When it comes to the right pairing for your craft beer or spirit, you can't go wrong with a burger or slider. You can go wrong with the incorrect beef temperature, however, which is why it's important to know how you like your burgers cooked. If you're unsure about what temperature or preference to order a burger at your next restaurant visit, here's some helpful information to keep in mind. 

Popular Beef Temperature Orders at a Restaurant

1. Well-done 

Ordering beef at a restaurant might seem to come down to preference, but it's imperative to consider the temperature for health purposes, too. A well-done burger isn't always the most popular option because it tends to be tougher and drier than others when it's done cooking, but the longer cook time ensures that the beef has an internal temperature of 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit, which safeguards against bacteria and food poisoning. 

2. Medium

While this option is a bit lower on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommendation, it's still a safe and popular bet for a good meal. The internal temperature on a medium burger is 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit, which ensures that there's still a bit of pink in the center, providing some juicier flavor. This order is the middle of the road in terms of safety and flavor. 

3. Medium-rare 

Medium rare beef is cooked even less than the other styles, but it's still a popular pick amongst beef afficianados because of the juicy, desirable flavor. However, the internal temperature garnered for this cooking process is 130-135 degrees Fahrenheit, which puts you at a higher risk of food poisoning, so it's important to proceed with caution.

If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, area, enjoy a visit to the Anderson Distillery & Grill. This Roanoke-based craft distillery produces a variety of spirits in small batches, including gin and whiskey, and offers a scratch kitchen menu featuring appetizers, burgers, and salads. Call (817) 203-0623 with questions or visit the distillery online for more information.