Cheeseburgers are everywhere, but culinary pros know the difference between a forgettable patty and something worth traveling for. The pros have spoken, and the results are cheesy and downright mouthwatering. Here are the top 10 cheeseburgers, according to people who know flavor best.
10. In-N-Out Double-Double Animal Style
In-N-Out’s legendary Double-Double, ordered “Animal Style,” consistently tops chefs’ lists. Why not? This item features two 100% American beef patties (mustard-fried for a tangy crust). They’re layered with lettuce, tomato, pickle chips, and grilled onions, plus a “special sauce” on a soft, toasted bun. The chain’s commitment to never-frozen beef ensures a a high level of quality.
9. Shake Shack ShackBurger
Shake Shack’s ShackBurger is also praised for its high-quality ingredients. Executive Chef Jean Drew Rivas of Miami’s Le Chick loves the chain for its consistency and flavor-packed affordability. The ShackBurger features a 100% all-natural Angus beef patty, topped with American cheese, lettuce, ripe tomato, and the tangy ShackSauce, all served on a potato bun.
8. Five Guys
When it comes to a no-frills burger, Five Guys is a top contender. For many chefs, including Sol Han of NYC’s LittleMad, the beauty of Five Guys lies in its simplicity and customization. They use fresh, never-frozen 80/20 ground chuck, hand-formed into patties. The best part? Toppings! You can build your own burger by adding anything from grilled onions and mushrooms to jalapeños and A.1. sauce.
7. SilverLake Bistro (Miami, FL)
Now, here’s a burger that balances gourmet and casual. Miami chef Brad Kilgore of MaryGold’s recommends SilverLake Bistro and describes their Silverlake burger as the “quintessential American burger.” It features double patties of grass-fed Creekstone Farms beef, topped with cheddar, porcini mayo, and house-made steak sauce.
6. Laha’s Red Castle (Hodgenville, KY)
This legendary spot, established in 1934, has been serving up what chef Newman Miller of Mr. Tubs calls “the best cheeseburgers in the world.” The secret? Their well-aged griddle, which imparts a unique flavor to the local beef patties. For the adventurous, there’s the “Nasty Burger,” featuring caramelized onion and cheese scrapings from the griddle that should remind you of French onion soup.
5. Bludorn (Houston, TX)
In Houston, chef Manabu “Hori” Horiuchi of Katami loves getting his burger fix at Bludorn. Their dry-aged burger is simple but bursting with a deep, complex flavor. The burger is topped with aged cheddar, short rib, a tangy Dijonnaise, and sweet caramelized onions. This isn’t your average backyard burger. It’s an experience of American flavors with a gourmet twist.
4. Red Hook Tavern (Brooklyn, NY)
In the competitive New York City burger scene, Red Hook Tavern stands out with its burger that’s all about the quality of its simple ingredients. A tender, juicy beef patty is blanketed in American cheese and topped with a slice of slightly sweaty onion, all served on a sesame seed bun. It’s a burger proving that sometimes, less is more.
3. Cowy Burger (Miami, FL)
In the Wynwood neighborhood of Miami, Cowy Burger is making a name for itself with its thin and crispy smashburgers. Fans rave about their Cowy burger, which features a thin patty topped with gooey cheese and a house-made bacon jam. The combination of the ultra-crispy patty and the sweet-savory bacon jam creates a unique burger experience.
2. The Loyalist (Chicago, IL)
The Loyalist is a casual French restaurant that serves a “life-changing burger.” The secret to its success is the patty, which is a flavorful blend of chuck, short rib, and bacon. That’s right, it’s not your ordinary patty and it stands out for having an incredible richness. It’s also topped with cheese and sweet, caramelized onions for added flavor and texture.
1. Solly’s Grille (Milwaukee, WI)
Topping our list is a James Beard Award winner: the butter burger from Solly’s Grille in Milwaukee, Wisconsin! The concept is simple: a juicy, seasoned beef patty topped with real Wisconsin butter, which melts into the bun and creates a rich, savory experience. It’s a burger that’s all about the beef flavor and buttery richness. Of course, you can get it with cheese (and onions).