14 mouthwatering cheeseburgers you need to try in Alabama

(Sharon Steinmann photo)

Looking back: Alabama's Best Cheeseburger

Sept. 18 is National Cheeseburger Day, so you have an official excuse to indulge. Before you run out to the nearest drive-thru, take a look at our 2014 journey across the state to find Alabama's Best Cheeseburger. While only one could take the title of Alabama's Best, these finalists are all worth a visit any day of the year.

Remember to check hours before you go -- tap the restaurant's name for more information.

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(Ben Flanagan photo)

Vicki's Lunch Van in Montgomery

Vicki's Lunch Van was the winner of our 2014 search for Alabama's Best Cheeseburger.

Location: 2520 Fairground Road, Montgomery

Our take: "What made hers stand apart was the char, that thin layer that surrounded the burger that made it something truly special. The burger was crispy on the outside and juicy in the middle. The fresh vegetables, bought locally when possible, are crispy and tender." - David Holloway

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(Ben Flanagan photo)

Avenue Pub in Tuscaloosa

Location: 405 23rd Ave, Tuscaloosa

Our take: They have taken burger-making to a new, exciting level. The blend of chuck and sirloin was an interesting, delicious twist on the burger theme. From the fresh-made brioche bun to the slightly wilted greens, The Avenue Pub burger is a joy to behold. Oh, and the fries were spectacular. - David Holloway

Read more from our visit here

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(Sharon Steinmann photo)

Burger Master in Eight Mile

Location: 4616 St Stephens Road, Eight Mile

Our take: This classic old-school burger has been a favorite of South Alabamians for 49 years and there's a reason for that – it's good. Nothing fancy, the burgers are just like founder Forrest Brooks did them when he opened in 1965. Great wait staff, friendly service and a masterful  example of a burger. - David Holloway

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(Mike Brantley photo)

Butch Cassidy's Cafe in Mobile

Location: 60 N Florida St., Mobile

Our take: The Soon to be Famous Butch Burger is a stunningly tasty burger and the two slices of bacon are just icing on the cake. It may be a small kitchen but they turn out burgers with big flavor. They may call it Soon to Be Famous but in my mind it is already very well known. - David Holloway

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(Sharon Steinmann photo)

Callaghan's Irish Social Club in Mobile

Location: 916 Charleston St, Mobile

Our take: Callaghan's Irish Social Club's burger is a superb combination of meat and cheese that will satisfy even the biggest appetites. Once the domain of locals and neighbors, folks now come from around the world to enjoy this world-class burger. It came close to winning it all. - David Holloway

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(Tamika Moore photo)

Chez Fonfon in Birmingham

Location: 2007 11th Ave S, Birmingham

Our take: If you are in the market for a very special burger served in elegant, pampered surroundings by a very attentive wait staff, then this is the burger for you. It's worth the price. The delicate flavor of the meat shone through and showcased what a talented chef can transform what is traditionally a pedestrian dish and make it truly haute cuisine. - David Holloway

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(Matt Wake photo)

Dub's Burgers in Athens

Location: 400 S Jefferson St., Athens

Our take: The crispy, tangy coleslaw really sets this burger apart from all the rest that we sampled in this journey. The meat (a mix of pork and beef and bread) was very tender and tasty and I can see why folks who moved away from Athens make a pilgrimage to Dub's on their visits home. - David Holloway

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(Ben Flanagan photo)

Five Bar in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham and Mobile

Locations: 2324 6th St., Tuscaloosa; 744 29th St. S., Birmingham; 609 Dauphin St., Mobile

Our take: Sometimes you have to think outside of the norm and when you do this is the burger for you. A real treat that makes you wonder why people haven't been doing this all along. The bacon relish takes this burger to new heights of creativity. - David Holloway

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(Ben Flanagan photo)

Hamburger King in Montgomery

Location: 547 S. Decatur St., Montgomery

Our take: An old-school, no-nonsense burger that hearkens back to a time when burgers were not mass-produced and the stuff of high finance. Simple doesn't mean boring, though; this an authentic burger with lots and lots of flavor. - David Holloway

Read more from our visit here

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(Tamika Moore photo)

J&J Grocery in Bessemer

Location: 8169 Dickey Springs Road, Bessemer

Our take: I ate a lot of burgers on this journey and the one for J&J Grocery was among the best. A huge, juicy burger that is cooked by people who clearly enjoy making other folks happy with their food, it was a true feast for the senses. The clientele may be decidedly blue collar but the burgers are true haute cuisine. This burger was a hair's breadth of from winning it all. I'm going back and I hope to see you there. They truly do make their burgers with love. - David Holloway

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(Matt Wake photo)

The Little Diner in Huntsville

Location: 1219 Jordan Lane, Huntsville

Our take: Go hungry and be prepared to be wowed by this large, tasty burger. Oh, and if you are so inclined you can get it topped with traditional Korean kimchee. - David Holloway

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(Ben Flanagan photo)

Niffer's Place in Auburn

Location:  1151 Opelika Road, Auburn

Our take: Niffer's is the sort of place you go for a burger and end up staying for a while. Good thing because with more than 19 burgers on the menu you might need the extra time to pick a burger. They have earned a well-deserved reputation for making some excellent, excellent burgers in lots of fun ways. - David Holloway

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(Ben Flanagan photo)

Oasis Bar and Grille in Cottondale

Location: 6720 University Blvd., Cottondale

Our take: I loved this burger. It is a massive, double slab of goodness that is a testament to the way things used to be. A true old-school, roadhouse burger that draws locals and travelers alike for a taste of true Americana.  - David Holloway

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(Matt Wake photo)

Pikeville Store and Deli in Scottsboro

Location: 5182 County Road 21, Scottsboro

Our take: This charming outpost ought to become a dining destination for not only Alabama but the Southeast. Owners Dwayne and Connie Wilkerson produce one of the best burgers your well-seasoned working boy has ever eaten. Trust me, it's worth the trip. - David Holloway

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(Haley Laurence photo)

More of Alabama's Best

Alabama's Best Doughnut

Alabama's Best BBQ Sandwich

Alabama's Best Pizza

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