Here Are The Winners Of 2020's Newport Burger Bender

NEWPORT, RI — Just one day after the end of this year's Newport Burger Bender, the results are in. On Monday, Discover Newport announced this year's winners, chosen from 40 entries.

The burger with the most votes wasn't actually a traditional "hamburger" at all. The Grill at Forty 1° North's "The Grill Vegan Burger," comprised of a chickpea, quinoa and roasted vegetable patty made in-house, topped with marinated grilled red onion and vegan aioli on a caraway roll, took home the top prize.

In the beef burger category, LaForge Casino Restaurant, the defending champions, once again dominated. "The Wilbur," named for the belved pig in "Charlotte's Web," is a belly-busting half-pound brisket, chuck and short rib burger patty topped with thick-cut bacon, bourbon and maple-glazed pork belly, spicy BBQ and apple-cider-dijon spread, arugula, smoked gouda, white cheddar, tomatoes and house-made spicy pickles.

The contest ran from Feb. 14 to 23. During that time, diners were invited to sample one or more of the 40 burgers from 29 Aquidneck Island restaurants, then vote for their favorites online.

Along with the two top winners, several other burgers were awarded with "Class of 2020 Superlatives," honoring the prettiest, messiest and more.

2020 Burger Bender Superlatives

• Best on Four Wheels: Neapolitan Burger, Amano Pizza + Gelato (food truck)
• Most Instagramable: The Homer Burger, Brix Restaurant at Newport Vineyards
• Best Burger with a View: French Onion Burger, The Dining Room at Castle Hill Inn
• Most Napkins Needed: Crispy Pancetta Burger, Jo’s American Bistro
• Most Likely to Skip School: Ferris "Burger's" Day Off, Saltwater at the Newport Harbor Hotel
• Tallest Burger: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Burger, Skiff Bar at the Newport Marriott
• Cutest Couple: Salmon Sliders, Scales & Shells