So, if you are visiting New Orleans and the French Quarter, you may decide that after a few days of jambalaya, red beans and rice, etouffee, and gumbo, that you might like to stray a bit yourself. Heresy, I know! But, it happens. We won't judge.

So, where do you find the best burger in the French Quarter?

Perhaps I can’t tell you who has the best, but I can direct you to several places that could rightly lay claim to the title.

I will start off with where I am now. Backspace Bar ( http://backspacenola.com ) in the upper Quarter, located on Chartres near Iberville. This writers themed bar has a very satisfying menu including the Whitman Roast Beef and the Hemingway Cuban, but it is the Backspace Burger that brings me in today. Angus beef, several slices of Apple wood smoked bacon, French Brie cheese, grilled onions, on a toasted brioche bun. It never disappoints.

Camellia Grill - now closed and replaced by Chartres House

Just down the street a few blocks from Backspace is the Camellia Grill at the corner of Chartres and Toulouse. Despite a few name changes at this location due to some drama amongst ownership, the Camellia Grill remains a favorite among locals and tourists alike due to its rich history beginning in 1946 with its first location on Carrollton near Tulane and the city-wide reputation of Harry Tervalon ( http://blog.nola.com/living/2007/08/legendary_camellia_grill_waite.html ), one of Camellia Grill’s most beloved waiters. Camellia Grill offers counter service in a traditional diner setting. There is nothing fancy about the simple plate of burger and fries, but it is a solid choice for lunch or a late night munch after bar hopping. And, the gregarious nature of the servers provides great entertainment.

Another local favorite is Port of Call ( http://portofcallnola.com ) in the lower Quarter on Esplanade at Dauphine. They are a victim of their success in that it is not uncommon to see a line out the front door as patrons wait their turn to order one the thick ½ lb burgers which are served with a baked potato. Ask any local where to get a good burger in the French Quarter, and Port of Call will always be on that list.

If you have decided to walk to Frenchman Street in Marigny for the excellent late night music scene, you may want to go just a bit earlier for a burger at Snug Harbor ( http://snugjazz.com ) at 626 Frenchmen St. They are one of many clubs along Frenchmen to offer some of the best live music in the city, and they top it off with a pretty good burger.

We had to say goodbye to one of our favorites recently. Yo Mama’s, obstensibly a favorite of Dave Grohl and the French Quarter locals, has shut its doors, turned off its famous jukebox, and served its last peanut butter burger.