The Fix Burger Bar, Worcester

Seared foie gras. Espresso bacon. Short ribs. Those might sound like courses at an exclusive restaurant, but they're really just 3 of more than 25 potential toppings that crown the burgers at The Fix Burger Bar. Like a blindfolded sculptor, the chefs here never quite know what their next creation is going to be. That's because they let diners design their own award-winning burgers, starting with patties of house-ground chuck, lamb, tuna, veggies, or other choices. Toppings, cheese, and sauce come next, perhaps pairing herb goat cheese with truffle aioli.

Of course, the chefs do have some tried and true recipes under their belts, including a ginger garlic turkey burger covered in Gouda and sweet chili slaw on a sesame bun. A similar approach extends to the bar, where patrons might order a fix-your-own bourbon with a choice of bitters, ice, garnish, and sugar, or might opt for a predesigned drink. These latter include house made sodas, craft beer cans, and egg creams—optionally spiked with bourbon.