There's nothing quite so all-American as a burger, ideally accompanied by fries and a soda. But it can be hard to narrow down the ones that are worth making the trek for. Grab your napkins and bring an empty stomach as we sample our way through the best burgers in America right now – how many have you tried?
Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. They're also regularly checked and updated.
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 must-visit 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' for a mustard-cooked beef patty with lettuce, tomato, pickle, extra spread, and grilled onions.
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 topping. But you can't beat their signature house burger, with smoked Gouda, cured bacon, Chomp sauce, lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
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 specialty burgers, all with rave reviews. However, don't miss out on ordering the decadent R.L.E Hello Burger with two 5.5oz (155g) patties loaded with bacon, grilled mushrooms, onions, jalapeño peppers, and American cheese.
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?
There's more than one Abbey Burger Bistro location in Maryland, so there's no excuse not to pay a visit and try one of the many creative burgers on the menu. There's a lot to choose from, including the spicy Korean duck burger, peanut butter burger, and blackened shrimp burger, but we always come back to the Baltimore burger. With a thick smear of crab dip slathered on top, it's a must-try.
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, with patties '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.
Recognized by the Library of Congress as the birthplace of the hamburger, Louis’ Lunch in New Haven is the most historically significant spot in America when it comes to burgers. Family-owned and operated since 1895, this no-frills joint 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.
With four locations in Lincoln, Honest Abe's has some of Nebraska's most talked-about burgers. Its menu is large, with eight permanent burgers and five specials on rotation so there's always something for everyone. The Fireside, which comes with jalapeños, 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 beef patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, and house-made 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 can be hard to find 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 house-made mozzarella, spicy aioli, oven-roasted tomatoes, and a side of sweet potato fries.
What people love about the Big Boom – an 8oz 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 are experts when it comes to vegan burgers. 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, piled with traditional burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and even gooey slices of vegan cheese. Meatless Monday just got a whole lot more fun.
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. Take it up a notch by adding thick-cut bacon and a runny egg – you won't regret it.
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 their 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.
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 go for their 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 a handful of Midwest locations where all menu items are named after rock and metal bands. We mean it when we say these burgers rock! Go for the Led Zeppelin – a beef patty topped with 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 the plant-based 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 jalapeños, 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.
It's hard to decide which burger to choose at The Burger Dive in Billings, Montana. But there's one that customers say is the best they've ever had – I'm Your Huckleberry. This World Food Championships 'Burger Champion' burger is covered with head chef Brad’s Huckleberry Hatch chili barbecue sauce, bacon, goat's 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!). Customers say it's the best burger they've ever had and recommend adding pickles for even more added flavor.
Portland is famous for many things, but we're partial to its smashed burgers. Over at Bless Your Heart Burgers, you have to try the LL Cool J burger with guacamole, ranch, bacon, and all the classic fillings. They use house made zucchini pickle – yum!
An unconventional cheeseburger, the Juicy Lucy (inspired by the Jucy Lucy at Matt's Bar we saw earlier) 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!
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-fashioned 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. Expect 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 Pennsylvania locations (one in Wynnewood and one in East Norriton), as well as a restaurant in Newark, Delaware.
Rodeo Goat has six locations across Texas, each with a menu to satisfy even the biggest of burger cravings. 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. If you don't fancy beef, you can swap for a chicken, turkey, black bean, or plant-based patty instead.
An LA institution, this small but friendly diner has been dishing up their signature steakburger since 1927.Simply served with The Apple Pan's house made sauce, mayonnaise, pickles and lettuce, customers can also add melted Tillamook Cheddar. There are other popular burgers on the menu but sometimes there's no need to mess with an original.
Customers rave about the Sebastian's steakhouse burger on the brunch menu at The Brindle Room, with some making a special journey just to sample what some say is the best burger in the country. With a juicy patty 'cooked to perfection', the steakhouse burger is topped with American cheese, caramelized onions and pickles. Fans also rate the service at this cozy hole-in-the-wall.
This local six-lane bowling alley is just as popular for its burgers, beers and cocktails as it is for its bowling. The organic beef Mission burger is loaded with caramelized onions, Monterey jack cheese, caper aioli and served in an acme bun. You can also add avocado and bacon or make it Impossible.
James Beard award-winning chef Justin Yu's version of a burger, The Party Melt at trendy bar and eatery Better Luck Tomorrow, really is something special. Consisting of a seared wagyu beef patty with both caramelized and thinly sliced red onions, crispy broiled Cheddar cheese and metchup (a combo of mayo and ketchup), the burger is served between thick slices of house made bread topped with a Parmesan crust. Customers and food critics alike rate this decadent burger.
Voted the 'best burger in DC' by Washington City Newspaper seven years in a row, the Proper burger at gastropub Duke's Grocery is a must-try. It consists of two angus beef patties, melted gouda cheese, pickles, charred red onion, sweet chili sauce, rocket and aioli served in a brioche bun.
Available only during the lunch service, the Luger burger from Brooklyn's famed Peter Luger Steakhouse draws hungry fans from all over the country. This burger is huge, simple, and hits the spot. The no-frills presentation is over 1/2lb of ground steak, a sesame seed bun, and, if you wish, cheese. Come hungry, go home stuffed.