The best cheeseburger in every state
Cheesy delights

Alabama: Hamburger Fonfon, Chez Fonfon, Birmingham

Perhaps an unlikely place to find Alabama's best cheeseburger, Chez Fonfon is a beautiful French-style bistro with a front patio that'll make you feel like you’re dining on a street in Paris. The restaurant's Hamburger Fonfon has a thick patty, nutty Comté (a hard cheese made in eastern France), and grilled red onions – it's one of the best around.
Alaska: Filet Mignon Cheeseburger, Club Paris, Anchorage

Another French restaurant to make the list, Club Paris is a fancy steakhouse that’s also known for its ground filet mignon burgers. Only on the lunch menu, the 6oz (170g) cheeseburger keeps it simple with lettuce, tomato, mayo and a slice of cheese, and comes with a choice of chunky fries, French fries or coleslaw. Customers say it’s always high quality and cooked to perfection.
Arizona: The Traveling Wilburys, Diablo Burger, Flagstaff

Sourcing ingredients from the local area, Diablo Burger serves up tasty burgers with a clever spin on the bun. Instead of brioche or potato, the spot uses muffins, toasted and branded with the restaurant's initials. Enjoy the Traveling Wilburys, with the toasted muffin, sautéed crimini mushrooms, curry mayo, Swiss cheese, and chili flakes. Want to go even more local? Check the blackboard for the seasonal special.
Arkansas: Bleu Moon Burger, Hugo’s, Fayetteville

A charming basement restaurant that has been around since 1977, Hugo’s is the place to go for beer, bourbon, and burgers. The Bleu Moon Burger, featuring blue cheese crumbles, lettuce, red onion, and mayo, is the favorite. You can choose how well done you want it, from “bloody” to “no pink”. Customers say nowhere else compares and the fries are spot on too.
California: Famous Drive-In Style Burger, Garaje, San Francisco

A dark and divey Mexican restaurant with diner-style booths and vintage art on the walls, Garaje is renowned for its Famous Drive-In Style Burger. It has a great char; features barbecued onions, dill pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes; and is dripping in cheese and thousand island dressing.
Colorado: El Chilango, Park Burger, Denver

This joint has become a Mile High City staple, with four locations across town. And while you can't go far wrong with any burger on the menu, the long-standing El Chilango gets the most love from customers. A generous patty is layered up with Cheddar, kicking jalapeños, salad and house-made guacamole. Punters say it's cooked to perfection and best paired with the truffle-Parmesan fries.
Connecticut: Steamed Cheeseburger, Ted’s Restaurant, Meriden

An old-school, hole-in-the-wall place that has been around since 1959, Ted’s Restaurant is family-owned and run by Ted’s son Paul. It’s famous for its signature Steamed Cheeseburger: a well-done but juicy burger with a thick layer of melted cheese poured over the patty. You can add lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayo at no extra cost.
Delaware: Moo Caliente, Farmer & the Cow, Wilmington

Rustic joint Farmer & the Cow is known for its craft beer, cocktails and crazily good burgers with gourmet toppings. The House Beef patties are made in house with a blend of chuck, brisket and filet, though customers also love to substitute for salmon (pictured). Plump for the house favorite, Moo Caliente: your patty of choice is layered up with habanero chilis, spicy aioli, onion straws, avocado crema and ghost pepper jack cheese.
Delaware: Wise Guy, Farmer & the Cow, Wilmington

Rustic joint Farmer & the Cow is known for its craft beer, cocktails and crazily good burgers. The patties are made in house with a blend of chuck, brisket and filet, and served with gourmet toppings. The crispy, saucy Wise Guy (topped with pepperoni, pizza sauce, truffle mayo, Parmesan and fried mozzarella) is a cheese lover’s dream dish.
Florida: Burger Station Burger, The Burger Station, Hernando

Visitors to The Burger Station, a quirky, retro restaurant in a restored gas station, swear by its burgers. The joint never uses frozen beef and cooks each meal to order so it always tastes hot and fresh. The menu is limited, but the Burger Station Burger with cheese, tomato, and lettuce is a no-brainer. Get a milkshake and crinkle-cut fries too, then enjoy the meal on the patio overlooking the lake.
Georgia: The Tower Of Power, The Companion, Atlanta

This bacon cheeseburger from The Companion, a cool and cozy bar that gets rave reviews, has everyone talking. Called The Tower Of Power, it features two patties, lettuce, tomato, onion, tangy mayonnaise, American cheese, and bacon. People say it’s the best burger for miles.
Hawaii: 50’s Burger, Chubbies Burgers, Honolulu

Often compared to Shake Shack, Chubbies Burgers is loved for its 50’s Burger, crinkle fries and homemade mayo. The burger comes in a soft potato bun and has a crisp patty made from beef from Kauai, Hawaii. Locals love it because despite this place’s popularity, the food is always hot and fresh.
Idaho: Cowboy, The Ranch, Boise

Consisting of a 4oz (113g) Scottish Highland beef patty, Cheddar, lettuce, ketchup, and pickles, the popular Cowboy is the offering of Big Valley Ranch, which describes itself as a "ranch-to-table" restaurant. The Ranch gets rave reviews for its fresh and flavorful meat. Burgers come with skin-on Idaho fries and a drink too.
Illinois: Bad Burger, Little Bad Wolf, Chicago

A rich and cheesy double-patty burger, the Bad Burger from trendy Little Bad Wolf is always a winner. It features two slices of American cheese, homemade pickles and red onion mayo, though customer swear there must be another secret ingredient that makes it taste so good. You should also check out the tacos, mac ‘n’ cheese and cocktails.
Indiana: Strawberry Hill, 317 Burger, Indianapolis

For some serious heat, try the Strawberry Hill at 317 Burger. It's a hot twist on a PB&J, with spicy strawberry compote, melted peanut butter and ghost pepper cheese on top of the burger. The spot also stocks a plethora of local beers and if a burger isn't enough to fill you up, grab an order of the signature poutine.
Iowa: The Dominie, DutchFix, Pella

The Dominie Burger is a masterpiece of a sandwich. A must-try for fans of Gouda (a hard Dutch cheese), it features two beef patties, bacon, melted Gouda curds, spiced beef, homemade pickles and a toasted bun. You can find it on the menu at DutchFix, an ice cream shack that serves Dutch street food.
Kansas: Cheeseburger, Broadway Burgers & BBQ, Wichita

If you love burgers and barbecue, stop by Broadway Burgers & BBQ in Wichita so you don’t have to choose between the two. Here you can get a great-value, juicy, smoky cheeseburger, with a side of onion rings and beans. The owner Jeremy is extremely friendly and happy to help you with your order.
Kentucky: All-The-Way, Bard’s Burgers & Chili, Covington

For a classic, juicy cheeseburger with a good sear and the right amount of salad and condiments, head to Bard’s Burgers & Chili and order the All-The-Way. The patty is made with ground chuck; topped with cheese, pickle, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, ketchup, and mustard; and served on a toasted bun. Many people say it’s the best burger they’ve ever had.
Louisiana: Barbie Burger, Curbside Burgers, Baton Rouge

Once you try the Barbie Burger from Curbside Burgers, a burger truck turned bricks-and-mortar restaurant, you won’t be able to eat cheeseburgers from anywhere else. It’s a huge sandwich with two patties and American cheese. The little touches like pork belly preserve, roasted poblano mayo, sweet heat pickles and a brioche bun make all the difference.
Maine: Willy Burger, Wild Willy’s Burgers, York

Sleepy coastal town York, at the southern tip of Maine, is where you’ll find Wild Willy’s, a charming restaurant serving one of the best cheeseburgers in the state. Things aren't overcomplicated here. Customers love the fact the Willy Burger – with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, mustard, ketchup, pickles, and mayo – is made with care, including a toasted bun and juicy patty.
Maryland: Cheeseburger, Burger Bros, Towson

What customers love about the Cheeseburger at no-frills burger joint Burger Bros is the value for money. You get a whopping 6oz (170g) Angus beef patty and you can customise it by adding extra patties or toppings such as bacon, caramelized onion, onions rings, and salad. Everything else on the menu is top-notch too, including the fries and chicken wings.
Massachusetts: The Sin Burger, The Blue Ox, Lynn

Winner of Boston Magazine’s “Battle of the Burger” competition three years in a row, the Sin Burger at The Blue Ox is a must-try. Applewood smoked bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and truffle aioli round out this award-winning offering. Talk about umami.
Massachusetts: The Sin Burger, The Blue Ox, Lynn

Winner of Boston Magazine’s “Battle of the Burger” competition three years in a row, the Sin Burger at The Blue Ox is a must-try. Applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato and truffle aoili round out this award-winning offering. Talk about umami!
Michigan: Ali’s Notch-Yo-Burger, Taystee’s Burgers, Dearborn

This cheesy, spicy, crunchy creation from Taystee’s Burgers, a family business in Dearborn, has everyone talking. Named Ali’s Notch-Yo-Burger, it’s a jazzed-up cheeseburger with American, Swiss, pepper jack, and nacho cheese, plus beef bacon, Doritos, jalapeños, grilled onions, salad, mayo, and hot sauce, in an onion bun.
Minnesota: Lowry Hill Meats Burger, Lowry Hill Meats, Minneapolis

Where better to source a great-quality cheeseburger than a butcher shop? The Lowry Hill Meats Burger is a 4oz (113g) patty with homemade American cheese, caramelized onion, burger sauce, lettuce, and pickles, in a brioche bun. You can also get fresh sandwiches, cured meats, and steaks to cook at home at this neighborhood meat shop.
Mississippi: Bacon Cheeseburger, R House, Columbia

Cute and unassuming country store R House, where you can get homemade jellies, honey and meats, has been bestowed the best burger in Mississippi award for two years running by the Mississippi Beef Council. The burger in question is an old-fashioned, homemade beef burger, with the option to add extras such as bacon and cheese. Two awards and hundreds of great reviews can’t be wrong.
Missouri: Ugly Cheeseburger, Black Sheep Burgers & Shakes, Springfield

For a sandwich called Ugly Cheeseburger, it looks pretty appealing to us. It features two 4oz (113g) patties, sharp white Cheddar, butter lettuce, pickles, onion and a housemade condiment called “baaahd sauce”. It’s one of Black Sheep’s best sellers, alongside its truffle and Parmesan fries. There are three locations in Springfield.
Montana: Wildfire, Backcountry Burger Bar, Bozeman

This saucy little burger features Montana beef, caramelized onions, crispy jalapeños, sriracha aioli, and pepper jack cheese. You can make it a single or double patty, or swap beef for ground bison or a plant-based alternative. A little spicy but not too hot, it's recommended by many customers. You'll find the cheeseburger at Backcountry Burger Bar, a cool burger and beer spot with friendly staff, in Bozeman.
Nebraska: The Original, Cheeseburgers, Omaha

At this late-night burger joint, The Original cheeseburger, featuring a beef patty, American cheese, mustard, pickle, and onion in a toasted brioche bun, is the favorite. It’s cheesy, inexpensive, and always served quickly and piping hot. The place has a cool vibe with good music and welcoming waitstaff. There are several locations in Omaha for you to get your burger fix.
Nevada: Smoke & Fire Burger, Smoke & Fire, Las Vegas

Customers can’t get enough of the Smoke & Fire Burger at this down-to-earth joint. It’s a huge 8oz (227g) beef patty with American cheese, diced onions, pickles, ketchup, and mustard, and you can double up or add bacon. It’s said to be cooked perfectly – juicy with a crisp char on the outside.
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New Hampshire: The Wicked Burger, Wicked Fresh Craft Burgers, Conway

Family business Wicked Fresh is known to serve wickedly good cheeseburgers. Made from local, freshly-ground meat, the patties are smashed onto a griddle to sear the edges. The Wicked Burger is served with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and Wicked Fresh Sauce (similar to Big Mac sauce). You can go single, double or, if you’re really hungry, triple.
New Jersey: The Standard, Diesel and Duke, various

Local chain Diesel and Duke took New Jersey by storm when it opened in 2014, thanks to its simple menu of delicious, cooked-to-order beef burgers. You can’t go wrong with The Standard. This hearty sandwich features a generous amount of American cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, aioli, ketchup, and a toasted bun.
New Mexico: Rustic, Rustic On The Green, Albuquerque

Like many great burger restaurants, Rustic On The Green started as a food truck but thanks to its popularity, moved to a bricks-and-mortar location. The go-to here is the Rustic, a freshly-ground, smoky beef patty topped with caramelized onions, American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sauce, in a pillowy, soft bun. Everybody comments on how fresh and full of flavor it is.
New York: King’s Standard, Kings of Kobe, New York City

For an incredible cheeseburger, head to Kings of Kobe and order the King’s Standard. It’s a single or double 8oz (226g) American Wagyu beef patty topped with marinated, roasted tomatoes, white Cheddar, pickles, and cherry pepper mayo. American Wagyu beef has the signature buttery, fat marbling of Japanese Wagyu, but is bred in the States.
North Carolina: Barcelona Classic, Barcelona Burger, Mooresville

Soon to be your favorite burger, the Barcelona Classic keeps it simple with a thin, charred beef patty, American cheese, salad, pickles, house sauce, and a warm, soft bun. It comes with a choice of sides including mac ‘n’ cheese, roasted veggies, and truffle fries. Find it at Barcelona Burger, a light, industrial-style restaurant and beer garden.
North Dakota: ND Bison Burger, 46 North Pints & Provisions, Fargo

A gourmet burger featuring ground bison, Gouda, bacon, arugula, and tomato jam, the ND Bison Burger is always a great choice. It's from 46 North Pints & Provisions, a busy restaurant in Fargo that also serves great cocktails, salads, seafood, and steaks.
Ohio: Classic, Preston’s, Columbus

Preston’s has a short but sweet menu of burgers, fries, and chicken sandwiches. The Classic is the burger to order – a single or double smashed patty with “special sauce”, American cheese, shaved onion, iceberg lettuce, and crunchy, homemade pickles.
Oklahoma: Tavern Burger, The Tavern, Tulsa

A cheeseburger with a twist, the Tavern Burger features a plump beef patty topped with stilton cheese and mushroom cognac cream, in a challah bun. Challah is soft, fluffy bread that has been enriched with egg. Served at The Tavern, a fancy pub in Tulsa, it comes with skinny fries and gets glowing reviews.
Oregon: Bless Your Heart Burger, Bless Your Heart Burgers, Portland

The perfect Bless Your Heart Burger features chili, onion, coleslaw, yellow mustard, homemade pickles, hot sauce and American cheese, and is described as having “a high flavor per cubic inch ratio” by impressed customers. Get it from Bless Your Heart Burgers, a cool, casual joint in Portland.
Pennsylvania: Philly Burger, m2o, Philadelphia

For some of the best burgers in Philadelphia head to m2o, a neighborhood hangout with tons of great options. The Philly Burger, a spicy, saucy burger with Cheese Whiz (processed cheese sauce), fried onions, and sliced jalapeños, is a dream for lovers of the city's classic Philly cheesesteak. There are a few other locations across the region too.
Rhode Island: Crunch Burger, Harry’s Bar & Burger, Providence

To make a Crunch Burger, take a Harry’s Classic Cheese, which features a freshly-ground beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, pickles, and special sauce in a potato roll, and add fried onion straws. Customers love it, saying it’s the perfect size and not expensive. It can be found at one of the two Harry’s Bar & Burger locations in Providence.
South Carolina: Classic, Big Gun Burger Shop, Charleston

If you’re after a cheeseburger in Charleston, look no further than the Classic from Big Gun Burger Shop, a biker-style bar with music. A buttery, delicious sandwich, it features a patty, double American cheese, onion, pickles, and “big gun sauce” in a toasted bun, and comes with crisp fries. You should also check out the beer selection and root beer.
South Dakota: The Classic, Black Hills Burger & Bun Co., Custer

Everything about The Classic burger from small town burger joint Black Hills Burger & Bun Co. is perfect, according to customers. It features a 6oz (170g) beef patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, and housemade pickles, and you can choose between American, Cheddar or pepper jack cheese. If you fancy it, swap in a buffalo patty or double up. It comes served with baked beans, coleslaw or fries.
Tennessee: Cheese Burger, The Pharmacy Burger, Nashville

Three types of cheese – yellow Cheddar, Swiss and Muenster (a semi-soft cheese with a washed rind) – plus tomato and roasted garlic aioli make this one of the cheesiest, most flavorful cheeseburgers ever. It’s one of the customer favorites at popular Nashville joint The Pharmacy Burger, which has a beautiful beer garden and cool German beers.
Texas: BBQ Burger, Tookie’s Burgers, Kemah

A huge state needs a huge burger as its favorite – and the BBQ Burger at old-school joint Tookie’s fits the bill. It features a beef patty, barbecue sauce, pickle, Cheddar, and a giant onion ring. The patty is marinated in barbecue sauce and onions to give it extra flavor.
Utah: c.o. Burger, The Copper Onion, Salt Lake City

Many people say the c.o. burger at fancy Salt Lake City restaurant The Copper Onion is the best they’ve ever had. It features a beef patty, caramelized onion, Cheddar, duck fat aioli, and iceberg lettuce in a crunchy toasted bun, and comes with chunky chips or a rocket salad. It’s a little bit on the pricey side, but completely worth it according to satisfied customers.
Vermont: Worthy Burger, Worthy Burger, South Royalton

For an amazing cheeseburger, friendly atmosphere, and great service, head to Worthy Burger, a rustic joint with two locations in Vermont. The burger to order is its namesake, which features a 6oz (170g) beef patty, Cheddar, secret sauce, lettuce, and red onion.
Virginia: Beauvine, Beauvine Burger Concept, Richmond

Looking for a classic cheeseburger in Richmond? Look no further than Beauvine Burger Concept, loved for its Fruity Pebble milkshake, duck fat fries, and heated outdoor seating. The Beauvine burger features American cheese, pickles, red onion, tomato, lettuce, Beau sauce, and a brioche bun. But what’s really cool is you can choose between a beef, turkey, soy or plant protein patty.
Washington: The Big Boom, Boomer's Drive-In, Bellingham

What people love about The Big Boom, an 8oz (227g) patty with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles in a sesame seed bun, is its size, amazing “special sauce”, and charred flavor. The cheeseburger is served at Boomers Drive-In, a fun, old-fashioned drive-in in Bellingham, which is cheap, friendly and extra speedy.
West Virginia: Classic Cheeseburger, Blue White Grill, Martinsburg

Serving customers in Martinsburg since 1958, Blue White Grill has had quite a few years to perfect its Classic Cheeseburger recipe. A favorite on the menu here, it features a freshly ground beef patty, lettuce, tomato, and cheese, and is served in a brioche bun alongside fries, onion rings, tater tots or coleslaw. The diner vibe and old-school booths really make the experience.
Wisconsin: Juicy Lucy, 11:11 Burgers & Beignets, Fond Du Lac

An unconventional cheeseburger, the Juicy 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 local joint 11:11, 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.
Wyoming: The Liberty Burger, Liberty Burger, Jackson

A Texas burger restaurant that moved into Jackson too, Liberty Burger is well worth a visit for its flagship offering The Liberty Burger. It comes with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, but you can ask for cheese and bacon to be added. Customers say it’s worth upgrading your patty to a bison one, and you can expect a juicy burger with tons of flavor that isn't greasy.
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