America runs on cheeseburgers, and every state has a spot that does it better than anywhere else. From greasy spoon diners to trendy gastropubs, the perfect cheeseburger is out there waiting to be found.
Whether you love a classic smash patty or a towering gourmet stack, this list covers the absolute best the country has to offer. Pack your appetite and get ready for a seriously delicious road trip across all 50 states.
Chez Fonfon – Birmingham, Alabama
There is something almost magical about the cheeseburger at Chez Fonfon in Birmingham. Chef Frank Stitt keeps it beautifully simple, letting quality ingredients do all the talking.
The patty is hand-formed, cooked to a perfect pink, and nestled on a pillowy bun.
Regulars swear by the house sauce, which ties everything together in the best possible way. This is a burger that respects tradition while still feeling special every single time.
Tommy’s Burger Stop-Spenard – Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage locals know that Tommy’s Burger Stop in Spenard is the real deal. The burgers here are big, bold, and unapologetically messy in the most satisfying way.
Fresh-ground beef hits a flat-top griddle and comes out with a gorgeous crust every time.
The toppings list is long and creative, letting you build something truly personal. Cold Alaska nights make a hot, cheesy burger from Tommy’s feel like the greatest comfort food on earth.
The Chuckbox – Tempe, Arizona
The Chuckbox in Tempe has been grilling burgers over real mesquite charcoal since 1973, and the smoky aroma hits you before you even walk through the door. There are no frills here, just honest food cooked with care.
The patty gets a beautiful char that you simply cannot fake.
Arizona State students have been fueling up here for decades, and the tradition shows no signs of slowing down. Order at the counter and enjoy every smoky, cheesy bite.
CJ’s Butcher Boy Burgers – Russellville, Arkansas
CJ’s Butcher Boy Burgers in Russellville punches way above its weight for a small Arkansas town. The butcher-fresh beef is ground in-house daily, giving every patty an unbeatable freshness and flavor.
Smash-style cooking creates those irresistible crispy, lacy edges that burger fans dream about.
The cheese melts perfectly into every crevice of the patty, making each bite rich and satisfying. It is the kind of local gem that makes you feel like you discovered a secret.
Father’s Office – Los Angeles, California
Father’s Office in Los Angeles changed the way people thought about bar burgers when it debuted the Office Burger. Dry-aged beef, Gruyere, Maytag blue cheese, caramelized onions, and arugula come together on a toasted bun in a combination that feels almost architectural.
Chef Sang Yoon refuses to let customers add ketchup, and honestly, you will not miss it.
The flavors are so perfectly balanced that every modification would only make it worse. This is a burger that demands respect.
The Cherry Cricket – Denver, Colorado
The Cherry Cricket has been a Denver institution since 1945, and the cheeseburger has earned every bit of its legendary status. The patty is thick, juicy, and cooked to order on a well-seasoned flat-top that adds incredible flavor.
Pair it with a cold Colorado craft beer and you have an unbeatable combination.
The build-your-own topping system means no two burgers are exactly alike. Whether you are a Denver native or just passing through, this is a must-stop destination.
Louis’ Lunch – New Haven, Connecticut
Louis’ Lunch in New Haven is widely credited as the birthplace of the American hamburger, with roots going back to 1900. The burgers here are cooked in antique vertical cast-iron broilers that date back generations, giving the patty a uniquely even, juicy cook.
It comes on white toast, not a bun, which is part of the charm.
Ketchup is strictly forbidden, so do not even ask. Cheese, tomato, and onion are your only options, and they are plenty.
Farmer & The Cow – Wilmington, Delaware
Farmer and The Cow in Wilmington takes the farm-to-table philosophy seriously, sourcing beef from local Delaware farms that raise their cattle with care. The result is a burger that tastes noticeably cleaner and richer than your average fast-food patty.
Every element, from the house-made pickles to the fresh-baked bun, reflects real effort.
Delaware may be the smallest state, but this burger proves it can compete with the biggest food cities in the country. Quality ingredients always win.
KUSH Wynwood – Miami, Florida
KUSH Wynwood sits right in the heart of Miami’s famous arts district, and the burger is as vibrant as the murals outside. Chef Richard Hales builds his patties with a custom blend of Florida-raised beef that delivers serious flavor with every bite.
The toppings are creative without being over-the-top, striking a perfect balance.
The atmosphere is loud, fun, and full of energy that matches the neighborhood. Grab a craft beer and settle in, because this burger deserves your full attention.
Holeman and Finch – Atlanta, Georgia
For years, Holeman and Finch in Atlanta only served their legendary double cheeseburger at 10 p.m. each night, making it one of the most sought-after burgers in the South. The midnight burger tradition created a cult following that packed the bar every evening.
Now available more regularly, it still feels like a special occasion every time.
Two smashed patties, American cheese, and house-made pickles on a pillowy bun make this a masterpiece of simplicity. Georgia has never tasted so good.
Kua Aina Sandwich Shop – Haleiwa, Hawaii
Kua Aina in Haleiwa started as a tiny roadside shack on Oahu’s legendary North Shore, and the burger earned a worldwide reputation long before the tourists came looking. The avocado and pineapple topping options give it a distinctly Hawaiian personality that sets it apart from anything on the mainland.
Fresh ingredients sourced locally make a real difference in every bite.
Surfers and celebrities have been stopping here for decades. Eat outside, feel the trade winds, and enjoy one of Hawaii’s finest meals.
Big Jud’s – Boise, Idaho
Big Jud’s in Boise is famous for one thing above everything else: the size of their burgers. The one-pound patty is a local rite of passage, and finishing it earns serious bragging rights among Boise residents.
But even a regular-sized burger here is packed with flavor that goes well beyond novelty.
Idaho beef is some of the best in the country, and Big Jud’s knows exactly how to cook it. Bring your appetite, bring a friend, and come hungry.
Au Cheval – Chicago, Illinois
Au Cheval in Chicago consistently ranks among the top burgers in the entire world, and one bite explains exactly why. The double smash patty is draped in melted American cheese, topped with a fried egg, and finished with Dijonnaise and thick-cut bacon.
It is unapologetically indulgent in the most wonderful way.
Lines stretch out the door most nights, but regulars say the wait is always worth it. Chicago has deep-dish pizza, but this burger might actually be the city’s greatest contribution to food culture.
The Workingman’s Friend – Indianapolis, Indiana
The Workingman’s Friend in Indianapolis has been serving the same classic double cheeseburger since 1918, and changing a single thing about it would feel like a crime. Thin patties, yellow mustard, onions, and American cheese on a soft white bun, that is the whole recipe and it is perfect.
There is a reason this place has outlasted trends and fancy restaurants for over a century.
The bar atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, exactly what a great burger joint should feel like. Indiana’s finest, no debate needed.
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab – Des Moines, Iowa
Zombie Burger in Des Moines turns the cheeseburger into a full-on pop culture experience, with burgers named after horror movies and loaded with wild, imaginative toppings. But beneath all the fun and theatrics, the beef quality and cooking technique are genuinely excellent.
This is not just a gimmick restaurant, it is a legitimately great burger spot.
The “Undead Elvis” and other signature creations have developed passionate local followings. Iowa deserves more food attention, and Zombie Burger is exactly the reason why.
The Cozy Inn – Salina, Kansas
The Cozy Inn in Salina has been serving its legendary onion-steamed sliders since 1922, and the smell of sweet, caramelized onions cooking on the griddle is pure nostalgia. Six tiny burgers at a time is the tradition, and regulars rarely order fewer than that.
The whole place seats maybe a dozen people, which only adds to the charm.
Kansas has a proud cattle heritage, and The Cozy Inn honors it in the most humble, delicious way possible. Some things should never change.
Dovie’s – Tompkinsville, Kentucky
Tucked away in the small town of Tompkinsville, Dovie’s is the kind of place you only find if someone who loves you tells you about it. The burgers are made with fresh, locally sourced beef and cooked to order with genuine care.
Nothing about this place is trying to impress anyone, and that honesty is exactly what makes it so impressive.
Kentucky is horse country and bourbon country, but Dovie’s reminds you it is also great burger country. Do not sleep on the small towns.
Port of Call – New Orleans, Louisiana
Port of Call in New Orleans is the kind of legendary burger bar that every city wishes it had. The half-pound patty comes with a monster baked potato on the side, and the whole meal feels like a New Orleans celebration in food form.
The dark, nautical bar atmosphere adds a mysterious, old-school charm that perfectly suits the city.
Locals and tourists alike pack this place nightly, drawn by a reputation that has lasted decades. In a city famous for food, Port of Call holds its own with pride.
Harmon’s Lunch – Falmouth, Maine
Harmon’s Lunch in Falmouth is a tiny roadside counter that has been quietly making some of the best burgers in New England for generations. The griddle-cooked patties are thin, crispy-edged, and packed with old-fashioned beefy flavor that reminds you why simple food done well always wins.
The menu is short, the seating is limited, and the quality is consistently excellent.
Maine is known for lobster, but Harmon’s proves the state can do beef just as well. Sometimes the most unassuming spots deliver the biggest rewards.
Abbey Burger Fells Point – Baltimore, Maryland
Abbey Burger in Baltimore’s historic Fells Point neighborhood takes customization to a whole new level, offering patties made from everything from bison to elk alongside traditional beef. The sheer number of topping combinations means you could eat here every week for a year and never repeat yourself.
The bar atmosphere is lively and welcoming, with craft beers that pair perfectly with every creation.
Baltimore’s food scene is seriously underrated, and Abbey Burger is one of its brightest stars. Build your perfect burger and enjoy the waterfront neighborhood.
Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage – Cambridge, Massachusetts
Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage near Harvard Square in Cambridge has been a local institution since 1960, famous for naming its burgers after politicians and celebrities. The patties are thick, hand-formed, and cooked on a flat-top that has been seasoned by decades of great cooking.
The onion rings are legendary too, but the burger is always the star.
College students, professors, and tourists all share tables here, creating a wonderfully democratic atmosphere. Massachusetts food culture runs deep, and Bartley’s is one of its most beloved chapters.
Miller’s Bar – Dearborn, Michigan
Miller’s Bar in Dearborn is as no-frills as it gets, and that is precisely the point. Since 1941, this neighborhood tavern has been pressing out simple, perfectly cooked cheeseburgers that have earned national recognition despite the humble setting.
The beef is fresh, the cheese is American, and the bun is soft and squishy in exactly the right way.
You will not find avocado or truffle oil here, and you will not want them. Michigan’s car-country soul shows up in this honest, hardworking burger.
Parlour – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Parlour in Minneapolis quickly became a city obsession when it opened, thanks to a burger built on house-ground prime beef and topped with thoughtfully chosen ingredients. The bun is perfectly toasted, the cheese is melted to a glossy perfection, and the whole thing arrives looking almost too good to eat.
Almost.
The underground bar setting gives it a cool, speakeasy-like vibe that makes the meal feel like an event. Minneapolis has a serious food scene, and Parlour sits comfortably at the very top of it.
Ajax Diner – Oxford, Mississippi
Ajax Diner on Oxford’s historic town square serves a cheeseburger that feels like a warm hug from the Deep South. The patty is thick, cooked over high heat, and finished with toppings that celebrate Southern flavors without overcomplicating things.
The atmosphere is loud and fun, matching the energy of a college town that knows how to have a good time.
Ole Miss students and locals have been packing this place for years with good reason. Mississippi knows how to feed people, and Ajax is proof.
Westport Flea Market – Kansas City, Missouri
Despite the name, the Westport Flea Market in Kansas City is not a place to shop for antiques. It is a legendary bar that happens to serve one of the best classic cheeseburgers in the Midwest.
The thin patties are cooked on a flat-top griddle that has absorbed decades of flavor, resulting in a burger that tastes unlike anything else.
The quirky, eclectic decor and friendly staff make every visit memorable. Kansas City is famous for barbecue, but this burger deserves equal recognition.
The Burger Dive – Billings, Montana
The Burger Dive in Billings caught national attention when it was featured on the Food Network, and one visit makes it immediately clear why. The menu features imaginative combinations that go way beyond the standard burger, with toppings like mac and cheese, pulled pork, and spicy aiolis sharing space with the classics.
The beef is always fresh and the cooking is consistently excellent.
Montana may feel remote, but The Burger Dive is a world-class burger destination. Big Sky Country has big burger energy.
Stella’s Bar & Grill – Bellevue, Nebraska
Stella’s Bar and Grill in Bellevue has been a Nebraska burger landmark for decades, known for a thick, hand-packed patty that cooks up beautifully juicy every single time. The cheese melts down the sides of the burger in that irresistible way that makes you reach for extra napkins before you even take the first bite.
The bar atmosphere is comfortable and unpretentious.
Nebraska beef is some of the finest in the nation, and Stella’s uses it to full advantage. Bellevue may be a suburb, but this burger is the real thing.
Beefy’s – Reno, Nevada
Beefy’s in Reno has built a devoted local following by doing exactly what its name promises, serving beefy, satisfying, no-nonsense cheeseburgers that hit the spot every time. The patties are thick and cooked to order, with a char that adds depth to the naturally rich beef flavor.
Fresh toppings and a soft bun round out a burger that feels like a complete meal.
Reno often gets overshadowed by Las Vegas, but the food scene here is genuinely excellent. Beefy’s is a shining example of what Nevada burger culture looks like at its best.
Lexie’s Joint – Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Lexie’s Joint in Portsmouth brings a playful, colorful energy to the New Hampshire burger scene that is totally refreshing. The menu reads like a burger lover’s wish list, with creative combinations that range from comforting classics to genuinely surprising flavor mashups.
Everything is made with quality ingredients and real cooking skill behind it.
Portsmouth itself is a charming coastal city with a thriving food culture, and Lexie’s fits right into that spirit. New England is better for having a burger spot this fun and this good.
White Manna – Hackensack, New Jersey
White Manna in Hackensack is one of the most iconic burger spots on the entire East Coast, operating out of a tiny diner building that looks frozen in time from the 1940s. The sliders are steam-cooked on a bed of onions, pressed flat on the griddle, and finished with American cheese that melts into every crevice.
Two or three at a time is never enough.
New Jersey has a fierce burger culture, and White Manna sits at the very top of that proud tradition. A true American original.
Sparky’s Burgers, BBQ & Espresso – Hatch, New Mexico
Sparky’s in Hatch is the ultimate destination for green chile cheeseburger lovers, and the location in the chile capital of the world makes it feel almost sacred. Roasted Hatch green chiles draped over a thick, juicy patty with melted cheese is a flavor combination that is impossible to describe adequately with words.
The quirky roadside decor adds to the experience in a wonderfully weird way.
New Mexico takes its green chile seriously, and Sparky’s is the gold standard. Every burger fan owes themselves this pilgrimage.
JG Melon – New York, New York
JG Melon on Manhattan’s Upper East Side has been serving its understated, perfect cheeseburger since 1972, and it remains one of the most beloved burgers in a city that takes its food extremely seriously. The patty is thick and loosely packed, cooked with a beautiful crust and served with cottage fries that are criminally good.
The green and white checked tablecloths have become as iconic as the burger itself.
New York has thousands of burger options, but JG Melon endures because it never tries too hard. Classic always wins.
Al’s Burger Shack – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Al’s Burger Shack in Chapel Hill earned national recognition from publications like Bon Appetit and The New York Times, and the small-town location only makes the acclaim more impressive. The beef is locally sourced, the toppings are creative and seasonally inspired, and every burger is cooked with the kind of attention usually reserved for fine dining.
The line out the door is a permanent fixture.
Chapel Hill is already known for great food, but Al’s elevated the entire conversation. North Carolina burger culture has a new benchmark.
Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews – Fargo, North Dakota
Sickies Garage in Fargo commits fully to its car-garage theme, decorating the space with vintage auto memorabilia while serving a menu of over fifty different burger creations. The sheer variety is staggering, but every single option is backed by solid beef and real cooking craft.
From the Mac Attack to the Peanut Butter Bacon Bomb, nothing here is boring.
North Dakota does not always get the food spotlight it deserves, but Sickies is changing that one wild burger at a time. Fargo has never been more delicious.
The Thurman Cafe – Columbus, Ohio
The Thurman Cafe in Columbus is home to the legendary Thurmanator, a burger so massive it has appeared on the Food Network’s “Man v. Food” and inspired genuine awe in all who witness it.
But even the regular-sized burgers here are generously portioned and packed with flavor. The casual, no-nonsense atmosphere has made this a Columbus landmark for decades.
Ohio State fans and food tourists alike make pilgrimages to this spot. Columbus has a lot of great food, but the Thurmanator holds a special place in the city’s heart.
Nic’s Grill – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Nic’s Grill is a tiny, cash-only breakfast and lunch counter in Oklahoma City that seats just a handful of people, but its cheeseburger has earned a reputation that extends far beyond state lines. The smash burger technique produces a patty with crispy, lacey edges and a deeply savory crust that is genuinely addictive.
Simple toppings let the beef be the hero it was always meant to be.
Oklahoma has a proud cattle ranching heritage, and Nic’s Grill honors it every single day. Get there early, the line moves fast but the burgers run out.
Killer Burger Downtown PDX – Portland, Oregon
Killer Burger in Portland built its reputation on the audacious Peanut Butter, Pickle, and Bacon Burger, a combination that sounds wrong but tastes absolutely right. The beef is always fresh, the patties are cooked with real skill, and the creative topping combinations are backed by genuine flavor logic.
Portland’s adventurous food culture found its perfect burger match.
The downtown location buzzes with the energy of a city that takes its food seriously and its fun even more seriously. Oregon’s burger scene is thriving, and Killer Burger leads the charge.
Village Whiskey – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Village Whiskey in Philadelphia is chef Jose Garces’s tribute to the classic American bar burger, elevated with premium ingredients and serious technique. The house-ground beef blend is carefully calibrated for the perfect fat-to-lean ratio, and the result is a patty that is juicy, flavorful, and structurally sound enough to handle the generous toppings.
Pair it with a rare whiskey from the extensive menu.
Philadelphia has a rich food history, and Village Whiskey adds a genuinely modern and exciting chapter to that story. This is bar food at its absolute finest.
Stanley’s Famous Hamburgers – Central Falls, Rhode Island
Stanley’s Famous Hamburgers in Central Falls is a Rhode Island treasure that has been operating since 1932, making it one of the oldest burger stands in New England. The griddle-cooked patties are thin, crispy-edged, and full of that old-school beefy flavor that modern restaurants spend millions trying to recreate.
The prices are remarkably affordable, which makes it even more beloved.
Rhode Island is the smallest state but has enormous pride in its food culture, and Stanley’s represents that perfectly. History never tasted this good.
Husk – Charleston, South Carolina
Husk in Charleston is one of the most celebrated restaurants in the American South, and chef Sean Brock’s commitment to Southern heritage ingredients extends all the way to the burger. Heritage-breed beef, house-made condiments, and a bun baked fresh daily combine to create something that feels both deeply rooted in tradition and excitingly modern.
Eating here is a genuine culinary experience.
Charleston’s food scene is world-class, and Husk sits at the very pinnacle of it. South Carolina has never had a prouder food ambassador.
Nick’s Hamburger Shop – Brookings, South Dakota
Nick’s Hamburger Shop in Brookings has been a South Dakota institution since 1929, which means it has been feeding generations of families and college students from nearby South Dakota State University. The burgers are gloriously simple, cooked on a flat-top griddle with onions and served with the kind of straightforward honesty that makes people loyal for life.
Nothing about this place has needed to change.
South Dakota has wide-open prairies and a deep cattle tradition, and Nick’s captures that spirit beautifully. Longevity like this is earned one great burger at a time.
Dyer’s Burgers – Memphis, Tennessee
Dyer’s Burgers on Beale Street in Memphis is famous for one extraordinary claim: the cooking grease has never been changed since the restaurant opened in 1912. That century-old grease is strained and maintained daily, imparting a depth of flavor to the thin, crispy patties that is completely unique in the entire world.
It sounds wild, but the result is undeniably delicious.
Memphis is a city of legendary food traditions, from barbecue to blues, and Dyer’s fits right in. There is nothing else quite like it anywhere.
Rodeo Goat – Fort Worth, Texas
Rodeo Goat in Fort Worth brings a modern, craft approach to the Texas burger tradition, using fresh-ground beef and creative topping combinations that honor the state’s cowboy heritage while pushing the flavor envelope forward. The Cowtown Comeback burger with jalapeno bacon and pepper jack cheese is a Fort Worth classic in the making.
The Western-themed interior feels authentic rather than kitschy.
Texas takes its beef more seriously than almost any other state, and Rodeo Goat lives up to that enormous expectation. Everything really is bigger and better here.
Lucky 13 – Salt Lake City, Utah
Lucky 13 in Salt Lake City is a bar burger institution that has been winning over locals and visitors for years with its generous, flavorful creations. The patties are thick and cooked to a perfect medium, with toppings that range from the comfortingly familiar to the genuinely adventurous.
The bar atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with a solid craft beer selection to match.
Utah’s food scene has grown dramatically in recent years, and Lucky 13 has been ahead of the curve the whole time. Salt Lake City eats very well, and this is proof.
Worthy Burger – South Royalton, Vermont
Worthy Burger in South Royalton is everything a Vermont restaurant should be: locally sourced, thoughtfully made, and deeply connected to the land around it. The beef comes from nearby Vermont farms, the cheese is local, and even the bun has a story behind it.
Every element of this burger reflects the state’s commitment to quality and community.
Vermont is known for maple syrup and cheese, but Worthy Burger proves it also knows how to build a world-class cheeseburger. Small-town Vermont at its most delicious.
Citizen Burger Bar – Charlottesville, Virginia
Citizen Burger Bar in Charlottesville sits near the University of Virginia and serves a burger that would make Thomas Jefferson, a man who reportedly brought the recipe to America, genuinely proud. The beef is sourced from Virginia farms, the toppings are seasonally inspired, and the whole operation runs with a passion for quality that shows in every bite.
The craft beer list is equally impressive.
Charlottesville has a vibrant food culture, and Citizen Burger Bar is one of its most consistently excellent contributors. Virginia beef has found a worthy showcase.
Dick’s Drive-In – Seattle, Washington
Dick’s Drive-In is a Seattle icon that has been serving affordable, no-fuss cheeseburgers since 1954, and the city’s loyalty to this homegrown chain runs incredibly deep. The burgers are simple by design, with a thin patty, American cheese, and basic toppings that come together in a combination that Seattle residents find genuinely comforting.
Kurt Cobain famously loved Dick’s, which only adds to the legend.
In a city full of upscale food options, Dick’s remains beloved because it never changed and never needed to. Seattle’s original and greatest burger institution.
Avenue Eats – Wheeling, West Virginia
Avenue Eats in Wheeling brings genuine heart and skill to the West Virginia burger scene, crafting patties that are thick, juicy, and cooked with obvious care. The toppings are fresh and generous, the bun holds everything together without falling apart, and the whole experience feels like eating at a place that truly cares about its customers.
Wheeling is a city on the rise, and Avenue Eats is part of that story.
West Virginia does not always get the food recognition it deserves, but burgers like this make a compelling case. Come hungry and leave happy.
Solly’s Grille – Glendale, Wisconsin
Solly’s Grille in Glendale is the undisputed home of the Wisconsin butter burger, a creation so gloriously excessive and so perfectly delicious that it has become a state symbol. A thick pat of real butter melts directly onto the hot patty, creating a richness that no sauce or condiment could ever replicate.
The retro diner atmosphere feels like stepping back into 1950s America.
Wisconsin takes its dairy seriously, and Solly’s built an entire burger philosophy around that pride. One bite and you will understand why this state loves butter more than anyone.
Billy’s Burgers – Jackson, Wyoming
Billy’s Burgers in Jackson sits in one of the most beautiful places in America, surrounded by the Teton mountains, and the burger lives up to that stunning setting. The patties are thick, the beef is fresh and flavorful, and the whole experience feels like a reward after a day of skiing or hiking in the Wyoming wilderness.
The casual, no-pretense atmosphere is exactly right for the mountain town vibe.
Wyoming beef is some of the most naturally raised in the country, and Billy’s puts it to excellent use. A great burger in a great place is an unbeatable combination.