Who doesn’t enjoy a good burger? The soft yet crusty buns, the thick, juicy patties, and the oozing, molten cheeseburgers are certainly one of humanity’s finest gifts. If you reside in America, you have plenty of delicious burger options nearby. Aside from the conventional fast-food chains, there are many wonderful burger establishments distributed across the United States, and we’ve chosen some of the best ones for you.
Chris Madrid’s – San Antonio, Texas
Another burger business that runs on tradition, but creatively. This family-owned restaurant was created in 1977 by Chris Madrid, a recent college graduate, and is presently run by his family after his death in 2012. In terms of cuisine, you have a lot of options at Chris Madrid’s. You may stick to the safe, popular decision of the oozing Cheddar Cheezy, or indulge in their specialty – the Tostada Burger made with homemade refried beans, chips, and onions, or try something new.
Chris Madrid’s – San Antonio, Texas
Fred’s Meat & Bread – Atlanta, Georgia
The name is a bit misleading – Fred’s Meat & Bread offers far more than just…well, “meat and bread.” This modest eatery in Atlanta’s Krog Street Market purports to serve sandwiches, but the menu is largely burgers. The restaurant serves a wide variety of burgers influenced by cuisines from around the world, ranging from Spain to Vietnam. You can order a Korean cheesesteak, an Italian grinder, or even your standard Bacon Cheeseburger. Whatever you decide, Fred will not let you down.
Fred’s Meat & Bread – Atlanta, Georgia
Bless Your Heart Burgers – Portland, Oregon
Bless Your Heart Burgers, located in Portland, Oregon’s Pine Street Market, is one of the greatest places to go if you want a burger with a thick, juicy patties and plenty of sauces. The Carolina Burger, which comes with chili, onions, coleslaw, yellow mustard, pure American cheese, and handmade pickles, is very noteworthy. This burger joint has a unique goal: they deliver you typical American burgers of today while transporting you back to your childhood with their flavors.
Bless Your Heart Burgers – Portland, Oregon
BurgerFuel – Indianapolis, Indiana
If you’re from New Zealand, the term “BurgerFuel” may be familiar to you. A burger restaurant company that began in Auckland in 1995 and eventually floated over the Pacific to Broad Ripple Village in Indianapolis in 2017. BurgerFuel takes pleasure in producing gourmet burgers from natural, fresh ingredients, and it’s paying off handsomely. Their luscious, juicy burgers are also available in vegan, vegetarian, non-GMO, and organic varieties, and pair wonderfully with cheese, shakes, and their house-made aioli.
BurgerFuel – Indianapolis, Indiana
The Company Burger – New Orleans, Louisiana
If you’re seeking for the most genuinely sourced burgers in America, look no farther than New Orleans, Louisiana, where The Company Burger is located. It’s no surprise that they create their own buns, pickles, and mayo, as well as one of the best burgers in the South. They don’t have a lot of options, only medium patties, bread-and-butter pickles, and cooked onion, but they leave a taste in your tongue that you’ll remember for years.
The Company Burger – New Orleans, Louisiana
Gabby’s Burgers & Fries – Nashville, Tennessee
If you need some motivation, pay a brief visit to Gabby’s in Tennessee, and you’ll find a man who is living his dream. Gabby’s owner sold his prosperous business to spend more time with his wife and children and launched this tiny joint on Nashville’s Humphreys Street. The Gabby is their signature meal, consisting of two cheese patties sandwiched between the ideal bread. Gabby’s also has a “Secret Menu,” which features exclusive dishes that can only be opened with the password.
Gabby’s Burgers & Fries – Nashville, Tennessee
Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
It’s amazing how many hidden gems may be found in Florida’s strip malls. Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill in Fort Lauderdale is one of those hidden gems, a small family-run restaurant where the mom operates the counter and the son runs the grill. Aside from burgers, they also provide homemade ribs, wings, soups, salads, and desserts. Gilbert’s specialties, however, are their burgers – “The Hottest” Burger, cooked with handmade spicy sauce and ghost pepper, or the Havarti Bacon Burger, served on a toasted buttered English muffin.
Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Kopp’s Frozen Custard – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The name of this restaurant may be deceiving, but it is merely an illusion – Kopp’s can undoubtedly provide you with the tastiest burgers in Wisconsin. This is a restaurant company created in 1950 by the 109-year-old Elsa Kopp, and it is still going strong all around Milwaukee, specialized in both great burgers and frozen custards! Their menu is extensive, with burgers, toppings, sundaes, flavors, and beverages to pick from, and their Jumbo Cheeseburger is one of their most memorable offerings.
Kopp’s Frozen Custard – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Stand Arcadia Burger Shoppe – Phoenix, Arizona
The Stand Arcadia Burger Shoppe – Phoenix, Arizona
Bill’s Burgers – Los Angeles, California
In a glitzy and cosmopolitan metropolis like Los Angeles, it’s difficult to picture a burger shop that has managed to maintain tradition for decades – yet that’s exactly what Bill’s Burgers accomplishes. Bill Elwell, 94, is something of a legend among his patrons, having been flipping and grilling burgers in the same old restaurant since 1965. The menu is simple, and the burgers are made up of lettuce, tomato, onions, mayo, and cheese – but the added flavor makes them mouth-wateringly excellent.
Bill’s Burgers – Los Angeles, California
Tookie’s Hamburgers & More – Kemah, Texas
The name of the burger shop may remind you of the Tooks, but this joint has nothing to do with Hobbit, despite the fact that their narrative is rather interesting as well. The proprietor of Tookie’s was inspired by the Tooker Brother business he recalled as a boy, but its true specialty is burgers. They have a large menu with many options, all cooked with freshly cut beef and locally sourced toppings that create a delightful taste in your tongue.
Tookie’s Hamburgers & More – Kemah, Texas
Triple XXX – West Lafayette, Indiana
Triple XXX may advertise itself as a family restaurant, but it is much more than that – it is what makes Purdue students feel at ease. The menu tries to reflect this by naming meals after Purdue players, so you can order The Bernie Flowers All-Pro or The Ashley Burkhardt. This is Indiana’s first drive-in restaurant and a favorite choice for families, thanks to its hand-cut sirloin beef burgers and outstanding onion rings.
Triple XXX – West Lafayette, Indiana
Petey’s Burger – Queens, New York
It’s difficult to find an American who hasn’t heard of In-N-Out Burger. While In-N-Out is only available on the West Coast, Petey’s Burgers is available on the East Coast. Petey’s Burgers, which first opened in New York City in 2008, serves thin, double-stacked patties with Russian dressing and slices of American cheese, which are nicely complemented by a soft, moist bun. They also have a crazy special sauce that you should taste if you haven’t before.
Petey’s Burger – Queens, New York
Town Topic – Kansas City, Missouri
Claude Sparks decided in 1937 to build a modest café at 244212 Broadway in Kansas City, Missouri, and sell burgers for five pence each. You won’t get burgers for the same price more than eight decades later, but the taste is likely to be the same. The quaint, compact diner is ideal for a single lunch with a 1930s ambiance, and its menu offers a large selection of burgers and sandwiches that may be paired with homemade chili or other side dishes.
Town Topic – Kansas City, Missouri
Small Cheval – Chicago, Illinois
Small Cheval, not to be confused with the similarly named Chicago diner Au Cheval, is a small, fast-paced burger business with a simple menu of cheeseburgers, hamburgers, and fries. Guests can also order beers and shakes at the burger shop, which has an enclosed patio space during the winter months. Their burgers, which are similar to those at Au Cheval, are what make them so great – a small, juicy patty supplemented with onions, pickles, and American sauces.
Small Cheval – Chicago, Illinois
Cherry Cricket – Denver, Colorado
Cherry Cricket isn’t famous for its burgers (though they are delicious). Cherry Cricket is more than just a burger establishment; it is the beating heart of Denver. This is a location where friends may catch up after a long time while eating onion rings and playing darts. There are no pre-arranged burgers to pick from when it comes to food. You can make your burger whatever you want it, even with peanut butter, and Cherry Cricket will still provide something spectacular.
Cherry Cricket – Denver, Colorado
Pie ‘n Burger – Pasadena, California
California is home to several delicious burger establishments, and Pie ‘n Burger is one of the best. It was started in Pasadena in 1963 and has kept all of its recipes. The restaurant itself is unremarkable; it’s an old-fashioned café that serves burgers and fruit pies, as expected. All it takes is one bite of a basic burger topped with pickles, lettuce, Thousand Island dressing, and American cheese to realize what you’ve been missing out on.
Pie ‘n Burger – Pasadena, California
White Hut – Springfield, Massachusetts
If there’s one restaurant that epitomizes resurrection, it’s White Hut in Massachusetts. The simple, counter-service diner, which opened in 1939, closed in February 2020, much to the chagrin of foodies. However, it was purchased and reopened six months later in August, and it returned stronger than ever. That’s a good thing because it would be a pity if their grilled onion-laden burger patties were no longer available.
White Hut – Springfield, Massachusetts
Nation Kitchen & Bar – Cincinnati, Ohio
Nation is most likely the winner of the “Most Humorous Establishment Name” category, as it takes its name from temperance movement champion Carrie Nation, who fought the proliferation of alcoholic beverages even before Prohibition. Despite the irony, Nation serves some of the best beers and burgers in the country. Many Cincinnatians enjoy their special Nation Burger, which features a six-ounce patties and smoked cheddar cheese and is served with Memphis BBQ sauce, onion straws, and horseradish aioli.
Nation Kitchen & Bar – Cincinnati, Ohio
Keller’s Drive-In – Dallas, Texas
Keller’s Drive-In is not a high-end hamburger joint. This is a modest, old-school burger establishment on Dallas’ Northwest Highway that serves outstanding burgers to bikers and families. This is a hamburger shop that has been in business since 1950, and their burgers start at less than two dollars! The juicy patties are lavishly covered with tomato, onion, pickle, ketchup, and mustard and served within a soft, seeded bun with a jukebox that will transport you back to the 1950s.
Keller’s Drive In – Dallas, Texas
Miller’s Bar – Dearborn, Michigan
There are many old-school burger establishments on this list, but none compare to Miller’s Bar, an antique watering hole that has been open since 1947. Although the name implies that it is a bar, the main specialty of the establishment is its burgers, which have endured the test of time. Their costs are slightly higher than those of other restaurants, but it’s well worth it! Their burgers feature a hefty patty topped with onions, ketchup, pickles, and melty cheese – all wrapped in wax paper and served immediately.
Miller’s Bar – Dearborn, Michigan
Loretta’s Northwesterner – Seattle, Washington
Diners like Loretta’s are a blessing in a world where chain fast-food eateries rule the food sector. Loretta’s is a modest dive bar in Seattle – a simple, no-frills establishment that is ideal for local hangouts. Their burgers appear little and modest on the exterior, yet one mouthful of the Tavern Burger will have you feeling the cheese oozing into your mouth alongside the delicious patties, buttered bun, and tasty toppings. This is a burger that will have you wanting more.
Loretta’s Northwesterner – Seattle, Washington
Hubcap Grill – Houston, Texas
If you visit Houston, there’s a good chance you’ll come across at least one Hubcap Grill, which has four locations throughout the city and one airport branch. You’d think that being a franchise restaurant would have a negative impact on their burgers, yet they haven’t lost any of their flavor. Their delectable burgers are created from fresh chuck beef that is hand-formed into patties and handmade toasted buns, and they are definitely worth a try!
Hubcap Grill – Houston, Texas
Grill Marks – Greenville, South Carolina
Grill Marks now has three locations in South Carolina, two in Greenville and one in Columbia, but the original in downtown Greenville remains their best. Instead of ground beef, the burger business employs chopped certified Angus beef, which gives the patties a unique deeper and richer texture. Their onion rings and fries are also fantastic, and will make you want to return to SC again and again.
Grill Marks – Greenville, South Carolina
Nic’s Grill – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Nic’s Grill may appear to be disappointing at first glance. The restaurant is small, and you’d be surprised if it reached the list at all. However, once you order your first half-pound, your perspectives will diverge. Although the owner Nic has ceased grilling burgers for the time being, you can still get a great burger loaded with cheese and toppings and served with an abundance of French fries and a fork.
Nic’s Grill – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Chroni’s Famous Sandwich Shop — Los Angeles, California
The chiliburger at Chroni’s Famous Sandwich Shop received rave reviews from L.A. Times critic Jonathan Gold. “Painted with yellow mustard and sliced with a meaty, emulsified chili a few degrees spicier than the rest; robust, tasting distinctly of the grill,” he described it. “Piled high with ripe tomatoes and crisp sheaves of lettuce.” Surprisingly, this chiliburger has been a part of LA culture for nearly a century, with Chroni’s offering them since the late 1940s.
Chroni’s Famous Sandwich Shop — Los Angeles, California
Better Luck Tomorrow — Houston, Texas
You can’t go much worse than Better Luck Tomorrow when it comes to burger places in Houston, Texas. This James Beard Award-winning chef’s burger is topped with cheddar cheese, red onions, and caramelized onions. Jordana Rothman, restaurant editor for Food & Wine, states that the burger is cooked in cow fat. Furthermore, the burger has an umami bite to it, especially after being sandwiched between two slices of handmade Parmesan cheese bread.
Better Luck Tomorrow — Houston, Texas
Pizza Loves Emily — Brooklyn, New York
To be honest, Emmy Burger is something you have to earn in order to make it a part of your life. “We regret that we cannot accept substitutions or modifications on this item.” “Limited availability per night,” the menu states. If you can customize this burger, you can anticipate a dry-aged patty with a heaping amount of Grafton cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and Korean chili sauce.
Pizza Loves Emily — Brooklyn, New York
Pool Burger — Austin, Texas
There are many great places to eat burgers in Austin, Texas, and Pool Burger is at the top of the list. Inside the 1968 Airstream trailer where this burger shop is located, there appears to be a tiki bar going on. People come from all across Austin to try their eight distinct burgers. The Deep End, on the other hand, is Food & Wine’s Jordana Rothman’s personal favorite. This Wagyu beef triple patty is topped with bacon, Dijonnaise, Swiss cheese, and jalapenos.
Pool Burger — Austin, Texas
Cecconi’s — Miami Beach, Florida
While “Dirty Burger” may not be the most appetizing name for a burger, read on to find out why you shouldn’t be concerned. This burger apparently includes a tiny patty, a “special sauce,” and is topped with lacy Parmesan cheese – all of which are lovely things. This burger is apparently only available to Soho Beach House members. However, from 4 to 7 p.m., it is also available at the Italian restaurant in the club’s foyer.
Cecconi’s — Miami Beach, Florida
Workingman’s Friend – Indianapolis, Indiana
The “smash burger” is a big deal in the Midwest, and Workingman’s Friend in Indianapolis may be the greatest. This nearly 100-year-old dive tavern serves a stunningly amazing smash burger, with cooks throwing the patties onto their griddle and working their magic. The burgers are incredibly flat while still extremely filling. This renowned burger is available in singles, doubles, and cheese-topped varieties. Don’t miss out if you’re in the neighborhood!
Workingman’s Friend – Indianapolis, Indiana
The Cozy Inn – Salina, Kansas
Sliders are popular in Central Kansas, and this one at The Cozy Inn in Salina is among the best. Since 1922, these little but onion-laden burgers have been produced. Surprisingly, this was also the year that White Castle opened in Wichita. These burgers were slid down the counter with waxed paper, giving rise to the term “sliders.” What’s more astounding is that one of these bad boys can be purchased for only five cents.
The Cozy Inn – Salina, Kansas
4505 Burgers & BBQ Restaurant — San Francisco, California
Many of the burgers on this list have names, but not this one. Chef Ryan Farr simply refers to it as the “best damn grass-fed cheeseburger” on the menu. This quarter-pound burger with a bun filled with scallions and sesame seeds, topped with onion, lettuce, a secret sauce, and Gruyere cheese, is a must-try for any foodie visiting San Francisco soon. “It’s always cooked to a perfectly juicy medium-rare,” Eater restaurant editor Hillary Dixler Canavan said of the steak.
4505 Burgers & BBQ Restaurant — San Francisco, California
Little Jack’s Tavern — Charleston, South Carolina
If you ever find yourself in Charleston, South Carolina, you must eat the Double Tavern Burger at Little Jack’s Tavern. The executive chef, John Amato, doesn’t try to complicate things with this burger. This is as good as it gets, with seasoned mayo, American cheese, and a sesame seed bun. In fact, Double Tavern was rated the greatest burger in 2017 by Bon Appetit editor-at-large Andrew Knowlton. It can be finished in four bites!
Little Jack’s Tavern — Charleston, South Carolina
Santa Fe Bite – Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Santa Fe Bite is right up there with the best of the best when it comes to burger eateries in New Mexico. Given that New Mexico is known for its green chili cheeseburgers, you should expect to find some extremely tasty ones here. Typically, the chili peppers are diced and tossed on top of the patties. The previous owners of the once-famous Bobcat Bite have since opened this fantastic restaurant. “The burger itself has a steak-y heft,” adds Bill Addison of Eater.
Santa Fe Bite – Santa Fe, New Mexico
HiHo Cheeseburger – Santa Monica, California
HiHo Cheeseburger may not impress you when it comes to burger options; they have the standard basic cheeseburgers, their special HiHo cheeseburgers, and a gluten-free vegetarian option, all of which can be made spicier. However, when it comes to flavor, this Santa Monica hamburger joint shines out. Their thin, seared patties are made of 100% grass-fed wagyu beef and go well with their hand-cut, twice-fried fries and thick, creamy milkshakes.
HiHo Cheeseburger – Santa Monica, California
Brooks’ Sandwich Shop – Charlotte, North Carolina
Brooks’ Sandwich Shop is a perfect illustration of how names can be misleading. This small roadside eatery on North Brevard Street in Charlotte, NC, exclusively serves takeout, is ideal for burger fans. The shop was founded in 1973 by twins David and Scott Brooks, and it’s still going strong almost 50 years later. Although their menu only has burgers with bacon and cheese, you may have them topped with mustard, onion, and a wonderfully smoked chili that complements the patty perfectly.
Brooks’ Sandwich Shop – Charlotte, North Carolina
White Manna – Hackensack, New Jersey
The White Manna is possibly the best burger establishment in Hackensack, New Jersey, yet they have a doppelganger in Jersey City called White Mana (with one “n”). The burger joint was created at the World’s Fair in 1939 and relocated to Hackensack in 1946, where it has been serving mind-blowing burgers ever since. Their burgers feature an oozy, gooey, juicy patty stuffed with onions and meatballs and served on potato buns. White Manna is the spot to go for a once-in-a-lifetime burger.
White Manna – Hackensack, New Jersey
Grind Burger Kitchen – Louisville, Kentucky
What began as a small food truck in the spring of 2012 quickly developed into a full-fledged brick-and-mortar diner when Liz and Jesse Huot opened their doors on East Market Street in Louisville. Grind Burger Kitchen is well-known for its crispy, crusty hamburger patties, which pair well with its fresh buns and tasty toppings. Grind Burger Kitchen also offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free alternatives, so no matter what your preferences are, Grind Burger Kitchen has you covered.
Grind Burger Kitchen – Louisville, Kentucky
Al’s Burger Shack – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Al’s Burger Shack has multiple locations, but their Chapel Hill one is the most popular and popular among the many Americans who have driven through North Carolina. They are a modest diner that focuses largely in burgers and hot dogs, but one mouthful of Classic, Paco, or Mookie will show you why. Furthermore, their potato fries are one-of-a-kind, and go perfectly with a juicy patties and soft buns.
Al’s Burger Shack – Chapel Hill, North Carolina