It’s nice to be validated. Right now, because of this category’s top three lineup, I am feeling all the validation. Valley Burger Co. (1004 Menomonie St., Eau Claire; 128 W. River St., Chippewa Falls) boasts smash burgers worth dreaming about, made and topped with regionally-sourced food you can feel good — and full — about. Together Farms (W93 Norden Rd., Mondovi) has really become an agri-destination, its Burger Night events gathering folks near and far to the local family farm. Culver’s needs no introduction. A Wisconsin institution, its ButterBurger may have snagged it the No. 3 spot, but I’m partial to the chicken tenders. —McKenna Scherer