Our inaugural year of reviewing hamburgers has come to a conclusion -- and we are pleased to announce the presentation of our first annual "Burger of the Year" award went to O'Donold's Irish Pub and Grille, in Austintown. 

http://burgerguyz.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/l_ec0ce1ea4bf14b218a79081ed4ad178b.jpg?w=213" width="213" height="300">Owner Christian Rinehart, very happy with our decision, commented, "It's a great honor to win the Burger of the Year award."

Christian opened the O'Donold's Austintown Plaza location in 2005, and business has been good. The Pub is named after his father, Donald, prefixed with the Irish "O" in honor of his mother's heritage. The Irish pub has one of the biggest St. Patty's Day parties in the area, with the number of attendees growing each year as the word gets out. In 2010, they expect over 60,000 thirsty guests for the one week (plus) March celebration.

We reviewed O'Donold's in August, and fell in love with their burgers. The fresh buns and toppings, the deliciously seasoned ground beef, and the creative menu they put together vaulted them to the top of our list with a 4 1/2 star rating, edging out High Pointe Restaurant and Tavern, in Niles.

We all showed up hungry, so we scanned the burger section of the menu and made our last selection of the year. We were eagerly anticipating an encore presentation of the heavenly hamburger experience we had 4 months ago... and we were not disappointed! Once again, the O'Donold's kitchen staff created a ground beef masterpiece for each of us! We all agreed that flavor was the major factor in the O'Donold's victory.

And along with the excellent burger, we received flawless service from our waitress, Lindsay McMath, who along with providing an enjoyable evening, made sure we had all we needed to make our meal complete.

http://burgerguyz.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/389665_3103743430282_1165134509_32545601_1267805251_n.jpg" width="336" height="448">Kruzer had the O'Donold's Burger, and said he, "wouldn't change anything. It was perfectly put together." He added that some restaurants have to add items to the burger to enhance the flavor, but the O’Donold’s burger did not need a thing. “It was as if I prepared it myself." 

JT had the Alpine Burger, and commented, “I think this might be the best burger I ever had! Perfectly seasoned - very difficult to imagine one better than this.”

Scott, who had the O’Donold’s signature Guinness Burger, added, “I can still taste the sauce! I did not have to add anything to the burger.”

I chose the Rocket Burger, and noted that the blend of sautéed onions, cheese and chipotle mayo had the perfect flavor. It was present from the first, to the last bite.

Two-meat Mike attempted to comment with his mouth stuffed. We think he grunted, "Burger... good."

Our group definitely recommends that you give O'Donold's Irish Pub and Grill a try! Their juicy, flavorful burgers are excellent, and trust us, you won't be disappointed with the portions!