I was just a kid when Jimmy Buffett released “Cheeseburger in Paradise” in 1978, and though I’ve heard the song a million times, I never paid attention to the lyrics until recently. He was, for whatever reason, trying to “amend” his “carnivorous habit.” After not eating meat for some 70 days, Jimmy was dreaming of “a big warm bun and a huge hunk of meat.”

I can relate to my hometown hero. (Jimmy, of course, grew up in Mobile.)

I’ve been avoiding red meat this summer because my son came home from college declaring himself to be vegan. Until that moment, his diet had consisted of Foosackly’s and Chick-fil-A, so I’m impressed by his determination and willpower. I’ve had fun trying new dishes for him and have found myself eating, if not vegan, mostly vegetarian – at home, anyway.

So ranking Mobile’s best burgers was an assignment I hungrily accepted. I learned that a burger tastes so much better when you haven’t had one in a while. You will savor every bite, much as Jimmy Buffett must have when he finally ate that cheeseburger in paradise.

The problem was narrowing down the contenders. Mobile might be known for seafood, but we are certainly not lacking in the classic burger department. A few of these might even be worthy of Jimmy Buffett tributes.

Here’s a look at AL.com’s picks for best burgers in Mobile.

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5. HEROES SPORTS BAR & GRILLE

273 Dauphin St. in downtown Mobile, and 36 Hillcrest Road in west Mobile, heroessportsbar.com

You don’t have to be a sports fan to be a fan of Heroes, which offers a variety of great sandwiches (including an excellent club), baskets and Hero Burgers. I know someone who orders the Spinach and Crawfish Dip appetizer as her entrée every time she goes. The downtown location, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is next to Cathedral Square and features a deck along South Jackson Street that’s perfect for people-watching. If you’d rather dine inside, there are 12 big TVs in the main dining room, with tables along one wall and a bar stretching the length of the other.

Order this: The Black and Bleu Burger, which has a crispy coating of blackening seasoning on the outside and is topped with an abundance of melting bleu cheese atop slices of red onion, tomato slices and lettuce on a pillowy soft bun. It comes with not just one but two sides.

MORE: Heroes makes list of top 101 in the nation

4. ROSHELL’S CAFÉ & DINER

2906 Springhill Ave., facebook.com

Hopefully the hospitable folks at Roshell’s won’t mind when I affectionately refer to this establishment as a hole in the wall. It’s somewhat out of the way, located in Crichton (yes, the place with the famous leprechaun), so if you know, you know. Originally known as Mack’s BBQ, Roshell’s has been in the same Crichton location since 1958 and calls itself “the home of the steer burger” – offering no less than 15 varieties, all served with fries (or you can upgrade to onion rings for an extra dollar). The atmosphere is no-frills, but the food and service will bring you back.

Order this: The Garlic Cheese Steer, described as “stinkin’ with garlic,” is topped with melted American and Swiss cheese slices. This mammoth burger is bigger than the sesame seed bun it’s served upon, and it’s dressed with “all the trimmings.”

3. DICK RUSSELL’S BBQ

5360 U.S. 90, dickrussells.com

Though this mainstay of Highway 90 in Tillman’s Corner is known for barbecue (baby back ribs, pulled pork shoulder and chicken) and breakfast (three-egg omelets, giant pancakes and homemade biscuits), the burger is my favorite item on the menu, which doubles as a placemat on top of vinyl checked tablecloths. Daily specials include comfort dishes like country-fried steak, fried catfish and meatloaf, served with two sides. With a mix of tables and comfy booths, Dick Russell’s is staffed by doting servers who will keep your tea glass full throughout your meal.

Order this: The Old Fashion Hamburger, the only burger on the menu, is described as “a hamburger to remember,” and it really is: a half-pound burger topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato and sauteed chopped onions, which make it special.

2. CALLAGHAN’S IRISH SOCIAL CLUB

Corner of Marine and Charleston streets, callaghansirishsocialclub.com

Located in the Historic Oakleigh Garden District, Callaghan’s is celebrating its 77th anniversary this year. Established as a private club in the neighborhood, it started evolving into the iconic eatery/bar/music venue when the current owners took over 20 years ago. Today, a clock on the wall ticks down to the next St. Patrick’s Day, when hundreds descend upon Callaghan’s for a huge street party. The everyday atmosphere is reminiscent of a place like “Cheers,” where folks know each other by name. The walls are lined with photos and memorabilia as well as tributes to Ireland, the beer is cold and the burgers are consistently delicious.

Order this: The Callaghan’s Cheeseburger with your choice of cheese (I like Pepper Jack) comes on a large kaiser roll with red onion, tomatoes and lettuce, and a pickle spear alongside. Pro tip: Get it with chips and order a side of French onion dip to go with them. So good.

1. BUTCH CASSIDY’S CAFÉ

60 N. Florida St., butchcassidys.com

Over the past 30 years, Butch Cassidy’s, with a menu and a theme loosely based on the 1969 movie “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman, has become one of Mobile’s favorite gathering spots. The atmosphere is noisy in a cheerful way, with three silent TVs tuned to sports, rock and roll playing from the speakers and servers navigating the tight spots between the tables. Butch’s is known for wings, sandwiches (including the Sundance Reuben and the Woodcock Turkey) and the “now-famous” Butch Burger. You can’t go wrong with the battered French fries or onion rings as a side.

Order this: The Wild West Burger (which doesn’t come with cheese; you have to ask for it) is served on a chewy poppyseed bun, along with just the right amount of mayo and mustard along with crisp lettuce, tomato, red onion and the best pickles.

MORE: A trip to Butch Cassidy’s and the best thing I ate this week

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