You might be used to thinking of burgers as quick, inexpensive meals. You can pick one up at the drive-thru or a diner. This may be how burgers originated, but it's not how all burgers are today. Over the past few years, upscale burger restaurants have become more common. These restaurants are not so fancy that you have to wear a three-piece suit to dine there, but they are several steps above fast food joints. If you decide to eat at one of these more upscale burger places, here are some tips to follow for a stellar experience.

Give yourself permission to indulge.

If you're on a low-calorie diet or some other eating plan out of choice — not because of a food allergy or other health concern — this is a good day to set your diet aside for just one meal. While many burger restaurants do have healthier options, such as veggie and black bean burgers, restricting yourself to these items when you're really craving a juicy, beef burger is not a way to enjoy the experience to the fullest. Give yourself permission to indulge at the burger restaurant, and you'll feel so much more free.

Choose one of the specialty burgers.

Most higher-end burger restaurants will let you customize your own burger, or they'll let you choose from an array of specialty burgers designed by the chef. Often, it is best to go with one of the specialty burgers. The toppings are pre-selected to go together, and often pair together better than you'd expect. This is a good opportunity to discover some new taste combinations or new favorite burger toppings. Trust the chef!

Go easy on the sides.

A few French fries, a little garden salad, a sweet potato — these sides are all common at burger restaurants, and often, they are delightful. However, the burgers at these places tend to be huge, so unless you have a massive appetite, you won't have that much room for sides. Don't over-order sides unless you are okay with having lots of leftovers. And definitely don't fill up on sides or appetizers before your burger comes!

Visiting an upscale burger restaurant can be a really tasty experience. Between the tender burgers and the creative, indulgent toppings, these types of restaurants have so much to offer their patrons. The first time you visit, you will learn what the magic is all about. For more information, contact a company like Brewsky's  Broiler.