The 9th Annual Newport Burger Bender kicks off today with a record-breaking 60 restaurants vying for bragging rights in the region’s biggest burger competition.
The 10-day event, running Feb. 13-22, features the wildest and most creative burgers from restaurants throughout Newport and Bristol counties. Ten of the 60 participating restaurants are new to the contest this year.
“It is so fun to see this program grow, both in the number of participants and the scope of the region,” said Julie Grant, Discover Newport senior digital marketing manager and contest organizer. “From Jamestown, Portsmouth and Tiverton, the contest has truly evolved into a regional event.”
Burgers compete in three categories — beef, non-beef and plant-based — and creativity is on full display across the region. Standout entries include JB’s On The Water’s Fig & Prosciutto Burger in Jamestown, Little Clam’s Smoked Oxtail Burger in Newport, Basil & Bunny’s Island Escape Burger in Bristol and Localz Burger and Cocktail’s Stafford Burger in Tiverton.
Diners can vote for their favorites online at DiscoverNewport.org or at participating restaurants using QR codes displayed on site through Feb. 22. Winners earn the coveted “Best Burger” title and a shot at the Newport Burger Hall of Fame, reserved for burgers that win “Best Burger” three times in the same category.
The event coincides with the 38th Annual Newport Winter Festival, which runs the same dates of Feb. 13-22.
Participants and diners are encouraged to share their experiences on social media using #NewportBurgerBender and #TheClassicCoast. A full list of competing burgers is available at NewportBurgerBender.org.
Newport Burger Bender is sponsored by Discover Newport, the official destination management organization for Newport and the eight surrounding coastal communities in Newport and Bristol counties.
