Macon Burger Week, an annual burger celebration that pits some of the best local restaurants against each other, kicks off today and runs through Nov. 7. Starting Wednesday, Maconites can begin voting for their favorite burger. In years past, the top crown has gone to Ocmulgee Brewpub and, most recently, Macon Beer Company. This year, the Georgia Beef Board and Visit Macon added two new categories: Cleverly Created, which will go to the burger deemed most creative, and an award for the restaurant that sells the most beef by the pound.

Customers who participate can take a “burger passport” to the 15 restaurants and get a stamp from each location, then send in their stamped passports to win prizes from the Georgia Beef Board. They can also participate using the #MaconBurgerWeek hashtag on social media. Each of the 15 burgers costs $10 and customers are encouraged to buy sides, drinks and desserts to support the restaurants.

Lori Smithberger is the general manager at Parish, one of the participating restaurants and she said her staff is ready for customers to come in for their twist on Burger Week. Parish is offering Bleu Bayou Bites, a trio of sliders topped with ham, provolone and spicy mustard on Hawaiian sweet rolls with a toothpick on top holding a pickle and a fry. “Last year we did a burger but this year we decided to do sliders,” Smithberger said. “For a lot of the customers, if they want to try two or three burgers during the day, they can get one order of sliders and split and still have room to try other burgers.” Smithberger said in addition to customers getting to come in and try the various burgers, Macon Burger Week is also an opportunity to showcase some of the other things that each restaurant does well. “It is a good chance for all the restaurants down here who aren’t franchises to have a good week,” Smithberger said. “It introduces us to new customers because if they come in to get a burger, they might try one of our drinks or maybe a dessert or some sides so they see what else we have on the menu.” Here is a list of the 15 restaurants and their burgers: Lauren Giddings murder Sister speaks out 10 years after gruesome Macon killing READ MORE Bearfoot Tavern “Tavern-ghetti burger” — An 8-ounce patty served on garlic toast and topped with mozzarella cheese and spaghetti with a side of marinara sauce. Bianca’s Grill “The Mexico Burger” — A 6-ounce patty topped with homemade chorizo, guacamole and queso. Buffalo’s Cafe “This Year’s Winner” — A half-pound patty topped with cheddar cheese, homemade mac-and-cheese, bourbon barbecue sauce and fried onion straws. Cashman’s Pub “Angry Cow Burger” — A beef burger topped with pepper jack cheese, fried jalapenos, bourbon grilled peppers, onions, siracha mayo sauce on a brioche bun Fatty’s Pizza Taco-zone: A calzone made with jalapeno pizza dough stuffed with beef, green peppers, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, ricotta, feta and mozzarella cheeses, and pepper sauce. Felicia’s Cake Factory Sweet Burger: A cupcake made with vanilla and chocolate cake, buttercream icing and sugar cookies. Grey Goose Player’s Club Goose Hazard: A beef patty topped with with zesty ranch seasoning, special barbecue sauce, smoked cheddar cheese, fried onion straws and jalapeno bacon. Lazy Susan Tikka My Breath Away: A smash burger with paneer cheese, tikka masala aioli, arugula, tomatillo and hot Chile salsa on a pita bun. Macon Beer Company High on the Hog: Two beef patties with white and yellow American cheddar, beer braised onions, pork belly, applewood smoked bacon, hot pepper bacon jam, lettuce, pickle slices and a burger sauce on an everything bagel bun Ocmulgee Brewpub Bourbon Glazed Burger: House-ground beef topped with a bourbon glaze, smoked gouda cheese, feta crumbles, bacon, fresh arugula, and beer-braised onions on a toasted brioche bun Parish on Cherry Bleu Bayou Bites: Three burger sliders topped with ham, provolone and spicy mustard on a sweet Hawaiian roll Satterfield’s BIG “SATT” Burger: A burger with shredded lettuce, minced onions, house-made pickles and American cheese and a house-made, BBQ thousand island sauce. Tommy’s Bakery and Café Fritter Burger: A beef patty, topped with cheddar cheese and bacon between two apple fritters. Tzango Cocina The Sloppy Juan: Spicy Chili mini meatball chunks topped with cheddar cheese, diced onion, bread, and butter pickles on a Kaiser roll Yollah Social Kitchen and Garden Latin Lover: A beef patty with queso, chorizo, lettuce, poblano, pico de gallo, pickled onions and fried avocado.

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