with tomato, lettuce and mayo to vegan and covered in mac and cheese.

Alison has tried the burgers at: The Birch in Terrace Park (Birch burger), Nation Kitchen and Bar (brat burger), Macaron Bar (dessert burger), Washington Platform (Fat Boy and OTR Meatloaf burger), JTaps Bar and Grill (bacon avocado cheeseburger), Keystone Bar & Grill (Ed's Burger), Wahlburgers (the Our Burger) and Burgers & Crafts (jalapeno egg burger). She's given her reviews on her instagram (we've also published them in this slideshow), but we wanted to know why Alison is so dedicated to burgers.

CityBeat: Why do you like Burger Week?

Alison: I'm a foodie and I love a deal so it's fun to get to try several different burgers for such a good price. I get excited to see what some places create outside of their regular menu as their Burger Week options. I like sharing thoughts with friends and making decisions on which ones we found to be the best of all in the end. It also gets me in the door of some restaurants that, for whatever reason, I've yet to visit. They put up a burger that I can't pass up and often a great experience will reel me in as a repeat customer. I love that.

CityBeat: What restaurant do you want to make sure you hit before Burger Week is over?

Alison: Prime. It looks great and so many people have loved it so far.

CityBeat: What has your favorite burger been so far?

Alison: Keystone. The patty was well made, unique and tasty. Plus, I'm a sucker for goat cheese. I thought all of the flavors were great together.

Find a full menu of Burger Week burgers here.

*Alison has not been paid or encouraged to attend or eat any of these burgers by CityBeat. She just really likes burgers.

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This is Alisyon Rymer, queen of Cincinnati Burger Week

Photos: @onalisonroad

This is Alisyon Rymer, queen of Cincinnati Burger Week

🍔Here we go, #CincyBurgerWeek!!🍔 My first stop of the week was @burgersandcraftsky for lunch. Also the very first visit to this little joint located inside of the Holiday Inn Cincinnati-Riverfront in Covington. Their burger had pickled jalapeno, a hard fried egg, bacon, white cheddar, and an amazing house-made chipotle sauce that gave it the perfect tang. The patty, which they put on all of their burgers, was the star… As it should be. Their blend of brisket, short rib, & chuck had tons of flavor and melted in my mouth. Bonus points for being a locally sourced restaurant and for having an awesome staff - We got a happy greeting from about 7 staff members as we walked in the door, and Jolene and Darlene behind the bar were great! The husband, our friend, and I all agree we'll be going back for another burger, and/or some of their daily specials, and/or their great looking happy hour! Thanks for getting my Burger Week off to a great start!

Photo: @onalisonroad

🍔Here we go, #CincyBurgerWeek!!🍔 My first stop of the week was @burgersandcraftsky for lunch. Also the very first visit to this little joint located inside of the Holiday Inn Cincinnati-Riverfront in Covington. Their burger had pickled jalapeno, a hard fried egg, bacon, white cheddar, and an amazing house-made chipotle sauce that gave it the perfect tang. The patty, which they put on all of their burgers, was the star… As it should be. Their blend of brisket, short rib, & chuck had tons of flavor and melted in my mouth. Bonus points for being a locally sourced restaurant and for having an awesome staff - We got a happy greeting from about 7 staff members as we walked in the door, and Jolene and Darlene behind the bar were great! The husband, our friend, and I all agree we'll be going back for another burger, and/or some of their daily specials, and/or their great looking happy hour! Thanks for getting my Burger Week off to a great start!

No. 2 on the #CincyBurgerWeek stop list was @wahlburgers. I had yet to make a visit here since it opened. It didn't disappoint. The burger was their menu regular, The Our Burger, with classic toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, "government cheese," and wahl sauce. The patty was thick, juicy, and seasoned well; I loved the house-made pickles and sauce. Get yourself the onion rings because they are fantastic but you may want to bring a friend to share them! They give you a HUGE portion.

Photo: @onalisonroad

No. 2 on the #CincyBurgerWeek stop list was @wahlburgers. I had yet to make a visit here since it opened. It didn't disappoint. The burger was their menu regular, The Our Burger, with classic toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, "government cheese," and wahl sauce. The patty was thick, juicy, and seasoned well; I loved the house-made pickles and sauce. Get yourself the onion rings because they are fantastic but you may want to bring a friend to share them! They give you a HUGE portion.

#latergram from lunch today. Serving up a unique option, @keystonebar has a beef and chorizo patty surrounded by a cider-dressed, Arcadian mix of greens and topped with goat cheese and jalapeno relish. The gathering of all of these flavors was fantastic. The chorizo added tons of flavor to the patty, which was juicy and the thickest yet. All of the toppings stood out, but added their own version of tang to the burger, as well as a little kick from the jalapeno relish. (Team work!) If you like all of these things, go eat them together on a bun! I'd love it if they added it to their regular menu. This the standout so far for me. #CincyBurgerWeek

Photo: @onalisonroad

#latergram from lunch today. Serving up a unique option, @keystonebar has a beef and chorizo patty surrounded by a cider-dressed, Arcadian mix of greens and topped with goat cheese and jalapeno relish. The gathering of all of these flavors was fantastic. The chorizo added tons of flavor to the patty, which was juicy and the thickest yet. All of the toppings stood out, but added their own version of tang to the burger, as well as a little kick from the jalapeno relish. (Team work!) If you like all of these things, go eat them together on a bun! I'd love it if they added it to their regular menu. This the standout so far for me. #CincyBurgerWeek

#latergram from last night’s #CincyBurgerWeek dinner. Jtaps Bar and Grill has two options. My friends and I all opted for the Bacon Avocado and it was awesome. By far the largest burger I’ve been served for Burger Week thus far this year. The patty was huge and seasoned well. It came topped with lettuce, tomato, onions, perfectly ripe avocado, crispy bacon, and American cheese, making for one big ol'burger (aanda laugh inducing selfie). The house-made 1000 island dressing on it was delicious, and better than any 1000 island dressing I’ve ever had. Also, not like any run of the mill 1000 island. You might like it even if you don’t like typical versions. It got a little messy with all of those toppings, but that is always worth it when it's good. Jtaps is small but seems like a great place for bar food and sports watching. While looking at the regular menu, specials, drink prices, and atmosphere, I found myself wishing it was closer to home. I’ll keep it in mind though, and I’ll recommend it to anyone else looking to eat or hang out for good priced drinks on the West side of town.

Photo: @onalisonroad

#latergram from last night’s #CincyBurgerWeek dinner. Jtaps Bar and Grill has two options. My friends and I all opted for the Bacon Avocado and it was awesome. By far the largest burger I’ve been served for Burger Week thus far this year. The patty was huge and seasoned well. It came topped with lettuce, tomato, onions, perfectly ripe avocado, crispy bacon, and American cheese, making for one big ol'burger (aanda laugh inducing selfie). The house-made 1000 island dressing on it was delicious, and better than any 1000 island dressing I’ve ever had. Also, not like any run of the mill 1000 island. You might like it even if you don’t like typical versions. It got a little messy with all of those toppings, but that is always worth it when it's good. Jtaps is small but seems like a great place for bar food and sports watching. While looking at the regular menu, specials, drink prices, and atmosphere, I found myself wishing it was closer to home. I’ll keep it in mind though, and I’ll recommend it to anyone else looking to eat or hang out for good priced drinks on the West side of town.

So many #CincyBurgerWeek #latergrams! Dinner last night at @washingtonplatform. Two choices and you want to try both? Double up! I’m lucky to have friends who want to get both to share. (And who let me put my mitts on the whole burgers for selfies before we cut them in half.) No. 1 - The Fat Boy: A regular menu item, it’s a beef patty that comes with fried oysters, American cheese, homemade tartar sauce, lettuce, tomato and onion. Our patty was overcooked but it had a good grilled flavor. I liked the tartar sauce as a topping here. Especially with the oysters, which were an awesome addition and my favorite part about this burger. Crispy on the outside, plump and tender inside; they added that great oyster flavor to burger. I’d like to try it again sometime to see if a properly cooked patty changes my feelings on it because it’s such a unique combination.
No. 2 - OTR Meatloaf Burger: This is a sausage & beef meatloaf that’s topped with Jack Daniels mushroom gravy and fried onion straws. It comes on two thick pieces of good white bread instead of a bun. It’s not on the regular menu, but I’d order it again if it was. This one was the favorite of the two for my friend and me. The meatloaf was moist and had great flavor. I especially liked the sausage in it. The mushroom gravy had big mushroom pieces that made for a great combo with the meatloaf and onion straws. While not a traditional type burger, it was delicious and satisfying. I’d eat that meatloaf on its own.

Photo: @onalisonroad

So many #CincyBurgerWeek #latergrams! Dinner last night at @washingtonplatform. Two choices and you want to try both? Double up! I’m lucky to have friends who want to get both to share. (And who let me put my mitts on the whole burgers for selfies before we cut them in half.) No. 1 - The Fat Boy: A regular menu item, it’s a beef patty that comes with fried oysters, American cheese, homemade tartar sauce, lettuce, tomato and onion. Our patty was overcooked but it had a good grilled flavor. I liked the tartar sauce as a topping here. Especially with the oysters, which were an awesome addition and my favorite part about this burger. Crispy on the outside, plump and tender inside; they added that great oyster flavor to burger. I’d like to try it again sometime to see if a properly cooked patty changes my feelings on it because it’s such a unique combination. No. 2 - OTR Meatloaf Burger: This is a sausage & beef meatloaf that’s topped with Jack Daniels mushroom gravy and fried onion straws. It comes on two thick pieces of good white bread instead of a bun. It’s not on the regular menu, but I’d order it again if it was. This one was the favorite of the two for my friend and me. The meatloaf was moist and had great flavor. I especially liked the sausage in it. The mushroom gravy had big mushroom pieces that made for a great combo with the meatloaf and onion straws. While not a traditional type burger, it was delicious and satisfying. I’d eat that meatloaf on its own.

Last night’s #CincyBurgerWeek dessert! What?? Yes! @macaronbar coming in with one of the sweet options, the French Macaron Burger. It’s a larger version of their macarons that looks like an adorable little burger. Complete with their version of a patty, lettuce, cheese, and sesame seed bun, it’s the size of their ice cream sandwich macarons without so much filling. Not only cute to look at, and let’s be real, a work of food art, but also quite tasty. A little more EXTRA than their regular macarons, the patty is made of delicious and creamy chocolate. It’s topped with those pretty little cheese and lettuce pieces and put on that crunchy, airy “bun.” You’ll be in decadent chocolate, macaron heaven. Unless you don’t really like chocolate. In which case, don’t get this burger. You won’t be happy. You could make someone else happy though. And if you do like chocolate, get it for yourself because, chocolatey macaroon happiness. I’m sure I’ll find myself craving it when my next sweet tooth hits.

Photo: @onalisonroad

Last night’s #CincyBurgerWeek dessert! What?? Yes! @macaronbar coming in with one of the sweet options, the French Macaron Burger. It’s a larger version of their macarons that looks like an adorable little burger. Complete with their version of a patty, lettuce, cheese, and sesame seed bun, it’s the size of their ice cream sandwich macarons without so much filling. Not only cute to look at, and let’s be real, a work of food art, but also quite tasty. A little more EXTRA than their regular macarons, the patty is made of delicious and creamy chocolate. It’s topped with those pretty little cheese and lettuce pieces and put on that crunchy, airy “bun.” You’ll be in decadent chocolate, macaron heaven. Unless you don’t really like chocolate. In which case, don’t get this burger. You won’t be happy. You could make someone else happy though. And if you do like chocolate, get it for yourself because, chocolatey macaroon happiness. I’m sure I’ll find myself craving it when my next sweet tooth hits.

I had @nationkitchenandbar for today’s #CincyBurgerWeek lunch. Leaving the traditional burger behind, this is two brat patties from Avril-Bleh – go try all of their things, all of their things are fantastic – topped with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and spicy brown mustard, on a pretzel bun. It was yummy. The patties were juicy and full of flavor. It was like eating a tender brat with all of the best German flavors, in burger form. It was a nice break from the many, many beef patties I’ve had this week. (I did this to myself, but I love it.) If you’re looking for a change/something different for Burger Week, or if you just love brats and sauerkraut, I highly suggest you try this one.

Photo: @onalisonroad

I had @nationkitchenandbar for today’s #CincyBurgerWeek lunch. Leaving the traditional burger behind, this is two brat patties from Avril-Bleh – go try all of their things, all of their things are fantastic – topped with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and spicy brown mustard, on a pretzel bun. It was yummy. The patties were juicy and full of flavor. It was like eating a tender brat with all of the best German flavors, in burger form. It was a nice break from the many, many beef patties I’ve had this week. (I did this to myself, but I love it.) If you’re looking for a change/something different for Burger Week, or if you just love brats and sauerkraut, I highly suggest you try this one.

More #CincyBurgerWeek eats with yours truly! My husband and I made the little trek with some friends to check out The Birch in Terrace Park. The toppings on this burger are what drew us there: duck fat caramelized onion, cremini mushroom, Swiss cheese, bacon, and truffle mayo. The grilled buns may have been a little too charred as it overpowered the taste of everything else at times. The mayo lacked any hint of truffle which was disappointing; we think it may have been regular mayo by mistake, but we failed to inquire. The patty itself was cooked well and it had a nice grilled flavor. The onions were my favorite part: sweet, carmelized, and tasty. I opened the burger up to eat those off of it along with the mushrooms before I stopped myelf from eating anymore. Everything else we had was very good and the place is adorable. We wished it was more convenient for us to make another visit, but maybe we'll make the trek again sometime when we have a weekend night free.

Photo: @onalisonroad

More #CincyBurgerWeek eats with yours truly! My husband and I made the little trek with some friends to check out The Birch in Terrace Park. The toppings on this burger are what drew us there: duck fat caramelized onion, cremini mushroom, Swiss cheese, bacon, and truffle mayo. The grilled buns may have been a little too charred as it overpowered the taste of everything else at times. The mayo lacked any hint of truffle which was disappointing; we think it may have been regular mayo by mistake, but we failed to inquire. The patty itself was cooked well and it had a nice grilled flavor. The onions were my favorite part: sweet, carmelized, and tasty. I opened the burger up to eat those off of it along with the mushrooms before I stopped myelf from eating anymore. Everything else we had was very good and the place is adorable. We wished it was more convenient for us to make another visit, but maybe we'll make the trek again sometime when we have a weekend night free.

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