The best burger and fries in every state
An American classic

There can’t be any meal quite so satisfying as a juicy burger and fresh, crispy fries. With such an array of choices across the USA, though, it can be tricky to choose where to go when cravings strike. We’ve chosen the top burger and fries joint in every state based on customer reviews and accolades. It's worth checking state travel advisories as well as individual restaurant websites for information on opening times and any other restrictions.
Alabama: The Hound, Auburn

Head to The Hound in Auburn, Alabama, for a whole range of tasty burgers. It's famous for its house-cured bacon and extensive bourbon selection, and the vibe is warm and friendly. The menu is intriguing, including bison patties, and each burger is served with house-cut fries. There are also regularly appearing specials including a melt-in-the-mouth duck confit burger.
Alaska: Tommy’s Burger Stop, Anchorage

Colourful diner 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 of which attract rave reviews. The R.L.E Hello Burger is particularly decadent, with two 5.5-oz (156g) patties loaded with bacon, grilled mushrooms, onions, jalapeño peppers and American cheese.
Arizona: Hopdoddy Burger Bar, Scottsdale and Phoenix

With joints in Scottsdale and Phoenix, Hopdoddy Burger Bar is not to be missed. The small chain (which has locations in several other states) serves made-from-scratch patties, using fresh natural ingredients. Meat is ground in-house and served on buns made in the on-site bakery, and there are several options for vegetarians too. But it's the El Diablo, with habanero chillies, salsa and chipotle aioli, and the Magic Shroom, a beef patty topped with mushrooms, goats' cheese and pesto, that have people coming back for more.
Arkansas: CJ’s Butcher Boy Burgers, Russellville and Fayetteville

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 (customers note they're 'seasoned to perfection'), freshly-cut fries, drinks and shakes. The extra toppings are worth it too: grilled onions, mushrooms, jalapeños and bacon are a few of the options.
California: HiHo Cheeseburger, Santa Monica and Los Angeles

HiHo Cheeseburger is a casual burger and fries joint whose patties are made with premium grass-fed Wagyu beef. Customers can choose between a double or triple-stacked burger with the option of having it grilled in mustard and served with ketchup, American cheese, onion jam, lettuce and house-made pickles. The burgers are highly praised for being tender, juicy and flavourful, and you shouldn't forget a side of fries – they're super crisp and fluffy on the inside.
Colorado: Big Al's Burgers & Dogs, Fort Collins

At Big Al's, the 60/40 Burger is a must-order. The patty is made with 60% beef and 40% bacon for a meaty, salty, juicy hit in every bite. It's topped with American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions and sauce. Another porky burger that gets the thumbs up from customers is the Bacon Guacamole Burger that comes with chopped bacon. The truffle fries are worth paying a little extra for too.
Connecticut: Louis’ Lunch, New Haven

Recognised by the Library of Congress as the birthplace of the hamburger, Louis’ Lunch is perhaps the most historic place in the States for a burger and fries. Opened in 1895, it’s also one of the oldest family-run businesses in the USA. Burgers are freshly-ground and hand-rolled each day, and served on toasted white bread. Garnishes are simple but tasty, with cheese, onion and tomato on the menu. It might be a no-frills joint but it gets the thumbs up from customers thanks to its big, juicy and perfectly cooked burgers.
Delaware: Charcoal Pit, Wilmington and Prices Corner

Since first opening its doors in 1956, Wilmington’s Charcoal Pit has been a favourite burger and fries joint and is reportedly loved by president Joe Biden. Barack Obama even ate there during his term on Biden’s recommendation. Others agree, particularly recommending the cheeseburger and the chocolate milkshakes.
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Florida: Grease Burger Bar, West Palm Beach

Grease Burger Bar is unbelievably good – and the burgers are unbelievably huge. There's a huge selection on the menu, from patties topped with pretzels to the Apple-Jack Jack Daniel’s BBQ Burger. It's not all about the meat though as the Kipper's Housemade Veggie Burger, a black bean patty with green onions and coriander-lime mayo, is a favourite – as are the Truffled Parmesan Fries.
Georgia: Green Truck Pub, Savannah

Customers first choose their meat – grass-fed beef, grilled chicken breast or a veggie patty – then decide on toppings at Green Truck Pub. We like the sound of the Rustico with goats' cheese, caramelised onions and roasted red peppers or El Jefe with Cheddar, black bean and corn salsa, avocado and jalapeños. People love the fact that so many items are made from scratch – including the tomato ketchup – and the fries are delicious and hand-cut too.
Hawaii: Cool Cat Cafe, Lahaina, Maui

Retro-style diner Cool Cat Cafe has an extensive menu of burgers from vegetarian options to meaty extravaganzas featuring bacon, cheese, onion rings, chilli con carne and more. The Luna burger – with bacon, melted Jack cheese, avocado, mayo, pickles and thousand island dressing – is a popular order.
Idaho: Big Jud's, Boise

The clue's in the name here at Big Jud's – go big or go home (or perhaps save some for later). The joint usually serves huge cheeseburgers that are larger than your head but don't worry about tackling it on your own, they're supposed to feed two to four people. Despite the size, Big Jud's doesn't scrimp on quality. There are regular-size burgers on the menu too – the Jalapeño Burger, with jalapeños, sour cream, onion, tomato, lettuce and pepper jack cheese, brings some heat to a classic.
Illinois: Kuma’s Corner, Chicago, Schaumburg and Vernon Hills

Kuma’s Corner is a gourmet burger bar with several locations in Illinois, Colorado and Indianapolis. Among its USPs is the fact that menu items are named after heavy metal bands. Slayer – a 10-oz (283g) burger on a bed of fries with chilli, caramelised onions, andouille sausage, cherry peppers, Monterey Jack and spring onions – is among customer favourites, although all burgers are juicy and flavoursome.
Indiana: Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream, Carmel, Zionsville, and Bloomington

For a seriously good burger and fries in Indiana, Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream is the place to go. The small chain, with three Indiana locations, 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.
Iowa: Zombie Burger, Des Moines

Head to Zombie Burger for tasty burgers in a Gothic-chic setting. The names of the burgers follow the theme with the Dawn of the Dead (bacon, egg, American cheese, red onion and mayo) and the 28 Days Later (blue cheese, caramelised onion, red onion and mayo) on offer. The taste is anything but scary as people rate the use of quality ingredients. Fries come with a choice of toppings too and we highly recommend those loaded with garlic, bacon and blue cheese.
Kansas: The Anchor, Wichita

Locally-owned bar and grill The Anchor is loved for its relaxed vibe and gourmet burgers. As well as having a range of craft beers on offer, it also serves excellent burgers made from meat that's ground in-house each day. 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).
Kentucky: Proof on Main, Louisville

Proof on Main's signature bison burger is something of a local legend and, while the rest of the menu at this hip 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. There are occasionally other burger specials too.
Louisiana: The Company Burger, New Orleans

It's hard to go wrong with any of the burgers on offer at New Orleans' upmarket The Company Burger. Favourites include the signature Company Burger with two thin patties, pickles, red onion and American cheese, while the vegetarian Falafel Burger with lemon mayo is delicious too. It's the Lamb Burger that really stands out, though, with a patty glazed with chilli and mint, and topped with feta, mayo and red onion. Don't forget a side of Company Fries too.
Maine: Palace Diner, Biddeford

Located in a trolley car which is one of two surviving Pollard cars in the country, Palace Diner in Biddeford is famous for its unusual setting but the food served here lives up to any hype. The cheeseburger, with Cheddar, iceberg lettuce, pickles, mayo and mustard, is particularly good and a go-to for many loyal customers.
Maryland: Abbey Burger Bistro, Baltimore and Ocean City

Abbey Burger Bistro has four locations in Maryland – three in Baltimore and one in Ocean City – so there’s almost no excuse not to try it. People love the wide variety of burgers on offer as well as the unusual flavours. There's a Spicy Korean Duck Burger, Southwest Bison Burger and Blackened Shrimp Burger to name but a few. The build-your-own option is popular too.
Massachusetts: KKatie’s Burger Bar, Plymouth, Marshfield and Hyannis

Michigan: California Burgerz, Hamtramck

California Burgerz serves a moreish range of burgers and fries. The classic thing to order is the signature combination of an Angus beef patty with pickles, lettuce, tomato, onions, American cheese and CB Sauce, served on a brioche bun. The fries aren't shy either, especially the Gorilla Fries that come topped with half a pound of beef and bacon. Customers love the fact everything is made to order.
Minnesota: King’s Place Bar and Grill, Miesville

It may be located in the tiny town of Miesville but the menu at King’s Place Bar and Grill is typically huge (there are usually more than 100 options) and people rave about the food. Everything is good, from the Chessman topped with mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese to Full Count, a delicious mash-up of toppings including peanut butter, barbecue sauce, pepper jack cheese and crispy onions.
Mississippi: Latham's Hamburger Inn, New Albany

The speciality at Latham's Hamburger Inn is the Slugburger – although there are no slippery invertebrates involved. It's actually a burger made with beef, spices and dough which is deep-fried, and it has won many fans at this restaurant over the years. The Loaded Fries with cheese, bacon and ranch dressing are also worth ordering.
Missouri: 5 Star Burgers, St. Louis

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 russet potatoes, are cooked to crisp perfection too. However it's the Dad's Green Chile Cheeseburger that really stands out. The patty is topped with pepper jack cheese, green chile mayo and crispy New Mexico hatch chillies.
Montana: The Burger Dive, Billings

It's hard to decide which burger to choose at The Burger Dive in Billings but there's one that several customers say is the best they've ever had – the I'm Your Huckleberry. The Angus beef patty is smothered with the chef's chilli barbecue sauce, bacon, goats' cheese, roasted red pepper mayo and rocket. The Garlic Fries are also a must.
Nebraska: Honest Abe's, Lincoln

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 most tastes. The Fireside, which comes with jalapeño, 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.
Nevada: Slater’s 50/50, Las Vegas

A burger isn’t the only menu item at Slater’s 50/50 but it is one of the best things served at this Vegas restaurant – and, for many who’ve wrapped their chops around one, among the best in the US. The much-talked-about 24K Burger (pictured) comes – in suitably glitzy style – with a gold-dusted brioche bun and 'Billionaire's Bacon' (bacon sprinkled with 24-karat gold). A Wagyu beef patty, truffle cheese and jalapeño-bacon jam top off the luxury. The garlic fries are wonderful too.
New Hampshire: Black Mtn. Burger Co., Lincoln

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 caramelised onions, is a big hit with customers. The fries are far from an afterthought – both the chilli-cheese and the Cajun offerings are delicious.
New Jersey: Stuffed Grass Fed Burgers, Montclair

Stuffed Grass Fed Burgers prides itself on (you guessed it) using meat sourced only from grass-fed animals. There's a great selection of burgers and loaded fries on offer but there are two clear winners according to customers: the Bacon Jam Burger and the Bacon Jam Fries. The former is a beef patty stuffed with cheese and smothered with bacon jam and roasted garlic aioli. The fries come topped with cheese, bacon jam, chipotle and garlic aioli.
New Mexico: Buckhorn Tavern, San Antonio

If there's one style of burger people should order when in New Mexico, it's a green chile cheeseburger. Buckhorn Tavern serves one of the best: The Mule. Customers describe it as big, juicy and cheesy with a generous amount of green chile and loads of flavour. Those craving more heat can add chile and cheese to a portion of hand-cut French fries too.
New York: Corner Bistro, New York City

A mainstay of the classic New York burger with fries, Corner Bistro has been serving perfectly flipped patties and crispy fries at the same West Village location for the best part of a century. The famously short menu includes a handful of burgers, a chicken sandwich, a grilled cheese, a BLT and a bowl of chilli. The Bistro Burger, served with American cheese, crispy bacon and pickles, is a customer favourite.
North Carolina: Al's Burger Shack, Chapel Hill

With two locations in Chapel Hill, award-winning Al's Burger Shack is the place to go for a patty and bun in North Carolina. The Classic burger comes with lettuce, tomato, sliced red onion, pickle, house sauce and American cheese, and it's a winner every time. The patties are juicy, cooked to perfection and have a great depth of seasoning and flavour. Opt for crispy crinkle cut or sweet potato fries.
North Dakota: Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews, Bismarck and Fargo

Customers love the absolutely mammoth burger menu at Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews, which has a few locations in North Dakota and a handful outside the state. It draws customers back time and again. Particularly indulgent options include the Glazed Doughnut Burger (in a doughnut 'bun'), the Jalapeño Peanut Butter Burger and the Macaroni and Cheese Burger.
Ohio: The Thurman Cafe, Columbus

The gigantic burgers at The Thurman Cafe come as 12-oz (340g) patties that 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 fries are given the thumbs up too.
Oklahoma: Tucker’s Onion Burgers, Oklahoma City and Norman

The story of Tucker’s Onion Burgers, with four 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. This mini-chain is the place to try it. Customers can't get enough and say the onions and jalapeños are caramelised to perfection, patties are juicy and fresh, and the portions are generous.
Oregon: Hwy 101 Burger, Lincoln City

For simple, tasty, gigantic burgers, it's hard to beat Hwy 101 Burger on the Oregon Coast. Customers love it for its fresh, old-school burgers at reasonable prices, and people go out of their way for a made-to-order patty and bun. Choose from the 101 Burger (one patty) up to the 404 Burger (four patties), and pair with hand-cut fries. The friendly service is the cherry on the top.
Pennsylvania: Burgatory, various locations

With locations in and around Pittsburgh, Burgatory is well-loved for its custom burgers. Customers pick a patty (with options including beef, chicken, bison, wild crab and Vegan Veggie) and a bun (brioche, pretzel 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.
Rhode Island: Chomp Kitchen & Drinks, Providence and Warren

Serving classic burgers with a gourmet twist, Chomp Kitchen & 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, which is the most classic with smoked Gouda, cured bacon, lettuce, tomato and pickles, is unbeatable but for something a bit more adventurous, customers really rate the Mac and Cheese Burger.
South Carolina: Sno-Cap Drive In, North Augusta

Diners can take a trip back in time at Sno-Cap Drive In in North Augusta. It's been open for more than 50 years and eating here feels like being transported to the 1960s thanks to the original neon sign, red booths and black-and-white tiled floor. When it comes to the burgers, all the components – the meat, bread and toppings – are spot on, and the sides and Sno-Cap float are well worth indulging in too.
South Dakota: Black Hills Burger & Bun Co., Custer

For a friendly atmosphere and incredible burgers in South Dakota, it has to be Black Hills Burger & Bun Co in Custer. The patties here are homemade from beef ground in-house, with quality ingredients and home-baked buns. People love the amusingly-named Hot Granny Burger served with bacon, cream cheese, fresh jalapeños and sweet-spicy jalapeño sauce. It's also worth upgrading the patty in any burger to buffalo meat.
Tennessee: Emmy Squared, Nashville

Emmy Squared might be known for its pizzas but the burgers are exceptional too. The go-to order among customers is Le Big Matt with two beef patties served in a pretzel bun with American cheese, greens, pickles and Sammy Sauce. It's one of the pricier burgers on this list but it keeps people coming back. All burgers come with waffle fries which can be upgraded with kewpie mayo, okonomi barbecue sauce and bonito flakes.
Texas: Rodeo Goat, various locations

There are six Rodeo Goat locations across the state and each one should wholly satisfy those burger cravings. Customers can order any burger with the patty of their choice, with options including ground beef, chicken, salmon and black bean. One of the most highly recommended burgers is the Nanny Goat, loaded with herby goats' cheese and garlic-herb mayo. Or, for those with a sweet tooth, people also rate the Sugar Burger with grilled peaches, candied bacon, caramelised onions and jalapeño jam.
Utah: Proper Burger Co., Salt Lake City

Attached to a brewery in Salt Lake City, Proper Burger Co. lets guests choose both their patty and what it's loaded up with. The Proper Style comes with caramelised onions, American cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomato and Proper sauce or try customer favourites Flyin' Hawaiian and Rising Sun. The former comes with pineapple, ham, Swiss cheese, jalapeño and aioli, and the latter comes with kimchi, miso aioli, fried egg, sriracha and cucumber pickles. The spot also serves Rarebit Fries, a genius creation topped with beer-cheese rarebit sauce, bacon, red onion and tomato.
Vermont: Worthy Burger, South Royalton and Waitsfield

The friendly service, the cool atmosphere and, of course, the delicious burgers at Worthy Burger get people talking – and coming back for more. 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. In addition to the two burger joints, there's a farm-to-table restaurant, Worthy Kitchen, in Woodstock. And yes, the menu does include burgers and fries.
Virginia: Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint, various locations

There's usually a special of the day on the menu at Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint but one favourite keeps customers coming back: the brilliantly indulgent Greg Brady burger, with a Wagyu beef patty topped with/buried under mac 'n' cheese, American Cheddar and barbecue-flavoured potato chips. Everyone raves about the fried Oreo too, so saving room for something sweet is highly recommended.
Washington: Li’l Woody’s, Seattle

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 delicious, crave-able toppings. The Big Woody is great but bacon-lovers should try the Pendleton, also topped with onion rings, Cheddar and barbecue sauce. The Queso Fries are a treat too.
West Virginia: Oscar’s Breakfast, Burgers & Brews, Barboursville

The fries at Oscar’s are freshly-cut and fried – and it shows. They’re just delicious, from the sweet potato option that comes with a moreish dipping sauce to the Primate Fries, served loaded with thousand island dressing, grilled onions and Cheddar. People also love the creative menu of burgers 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.
Wisconsin: Oscar's Pub & Grill, Milwaukee

A charming little pub in Milwaukee, Oscar's Pub & Grill has a good selection of juicy burgers and tasty house-made fries. Customers rate The Big Gringo with Wisconsin white Cheddar, American cheese and hickory-smoked bacon. The Parmesan-topped French fries are always a good idea too.
Wyoming: Liberty Burger, Jackson

For American-grown ingredients and a friendly vibe, Liberty Burger is the place to go. There's a great range of burgers such as the tasty Chillerno with queso blanco and flame-roasted poblano peppers. One thing customers agree on is that it's worth upgrading to a juicy bison patty. Fries are served hot and fresh out the fryer too. Liberty Burger also has several locations in Texas.
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