The Hamburger Parm

Although variations of this burger can be found throughout America, it has solid roots in the small Massachusetts town of Fitchburg at a great little lunch counter aptly named The Italian Burger. It’s a full-service diner with an extensive menu of home-cooked meals like meatloaf, and fried haddock on Fridays. But of course for me the standout item is their namesake burger.

At Italian Burger a standard griddle-smashed patty of fresh beef is served on a classic loaf of Italian bread (crunchy exterior, pillow-soft interior), slathered in homemade red sauce, and topped with melted provolone cheese. The cheeseburger and meatball hero collide, and the result is pretty spectacular.