Sugar Pike Junction’s “All the Way” Deluxe Cheeseburger
Tucked away on a country road where a lot of people might never think to look, there’s a tiny place called Sugar Pike Junction where everyone from millionaire land owners to day-laborers convene at a common table. Also noted for its breakfast biscuits and “fancy chicken salad,” Sugar Pike is revered by locals for having some of the best burgers around. Space is limited at Sugar Pike, so on particularly busy days, customers choose to either ”huddle up” at the two inside tables, venture outside to the umbrella-covered seating, or my personal favorite, lower their tailgates for a little parking-lot picnic. When ordering their Deluxe Cheeseburger, make sure to tell owner Sylvia Chavez that you want it “All the Way,” which includes American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, ketchup, mustard, mayo, and pickles. No matter where you’re driving from, this little hidden gem is worth the trip.
Location: 2855 Lower Union Hill Road; Canton, GA; Telephone: 770-475-2324
Hours: Mondays-Fridays 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Saturdays 8 a.m -3 p.m.
Canyons Burger Company’s “Classic American Cheeseburger”
Canyons Burger Company is the one exception to my anti-franchise rule. I am usually repelled by the environs of franchises in favor of the mom-and-pop places with mom-and-pop personality. Fortunately for downtown Woodstock dwellers, however, Canyons does fabulously well in burger and deed to defy the stereotypical chain restaurant mediocrity. Cooked to perfection with fresh angus beef and delivered however you want them, Canyons’ burgers have become a staple in the Main Street Woodstock lifestyle. Friday and Saturday nights reveal their outdoor patio overflowing with customers enjoying burgers, beers, and their tempting sides such as sweet potato fries. It’s also not uncommon to see entire little league teams gathered with their coaches for a ”victory meal” after a game or families enjoying the casual atmosphere as they catch up on each other’s week.
Location: 335 Chambers Street; Woodstock, GA; Telephone: 678-494-8868
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. ; Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
The Right Wing Tavern’s “Taft”
Located in the historic train depot in downtown Woodstock, the Right Wing Tavern is usually lauded for its copious amounts of beer on tap. Their self-proclaimed “American Food, Politically Incorrect,” is equally praiseworthy, however, whether you’re in the mood for a light salad or a steak with mashed potatoes and gravy. Named for a sundry of conservative political entities, the dishes go above and beyond what one would consider regular “pub food.” The Taft, Right Wing’s resident burger, is aptly named after our nation’s 27th president; weighing in at three hundred pounds, William Howard Taft was physically the largest president in American history. Living up to its title, the Taft burger is an entire pound of beef with all the trimmings. (I’m personally geared more toward the “half-Taft,” which is still a lot of burger.) The Right Wing also gives you the option to choose toppings by “state.” I usually opt to “add Minnesota,” which means “sauteed mushrooms and onions.” Perhaps best of all, this is the only place I’ve tried that actually dares to ask that pertinent question, “How would you like your burger cooked?” And when they return, it’s always done right.
Location: 251 E. Main Street; Woodstock, GA; Telephone: 678-445-2099
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m – 11 p.m. (Kitchen closes at 10 p.m.) ; Closed Mondays
Disclaimer: This is in no way meant to be a comprehensive review, as I’ve not had the opportunity to try every single burger in Cherokee County. If you have a favorite that I’ve overlooked, please leave me a comment with any burger-related recommendations.
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