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Hamburgers are almost as American as apple pie and a lot easier to make. A month long search for perfect patties turned up some excellent examples - and we're not talking fast-food burger joints - right in this area.

The best, sandwiched in fresh rolls and slathered with toppings, are at Krazy Karry's, with locations at 319 Broadway in Arlington (781-643-2004) and 106 Winn St. in Woburn (781-935-6007).

Although both shops are owned by Donald and Carolyn Buehler, each has its own decor and style. The 6-ounce, hand-pressed Angus beef patties are made to order and grilled on a char-broiler, chosen, Donald said, because the high temperature sears and seals the surface of the meat, keeping the juices inside rather than in the flames below.

The rolls, from Piantadosi's in Malden, fit the tender patties perfectly, without extra bread flopping over the burger.

The Arlington store opened three years ago, and the Woburn store will celebrate its first birthday in July. Krazy Karry's was almost Dashing Don's, but he was outvoted by his family and it was named after Carolyn. Fortunately, she finds the name amusing and introduces herself as " Krazy Karry " whenever she's working behind the counter.

Word of mouth brought me to the Woburn shop, which looked like an ice cream parlor at first. The open counter at both restaurants allows customers to watch as burgers are assembled. The dribble-down-your-arm-juicy burger was more than a big surprise, although I should have realized by the packs of teenagers who frequented both stores.

The fries, still sporting spud skin, were crisp and a great addition. However, I wouldn't let these get in the way of finishing the burger.

A typical burger at Krazy Karry's runs about $6. The Buehlers' signature 3/4-pound Wild and Krazy Burger goes for $8, but was just too big. We found the Classic, one of many choices, so flavorful and tender we tried it again in Arlington. If you are too rushed to go inside, try the drive-up service. Call ahead and your food is delivered to your car.

For a great burger in a 1950s setting, Joey's Diner (1 Craftsman Lane, Amherst, N.H., 603-577-8955) can't be beat. The stunning chrome and red building, a beacon calling to the hungry, is just as interesting inside, decked with memorabilia.

The burger was almost as juicy and tender as those at Krazy Karry's. Prices range from $7 to $8. The onion rings had more batter than onion, so I'd recommend the fries instead.

Joey's doesn't cater just to the hamburger crowd. Those looking for breakfast and dinner will also find plenty of choices.

My quest wouldn't be complete without mentioning Fuddruckers.

Sure, it's a Texas-based national chain, but like Krazy Karry's and Joey's, Fuddruckers has some of the best burgers around. I went to the restaurant at 50 Walker's Brook Drive (781-942-4891) in Reading, inside the gigantic Jordan's furniture store. There's another one at 550 Turnpike St. in North Andover (978-557-1100).

Buns, sprinkled with a few sesame seeds, are made daily, and the burgers are fresh and moist, and made to order. Fudd's, unlike the other restaurants, has a condiment bar, which the staff keeps tidy and inviting. Hamburgers here range from $9.50 to $11.

All these restaurants import their French fries, so I'm still looking for freshly cut and fried spuds. That's about the only thing that would make these terrific burger joints even better.