Is there any meal quite so satisfying as a juicy burger with a side of fresh, crispy fries? With an appetizing array of options in every corner of the country, it can be tricky to choose where to go when cravings strike. From classic hamburgers with shoestring fries served at joints where the recipes have barely changed for decades, to more unusual creations, we've done our research to dig out the best burger and fries combos across the USA.
Click or scroll through our gallery to discover where to find the most delicious burger and fries in every state – and they all deserve a place on your bucket list.
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.
The Hound in Auburn is famous for its house-cured bacon and extensive bourbon selection, warm and friendly vibe, and extremely delicious burgers. The menu is intriguing, including bison patties, as well as vegetarian options, with each burger served with crispy, house-cut fries. There are also regular specials, such as a melt-in-the-mouth duck confit burger and a wild boar banh mi burger with marinated cucumber, pickled carrot, jalapeños, cilantro, and sweet chili sauce (pictured).
A colorful diner in Anchorage, Tommy’s Burger Stop has an incredible menu featuring beef patties seasoned with Cajun spices and served with either fries or giant onion rings. Pick from classic combos and hearty specialty burgers, all of which attract rave reviews. The R.L.E Hello Burger is particularly decadent, with two 5.5oz patties loaded with bacon, grilled mushrooms, onions, jalapeños, and American cheese.
With joints in Scottsdale and Phoenix, Hopdoddy Burger Bar is not to be missed. The small chain serves patties made from scratch, using fresh, natural ingredients. Meat is ground in-house and served on buns made at the on-site bakery and there are several options for vegetarians, too. The El Diablo, with habanero chilies, salsa, and chipotle aioli, the Magic Shroom, a beef patty finished with mushrooms, goats' cheese, and pesto, and the Buffalo Bill (a bison patty topped with blue cheese, bacon, and Buffalo sauce) are firm favorites.
Since debuting in Russellville in 2005, CJ’s Butcher Boy Burgers has picked up numerous accolades. Its winning formula is to keep it simple, with a menu of handmade patties, excellent freshly cut fries and chips, drinks, and shakes. There are extra toppings available including onions, mushrooms, jalapeños, bacon, and cheese and a second location in Fayetteville.
At casual burger joint HiHo Cheeseburger, the patties are made with premium grass-fed Wagyu beef, and customers can choose between a double or triple-stacked burger, with the option of having it grilled in mustard, made spicy, or served with pastrami. Toppings, meanwhile, include ketchup, American cheese, onion jam, lettuce, and house-made pickles. Don't forget a side of fries – they're super crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
This chic bistro has a seasonally changing menu, but its Maude burger and fries is a regular dish that has won praise from the Michelin guide, who also rate the inventive cocktail list. The burger is topped with marinated black trumpets mushrooms, nori relish, sea bean and scallion slaw, and togarashi mayo, and is also available in more classic form, with Cheddar, shredded lettuce, shaved onion, pickles, and special sauce. Customers say both are delicious.
Trueburger has two locations in Oakland, both focusing on simple, classic burgers made from all-natural beef and served topped with garlic mayo, lettuce, and tomato in fluffy, soft egg buns. The patties are perfectly charred on the outside and juicy inside, while crispy cooked-to-order fries complete the picture. Top menu choices include the double cheeseburger and the True Deluxe – a cheeseburger topped with a mushroom burger. As well as the great food, customers consistently praise the excellent service.
At Big Al's you can opt for a beef patty, falafel patty, or go for the popular 60/40 made with 60% beef and 40% bacon for a meaty, salty, juicy hit in every bite. There's a variety of burgers on the menu, but a popular option is the bacon guacamole with chopped bacon, guac, and American cheese. Finish your order with a choice of classic, Buffalo, Cajun, chili cheese, or truffle fries.
Hungry Bull Burger wins rave reviews for its custom blend chuck, brisket, and short rib burger patties, which customers say are packed full of flavor. There's a 'build-your-own' option with a choice of toppings including American cheese, mozzarella, and smoked bacon. Or select from the menu of top-notch burgers, such as the classic All-American with cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomato, onions, and ketchup and the Bullseye with Cheddar, fried egg, avocado, and spicy aioli. Finish your order in style, with classic or sweet potato fries.
Since opening its doors in 1956, Charcoal Pit has been a favorite Wilmington burger and fries joint and is reportedly loved by President Joe Biden. Barack Obama even ate here during his term in office, on Biden’s recommendation. Non-presidential customers love it too, particularly recommending the cheeseburger, fries, and the chocolate milkshakes.
Beth's Burger Bar has two locations in Orlando, plus Lake Mary and Winter Garden, and is famous for its build-your-own burgers, where you can choose from single, double, or triple beef patties, or chicken, veggie, and turkey options, before adding from the long list of toppings and sauces. Signature burgers on the menu include the Morning Burger with Cheddar, fried egg, and bacon, and the Western Burger with pepper Jack cheese, onion rings, jalapeños, and BBQ sauce.
Family-owned food truck and restaurant Burger Rob's specializes in smash burgers and has seen its popularity skyrocket since launching in 2021. You can either build-your-own burger or choose from the menu, with customer favorites including the Cheddar Ranch Burger with cheese, pickles, crispy onion straws, and house-made ranch dressing. Customers also praise the tasty, crispy fries, especially the Mexican Streetcorn Fries – sweet potato fries topped with grilled corn, Cotija cheese, cowboy sauce, cilantro, and lime.
Grease Burger Bar has a vast and very inventive menu, featuring everything from patties topped with mac 'n' cheese to the Ron Burgundy, which comes smothered in a burgundy mushroom reduction and Boursin cheese. There are specials, too, like the Chipotle BBQ Burger (pictured), and all burgers have the option to sub out the meat patty for a plant-based one. Don't miss the famous truffled Parmesan fries.
Customers first choose from grass-fed beef, grilled chicken breast, or a veggie patty, then decide on toppings at Green Truck Pub. Options include the Rustico, with goats' cheese, caramelized onions, and roasted red peppers, or the El Jefe with Cheddar, black bean and corn salsa, avocado, and jalapeños. People love the fact that many items are made from scratch – including the tomato ketchup – and the fries are delicious and hand-cut too.
Chubbies takes producing the perfect burger seriously. Patties formed from premium Angus beef are smashed on a traditional griddle, so they cook fast, stay juicy, and develop an appetizing char. When it comes to toppings, it’s all about the fresh produce, epic homemade sauces, and the pillowy, freshly baked potato bun. Fries are also given the attention they deserve and are served crinkle cut, lightly seasoned, and extra crispy. If you fancy a proper treat, opt for the signature Chub Fries, which come dripping with Cheddar cheese, grilled onions, and specialty fry sauce.
Big Jud's has a long list of burgers, including the massive Man V. Food with its two 16oz patties, 10 pieces of bacon, layers of mushrooms and blue cheese crumbles, Swiss cheese, mayo, tomato, and lettuce. There are regular-sized burgers too, from a classic hamburger to more interesting options, like the Ortega Burger which comes topped with green chili, sour cream, onions, and Cheddar. A side order of freshly cut Idaho fries is a non-negotiable for many.
Kuma’s Corner is a gourmet burger bar with three restaurants in Illinois and one in Indiana. The menu items here are named after heavy metal bands, including Black Sabbath, Metallica, and Iron Maiden (pictured). Slayer – a 10oz burger served on a bed of fries with chili, caramelized onions, andouille sausage, cherry peppers, Monterey Jack, and scallions – is a customer favorite.
For a seriously good burger and fries in Indiana, Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream is the place to go. The small chain, with four locations in the state, gets high praise from customers who say that the buns are toasted to perfection and the patties are beautifully seasoned. There are also elk burgers on offer and the deliciously crispy sweet potato fries can be ordered waffle-style, with Cheddar and bacon sauce on the side.
Head to Zombie Burger for tasty burgers in a Gothic-chic setting. The names of the burgers follow the theme, with options including the Dawn of the Dead (bacon, egg, American cheese, red onion, and mayo) and the 28 Days Later (blue cheese, caramelized onion, red onion, and mayo). Fries come with a choice of toppings and customers highly recommend those loaded with garlic, bacon, and blue cheese.
Locally owned bar and grill The Anchor is loved for its relaxed vibe and great food. As well as offering a range of craft beers, it serves excellent burgers made from meat that's ground in-house daily. The House Burger is the classic choice, served with lettuce, tomato, and onion, while the Haystack is piled high with fries and queso on Texas toast (made using extra-thick bread). The truffle fries, which come tossed in truffle oil and pecorino cheese with aioli for dunking, are sublime.
Proof on Main's signature bison burger is something of a local legend and, while the rest of the menu at this hip Louisville restaurant changes with the seasons, it's a year-round staple. The bison patty is served topped with sharp Cheddar and smoked bacon and finished with sticky onion jam. The accompanying skinny, crispy, golden fries just add to the appeal.
It's hard to go wrong with any of the burgers on offer at this upmarket New Orleans spot. Favorites include the signature Company Burger, with two thin patties, pickles, red onion, and American cheese, while the vegetarian falafel burger with lemon mayo is also delicious. It's the lamb burger that really stands out though, with a patty glazed with chili and mint and topped with feta, mayo, and red onion. Don't forget to add a side of Company Fries to your order.
Located in one of two surviving Pollard trolley cars in the country, Palace Diner in Biddeford is famous for its unusual setting – and the food served here lives up to the hype. The cheeseburger, with Cheddar, iceberg lettuce, pickles, mayo, and mustard, is particularly good and remains a go-to for many loyal customers, while the fried chicken sandwich with cabbage slaw, jalapenos, and mayo served piled high in a sesame bun with a wedge of iceberg lettuce on the side is also sensational.
Abbey Burger Bistro has three locations in Maryland – two in Baltimore and one in Havre de Grace – and all serve amazing burgers. People love the wide variety of options on offer, as well as the unusual toppings, which include peanut butter, Southwest bison, and blackened shrimp. The Baltimore Burger, a beef patty topped with crab dip, bacon, and Cheddar, is particularly popular and you can have your burger with either potato chips, fries, or sweet potato fries.
Family-run KKatie’s has three locations across the state, each serving the restaurant's signature Angus beef burgers with either coleslaw or fries. The Vermonter, with caramelized apples and onions, smoked bacon, Vermont Cheddar, and maple mayo is a hit, or you can go all out with the award-winning Rock and its four patties, pile of bacon, America cheese, onion rings, and special sauce. While the coleslaw is good, the fries are the must-try side.
California Burgerz serves up a mouth-watering array of burgers and fries at its Warren and Hamtramck locations. The classic order is the signature combination of an Angus beef patty with pickles, lettuce, tomato, onions, American cheese, and proprietary CB Sauce all served on a brioche bun. Don't skip the Gorilla Fries, which come topped with 8oz of beef and bacon. Customers love the fact everything is made to order.
Located in the tiny town of Miesville, family-run King’s Place Bar and Grill has a menu of 15 burgers, all made using the freshest ingredients. Everything is good, from the Chessman (topped with mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese) to the Full Count, a delicious mash-up of toppings including peanut butter, barbecue sauce, pepper Jack cheese, and crispy onions. Customers also praise the laidback atmosphere and reasonable prices.
Latham's Hamburger Inn has been dishing up burgers and fries since 1928 and customers love the retro feel of the place, as well as the food. The joint is famous for its Slugburger – a burger made with beef (not slugs, thankfully), spices, and dough, which is fried to dark, crispy perfection. The loaded fries with cheese, bacon, and ranch dressing are also legendary.
There's no wrong order at 5 Star Burgers, because everything is delicious. From beef patties with all sorts of toppings to veggie, turkey, and even bison burgers, the choice is abundant. The fries, made with Idaho potatoes, are wonderful too. However, it's the green chili cheeseburger that really stands out, with a patty topped with pepper Jack cheese, green chili mayo, and crispy New Mexico hatch chilies.
It's hard to decide which burger to choose at The Burger Dive in Billings, but the one that several customers say is the best they've ever had is the I'm Your Huckleberry. An Angus beef patty is smothered with the chef's chili barbecue sauce, bacon, goats' cheese, roasted red pepper mayo, and arugula for a taste sensation. Those in the know also point out it would be foolish to miss the tasty garlic fries.
With four locations in Lincoln, Honest Abe's serves some of the state's most talked about burgers. Its menu is extensive, with a range of permanent burgers and rotating specials so there's usually something to suit every taste. The Fireside, which comes with jalapeños, bacon, sriracha ketchup, cumin-lime mayo, pepper Jack cheese, and romaine lettuce, is a popular option, while the Parmesan truffle fries are always a hit.
Burgers aren't the only thing on the menu at Slater’s 50/50, but they are one of the best things served at this Vegas restaurant – and, for many who’ve sampled one, among the best in the US. The much talked about 24K Burger (pictured) showcases a gold-dusted brioche bun, 'Billionaire's Bacon' (bacon sprinkled with 24 kt gold), a Wagyu beef patty, truffle cheese, and jalapeño-bacon jam. The fries with bacon ketchup are also rather tasty.
People come back again and again for the burgers at Black Mtn. Burger Co, set in the picturesque White Mountains town of Lincoln. The Swiss mushroom burger, with melted Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and caramelized onions, is a big hit with customers, plus there's a long list of burger extras, from avocado to blueberry jam, should you wish to create your own. The fries are far from an afterthought – both the chili-cheese and the Cajun offerings are delicious.
If you want to enjoy your burger and fries in a classic diner setting then head to White Rose Hamburgers, which was established in 1957 and is full of retro charm. The joint is open 24 hours and offers a wide menu, but it's the burgers customers come back for time and time again. The bacon double cheeseburger is a popular choice consisting of two beef patties layered with onions, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. The fries meanwhile more than hold their own, being impressively crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
If there's one style of burger you should order when in New Mexico, it's a green chili cheeseburger and the Buckhorn Tavern serves one of the best. Customers describe the Buckhorn Burger as big, juicy, and cheesy, with a generous amount of green chiles and loads of flavor. Those craving more heat can add chili and cheese to a portion of hand-cut French fries or, if you want something simpler, the American Melt – a hamburger patty, American cheese, and grilled onions between two grilled slices of Texas toast – will hit the spot nicely.
The Ale 'n' Angus Pub has won the New York Beef Council's Best NY Burger of the Year competition several times, bagging the 2023 number one with its Number 7 – an 8oz Angus beef patty topped with pecan-smoked bacon, the house burger sauce, American cheese, and pepper Jack cheese served on an inverted buttery croissant roll (pictured). Highly rated by customers, The Power Play, topped with thinly shaved prime rib, American cheese, lettuce, and tomato, has also won on three occasions. The fries are also fabulous.
Corner Bistro has been serving perfectly flipped patties and crispy fries at the same West Village location since 1961. The famously short menu includes a handful of burgers, a chicken sandwich, grilled cheese, a BLT, and a bowl of chili. The Bistro Burger, served with American cheese, crispy bacon, and pickles, is a customer favorite and the French fries are famous for good reason: crunchy, golden, and seasoned just right.
With two locations in Chapel Hill, award-winning Al's Burger Shack is the best place to go for a patty and bun in North Carolina – the 100% fresh ground chuck patties are seriously juicy and have a great depth of flavor. Keep things simple here: the Classic burger comes with lettuce, tomato, sliced red onion, pickle, house sauce, and American cheese, and is a winner every time. Finish your order with crinkle cut or sweet potato fries.
Customers love the mammoth menu at Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews, which has a few locations in North Dakota and several outside the state. The 50 burgers on offer draw customers back time and time again, with particularly indulgent options including the Glazed Doughnut Burger, the Jalapeño Peanut Butter Burger and the Macaroni & Cheese Burger.
The gigantic burgers at The Thurman Cafe come as 12oz patties and are piled high with toppings, so it's best to visit with an empty stomach. Customers recommend The Thurman Burger, loaded with ham, mushrooms, onions, mozzarella, American cheese, and pickles, as well as The Mushroom Burger with mushrooms and mozzarella. The hand-cut fries are always given the thumbs up too.
The story of Tucker’s Onion Burgers, with five Oklahoma locations, is intertwined with the history of its namesake burger, which was created by chefs to help cafés stay in business during the Great Depression. Customers still can't get enough and say the onions and jalapeños are caramelized to perfection, the patties are juicy and fresh, and the portions are generous. The freshly cut fries certainly don't let the side down.
For simple, tasty, and gigantic burgers, it's hard to beat Hwy 101 Burger with locations in Lincoln City and Newport. Customers love it for its fresh, old-fashioned burgers at reasonable prices, and people go out of their way for a made-to-order patty and bun. Whether you choose the 101 Burger (one patty) or the 404 Burger (four patties), make sure you pair it with perfectly seasoned, hand-cut fries. The friendly service is the cherry on the top.
With locations in and around Pittsburgh, Burgatory is well-loved for its custom burgers. Diners can pick a patty (with options including beef, chicken, bison, wild crab, and a vegan option) and a bun (brioche, pretzel, potato, or lettuce wrap), then select from different rubs, cheeses, sauces, and toppings. For those who prefer to stick to the menu, the Piggy Butter & Jelly comes recommended. The house French fries are delicious, but for something rather more indulgent, the truffle oil and gorgonzola topped option is pretty incredible.
Serving classic burgers with a gourmet twist, Chomp Kitchen & Drinks has lots on the menu to catch your eye and plenty of innovative toppings. The signature house burger, with smoked Gouda, cured bacon, lettuce, tomato, and pickles, is loved by diners, as is the stuffed mushroom burger with Swiss cheese, bacon, Parmesan, mushrooms, spinach artichoke spread, and garlic vinegar aioli. All are served accompanied by excellent fries.
Diners can take a trip back in time at Sno-Cap Drive-In in North Augusta. It's been open since 1964 and still sports its original neon sign, red booths, and black-and-white tiled floor. When it comes to the burgers, all the components – the beef, chicken, or veggie patties, bread, and toppings – are spot on, and the seasoned fries and Sno-Cap float are well worth indulging in.
Taphouse 41 specializes in beer, burgers, and bourbon and does all three extremely well. The artisan burger menu includes delicious options such as the Q with Tennessee sauce, Cheddar, crispy onions, pickles, and Dixie slaw and the Crab Mornay, a fried crab cake patty topped with mornay sauce, red bell pepper jam, smashed avocado, lettuce, and tomato. You can also build your own and enjoy with a side of duck fat fries.
Emmy Squared might be known for its pizzas, but the burgers are also exceptional. The go-to order among many customers is Le Big Matt: two beef patties served in a pretzel bun with American cheese, greens, pickles, and special Sammy Sauce. All burgers are served with waffle fries, which can be customized with Kewpie mayo, okonomiyaki barbecue sauce, and bonito flakes.
Michelin-starred chef Phillip Frankland Lee and professional skateboarder Neen Williams are behind NADC Burger, which has a flagship outlet on Austin's East 6th Street, as well as a spot inside trendy bar Idle Hands. The menu is short, to say the least, featuring just the NADC burger (a 5oz wagyu beef patty with American cheese, secret sauce, onions, pickles, and jalapeños), fries and Beast Mode fries, which come topped with cheese, pickles, jalapeños, special sauce, and seasoning.
There are nine Rodeo Goat locations across the state, and each one will wholly satisfy those burger cravings. Customers can order any burger with the patty of their choice, with options including ground beef, chicken, turkey, and black bean. One of the most highly recommended burgers is the Nanny Goat, loaded with herby goats' cheese and garlic-herb mayo. There's also a choice of fries, from classic to sweet potato, as well as portions topped with cheese and more.
Attached to a brewery in Salt Lake City, Proper Burger Co. lets guests choose both their patty and what it's loaded with. The Proper Style comes with caramelized onions, American cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and Proper sauce or try customer favorites, the Flyin' Hawaiian and Rising Sun. The former features pineapple, ham, Swiss cheese, jalapeños, and aioli, while the latter comes with kimchi, miso aioli, fried egg, sriracha, and cucumber pickles. Equally delicious are the Rarebit Fries, topped with beer-cheese rarebit sauce, bacon, red onion, and tomato.
The friendly service, cool atmosphere and, of course, the delicious burgers and fries at Worthy Burger really get people talking. The must-order here is the signature Worthy Burger, a classic combination of a grass-fed beef patty, Cheddar, red onion, lettuce, and sauce. Fries are hand-cut and cooked in Wagyu beef fat for the win. In addition to the burger joint, there's a farm-to-table restaurant, Worthy Kitchen, in Woodstock. And yes, its menu does include burgers and fries.
There's a long list of indulgent burgers at Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint, but one favorite is praised above the rest: the Greg Brady, which sees a Wagyu beef patty topped with/buried under mac 'n' cheese, American Cheddar, and barbecue-flavored potato chips. Everyone raves about the potato fries and the fried Oreo too, so maybe save room for something sweet (if you can).
Li’l Woody’s has several locations in and around Seattle and each showcases the mini-chain's commitment to seasonal and regional ingredients. The 100% grass-fed beef patties are stuffed in fluffy brioche buns with a range of toppings. The Big Woody with bacon, Cheddar, onions, pickles, and salad is great, but another favorite is the Pendleton, topped with onion rings, Cheddar, and barbecue sauce. The queso fries are a proper treat, too.
People love the creative burgers at Oscar's, including the Greek-inspired Kollias, topped with gyro meat, feta, olives, and tzatziki sauce, and the mega Behemoth, with two beef patties, bacon, pepper Jack, and Cheddar cheeses, jalapeños, and a house-made sauce. The fries here are freshly cut and fried to order – and it shows.
A charming little pub in Milwaukee, Oscar's Pub & Grill has a good selection of juicy burgers and tasty fries. Customers really rate the Big Gringo with Wisconsin white Cheddar, American cheese, and hickory-smoked bacon, and the Big Hongo, which comes layered with thick-cut mushrooms and Swiss cheese. The Parmesan-topped French fries are also always a good idea.
For great food and a friendly vibe, Liberty Burger is the place to go. There's a range of burgers on offer, such as the tasty Chillerno with queso blanco and flame-roasted poblano peppers and the Napa with Gorgonzola, arugula, roasted tomatoes, green olives, onion, and aioli. One thing customers agree on is that it's always worth upgrading to a juicy bison patty. Fries are served hot and fresh out the fryer, too.