Opie Taylor's, Bloomington

Ask any of the regulars at Opie Taylor's to name their favorite burger, and you might hear a different answer each time. Fans of spicy foods might point to a burger topped with swiss cheese and jalapenos, though traditionalists will likely swear by the no-nonsense double cheeseburger. If you happen to ask a vegetarian, she might expound upon the deliciousness of the black-bean patty, while a mischievous patron might goad you into taking on the Double Tank burger—a hearty tower of two beef patties, bacon, and mushrooms. The restaurant’s chefs whip up more than 30 specialty burgers, so there’s never a shortage of options.

When they're not inventing new burgers, these chefs turn their attention to crispy chicken sandwiches, hand-rolled mozzarella sticks, and hearty chili inspired by the owner's mother's recipe. Judging by the cheers that regularly erupt in the dining room, the lively crowd appreciates their efforts as much as they appreciate their signature Packer sauce. The dimly lit space is the perfect place to catch a sports game on a projection screen; it’s even decorated with memorabilia featuring star basketball players and underappreciated champions of hopscotch.