I played my best round so far this season at Pinehills Golf Club in Plymouth, Mass. After a killer 18 holes—and that period of contemplating 18 more after a few post-round beers at the clubhouse—I ordered the best burger so far this season at the Scarlet Oak Tavern in nearby Hingham. And it was my birthday, so I had a brand new golf bag in tow. Now that was a great day.
The Scarlet Oak Tavern, a restored 250-year old colonial house located on Hingham’s historic Main Street, serves up classic all-American comfort food in a contemporary upscale setting. Named after the grove of scarlet oak trees that once grew on the former Whiton House property, the restaurant offers an extensive menu of steakhouse fare and fine wines. But by far the best bang for your buck is to order up the Gus Burger ($12) from the Tavern menu.

Executive Chef Brian Sway borrowed the concept for this burger from a similar one served at a tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Charlottesville, Va., The White Spot. Sway harkened back to his college days for this over-the-top dish, so it’s the many late nights of his UVA days we have to thank.

According to restaurant manager Tom Totman, this “late-night burger” is one of the best around. Topped with Vermont cheddar, smoked bacon, and a fried egg—need we say more? Try to score a seat at the bar, if the Red Sox are playing, they’ll be on, and put in an order for the best burger on the South Shore. Just know that after taking this one down you won’t even be thinking about playing another 18.

The Scarlet Oak Tavern, 1217 Main St, Hingham, Mass., 781-749-8200, scarletoaktavern.com

Also Worth a Bite

Prime Burger, Saratoga National Golf Club
Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
People visit Saratoga Springs in droves during the summer months to vacation near Lake George and try their luck at Saratoga Racetrack. And if you can score a tee time at Saratoga National, you’d be wise to leave time for a bite to eat at the clubhouse restaurant, Prime, after your round. Steaks abound, the 10 oz Prime Burger ($12) on a toasted brioche bun is not to be overlooked, particularly if you go out on a limb and ask for Gorgonzola cheese on top.

458 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, N.Y., 518-583-4653, primeatsngc.com

Famous Stage Left Cheeseburger, Stage Left Restaurant
New Brunswick, N.J.
If you’re playing any courses near the New Brunswick, N.J. area (Raritan Landing, Tamarack, or the Rutgers University Course), the Famous Stage Left Cheeseburger ($14.95) from Stage Left’s bar menu is worth the trip, with or without your clubs. The wood-grilled burger is made with prime Angus twice-ground beef and topped with two- Vermont cheddar and Nueske’s Applewood smoked bacon. My husband still talks about this one with that faraway look in his eyes.

5 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, N.J., 732-828-4444, stageleft.com

Prime Cheeseburger, Marsh Tavern, Equinox Resort
Manchester Village, Vt.
The historic Marsh Tavern, one of several dining options at The Equinox Resort, is known for hearty New England fare like Maine lobster spaghetti and New England clam chowder, but its Prime Burger ($12) topped Cabot cheddar, lettuce, and tomato on a toasted roll is also a treat after tackling one of Vermont’s finest courses at The Golf Club at Equinox.

3567 Main St, Rte 7A, Manchester Village, Vt., 800-362-4747, equinoxresort.com

Blackstone Burger, Blackstone National Golf Club
Sutton, Mass.
Sure, many come to Blackstone National to plays its 18-hole par-72 layout, but it’s also not uncommon to find those that come here for just a great burger. The char-grilled Blackstone Burger ($9.95) is 8 oz of certified Angus beef topped with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and additional toppings like bacon, caramelized onions, and horseradish shouldn’t be written off so quickly. The grill also offers the Hole in One Burger ($10.25) topped with onion rings, BBQ sauce, and Jack cheese, and the Matt’s Pro Burger ($10.25) that’s smothered with caramelized onions, mushrooms, bacon, and Swiss.

227 Putnam Hill Rd, Sutton, Mass., 508-865-2111, bngc.net

Heart Attack on a Plate, Mother’s Federal Hill Grille
Baltimore, Md.
There are plenty of courses in the Baltimore area (Diamond Ridge, Rocky Point, and Greystone to name a few), but for a hearty post-round meal, a stop at Mother’s Federal Hill Grille downtown is a no-brainer. A bit daunting, yes, but the 8 oz beer-battered certified Angus beef burger, Heart Attack on a Plate ($10.99), is famous in the area, and not just for its menacing name. The burger is generously stuffed with cheddar cheese then deep fried. Served with a chipotle mayo, we’re convinced the lettuce, tomato, and onion are just for show.

1113 S. Charles St, Baltimore, Md., 410-244-8686, mothersgrille.com