America has a deep, delicious love affair with the hamburger. From greasy spoon diners to upscale steakhouses, the perfect burger can be found in every corner of the country.
Whether you like yours stacked high with toppings or kept simple with just meat and bun, the search for the ultimate patty is a serious mission. We tracked down the 26 best burgers in America so you know exactly where to go on your next food adventure.
Au Cheval – Chicago, Illinois
Long lines form outside this Chicago gem every single day, and one bite tells you exactly why. Au Cheval’s double cheeseburger is legendary — a perfectly smashed patty with melted American cheese, Dijonnaise, and optional crispy bacon that takes it over the top.
The soft brioche bun holds everything together without getting soggy. Food critics and regular diners alike keep naming it one of the best burgers in the entire country, year after year.
Louis’ Lunch – New Haven, Connecticut
Some say the hamburger was born right here. Louis’ Lunch has been serving burgers since 1895, making it one of the oldest burger joints in the entire United States.
The beef is broiled vertically in old cast-iron grills, served between two slices of white toast — no ketchup allowed. It sounds simple, but the flavor punches way above its weight.
History and deliciousness packed into one no-frills sandwich.
Hamburger America – New York, New York
Named after a documentary that celebrated burger culture across the U.S., Hamburger America in NYC lives up to its bold name. The menu is focused and intentional — no gimmicks, just really well-made burgers using quality beef.
The atmosphere feels like a love letter to classic American diner culture. Regulars swear by the simplicity of the preparation, which lets the beef flavor shine through without any distractions.
Truly a burger pilgrim’s destination.
Pie ‘n Burger – Pasadena, California
Open since 1963, Pie ‘n Burger is a Pasadena institution that refuses to change — and fans are grateful for that. The burger here is a throwback to a simpler era, dressed with Thousand Island dressing, fresh vegetables, and a well-seasoned patty.
Regulars have been coming for decades, sometimes bringing their own kids and grandkids along. The no-fuss approach and consistent quality make every visit feel like a warm, familiar hug from the past.
Holeman and Finch – Atlanta, Georgia
For years, Holeman and Finch only served its famous burger at 10 p.m. — just 24 of them each night. That midnight-snack mystique helped turn this Atlanta spot into a full-on burger legend before they finally expanded the offering.
The double patty is smashed thin, loaded with melted cheese, and served on a pillowy house-made bun. Every detail feels carefully considered, from the tangy pickles to the perfectly balanced special sauce.
Worth every minute of the wait.
Matt’s Bar and Grill – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Matt’s Bar claims to be the original home of the Jucy Lucy — a burger with the cheese stuffed inside the patty instead of on top. When you bite in, a rush of molten cheese floods your mouth in the best possible way.
Locals debate which bar invented it, but Matt’s has the most loyal following. The spelling “Jucy” (not “Juicy”) is intentional and trademarked.
Simple, messy, and deeply satisfying, this Minneapolis icon earns its legendary status every single day.
Emily – New York, New York
Emily started as a pizza place in Brooklyn, but the Emmy Burger quickly stole the spotlight. Made with dry-aged beef, American cheese, caramelized onions, and a secret special sauce, this burger has a richness that regular fast food simply cannot match.
The potato bun is soft and slightly sweet, creating a perfect contrast with the savory, umami-forward patty. Food lovers travel from all over the city just to grab one.
It is the kind of burger that quietly ruins all others for you.
Peter Luger Steak House – Brooklyn, New York
Peter Luger is world-famous for its dry-aged porterhouse steaks, but the lunch burger deserves just as much applause. Made from the same prime beef trimmings used for those legendary steaks, the burger is thick, juicy, and packed with beefy flavor.
Served at lunch only, it comes simply with sliced tomato and onion on a sesame bun. No frills, no fancy toppings — just incredible meat.
If you love beef, eating a burger here is practically a rite of passage.
Little Jack’s Tavern – Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston’s food scene is known for refined Southern cooking, but Little Jack’s Tavern proves the city can also do a killer casual burger. The smash burger here is thin, crispy-edged, and loaded with flavor from a combination of yellow mustard, pickles, and diced onions.
The potato bun is lightly toasted and holds up well to the juicy patty. Everything feels balanced and intentional without being overly complicated.
It is the kind of burger you find yourself craving again before you even finish the first one.
Father’s Office – Santa Monica, California
No substitutions. That is the rule at Father’s Office, and regulars respect it completely.
The Office Burger comes exactly as chef Sang Yoon designed it — dry-aged beef, Gruyere and Maytag blue cheese, applewood-smoked bacon compote, and peppery arugula on a toasted French roll.
The combination sounds unconventional, but every ingredient works in perfect harmony. The arugula adds a brightness that cuts through the rich cheese and beef.
One taste and you will understand why the no-substitution policy exists in the first place.
The Company Burger – New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a city that takes food seriously, and The Company Burger fits right into that culture. Using locally sourced beef and Martin’s potato rolls, the double smash burger here is crispy on the edges and wonderfully juicy in the center.
House-made pickles and a tangy special sauce round out the experience beautifully. The restaurant also supports local farms and suppliers, which means every bite gives back to the community.
Great taste with a great mission behind it.
JG Melon – New York, New York
JG Melon has been a fixture on Manhattan’s Upper East Side since 1972, and the burger has barely changed since then. That consistency is exactly what makes it special.
The thick, hand-formed patty is cooked simply and served on a sesame bun with basic toppings.
No trendy add-ons or chef-driven twists — just a great burger in a cozy pub setting. Prep and politicians have been eating here for decades.
Sometimes the classics stay classic for a very good reason.
Burger She Wrote – Los Angeles, California
Burger She Wrote brings a fresh, modern energy to the Los Angeles burger scene. The smash burgers here are bold and creative, featuring combinations that feel exciting without going overboard on gimmicks.
Crispy shallots, house-made sauces, and quality beef make each bite feel like a well-thought-out experience. The vibe inside is lively and welcoming, making it a great spot for a casual hangout or a food adventure with friends.
LA burger lovers consistently rank it among the city’s very best.
White Manna – Hackensack, New Jersey
White Manna has been flipping sliders since 1946, and the method has not changed one bit. Small, thin beef patties are cooked directly on top of a mountain of steamed onions, absorbing all that sweet, savory flavor as they sizzle away on the flat-top griddle.
You will almost certainly order more than one — most people leave with at least three or four. The retro diner atmosphere adds charm to every visit.
Old-school New Jersey burger culture at its absolute finest.
Le Tub – Hollywood, Florida
Le Tub is one of the most unusual restaurants you will ever visit — a waterfront shack decorated with old bathtubs, toilets, and mismatched furniture. But the burger here earned a spot in Oprah’s magazine and once won a Zagat award for best burger in America.
The sirloin patty is hand-formed, enormous, and cooked to order. It takes a while to arrive, but patience pays off big here.
Weird atmosphere, world-class burger — that is the Le Tub promise.
Mott St – Chicago, Illinois
Mott St takes everything you think you know about a burger and gives it a bold, Asian-inspired twist. The patty gets a gochujang glaze, which adds a spicy-sweet kick that plays beautifully against the richness of the melted cheese.
Served on a soft, pillowy bun with crispy fried onions and a house sauce, every element feels intentional and exciting. Chicago has no shortage of great burgers, but Mott St stands out by daring to be genuinely different.
A truly memorable bite.
The Loyalist – Chicago, Illinois
Tucked below the acclaimed Smyth restaurant, The Loyalist feels like a secret that Chicago insiders guard closely. The burger here is a masterclass in restraint — a smash patty with crispy, lacy edges, American cheese, caramelized onions, and a tangy house sauce.
Everything is calibrated perfectly, from the ratio of meat to bun to the balance of salt and acid. The underground bar setting adds an intimate, almost speakeasy vibe.
Eating this burger feels like being let in on something truly special.
The Cherry Cricket – Denver, Colorado
Denver locals have a fierce loyalty to The Cherry Cricket, and it is easy to understand why. This beloved bar has been building burgers since 1945, offering a long list of toppings that lets every diner create their perfect combination.
Green chile is the local favorite add-on, giving the burger a Southwestern kick that feels perfectly Colorado. The thick patty is always juicy, and the portions are generous without being ridiculous.
A true neighborhood gem that has earned its legendary status over nearly eight decades.
Crown Burgers – Salt Lake City, Utah
Crown Burgers invented something truly unique — a burger topped with a thick slab of pastrami. It sounds unconventional, but one bite turns every skeptic into a believer.
The combination of seasoned beef and smoky, tender pastrami is an absolute flavor bomb.
Add Thousand Island dressing, crisp lettuce, and fresh tomato, and you have something that Salt Lake City residents consider a local treasure. It is the kind of regional specialty that makes food travel completely worth it.
Utah’s most iconic burger, no contest.
Hodad’s Downtown – San Diego, California
Walking into Hodad’s feels like stepping into a surf shack from another era — license plates on the walls, loud music, and the smell of sizzling beef filling the air. The burgers are enormous, stacked high with fresh toppings and quality ingredients.
The bacon double cheeseburger is the crowd favorite, offering a mountain of flavor in every messy, glorious bite. San Diego has plenty of great food options, but Hodad’s holds a special place in the city’s heart.
Casual, loud, and absolutely delicious.
Casino El Camino – Austin, Texas
Casino El Camino sits on Austin’s legendary Sixth Street and operates like it has nothing to prove — because it doesn’t. The burgers here are big, bold, and loaded with personality, just like the bar itself.
The Buffalo burger with jalapenos and cheddar has a devoted following, and the sauteed mushroom option is equally impressive. Everything is cooked to order, which means the wait can be long but the reward is always worth it.
Rock and roll attitude, genuinely great burger.
4 Charles Prime Rib – New York, New York
Getting a reservation at 4 Charles Prime Rib is notoriously difficult, and the burger is a big reason why. Made from prime beef and served on a perfectly toasted brioche bun, it carries the same level of care and quality as the restaurant’s famous prime rib.
Aged cheddar, butter lettuce, and a rich house sauce complete the package. The intimate dining room adds to the sense of occasion.
Eating this burger feels like a special event, not just a meal — and rightfully so.
NFA Burger – Dunwoody – Dunwoody, Georgia
NFA Burger in Dunwoody has quietly built one of the most devoted fan bases in the Atlanta suburbs. The smash-style burgers are thin, crispy-edged, and packed with that deep, caramelized beef flavor that only comes from proper technique on a hot griddle.
House sauce, shredded lettuce, and pickles keep things classic without being boring. The menu is focused, which means every item gets the attention it deserves.
If you are anywhere near Dunwoody and you skip this place, you are making a serious mistake.
Smiley’s Burger Club – Decatur, Georgia
Smiley’s Burger Club in Decatur brings a joyful, community-driven energy to every visit. The smash burgers here are crafted with real care, featuring creative topping combinations that feel fresh and exciting without trying too hard.
The buns are always perfectly toasted, and the beef has a satisfying crust from the hot griddle. Decatur has a vibrant food culture, and Smiley’s fits right into it.
Whether you are a first-timer or a regular, you leave with a smile — hence the name.
Motz’s Burgers – Detroit, Michigan
Motz’s Burgers has been feeding Detroit since 1929, making it one of the oldest burger operations in the Midwest. The burgers are small, simple, and cooked on a flat-top griddle with a heavy dose of grilled onions that fill the whole block with an irresistible aroma.
Cash only, no seating, carry-out style — the no-frills setup is part of the charm. Detroit residents treat Motz’s like a neighborhood institution passed down through generations.
Ninety-plus years of consistency is the most convincing review you will ever read.
H&F Burger – Atlanta, Georgia
H&F Burger grew out of the legendary Holeman and Finch tradition, bringing that same obsessive attention to burger craft to a more casual, accessible format. The double smash patty is crispy-edged and juicy, layered with American cheese and tangy house pickles.
Martin’s potato rolls hold everything together with a soft, slightly sweet bite. Atlanta has become a serious burger city in recent years, and H&F Burger is a huge reason why.
Straightforward, delicious, and deeply satisfying every single time you visit.