In the summer of 2010, we took a trip to “Amish Country”, flying into Philadelphia, driving across to Pittsburgh and flying home. We spent the first couple of days in Philly, then headed west. The first burger destination? Charlie’s Hamburgers in Folsom, PA, a small town southwest of Philadelphia. This was about the time I bought my first copy of Hamburger America, the original edition, and started hunting for burgers.

Walking into what appears to have at one time been a trailer in the middle of a parking lot, you’re confronted with the most basic of menus:

burgers, hot dogs, a grilled cheese, shakes and sodas.

With a modicum of choices, we decided to split a shake and ordered a cheeseburger apiece.

At Charlies, the burgers are simple and done well, with a menu that plainly states that simplicity.