Who and what makes the best burgers? Is it the person making them, the meat, the sauce, or the special ingredients? Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Festival 2026: Burgers, Beer & Barrels held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Kensico Dam in Valhalla, New York had 20 local restaurants competing for the coveted title (and trophy) of Best Burger. Burger Judges included Sponsor Pat LaFrieda of Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors, Melanie Landano from Mel’s Butcher Box, Ereka Vetrini, and Oscar Flores. In addition to the opportunity to sample burgers, attendees could also cast their vote for their favorite burger. Complemented with live music, and beer and barrels (spirits) to pair with the burgers, as well as other food, and desserts made this an exciting event part of the 6-day festival, and we had a fabulous time!
Burger Judges – Melanie Landano, Pat LaFrieda, Ereka Vetrini, Oscar Flores
Westchester Magazine’s Food & Wine Festival celebrated its 16th anniversary in 2026, and it is always a highlight of the Westchester foodie social calendar. Beginning on June 9 with Perfect Pairings with Kevin Zraly and Peter X. Kelly at The Briarcliff Manor in Briarcliff, New York, Party on the Pier at Playland in Rye, New York the following night, Burgers, Beer & Barrels at Kensico Dam, Wine Collector’s Dinner at The Kittle House Inn in Chappaqua, Grand Tasting Village with local celebrity area chef demos sponsored by Wegman’s on June 13, and 2 more events on Sunday, June 14: Cross County Center Family Food Tent, and The Last Taste: A Sunday Soiree at The Sea Fire Grill in Yonkers, New York. Once again, Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Festival delivered the foodie goods!
The Winners:
Judge’s Selection – Harlem Shake
People’s Choice:
1st Place – TFS Burger Works (This is the 2nd year in a row they captured the People’s Choice)
2nd Place – Lulu’s Kitchen
3rd Place – Flat Out Burger
Here is the list of competitors for Burgers, Beer, and Barrels, held at Kensico Dam, in Valhalla, New York on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
Burger Competitors:
Bareburger
Bark Brine BBQ
Beechmont Tavern
Beechmont Tavern
Captain Lawrence Brewing Co.
Eli’s
El Sazon R.D.
Fat Stu’s All American Burger
Fat Stu’s All American Burger
Freddy’s
little b’s – Yo Mami
Lulu’s Kitchenette
Lulu’s Kitchenette
Quaker Hill Tavern
San Matteo Pizzeria e Cucina
Shiraz Kitchen Wine Bar
Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar
Skinny Louie
SmokeHouse Tailgate Grill
TFS Burger Works
Yard House
Wolf & Warrior Brewing Co.
A Sampling of some of the Creative Burgers:
little b’s – Yo Mami
little b’s: Yo Mami! Big Umami Burger
Brioche bun, Little b’s special sauce, cheese crisp, cheese sauce, pickled Anaheim peppers,
cowboy candy (candied jalapenos),LaFrieda 80/20 burger, pool hall slaw,
onion jam, tomato fondue, brioche bun
Quaker Hill Tavern
Quaker Hill Tavern: Mimi’s Meatball Smash
Mimi’s homemade sauce, fresh mozzarella, meatball smashed served on a toasted roll
with butter garlic parsley, and sprinkle of fresh garden basil
Wolf & Warrior presents: The Juicy Royale
Beef, bacon, American cheese, onions, pickles
More Food to Sample:
Abeetz Mobile Wood Fired Pizza
Abeetz Mobile Wood Fired Pizza
Margarita, White Pizza with Hot Honey, Pepperoni Pizza
American Swirl Ice Cream
Twist with a wide variety of “adds”
Janniello’s Specialty Foods
Janniello’s Specialty Foods
Italian Subs
Jimmy’s Soft Serve
Jimmy’s Soft Serve
Vanilla, Chocolate or Twist in a cup or cone with rainbow or chocolate sprinkles, ice cream cake crunchies,
or fruity pebbles Shaved Ice (Dairy Free): Blue Raz, Pina Colada or Cherry
Sweets:
SmallCakes – Cupcakes After Dark
Smallcakes
Margarita, Dot Cups, Strawberries N’ Cream, Brownie Bling, Milk N’ Cookies,
Tres Leche, Mini Burger Cupcakes
SmallCakes – Mini Burger Cupcakes
A Sampling of some of the Beer, Barrel (and other Spirits) Available for Tasting:
Appleton Estate 12 Year Rare Casks
Angels Envy – photo by Luxury Experience
Angle’s Envy
Bardstown Bourbon Company
Bardstown Bourbon Company
Blue Moon Belgian White
Dewar’s
Dewar’s
Dirty Monkey Banana Peanut Butter Whiskey
Edmond’s Honor
Edmond’s Honor
Fior Blended Scotch Whiskey
Fior Blended Scotch Whisky
Four Roses Bourbon
Heineken
Jameson
Jameson
Lalo Tequila
Papalote Mezcal
Papalote Mezcal
Tito’s Vodka
Volcan Tequila
Volcan Tequila
Woodinville Bourbon Whiskey
Woodinville Bourbon Whiskey
Yellowstone Cocktails
Yellowstone Cocktails
XXI Martinis
Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Festival – Burgers, Beer, and Barrels was a delicious way to spend a beautiful Thursday night with Kensico Dam as a backdrop.
Until next time, cheers and Bon Appetit!
Read more about Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Festival in the Gastronomy section.
For more information on Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Festival or to purchase tickets for the next events, please visit the website: https://westchestermagazine.com/events/wine-and-food/
Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Festival – Social Media:
Instagram: @westchestermagevents
#westchestermagazine
#WMWineandFood
Website: https://westchestermagazine.com/events/wine-and-food
Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors
https://www.facebook.com/patlafriedameats
https://www.instagram.com/patlafrieda/#
@patlafrieda
Kensico Dam Plaza
1 Bronx River Parkway
Valhalla, New York 10595
United States
Telephone: +1-914-231-4033
Website: https://parksevents.westchestercountyny.gov/venue/kensico-dam-plaza-2/
For more information on Kensico Dam Plaza or their upcoming events, please visit the website: https://parksevents.westchestercountyny.gov/venue/kensico-dam-plaza-2/
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