Cincinnati's Favorite Burger winner is ...

Well, well – well done. Cincinnati's Favorite Burger is ... actually found in Covington!

After a week of round-by-round matchups voted on by Cincinnati.com readers – with 31 other rare burger joints in contention – Herb & Thelma's has taken home the beefy bracket title. And it was in no way an easy road to victory.

Herb & Thelma's took out some absolute powerhouses along the way, including Covington neighbors The Standard (first round) and Bard's Burgers & Chili (final four). Northside's Tickle Pickle was the victim in the second round, and the final-eight round was a colossal matchup against early favorite Zip's, from Mount Lookout.

The final matchup was between Herb & Thelma's and Quatman Cafe (locations in Norwood and Mason). Between two buns, the beef was squashed, and a winner was crowned.

As for what to order when you get there, order it however you like it! If a plain Jane hamburger is your thing, go for it. If you want a cheeseburger topped with black forest ham or a fried egg and bacon, scarf it down! But do plan for this one important note: Herb & Thelma's is cash only, so plan accordingly.

One thing was abundantly clear throughout this entire bracket process. If you're looking for a great burger, Covington's a darn fine place to start. (Look out, Mount Lookout!) Just a bridge away from Downtown's Paycor Stadium, Covington will always be an honorary Cincinnatian in any regional resident's heart.

Herb & Thelma's is located at 718 W. Pike St., Covington, 859-491-6984, herbandthelmas.com. Follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/herbnthelmastavern.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati's Favorite Burger winner is Herb & Thelma's in Covington