Today’s battle of Lake Erie doesn’t involve brigs and sloops. It’s all about the burger!

Local restaurants are at war, vying to be the one who delivers the Perry Burger, the official grub of the Perry 200 celebration!

You can help bring peace to Erie’s dining community! Just browse the menu items below and vote for the burger that you would order.

The two entries with the most votes will battle in a live taste-test with our panel of expert judges
– Marnie Mead, food writer for Her Times and Lake Erie LifeStyle magazines
– Andrew Kochirka, food reviewer and blogger for Chew On It, a local dining blog
– Jennie Geisler, local food columnist for the Erie Times-News

You may only vote for one proposed Perry Burger, so read ever item and choose carefully!

Why the Perry Burger Contest?

The Perry 200 Bicentennial Commemoration is a two-year commemoration, under the auspices of the Jefferson Educational Society and the guidance of the Perry 200 Commission, answering the call of Congress for national celebration of the War of 1812. Erie's unique and historic role in this war requires us to seize this opportunity to recognize and celebrate our past, present, and future.

Special Perry 200 events and activities are providing the community ample opportunities to come together with pride and unity to pay tribute to our history while looking forward to the future.

Developed in partnership with the Erie Times-News, the Perry Burger Contest is a unique activity to draw Erie's favorite local restaurants into the celebration, as they battle for the designation as the Official Perry Burger of the Perry 200 Commemoration. Participating in this contest will demonstrate your restaurant's support and civic pride in making this Commemoration a bicentennial that this community won't soon forget.

Thank you for your participation, and good luck in your voyage in developing the Official Perry 200 Burger!

-William P. Garvey, General Co-Chair, Perry 200
-Joyce A. Savocchio, General Co-Chair, Perry 200

Submission information

Restaurants submit their recipe idea for the official Perry Burger in the form of a menu description. You may include a photo, of your proposed burger or your restaurant.

The recipe isn’t limited to a beef burger. Chefs can use seafood, vegetables, or poultry. Any main ingredient you wish can be used.

Visitors to GoErie.com and readers of the Erie Times-News vote on their favorite Perry Burger. The top two vote-getters will advance to a live taste test by our panel of three judges.

The judges will select the official Perry Burger of the Perry 200 Commemoration.

Only restaurants in Erie County may participate. This contest is just for fun. The winner receives no cash prize.