Valley Food Championship Burger Battle: Judges visit 911 Burgers and Dogs in Agawam

911 Burgers and Dogs in Feeding Hills edged out Johnny's in South Hadley to win a spot in the Final 4. Watch video

The second of four visits by judges in the Valley Food Championship Burger Battle took place today with a burger feast at 911 Burgers and Dogs in Agawam.

Online readers of The Republican, MassLive.com and El Pueblo Latino chose 911 Burgers and Dogs over Johnny’s in South Hadley for a spot in the Final 4.

The Republican's three judges – arts and entertainment editor Ray Kelly, sports reporter Pam McCray and photographer Don Treeger – dined on burgers and grilled sliced potatoes at the 911 counter.

Agawam is home to The Pizza Guy, winner of last year's Valley Food Championship Pizza Playoffs, which prompted Kelly to muse what is it about Agawam that produces such great comfort foods.

"Again, the online readers have chosen a finalist that is not a big name chain nor a celebrated local icon," Kelly said. "Great Kaiser rolls and burgers cooked by the Mercadante family the way you want it makes 911 Burgers and Dogs a worthy contender for the title."

Kelly added, "My only regret - and it is a very small - is that I didn't know they offered double burgers. I would have ordered a double burger in an artery busting heartbeat since it is a 3 ounce patty."

For his part, Treeger compared dining at 911 Burgers & Dogs to eating in the Mercadante kitchen.

"Pleasant conversation, being asked how you want your burger cooked, and ingredients that I would have in my own kitchen make for a pleasant dining experience. Make no mistake about it, the burger is good. I ordered the 'special' as recommended by the owners and the 3 ounce patty came on a gorgeous toasted Kaiser roll with lettuce, thick tomato slices and a dollop of mayo," he said.

He added, "At $4.35, this is a burger that won't break the bank and is a hearty sandwich. But here's the rub: the patty got a bit lost in the giant bun and huge tomato slices. Make it a double and you've got a burger to write home about."

McCray shared her fellow judges enthusiasm for the Kaiser roll and care put into each burger at 911 Burgers and Dogs.

"I liked the home-like feel of the burger.... It reminded me of a burger you 'd cook in your backyard. My burger was cooked how I like it and had a lot of flavor," McCray said.

She added, "The toppings were so fresh. The tomatoes had a lot of flavor, especially for this time of year. The pickles were sliced up fresh for my burger and the lettuce was great."

In the coming weeks McCray, Treeger and Kelly will chow down at the winner of the matchup between Local Burger in Northampton and The Mick at the Delaney House in Holyoke; as well as the winner of the faceoff between Fitzwilly’s in Northampton and White Hut in West Springfield and Amherst.

Last week, the judges visited Five Guys in Westfield, which had edged out Bruburger in Agawam.

Burger Battle: Tomatoes Bracket