Nothing quite says all-American meal like a burger, fries and soda. But, with burgers being so ubiquitous in the US, it can be hard to narrow down the ones that are worth making the trek. Grab your napkins and bring an empty stomach as we sample our way through the best burgers in America. Due to COVID-19, be sure to check local travel restrictions, including state travel advisories, and individual websites for dine-in, takeout and delivery options before you visit.
Rodeo Goat has six locations across Texas and each one will wholly satisfy a big burger craving. Got a sweet tooth? Go for the unique Sugar Burger, a thick beef patty complemented by grilled peaches, candied bacon, caramelized onions and jalapeño jelly. Don't feel like beef? Switch it out for a chicken, salmon or black bean patty.
There's more than one Abbey Burger Bistro location in Maryland, so there's no excuse not to try it. While we love the creativity and variety of burgers on the menu (such as the Spicy Korean Duck Burger, Peanut Butter Burger and Blackened Shrimp Burger to name a few), we always come back to the Baltimore Burger. It's probably got something to do with the thick smear of crab dip slathered on top. After all, you can't come to Maryland and not have crab, right?
Serving classic burgers with a gourmet twist, Chomp Kitchen and Drinks has lots on the menu to catch your eye. With two locations in Providence and Warren, this burger joint has plenty of innovative toppings. The House Burger is the most classic, with smoked Gouda, cured bacon, lettuce, tomato and pickles, and is unbeatable (although carb-loading adventurers may want to try the Mac and Cheese Burger).
There are burger joints with fans and then there are burger joints with cult followings. In-N-Out is one of the latter. Although only located in central and western regions around the country, this fast food spot is so sought after, it makes the to-do lists of visitors and locals alike. The posted menu is small but those in the know order off the not-so-secret menu, where they turn Double-Doubles (double meat, double cheese) into customized works of art (hint: order it "animal-style").
With four locations in Lincoln, Honest Abe's has some of Nebraska's most talked-about burgers. Its menu is large, with six permanent burgers and five specials on rotation so there's always something for everyone. The Fireside, which comes with jalapeño, bacon, sriracha ketchup, cumin lime mayo, pepper jack cheese and romaine lettuce, is a popular option. Make sure you get a side of Parmesan truffle fries while you're there.
Everything about The Classic from small-town burger joint Black Hills Burger & Bun Co. is perfect, according to customers. It features a fresh-ground 6-oz (170g) beef patty, lettuce, tomato, onion and housemade pickles on a fresh-baked bun, and you can choose between American, Cheddar or pepper jack cheese. If you fancy it, swap in a buffalo patty or double up – just be sure to save room for the side orders of baked beans, coleslaw or fries.
A good lamb burger is hard to find as it can be a fickle meat, but Rioja in Denver pulls off its Colorado Lamb Burger with such ease it's easy to forget they aren't a dedicated burger joint. Served at lunch, this burger comes with housemade mozzarella, spicy aioli, oven-roasted tomatoes and an order of sweet potato fries.
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A limited number of Craigie On Main Burgers are made every day so if you want to try this creation, you have to be organized and put your order in early. But it’s worth the effort. Craigie on Main constructs this burger with three different cuts of beef, bone marrow and dried miso powder, and then tops it with Cheddar, salad and spiced ketchup. Bonus: it's served in a really good sesame seed bun.
What people love about The Big Boom, an 8-oz (227g) patty with American cheese, lettuce, tomato and pickles in a sesame seed bun, is its size. That, plus the amazing “special sauce” and charred flavor. You'll find it at Boomers Drive-In in Bellingham, a fun, old-fashioned drive-in which feels a little like stepping back into old Americana. Expect classic décor, speedy, friendly service and delicious, bulky burgers.
Texas may be known for its meat, but Arlo's food trucks have got vegan down pat. The proof is in the Bac'n Cheezeburger, made from a gluten-free and soy-free plant-based patty, and sporting thick slices of umami seitan bacon. Pile on the traditional burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion and even gooey slices of vegan cheese. Meatless Monday just got a whole lot more fun.
You've heard of a Big Mac, but have you tried a Big Wac? Rethink your ideas of vegan food while devouring this plant-based burger made with two handmade vegan-friendly patties, dairy-free vegan cheese, lettuce, pickles and onions, on a sesame seed bun. And, of course, there's a creamy, tangy secret sauce to top it all off. One bite of this burger from Green New American Vegetarian in Arizona will have you asking, "Ronald who?".
For a refined take on a cheeseburger, head immediately to Au Cheval. This upscale burger is full of flavor, from the beef patty to the melted cheese, to the toasted bun. Knock it up a notch by opting to add thick-cut bacon and a runny egg – you won't regret it.
Not strictly a burger joint, we know, but Proof on Main's signature bison burger is so legendary and so loved that it had to make the list. The menu at this hip restaurant changes seasonally, but the Proof Bison Burger is so good it's been a year-round staple since 2006. It's topped with melty sharp Cheddar, smoked bacon and sticky onion jelly.
Recognized by the Library of Congress as the birthplace of the hamburger, Louis’ Lunch in New Haven is the most historically significant spot in the States when it comes to burgers. Family-owned and operated since 1895, this no-frills spot is spot on when it comes to traditional burgers. The patties are freshly-ground and hand-rolled each day, and served between toasted white bread, with garnishes including cheese, onion and tomato.
Burgerlords' vegan Cheeseburger receives constant and consistent praise throughout the Los Angeles food scene, which is saying a lot for a city full of people watching what they eat. In 2020, this burger joint became 100% vegan, slinging patties that are "made of plants, not based on plants". The cheeseburger – with vegan cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomato, onion and the spot's signature 2,000 Island dressing – comes in single and double, but we say go for the double.
Attached to a brewery in Salt Lake City, Proper Burger Co. lets guests choose their type of patty then a style. However, why not make it easy on yourself and aim high with the Flyin' Hawaiian. Strap in for a tangy taste of pineapple, ham, Swiss cheese, jalapeño and aioli, all piled on a patty, in a soft bun.
Kuma's Corner is a gourmet burger bar with six Midwest locations where all menu items are named after heavy metal bands. We mean it when we say these burgers rock! Consider the Led Zeppelin, complete with its beef patty, applewood-smoked bacon, BBQ pulled pork, Cheddar and pickles. Not feeling meaty? Dial it up to 11 by subbing in a grilled chicken breast, chicken tenders, black bean veggie patty or Impossible Burger.
The Dr. Tan Burger from Fharmacy is the cure for any of your drab burger blues. It's a flavor injection loaded up with a juicy beef patty, grilled jalapeño, grilled onions, house coleslaw, pepper jack cheese, chipotle aioli and – you guessed it – bacon. This burger is so beautiful you might be tempted not to eat it, but it won't last long once it's in front of you.
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It's hard to decide which burger to choose at The Burger Dive in Billings, Montana, but there's one that several customers say is the best they've ever had – the I'm Your Huckleberry. This World Food Championships “Burger Champion” burger is covered with head chef Brad’s Huckleberry Hatch chili barbecue sauce, bacon, goats' cheese, arugula and roasted red pepper mayo.
Cheese-lovers of the world unite! Matt's Bar is home of the famous cheese-stuffed burger patty, also known as the Jucy Lucy (yes, that's the correct spelling). This burger may not be cardiologist-approved, but your taste buds will surely thank you. Don't skip the pickles as it helps cut through the savoriness of this ooey-gooey glory.
Portland is famous for many things, but we're partial to its smashed burgers. Over at Bless Your Heart Burgers, you can get a taste of the LL Cool J Burger. If the name alone isn't enough to sell you, know that with guacamole, ranch, bacon and all the classic fixings, you won't regret sinking your teeth into this one. Did we mention it uses housemade zucchini pickles?
Available only during the lunch service, the Luger Burger from Brooklyn's famed Peter Luger Steakhouse draws hungry fans from all over the city and country. This burger is huge, simple and hits the spot. The no-frills presentation is a big hunk of ground steak, a sesame seed bun and, if you wish, cheese. Come hungry, go home stuffed.
An unconventional cheeseburger, the Juicy Lucy (inspired by the Jucy Lucy) looks like a regular hamburger from the outside, but when you bite into the patty, molten Cheddar and American cheese come oozing out. Plus at 11:11 Burgers & Beignets, orders are totally customizable, so you can add jalapeños, extra cheese (American, Cheddar, pepper jack and provolone), maple bacon and salad, or swap your bun for a pretzel one. Be sure to grab a few extra napkins!
A colorful diner in Anchorage, Tommy’s Burger Stop has an incredible selection featuring beef patties seasoned with Cajun spices and served with either fries or giant onion rings. Pick from classic American combos or hearty speciality burgers, all with rave reviews. However, don't miss out on ordering the decadent R.L.E Hello Burger with two 5.5-oz (156g) patties loaded with bacon, grilled mushrooms, onions, jalapeño peppers and American cheese.
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a Shake Shack in town, but those who do take advantage of it. In the world of fast food, finding a satisfying vegetarian option can be difficult. Luckily, the Shroom Burger is so good it has made super fans of both meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. Who wouldn't love a crispy, deep-fried portobello mushroom cap filled with melted cheese on a toasted bun and dressed with fresh salad?
Folks flock to Motz's Burgers for old-school sliders on soft locally-made buns – and this family-owned business has been flipping burgers since 1929. Sizzled on the griddle with caramelized onions, then popped on the bun and topped with ketchup, mustard, pickles and an optional slice of gooey cheese, this is a traditional American slider done best.
Superiority Burger has been hand-making vegetarian (and sometimes vegan) burgers since before it was cool. Don't expect any engineered imitation meats between the buns here – it's all handmade from whole plant-based ingredients. The vegan burger is the superstar here, but you truly can't go wrong with any of the burgers on the menu. If you're looking for a plant-based burger that will knock your socks off, this is the place.
A cheeseburger with a refined twist, the Tavern Burger features a plump beef patty topped with Stilton cheese and mushroom Cognac cream, all on a challah bun. Challah is soft, fluffy bread that has been enriched with egg, making it extra soft and a little sweet. Served at The Tavern, a fancy pub in Tulsa, this eponymous eat comes with skinny fries and gets glowing reviews.
This restaurant may be focused on pizza, but it's the burger that steals the show. Ever since it appeared on the menu, demand has far outweighed supply – if you come, expect long lines and a burger that is more than worth the wait. The price is a tad high for this behemoth, but we've seen worse for far less. At Pizza Loves Emily, your money will go toward a dry-aged beef patty, perfect pretzel bun and toppings like caramelized onion, EMMY sauce and Grafton Cheddar – no substitutions allowed.
Philadelphia's m2o is a neighborhood hangout with tons of great burger options. However, the Philly Burger, a spicy, saucy burger with Cheez Whiz, fried onions and sliced jalapeños, is a nacho-lover's dream come true. Don't worry if you aren't close to Philly, there are two other locations, one in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania and the other in Newark, Delaware.