Hazelhurst bar and grill wins ‘Best Burger Contest’

From left, Pickles co-owner Justin Koshak, Wisconsin Beef Council Executive Director Tammy Vaassen and Pickles co-owner Dan Linscott celebrate the restaurant's win in the Beef Council's inaugural Best Burger Contest. Submitted photo

For the Star Journal

HAZELHURST – Congratulations to Pickles Bar and Grill of Hazelhurst, winner of the inaugural Wisconsin Best Burger Contest. The Wisconsin Beef Council-sponsored contest was recently concluded.

The All American Burger, a half-pound burger with lettuce, tomato, raw onion, smoked garlic mayo and choice of cheese, is the winning burger. Co-owners of Pickles, Justin Koshak and Dan Linscott, said all of their burgers are made from a craft blend of brisket, short rib and ground chuck, and seasoned with a house blend seasoning.

“We are honored to have our All American Burger named as the winner of the Wisconsin Beef Council’s 2024 Best Burger Contest,” said Koshak and Linscott.  “We are happy to represent what the Northwoods has to offer when it comes to restaurants, taverns and grills. There are so many great spots up here that showcase great menus and fantastic food.”

The contest was designed by the Wisconsin Beef Council to seek out and promote 100% beef burgers prepared in Wisconsin restaurants.  Pickles Bar and Grill emerged victorious, earning the highest score from a secret panel of three judges who traveled to the Elite Eight restaurants named in the contest. 

“We are thrilled with the overwhelming response from Wisconsin residents for this contest,” Tammy Vaassen, executive director of the Wisconsin Beef Council, said. “The Wisconsin Beef Council’s mission is to grow demand for beef, and our Elite Eight restaurants have reported a strong increase in business and sales of beef burgers. The feedback from our judges was immensely positive for all the competitors, which is a testament to the large number of nominations received for each of them. We are honored to have Pickles as our first-ever winner.”

Judges comments stated “the burger was juicy and thick, bun was delicious, cooked to perfection, flavor was amazing, and the owner stopped by several times to check on us.”

The announcement followed a nomination period of 30 days where consumers across the state could submit their favorite burger joint. The Elite Eight restaurants were those that received the most nominations. Throughout April, a secret panel of judges visited each restaurant to evaluate a burger on the menu. They rated taste, appearance and presentation, proper cooking temperature, overall eating enjoyment, and bonus points could be awarded for the environment, atmosphere and experience in the restaurant.