The results are in for Newport’s 8th Annual Burger Bender, and the competition was fiercer than ever. A record-breaking 56 restaurants from Newport and Bristol Counties threw their hats into the ring for this 10-day burger bonanza.
Brick Alley Pub snagged the top spot in the beef category with their mouthwatering Au Poivre Burger. Meanwhile, Yagi Noodles won over voters in the non-beef category with their creative spin on a classic: the Lionhead Big Mac.
Plant-based burger enthusiasts weren’t left out of the fun. Bristol’s Basil & Bunny took home the prize for the best veggie option with their Jalapeño Popper Burger.
But the accolades didn’t stop there. Discover Newport dished out some playful “Class of 2025 superlatives” to highlight standout entries:
- Chomp in Warren earned the title of “Most Social”
- Newport’s Stoneacre Brasserie was dubbed “Most Napkins Needed”
- 22 Bowen’s in Newport walked away with “Best Boujee Burger”
- Boru Noodle Bar was crowned “Most Likely to Bring You to Flavortown”
- Jo’s American Bistro charmed its way to “Biggest Flirt”
- Pour Judgment stood out as “Most Likely to Lead the Herd”
Discover Newport announced the winners on their social media channels, congratulating the victors with a cheeky nod to the event: “After 10 days of meating your hearts out, the Newport Burger Bender results are in.”
The competition, which ran from February 14-23, has become a beloved annual tradition for food lovers in the area. With such a diverse array of burgers on offer, it’s clear that Newport’s culinary scene is sizzling hot.
On Friday, February 28, Discover Newport provided What’sUpNewp with the following press release regarding the event;
8th Annual Newport Burger Bender Winners Announced
The 10-day contest sells over 7,000 burgers
February 28, 2025 – The biggest burger contest in the region has done it again! The 8th Annual Newport Burger Bender, which took place February 14 – 23, 2025, had the most participating restaurants ever, at 56 restaurants, including seven new restaurants. This year’s contest sold over 7,000 burgers throughout Newport and Bristol Counties, with over 2,000 votes.
The contest featured three categories: beef, non-beef and plant-based. This year’s champions taking home the title of Best Beef Burger was Brick Alley Pub (Newport) with their Au Poivre Burger, the title of Best Non-Beef Burger went to Yagi Noodles (Newport) with their Lionhead Big Mac, and best plant-based burger went to Basil & Bunny (Bristol) with their JalapenÞo Popper Burger
. Diners voted for their favorite online at DiscoverNewport.org from February 14 – 23, or at participating restaurants using QR codes displayed on site.
“We were very excited to join the Newport Burger Bender this year and wanted to highlight the ingredients we already use to create the Au Poivre Burger. From our half pound burger patty, to our house made Dijon cream sauce, we wanted to make something that someone could enjoy anytime down at the Brick. As this burger will not be currently on the menu, just ask and we will gladly whip it up for you. Thank you everyone for the support and see you next year for round two!,” stated Brick Alley Pub GM Kim Dwyer.
The Newport Burger Bender, first established in 2017, encourages a creative and fun contest for culinary teams and diners alike each February. In addition to the top winning burgers, a selection of burgers were awarded Superlatives, visit NewportBurgerBender.org for a full list of champions and award winners. Newport Burger Bender is proudly sponsored by Discover Newport.
