The Short List: Best burgers

Welcome to The Short List. Each week we'll pick a topic and share our favorite - or, in some cases, maybe our least favorite - things about the Bay area.

This week, we're preoccupied with patties. Few foods inspire unwavering devotion quite like the hamburger. A perfect one amounts to so much more than grilled ground beef on a bun. Everyone has their favorite, and we're no different, but there are plenty of places around town that offer delicious takes on this deceptively simple staple. Here are our favorites:

1. The Chattaway: Longtime Bay area residents can bicker all day about who has the best burger, but this open-air, cash-only eatery is our favorite among the venerable old-school spots. The burgers are gloriously messy and, as a bonus, you get a taste of Old Florida on the side.

2. Red Mesa Cantina: You'd be forgiven for overlooking it in favor of the menu's signature Southwestern dishes, but the Sirloin Chorizo Burger - served with Jack cheese, avocado, tomato, fried onions and chipotle aioli - packs big, bold flavor in a habit-forming package.

3. NoHo Bistro: Is it cheating to include a bison burger on our list? We don't care. NoHo's is a treat, served on a potato roll with toppings that change daily, ranging from traditional choices like bacon and cheese to more unique offerings such as sliced apples and brie.

4. Square One: This upscale burger bar serves every type of patty imaginable (Angus, Kobe, turkey, buffalo, tuna, veggie, etc.) and lets you pick your own toppings from a seemingly endless list. We like the Angus burger with a fried egg, hickory smoked bacon and gruyere - it's a mouthwatering mess.

5. Emilio's Bistro, Bakery & Bar: If you haven't tried the stuffed burgers at Emilio's yet, what are you waiting for? This recently opened spot serves delicious half-pound patties filled with goodies, including your choice of spinach, mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, smoked bacon, pesto, peppers and more.