The 50 Best Burgers In America

March 02, 2021

What makes a burger great? For some, it has to be the perfect patty packed with flavor. For others, it could be the secret sauce, the unique topping, the ideal bun to meat ratio, or even the perfect fries as a sidekick. We've searched coast to coast to find America's best burger. The list includes everything from fast food & street food, to fine dining & gourmet cuisine. Check out the list and see what you think, and if you know a great burger place we've missed, let us know at the bottom of the page!

Block 16, Omaha, Nebraska

Block 16, Omaha, Nebraska

Boasting a menu full of creative combos and indulgent toppings, you'll feel like you're in burger heaven at Block 16 in Omaha, Nebraska. Owners Paul & Jessica take their inspiration from their family farm, where much of the restaurant's produce comes from, to bring patrons a true 'farm to table' experience. On their menu, you'll find their famous Croque Garcon Burger which tops a 1/3 pound patty with cheese, ham, and a sunny-side-up egg on a ciabatta roll. Don't forget to add on its perfect sidekick, poutine complete with cheese and a healthy helping of beef gravy.

Au Cheval, Chicago, Illinois

Au Cheval, Chicago, Illinois

Would you wait in line for 3 hours to try Chicago’s best burger? At Au Cheval, it’s well worth every second. It’s hard to say exactly what makes their burger so great as it’s a relatively straightforward concoction.. meat, cheese, dijonnaise, and pickles on a toasted bun. However, whatever they do in that upscale diner with an open kitchen, is true magic. The burger melts in your mouth and is juicy yet not messy. While they offer take-out, sitting in their dimly lit restaurant fitted with leather booths and dark wood paneling, is equally part of the experience.

Huey’s Downtown , Memphis, Tennessee

Huey’s Downtown , Memphis, Tennessee

Huey’s Downtown has been voted the best burger in Memphis since 1984. This classic Memphis restaurant is all about the blues and burgers. On Sundays, you can usually catch live music, from jazz to rock.

The World Famous Huey Burger is a mouthful with six ounces of Certified Angus Beef. It’s topped with their secret Huey’s seasoning, cheddar or swiss cheese, and served on a classic buttered sesame seed bun. This burger is a classic but if you want something a little different, choose one of the other delicious burgers on the menu. Burgers can be topped with guacamole, a fried egg, crispy bacon, and more.

Stella's Bar & Grill, Bellevue, Nebraska

Stella's Bar & Grill, Bellevue, Nebraska

Stella’s Bar & Grill is named after Estele Francois Sullivan Tobler, who brought Stella’s to life back in 1936. The tavern has been passed down through the family ever since and their philosophy hasn’t changed a bit, ‘Good food doesn’t need to be fancy.’ If you’re on a health kick, this place may not be for you as they embrace the fact that a good burger is going to be greasy. Especially their famous Stellanator Challenge, which gives you 45 minutes to tackle a skyscraper of a burger, topped with 6 burgers patties, 12 strips of bacon, peanut butter.. and much more.

Beefy’s- Reno, Nevada

Beefy’s, Reno, Nevada

With a name like Beefy’s, customers know that they are going to have their choice of burgers. This historic building screams Americana, with a 50’s style facade and sign.

Head into the cozy dining room and try to choose from almost two dozen fresh-ground burgers. Locals love the “awesome awesome!” burger with two Patties, four varieties of cheese, and grilled onions. Try a burger topped with pastrami and swiss or the Korean Burger that comes with kimchi and pepper paste. Pizza burgers, chili burgers, and classic burgers are available. You’ll want to try them all!

Borough, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Borough, Minneapolis, Minnesota

The bright and open dining room at Borough in Minneapolis invites guests in. The wall behind the bar is stocked with liquor that their mixologist is happy to use to create. Check out their carefully crafted cocktail list and try something new.

Their menu is influenced by modern American cuisine. The Parlour Burger is one of the best in the city. It has two delicious patties, made with a blend of fresh ground chuck, ribeye and brisket. White American Cheese is melted and placed between a fluffy egg bun, while delicious home cut fries finish off your plate.

Bubba's Texas Burger Shack, Houston, Texas

Bubba's Texas Burger Shack, Houston, Texas

Bubba’s Texas Burger Shack has been the place to go in Houston since 1985. Located under the freeway, this is a no-frills burger joint with picnic tables on their patio. Customers always feel at home in this family-owned business.

Known as “The Home of the Buffalo Burger”, Bubba’s introduced Bison burgers to the Houston area. Customers can choose between a bison or a beef patty for each burger. The Bison Sirloin Steak Sandwich is a local favorite. It melts in your mouth with freshly-sliced sirloin, onions, mushrooms, and Monterey Jack cheese.

Neon Pig, Tupelo, Mississippi

Neon Pig, Tupelo, Mississippi

If you are craving a big meaty burger, then Neon Pig in Tupelo, Mississippi is the place to go. With house-ground patties, indulgent combinations, and home-made sauces, Neon Pig knows how to make their burgers great.

Neon Pig’s Smash Burger was voted the best burger in America and it’s easy to see why. They create the patty by grinding bacon, filet, ribeye, sirloin, and new york steak in-house. The result is a thick and juicy patty. Then it’s topped with bacon bits, cheddar cheese, pickles, pickled onion, and hoisin. It’s all placed on a fresh ciabatta bun.

Although the smash burger is the most famous, they have plenty of other delicious varieties. Burgers are topped with everything from ground brisket to curry coleslaw to pork belly.

B.B. King's Blues Club, Memphis, Tennessee

B.B. King's Blues Club, Memphis, Tennessee

B.B. King’s Blues Club has it all. Great food, signature drinks, live music, and an atmosphere both locals and tourists love. Their burgers aren’t bad either. Take, for example, their Blues Burger, which tops two 4oz patties with melted blue cheese crumbles, sauteed mushrooms and onions, and a Worcestershire brown sugar glaze, and you’ll be singing your praises well into the night. Or, if you’d like to try their famous BB’s BBQ sauce, opt for their Smokehouse Burger that has just enough kick to keep you coming back for more. If you’re in Memphis and don’t already have plans to visit this iconic nightspot.. change your plans!

Red Feather Lounge- Boise, Idaho

Red Feather Lounge, Boise, Idaho

An intimate cocktail bar and restaurant, The Red Feather Lounge is the place to go in downtown Boise. An upscale spot with moody lighting and modern decor, this is a great place to impress a date or enjoy a special night out.

Their mouthwatering Lounge Burger is made with house-ground grass-fed beef. It is topped with melted white cheddar, rosemary-marrow butter, house bacon, and pickled red onion. Served with hand-cut russet potato fries tossed with a top-secret spice blend. Dip them in tasty homemade ketchup. Wash it all down with a unique craft cocktail from their impressive drinks menu.

The Cozy Inn, Salina, Kansas

The Cozy Inn, Salina, Kansas

Opened in 1922, The Cozy Inn feels like an old friend in the town of Salina, Kansas. Their pocket-sized burgers are affectionately known by everything in Salina as cozies. Everyone’s grandparents remember being taken here by their family and are now happy to visit with their grandkids.

The small, slider sized burgers cost just north of a dollar. With only a few seats on the bar offered as seating, most grab a sack of them to go. The burgers are simple, topped with just onions, a pickle, and no cheese. The burgers at The Cozy Inn are simplicity perfected.

Chronis Famous Sandwich Shop, Los Angeles, California

Chronis Famous Sandwich Shop, Los Angeles, California

Serving delicious sandwiches since 1945, Chronis Famous Sandwich Shop is now a Los Angeles institution. This fast food joint has walk-up counter service and outdoor seating.

The team starts cooking when you order, so you know your meal is fresh. They serve classic food done right. Enjoy chili cheese dogs and chili fries with a large soda. Order a traditional burger with lettuce, tomato, and American cheese, or top it with their famous chili. When you eat at Chronis, you understand why some things never change.

Clark Burger, Baltimore, Maryland

Clark Burger, Baltimore, Maryland

The owners of Clark Burger know that America’s neighbor to the North knows how to make a delicious burger as well. The menu here is inspired by the best comfort food served in Canada. This is where you go in Downtown Baltimore to enjoy a beautifully messy plate of poutine. French fries are topped with thick gravy and cheese curds for this unforgettable dish.

Don’t forget about the burgers, which are some of the best in Baltimore. Their certified humane Angus beef is 100% antibiotic and hormone-free and purchased from family farms. Served on a fresh brioche bun, choose between options like white cheddar cheeseburgers or the Wake N Bacon, with a fried egg and smoked bacon.

Crave Real Burgers, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Crave Real Burgers, Colorado Springs, Colorado

The chefs at Crave Real Burgers in Colorado Springs aren’t satisfied with a run-of-the-mill burger. They have more than 20 gourmet burgers with unexpected toppings and ingredients. Don’t worry about it being all gimmicks and no substance, their patties are freshly ground and delivered only from local Colorado farmers.

Choose between grilled pineapple, tempura fried cheese, candied bacon, peanut butter, and more for your burger. If you have a sweet tooth, try the Luther, a burger with two glazed doughnuts as the buns. Wash your burger down with a decadent hand-crafted shake. Get a shot of rum, vodka, or liqueur added in to make it happy hour.

Better Luck Tomorrow- Houston, Texas

Better Luck Tomorrow, Houston, Texas

The retro neon lights and laid back atmosphere of Better Luck Tomorrow make it a fun neighborhood ba. With busy happy hours and a long drink menu, customers come here to take a load off. The food menu is meant to comfort and it does a fine job.

Instead of a typical burger, they serve something a bit different- a patty melt. Called the party melt, this is a customer favorite. Instead of putting their tender patty in between two buns, it is instead wedged between two crispy pieces of sandwich bread. This thick bread is griddle-toasted with parmesan on the outside, while cheddar is melted on the inside. Both caramelized onion and crisp red onion are added, along with their own pink dressing.

The Flipside Restaurant, Rock Hill, South Carolina

The Flipside Restaurant, Rock Hill, South Carolina

Located in downtown Rock Hill, South Carolina, The Flipside Restaurant serves upscale food with a Southern spin. Serving the freshest ingredients with hometown hospitality, they are a Rock Hill favorite.

The star of their inventive menu is the popular Original Flipside Burger. Their juicy patty is dripping with bacon, onion jam, and melted Amy’s pimento cheese. Sandwiched between fresh brioche bread, it will leave you wanting to return.

Hazelwood Food and Drink, Bloomington, Minnesota

Hazelwood Food and Drink, Bloomington, Minnesota

There’s no need to eat in the food court at the Mall of America. Hazelwood Food and Drink is located down the street from this Bloomington landmark in Minnesota. A sleek and modern dining room invites hungry customers in.

They proudly claim that their burgers need two hands. These premium Iowa Black Angus burgers are crafted with unique toppings. One burger is topped with brie cheese curds, blackberry jam, and candied bacon. The cowboy burger is smothered with barbecue sauce and topped with smoked bacon and crispy strings of onion. You might just find your next favorite burger here.

HSL, Salt Lake City, Utah

HSL, Salt Lake City, Utah

One of the best places to enjoy upscale dining in Salt Lake City is HSL. With intimate lighting and modern, chic decor, this is a great place for a romantic night out. Contemporary American cuisine is given its own unique spin here.

Order a bottle of wine and enjoy it with one of the stars of the menu, their burger. The HSL Burger is topped with melted white cheddar, pickled red cabbage, and tomato jam. Enjoy it with a side of irresistible malt vinegar french fries.

Holy Grale, Louisville, Kentucky

Holy Grale, Louisville, Kentucky

Located in what was originally a church, Holy Grale in Louisville Kentucky has lovingly kept a bit of religion in their restaurant. A choir loft and stained glass windows with typical church arches are some of the reminders of the building’s past. A huge selection of local craft beers and a welcoming garden make it an ideal place to enjoy a burger.

The menu is European-inspired with a Southern twist. The juicy house burger is served on a pretzel bun, making it one of a kind. With farm to table locally sourced beef, you can feel good about enjoying your meal at Holy Grale.

George Washington Bar, New York, New York

George Washington Bar, New York, New York

It can be overwhelming to find a place to eat in New York City. Anyone wanting a good burger and cocktail need look no further than George Washington Bar. On the second floor of the Freehand Hotel, this bar has dark wood paneling, dim lighting, and a large portrait of America’s first President displayed front and center. A long and inventive cocktail menu make it a great place to linger.

Their food menu is pared down and only the best remains. One item that always makes the cut is the GW Burger. With caramelized onions, bleu cheese, and a juicy patty, it’s a keeper.

La Petite Grocery, New Orleans, Louisiana

La Petite Grocery, New Orleans, Louisiana

Everything at La Petite Grocery in New Orleans is lovingly made from scratch. Named for the 19th-century corner grocery store that used to reside here, La Petite Grocery is now a restaurant and bar. With a James Beard Award-winning chef, customers are always in good hands.

There’s not a bad thing on the menu but The LPG Cheeseburger is a neighborhood favorite. Handcrafted meat is enhanced with house pickles, onion marmalade, arugula, whole grain mustard, aioli, melted gruyère. It’s then placed between a soft brioche bun and served with hand cut fries.

Quik Dog by Trick Dog, San Francisco, California

Trick Dog, San Francisco, California

Quik Dog, the hip younger sibling of acclaimed cocktail bar Trick Dog, serves up killer burgers and delicious grub to match their inventive cocktails.

Their namesake Quik Dog burger is a blend of chuck and brisket, shaped like a rectangle, and served a hot dog bun with a generous dose of their tangy-sweet house Doggie sauce, shredded lettuce, raw onions, house pickles, and American cheese.

Launderette, Austin, Texas

Launderette, Austin, Texas

Pull up at a converted laundromat and gas station to enjoy your meal at Launderette in Austin, Texas. A menu focused on small plates and a sunny patio makes Launderette a popular lunch spot.

The Plancha Burger is an Austin favorite. A simple but tasty burger, it is covered with American cheese, its own secret special sauce, and pickles. Placed in a freshly made challah bun, you should order it with an add-on fried egg. A fried chicken sammie and a Cuban round out their delicious sandwich menu.

Little Bad Wolf, Chicago, Illinois

Little Bad Wolf, Chicago, Illinois

Little Bad Wolf is focused on serving Chicago bar food with a gourmet spin. Industrial fixtures, matte black walls, and intimate lighting give the dining room a bespoke feeling. An extensive drink list contains more than a hundred beers and dozens of whiskey options.

There’s no such thing as too much meat here, their Bad Burger is served with two patties while the Wolf Burger is stacked high with three patties. Classic American cheese, homemade pickles, and red-onion mayo give them that Little Bad Wolf signature touch. The Wolf Burger has additional toppings like fried onion straws and a gooey fried egg. Dig in.

Le Pigeon, Portland, Oregon

Le Pigeon, Portland, Oregon

The burger at Le Pigeon was voted the best in the city. That’s no small feat for the city of Portland, famous for its burger week and foodie culture. The chef at Le Pigeon was inspired by fast-food restaurants when creating this upscale eaterie’s signature burger.

A juicy square-shaped patty is grilled and placed on a toasted ciabatta bun. The cheese is an Oregon based favorite, an aged white cheddar from Tillamook. Melted onto the meat, it gives every bite an extra bit of sharpness.

The toppings and condiments are American classics with a modern twist. Iceberg lettuce is reinvigorated into coleslaw with aioli. Butter pickles are grilled and then spread with a tart house-made ketchup and dijon mustard.

This results in a burger that tastes familiar, but so much better.

KUSH, Miami, Florida

KUSH, Miami, Florida

Kush is located in a fun, mural covered building in Miami, Florida. With a patio outside and a wide selection of local craft beer, it’s a neighborhood hangout.

The Frita Burger is award winning and one of the best burgers in the entire nation. The thick, juicy patty tastes fantastic with the guava jelly, potato, bacon, Swiss cheese, and dripping LoKal Sauce. Other interesting varieties of burgers round out the menu. Customers feel good knowing that all beef is locally sourced from a free-range farm in Florida.

Matt's Bar and Grill, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Matt's Bar and Grill, Minneapolis, Minnesota

This unassuming dive bar in Minneapolis has become an essential burger restaurant. Founded in 1954, Matt’s Bar and Grill has a short and sweet menu. Only the necessary bar food remains, but it’s done right.

Matt’s Bar and Grill is home to the legendary “Jucy Lucy”, missing “i” included. This famous burger has two patties with a layer of melted cheese hidden between them. Take a bite and the molten cheese oozes out. Come prepared with some paper bills, this bar is still cash only.

Sparkys, Hatch, New Mexico

Sparkys, Hatch, New Mexico

Equally known for their award-winning Green Chile Cheeseburger, stockpile of oversized pop culture figures, and their exciting live music scene is Sparky's Burgers in Hatch, New Mexico. Husband and Wife Josie and Teako brought the place to life in 2008, and with their passion to create the best wood-fired BBQ and Green Chile Cheeseburger in the state, Sparky's quickly became a roadside attraction. You might be wary of what you're getting yourself into as you enter past statues of Ronald McDonald and a robotic alien, but the smells wafting through the doorway will quickly change your mind. The restaurant is open Thursday through Sunday, so plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

Al's Burger Shack, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Al's Burger Shack, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Combine Southern charm and hospitality with local and sustainable principles, and you have yourself some of the best burgers in America at Al’s Burger Shack. Located near the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, you may need to wait in line for your turn to grab one of these sought-after burgers, but you’ll find it's well worth it. The local's favorite on the menu is their classic cheeseburger served on a buttered potato bun. We recommend combining this with a side of sweet potato fries and a milkshake made with ice cream from the nearby Maple View Farms.

Bouquet Restaurant, Covington, Kentucky

Bouquet Restaurant, Covington, Kentucky

Bouquet Restaurant brings together gourmet burgers, small plates, and an extensive bourbon and wine collection to sit right between a casual burger joint and elegant fine dining. Opened in 2007 by Stephen Williams, it was one of the first restaurants in the region to focus on local produce and sustainability. This is apparent on their ever-changing menu, which showcases salads, roasted vegetables, and meat from nearby farms - including their Sakura Farm Waygu Burger that's topped with pimento cheese, sauerkraut, and melted onions. Save room for dessert too as their southern-style home-baked pies add the perfect ending after their savory burger.

Brooks' Sandwich House, Charlotte, North Carolina

Brooks' Sandwich House, Charlotte, North Carolina

A third-generation walk-up burger and hot dog joint in the heart of Noda, Brooks' Sandwich House is the neighborhood go-to for great food fast. What sets them apart is their 'All The Way' motto, a secret homemade beef chili that tops all their burgers.. and fries.. and hot dogs. Brooks' Sandwich House was opened back in 1973, and while the town has grown immensely around them, the charming roadside stop has remained nearly unchanged. They even manage to feed the masses with one deep fryer and one grill. Do keep in mind they're cash-only, but there's an ATM on-site if you forget.

Gabby's Burgers & Fries, Nashville, Tennessee

Gabby's Burgers & Fries, Nashville, Tennessee

If you're visiting Nashville, you have to try one of Gabby’s mouth-watering, hunger-quenching, and well-priced burgers. A true hole-in-the-wall in Wedgewood-Houston, you’ll find that Gabby’s is proud to keep things simple, and owner Doug’s goal is genuine – great food and great service at a reasonable price. All their burgers are grass-fed and come with southern favorite toppings, including their Chili Burger and BBQ Burger. Or opt for their stand-out Gabby Burger that comes with two burger patties, each topped with American cheese to bring you ooey-gooey goodness. Gabby’s is only open for lunch, so head down early to beat the lines.

GoldBurgers, Newington, Connecticut

GoldBurgers, Newington, Connecticut

Right on Main Street in Newington, Connecticut, you'll find the somewhat quirky yet no thrills GoldBurgers. For a small corner restaurant, their menu is surprisingly large. Including 12 specialty burgers along with chicken, sausage, veggie burgers, hot dogs, an array of fries options, and their famous deep-fried mac n' cheese Mac Squares - it's an achievement even deciding what to try first. GoldBurgers opened back in 2009, and thanks mainly to word-of-mouth reviews, it's buzzing with hungry patrons at all hours of the day. If you're hungry or in a hurry, hop online to order and it'll be ready for pick-up in no time.

Green Truck Neighborhood Pub, Savannah, Georgia

Green Truck Neighborhood Pub, Savannah, Georgia

Named aptly for the green 1965 Chevy Stepside permanently parked outside, Green Truck Neighborhood Pub is owned by Josh Yates, an engineer who ditched his day job to open a casual place for Savannahians to eat well. It's clear Josh made the right decision as the place is constantly buzzing with locals gearing up for a good feast. A fan favorite is their Trailer Park Burger, made with grass-fed beef and topped with pimento cheese, bacon, tomato, onion, lettuce, and house-made pickles. If you're a vegetarian, they also have a top-notch Mighty Veg made with a house-made veggie patty.

Honest Abe's Burgers & Freedom, Lincoln, Nebraska

Honest Abe's Burgers & Freedom, Lincoln, Nebraska

Embracing everything Abe Lincoln due, to well, being located in Lincoln, Nebraska, Honest Abe’s Burgers & Freedom is a tribute to good American food. With four locations around the city, no matter where you’re coming from or where you’re going, there’s no excuse not to stop by one of the restaurants and grab yourself one of the best burgers in America. They even have a United States of America Burger that tops a 6oz patty with all the classic toppings. What keeps the locals coming back though is their changing weekly burger, which brings new and inventive flavors to your plate each week.

Hudson's Hamburgers, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Hudson's Hamburgers, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

It doesn’t get more simple than this. At Hudson’s Hamburgers, you’ll find no fancy slogans or unnecessary toppings, just a good old classic hamburger. Current owners, brothers Todd and Steve, are the 5th generation of the Hudson family to run the burger joint. The menu hasn’t changed since they first opened back in 1907 and includes a hamburger, cheeseburger, double hamburger, and a double cheeseburger – each topped with pickles, fresh sliced onion, and their house-made sauce. With only 17 stools that wrap around a bar and open kitchen, be prepared to wait your turn to post up and watch the magic happen.

Judice Inn, Lafayette, Louisiana

Judice Inn, Lafayette, Louisiana

Not much has changed at Judice Inn since it first opened in 1947, except the fact it went from a ‘just-out-of-the-city’ restaurant to being surrounded by the urban sprawl of Lafayette. Even though you had to ride on horseback to reach the Inn, it quickly became known that founders Alcide and Marc Judice served the best burgers in town, and after 70 years, Judice Inn still holds this title. The secret is in their original Judice sauce, which tops their juicy patty along with lettuce, an onion slice, and an optional egg, ham, or cheese. Plus, with $4 burgers and $3 beers, you may think you’ve landed yourself back in 1947.

Mott Street, Chicago Illinois

Mott Street, Chicago Illinois

Mott Street in Chicago isn’t your typical burger joint. A Michelin Star restaurant with Korean, Japanese, Thai, and Chinese inspired dishes, your tastebuds will be in for a surprise when you bite into their signature Mott Burger. The burger has just the right amount of kick to it, with pickled jalapenos, miso butter onions, American cheese, and hoisin aioli topping the ½ lb patty. The design of the restaurant is equally as unique, with communal seating, open shelves stocked with ingredients you’ll also find on your plate, and colorful murals sprinkled around the establishment.

Mission, Middletown, Rhode Island

Mission, Middletown, Rhode Island

Located just minutes from Atlantic Beach and Easton Beach, you’ll find the slightly hipsteresk burger joint Mission that’s a perfect spot to replenish after a day in the water. Drawing to the younger crowds with Instagram worthy burgers and back-to-the-90’s koozies and checkered paper to hold your grub, they’ve perfected making good food look good. While you won’t find anything too crazy on their menu, they’re happy to cook everything to your liking and promise a perfectly juicy burger and crispy fries to every customer. Plus, with a motto of ‘Good grub. Good beer. Good vibes.’, you know you’re in for a good time.

MOTZ'S BURGERS, Detroit, Michigan

MOTZ'S BURGERS, Detroit, Michigan

If you didn't know better, you'd likely drive right past this aged and unassuming burger joint - and that's if you happened to drive by it at all. Located on a quiet street in the West Side Industrial district of Detroit, you'll find MOT'Z BURGERS, who happen to have some of the best sliders in America. The building was originally a White Castle, and while it's had a couple of name changes and new owners over the years, the perfected fresh, juicy, crispy in the right places beef sliders have remained a constant. Even sitting on the retro bar stools watching the chef grill is an experience in itself.

Spruce, San Francisco, California

Spruce, San Francisco, California

With nearly more accolades than menu items - including a Michelin star, Spruce in San Francisco is a true standout in American fare. Everything from their caviar service and Maine Lobster Roll to their extensive hand-crafted wine list embraces fine-dining. So how can they end up on this list? Easy, it's their must-try Spruce Burger served on an English muffin bun. It's the perfect amount of bread to meat ratio, and with super high-quality ingredients and flavorful pickled vegetables, you'll understand why folks come from near and far to test the hype for themselves.

The Burger Dive, Billings, Montana

The Burger Dive, Billings, Montana

Neon signs, checkered floors, round tables with classic ketchup and mustard bottles, and you have yourself a throwback to the era of diners at The Burger Dive. As nostalgic as the atmosphere is, it's not what fills the restaurant with hungry patrons. It’s Brad Halsten’s, owner and head chef, inventive and World Food Championship burgers that draws in the crowds. Their recent winner is the ‘I’m Your Huckleberry’ Burger, which tops a 1/3rd pound Angus burger with Huckleberry Hatch chili BBQ sauce, bacon, goat cheese, and roasted red pepper mayo, which is best paired with their Flaming S’Mores or Twinkies Milkshake.

Owen & Engine, Chicago, Illinois

Owen & Engine, Chicago, Illinois

You'll find leather chairs, a roaring fireplace, and a post-up ready bar at Owen & Engine’s British influenced pub. Opened in 2010 with an aim to bring high-quality British comfort food and a range of casks and craft beer to Chicago, you’ll find customers from all walks of life enjoying their classic Bangers and Mash and Cornish Pastries. However, Owen & Engine’s must-try is their Stagel Farm Beef Burger, topped with caramelized onions and a house potato bap served alongside chips and a dill pickle. There’s no doubt you’ll be cheersing to the English after your first bite.

Slabtown Burgers, Traverse City, Michigan

Slabtown Burgers, Traverse City, Michigan

Slabtown Burgers, a turn-of-the-century Traverse City home turned restaurant, is the perfect place to spend a weekend afternoon enjoying good food in the sunshine. Their outdoor patio is simple, yet so lovable, and you’ll find the day slips away as you enjoy the good company and good service of Slabtown Burgers. While their Single Burger is plenty to satisfy your hunger, you’ll be very tempted to give their ‘Stuff It’ burgers a try, which are exactly what they sound like. A patty stuffed with bacon, blue cheese, and cream cheese. We also recommend their root beer float, made with root beer straight from the tap!

Stanton's City Bites, Houston, Texas

Stanton's City Bites, Houston, Texas

Bring your appetite when you visit Stanton’s City Bites, as they hold true to the fact that everything is bigger in Texas. Each burger is made with a ½ pound patty and topped with mounds of goodness. The local favorite is their Cowboy Brunch Burger, topped with a fried egg, fried pickles, bacon, multiple kinds of cheese, and served on Texas toast. If possible, save room for sides as it’s nearly impossible to decide between their tater tots, waffle fries, fried pickle chips, or onion rings. When you’ve had your fill, you can thank owners Art and Theresa Fong who turned a grocery store into what Stanton’s City Bites is today.

Bang Bang Burgers, Charlotte, North Carolina

Bang Bang Burgers, Charlotte, North Carolina

Chef Joseph Huang opened Bang Bang Burgers in 2013 and with it brought an American Asian fusion to the people of Charlotte. Match that with his roots in French cuisine, and you have an award-winning burger. The secret isn’t in one particular ingredient. It starts with buttery home-made brioche-style buns from a local bakery, paired with Black Angus patties, and finished with locally sourced toppings. As up-market as it sounds, you’ll find the prices are reasonable, and with plenty of outdoor seating, you can enjoy the fare without feeling rushed to make room for other hungry patrons.

Loretta's Northwesterner, Seattle, Washington

Loretta's Northwesterner, Seattle, Washington

Loretta’s Northwesterner is a beloved neighborhood restaurant in Seattle, Washington. As a local watering hole, people come here for a tall glass of beer and the best burger in Seattle.

Their famous Tavern Burger was designed as an antithesis to our modern, toppings-loaded burger. This is affectionately called “drive-through style” and is modeled after the simple, no-fuss burgers of the owner’s childhood in the ’70s. Charbroiled beef, melted cheese, pickles, onions, and special sauce are wrapped up in a toasted white bun. Hand-cut fries come on the side. That’s all you need for a great burger.

Neighborhood Services, Dallas, Texas

Neighborhood Services, Dallas, Texas

You can’t get away with selling a subpar burger in ranch country and Neighborhood Services isn’t trying to. This small Dallas, Texas restaurant cares about serving great American food. Faded American flags, old photographs from another era, and other reminders of the nation’s history line the walls.

Their burger is an updated classic. With prime Angus chuck ground that day, Tillamook cheddar, crunchy lettuce, tomato, and caramelized onion there isn’t anything missing. Fresh russet frites, never frozen, are sprinkled with sea salt. Order one of their handcrafted cocktails on the side or a nice glass of regional wine.

Ruby's Cafe, New York, New York

Ruby's Cafe, New York, New York

When you think of Australian cuisine, your mind will likely jump to shrimps on the barbie and meat pies. Ruby's Cafe in New York City challenges this status quo with their famous mouth-watering Bronte Burger and perfected sweet potato fries. You'll soon be thanking the Aussies for putting their spin on this American classic. Opened back in 2003, it's been a well-loved cafe ever since and you'll find there's a good energy at Ruby's whether you pop in for brekkie and a flat white at 9am, a midday burger, or an after-work bevy.

Fountain Porter, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Fountain Porter, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Fountain Porter keeps things simple. Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood in East Philly, you won’t find a novel of a menu or unnecessary twists on classics. Instead, you’ll find an all-day every-day $5 cheeseburger that will never disappoint. Served on a potato roll with no distractions but a bit of lettuce, tomato, and cheese, it’s one of the burgers you can eat time and time again and always be happy about it. ,

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