The humble hamburger's origins might be hotly contested, but there's no denying that few things are as quintessentially American as this iconic meal, served everywhere from old-school diners to hole-in-the-wall joints. Whether you like yours plain with a slice of pickle, or smothered with American cheese, the classic burger is simply unbeatable, even when creative and inventive options abound. Here, we've rounded up the best classic hamburgers in every state and Washington DC, counting down to the tastiest of them all.

Click or scroll through our gallery to discover our ranking of America's greatest classic burgers – how many have you tried?

We've based our ranking on the enduring popularity of each burger in its place of origin and beyond, and on the opinions of our well-travelled (and well-fed) team. The list is unavoidably subjective.​​

Dyer’s has been serving its classic burgers since 1912 – and the joint's success lies in its 'secret' cooking process, which hinges on using frying grease that's never been changed. The grease is occasionally topped up to keep the supply going, but at least a few drops have been in the mix for over a century. The business takes its grease so seriously that armed police escorts took charge of it when the restaurant changed locations. The Single is usually served with cheese, but you could opt out to taste the patty just on its own.

This hole-in-the-wall joint in Athens dates back to the 1960s, and its burger recipe hasn't changed since then. After all, when its burgers taste this good, why bother? There are no fancy creations or toppings at Dub's – just great-tasting hamburgers and cheeseburgers, with fries or onion rings on the side. Go for the simple hamburger, served 'all the way', with mustard, ketchup, pickles, onion and slaw. 

Burger purists will appreciate Louis' Lunch and its Original Burger. Recognised as the birthplace of the hamburger by the Library of Congress, this simple, family-operated joint has been serving the same freshly ground and hand-rolled patties between two slices of toasted white bread to hungry customers since 1895. Garnishes like cheese, grilled onion and tomato are available, but don't even dream of asking for ketchup. As the sign says, 'you don't mess with perfection'.

An LA institution, The Apple Pan is a small and welcoming old-school diner that's been sizzling up its signature Steakburgers since 1947. Here, a perfectly rich and juicy beef patty is served with The Apple Pan's house-made sauce, mayonnaise, pickles and lettuce, though customers usually opt to add melted Tillamook Cheddar, too. For dessert, be sure to order a slice of the restaurant’s famous apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

With a dozen locations throughout central Iowa, this much-loved local fast food chain serves up tasty burgers that are consistently a cut above the rest. As well as classic hamburgers (choose from quarter-pound, half-pound and three-quarter-pound versions), B-Bops does all the usual favourites, including cheeseburgers, bacon cheeseburgers and chicken sandwiches.

Describing itself as a cocktail bar, soda fountain and burger joint all in one, Portland's Black Cow has a small but perfectly formed menu of burgers – including a no-frills hamburger. It might be simple, but it's perfectly executed, featuring a beef smash patty paired with crisp iceberg lettuce, pickles, house mustard, onion and mayo, served on a house bun.

Since 1946, White Manna has dealt in classic New Jersey sliders (full-sized hamburgers, not the mini version). Onions are pressed into these griddle-fried patties as they sizzle away, and the whole thing (plus cheese, if you wish) is held together by a pillowy potato bun. Highly rated by food aficionados like the late Anthony Bourdain, and regularly featuring in 'best burger' lists, White Manna is also a favourite among loyal customers.

Although the joint has changed names over the years – the current namesake is late employee Ralph Gilbert, who worked here for over 50 years – Gilley’s started in 1912 as a portable lunch counter that was towed by a horse. The diner set up shop in a bricks-and-mortar location in 1974, and it still serves juicy burgers and other diner classics. Get the hamburger with pickles and ketchup, or upgrade to the double cheeseburger, with generous layers of cheese between two patties.

An institution in West Springfield, White Hut is a firm favourite that hasn't changed since 1939, even though it came under new ownership in 2020. The Hamburg is an effective combination of perfectly seasoned beef patty and soft white bun; however, most people like to add a pile of freshly fried onions on top. For an even more indulgent meal, get yours as a Cheeseburg, smothered in melted white cheese.

Although it's a chain with countless locations, this California-based outlet's uncomplicated burgers have been satisfying hungry customers since 1948. The secret lies in the simplicity – no bells and whistles, just a thin American beef patty with freshly sliced or grilled onions, tomato, lettuce and In-and-Out's signature sauce, all squeezed in between soft, spongy, toasted buns. The result is simple, understated and totally perfect.

With a handful of locations in the USA (and one in Cairo, Egypt), Good Stuff Eatery is a popular spot for those seeking a delicious burger experience. Located near the National Mall, this restaurant offers a variety of gourmet burgers made with fresh, high-quality beef. The burger menu is extensive, but for a solid classic that won't disappoint, stick to the hand-crafted Farmhouse Burger. The natural farm-raised beef patties are topped with tomatoes, thinly sliced onions, lettuce and pickles, then served in a Pennsylvania Dutch bun that customers love.

A favourite that emerged during the Great Depression is the slugburger: a beef or pork patty supplemented with potato flour, then fried. It was a way for restaurant and diner owners to make their scant meat supplies stretch further, but the crispy texture – giving way to soft, juicy meat – remains popular in America today. There's nowhere better to try this creative invention than at Latham's Hamburger Inn, where slugburgers are the speciality.

A favourite among customers, Burger Bar's Big Ben is renowned for being large, juicy and full of flavour. Like a true classic, it's served simply with lettuce, pickles and house-made fry sauce. Consistently voted one of Utah's best burger places, Burger Bar is also famous for using local game meats like bison and elk in its burgers. Upgrade to a Big Cheese Ben for the joint’s take on a classic cheeseburger.

With a relaxed atmosphere and friendly service, Sobelman's Pub & Grill is a firm Milwaukee favourite for burgers and sandwiches. Although the joint's menu is quite extensive, the basic hamburger is just as good as any more creative takes you might find. Deliciously juicy, the traditional hamburger is crispy on the outside, and it comes served in a crusty white roll. There are options to add cheese or double up on the patties, too.

A small Texas burger restaurant with a handful of restaurants in a few states, Liberty Burger is well worth a visit for its flagship offering, The Liberty Burger. The traditional burger is served with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles, and you can add cheese and bacon to upgrade. In true Wyoming style, customers also suggest swapping the beef patty for a bison version. Diners praise the burger for being juicy with tons of flavour, without being too heavy or greasy.

These days there aren't that many places that allow customers to build their own burgers and customise them as they wish – which is precisely why Chicago's Butcher & The Burger is so popular. For purists, there's the faultless house-blend prime beef burger with simple salt and pepper seasoning (although options include adventurous flavours like coconut curry and grandma's onion soup). We like to keep it simple with lettuce, tomato, ketchup and onion.

Blink and you might miss The Stand Arcadia Burger Shoppe; this low-key mom-and-pop burger shop is drive-thru only, but is rated highly by customers, who praise the amazing flavour of its beef burgers. Freshly ground in house every morning, The Stand’s basic burger is called The Standard, and it certainly sets one for quality. It comes with lettuce, tomato, kosher dill pickles, sliced onions and house-made burger sauce, though most diners opt for a slice of cheese to finish things off.

A must-visit destination for burger lovers, this place is lauded as Denver's best burger dive. Customers praise the burgers, which are made with high-quality beef and cooked to perfection, as well as the casual and friendly atmosphere. The top order for purists is the classic Cricket Burger – a half-pound patty piled with lettuce, tomato and pickles.

Considered one of New York’s most legendary dishes, the Luger burger (served at Brooklyn's famed Peter Luger Steakhouse) is only available during the restaurant's lunch service, but it still draws hungry fans from all over the country. This cult-favourite burger is huge, simple and utterly satisfying, consisting of over half a pound of top-quality ground steak in a sesame seed bun (with cheese, if you wish). Arrive hungry; you’re guaranteed to leave stuffed.

Not a totally classic hamburger per se, the FTC (pictured right, and short for the restaurant's name, Farmer & the Cow) includes extras like bacon and house sauce – but it comes highly recommended by diners. Gourmet toppings aside, the patties are handmade in house (a blend of chuck, brisket and fillet keeps them juicy). The rustic joint is also known for its craft beer and cocktails, and customers rate the friendly service, too.

Two Minneapolis establishments lay claim to the invention of the state's signature hamburger – but it's Matt's Bar's version, the Jucy Lucy, that stays true to its roots, with a single type of cheese stuffed inside the meat patty. It's greasy and messy once you bite into it (the molten American cheese oozes right out), but that's precisely what makes it so special.

There's something to satisfy every taste at M2O, a much-loved neighbourhood joint with an amazing burger menu. It all starts with classic hamburgers and cheeseburgers, though – the thin, all-beef patties are crispy around the edges and still juicy on the inside. They're either served on their own, or with a slice of melted American cheese, in a soft bun.

With casual dive-bar vibes and excellent service, Big Gun Burger Shop consistently impresses its customers. Diners come here for the highly recommended Classic – a soft, buttery bun stuffed with a thick, juicy beef patty, American cheese, onion, pickles and special Big Gun sauce. 

Craft beer and burger joint Holy Cow! serves up some delicious gourmet creations, such as the Holy Rueben – with pastrami, Havarti cheese, and sauerkraut. But it also does a great classic hamburger, too. Made with a third-pound grass-fed local Wagyu beef patty, it's served with all the expected toppings, plus Holy Cow sauce, on a toasted brioche bun.

This much-loved joint serves up inventive gourmet burgers in an Irish pub setting. There are lots of delicious options to choose from, including chicken, salmon and veggie patties, but burger purists can’t get enough of the simple House Burger: a house-made black Angus beef patty, served in a buttery brioche bun and topped with house pickles, tomato, Bibb lettuce, red onion and melted Cheddar. The duck fat fries are a tasty accompaniment, too.

Over 75 years since it opened its doors, this 24-hour diner still makes the same authentic hamburgers, which it once sold for just five cents each. The price has gone up since then, but the quality has remained consistent. A single or a double meat patty is layered with griddled onions (and cheese, if you like) inside a classic hamburger bun. Perfection!

Though it's not strictly a classic hamburger (depending on where you sit on that particular debate), this cheese-topped creation is certainly a classic at this much-loved Omaha joint – so it'd be a shame to leave it off this list. Late-night burger joint Cheeseburgers serves its Original burger with mustard, pickles and onion, in a toasted brioche bun. It's cheesy, inexpensive and, according to customers, always served quickly. Thankfully, there are several Cheeseburgers locations in Omaha where you can get your fix.

What started out as a food truck is now not only the best burger joint in Albuquerque, but the best burger joint in the whole state. Delicious and fresh tasting, Rustic On The Green's Rustic burger is a must-try. It consists of a smoky, freshly ground beef patty, topped with caramelised onions, American cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. Served in a soft bun, it has all the classic flavours you could ever want from a burger.

Looking for a genuine blue-collar hamburger? Workingman's Friend comes pretty close to perfection with its signature smash burger, which – true to its name – is smashed on the griddle until crispy, then cooked to order. At more than 100 years old, there are no frills at this legendary dive bar; the patty is served in a soft white bun with some cheese (if you fancy it), with a slice of bread in between to help the burger keep its shape.

The must-order at Vermont's Worthy Burger is its namesake, which features a six-ounce beef patty, Cheddar, secret sauce, lettuce and red onion. It gets fantastic reviews from diners, and comes served with a side of fries. There are two Worthy Burger outlets: one in South Royalton, and one in Woodstock.

There are loads of tasty burgers on offer at this popular basement bar and restaurant – but we reckon the simplest is the best. Hugo's does a great take on the traditional hamburger, featuring a third-pound patty of 100% Angus beef (cooked to your preference), served with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, mayo and mustard. 

An old-school joint, Tookie's is beloved by customers for its tasty burgers. A veteran on the menu that's remained largely unchanged since 1975, Tookie's Burger consists of nothing more than a house-made beef patty in a bun, dressed with mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion – perfect for when you're searching for simplicity.

Las Vegas may have all the glitz, but you'll find the tastiest burgers in Reno – more specifically, at Beefy's (the clue is in the name). This joint serves up the juiciest beef burgers in lots of different guises, including monster burgers like the Jacob's Ladder, packed with four patties. For a classic, though, choose the Plain Jane: a perfectly cooked single hamburger with no cheese.

Self-described as 'plain and simple as an old truck', this rustic burger, served at the Green Truck Pub in Savannah, couldn't get much more classic if it tried. To make it, lettuce, tomato, onion and house-made pickles are stacked on top of a grass-fed beef patty. You can add the cheese of your choice, and the ketchup and fries are made from scratch. As well as the tasty burgers, people love the pub's friendly atmosphere and fuss-free service.

Said to be a little like what McDonald's used to be before it became a global mega-chain, All-American Hamburger Drive-In forgoes frozen patties and special secret sauces to serve the simplest possible iteration of a hamburger. Just like it was back in 1963, the original recipe patty is served in a sesame seed bun with just pickles, onions and ketchup for company – and its old-school silver foil wrapper only adds to the nostalgia.

A small burger chain in North Dakota (with outlets in Fargo, Bismarck and more), Sickies Garage knows how to put together a burger that customers love. There's an enormous menu of burgers to choose from, but we say keep things simple with the basic Carport – a creation that Sickies calls a 'simply delicious hamburger'. If you want to level up, go for the Garage with lettuce, tomato and American cheese.

Burger lovers flock to Motz's Burgers to feast on old-fashioned sliders served on super-soft, locally made buns. This family-owned business has been flipping burgers since 1929, using the same tried-and-tested method: juicy patties are sizzled on the griddle with caramelised onions, popped on a bun, then topped with ketchup, mustard, pickles and an optional slice of cheese. Head to this storied spot for traditional American sliders done right.

This no-frills joint hasn’t changed at all since it opened in 1941. The single-patty Ground Round is served stacked with pickles and onion inside a soft bun (with or without cheese), and it comes wrapped in a square of waxed paper. Just like in the old days, patrons sitting at the bar still order via an honour system, simply telling the bartender what they had to eat before they pay and go.

Opened in 1987 by Glen McMillan and his two sons, Jon and Ken, Mac's Drive-Thru remains a much-loved spot thanks to its friendly service and consistently delicious burgers. The menu is simple; choose a hamburger or cheeseburger (or a double of either), then pick your toppings. Don't forget the French fries!

With tons of tasty options on the menu, you might be tempted by some of Oscar's more elaborate creations – but stick to the classics, and you'll be rewarded with a burger that everyone loves. A simple yet effective combination of Angus chuck patty, tomato, lettuce, red onion and dill pickle slices, the Oscar is juicy and full of flavour. What's more, it's finished with the ultimate trio of condiments: mayo, mustard and ketchup.

Brook's Sandwich House, which opened in 1973, specialises in burgers and chilli – so it's only natural the joint often combines the two. Go for something a bit more low-key, however, and you'll have a perfectly juicy hamburger on your hands, full of flavour and hugged by a soft white bun. Add on some gooey American cheese to make it even tastier.

Barely more than a hole-in-the-wall joint, Bard's Burgers & Chili dishes out perfectly cooked Ohio-raised Wagyu beef patties. Not interested in all the bells and whistles? For total simplicity, order The Purist – just a plain hamburger. If you like, you can customise it with toppings like bacon, mushrooms, caramelised onions and various cheeses. 

Customers love the Angus beef burgers at this casual Towson joint. The no-frills hamburger definitely offers value for money, with a juicy six-ounce patty squeezed inside a glossy brioche bun. There are extra toppings to choose from, if you like – think onion rings, lettuce, cheese and bacon. Nothing beats the flavour of the charbroiled patty itself, though.

The story of Tucker’s Onion Burgers is linked to the history of its namesake burger, which was created by chefs to help cafés stay in business during the Great Depression. The idea was simple – add onions to the ground meat to cut down costs – but what the chefs created is a flavourful burger that's still loved today. Tucker's is one of the best places to try this slice of history, and its single onion burger comes with a choice of toppings like cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, mayo and mustard.

Founded in 1932 by Polish immigrant Stanley Kryla, Stanley’s Famous Hamburgers aimed to serve all-meat burgers that were affordable during the Great Depression. The recipe hasn't changed much since the early days – the burgers are still made from high-quality ground beef, and topped with grilled onions and pickles. The price has remained consistently low as well, so it's little surprise Stanley's is a local favourite.

When you're after a burger filled with all the classic flavours, look no further than Beauvine Burger Concept in Richmond. The much-loved Beauvine features American cheese, pickles, red onion, tomato, lettuce and special Beau sauce, all hugged by a brioche bun. If you're not in the mood for beef, you can swap the traditional patty for a turkey, soya or plant protein version.

It's hard to beat Hwy 101 Burger for simple, tasty and perfectly cooked burgers. Customers love the old-school joint, which has two locations in the state, and often praise its reasonable prices. Choose The Original 100 for a basic, yet deliciously juicy, single patty burger, or up it to four patties and order the 404. The burgers feature American cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion, and come with hand-cut fries.

Kewpee Hamburgers, with its iconic 'Hamburg, pickle on top, makes your heart go flippity-flop' slogan, promises a satisfying meal. Founded in 1918 as a burger stand in Flint, Michigan, the chain is now exclusive to Lima, Ohio, where it opened its first three bricks-and-mortar locations in 1928. Despite being a fast food chain, the patties are freshly ground in house, giving them a homemade taste that customers love.

For a simple hamburger with a Hawaiian touch, look no further than Haleiwa's Kua Aina Sandwich Shop. Going strong since 1975, it serves a variety of burgers with delicious island additions, including pineapple, mahi mahi and avocado. Stick to a basic hamburger, though, and you'll get a perfect patty, cooked medium and served simply with lettuce and tomato.

There's a fair chance that when you search for the best burger in Alaska, it's Tommy's Burger Stop in Anchorage that comes up – and with good reason. Open for over 20 years, Tommy's has a menu featuring a whole roster of delicious burgers. Order The Burger Stop and you'll get the joint's signature Cajun-seasoned patty in a toasted bun with mayo, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, onions and pickles, plus a slice of American cheese (if you want one).

An award-winning burger joint featured on Man v. Food, The Burger Dive in Billings definitely knows how to flip a burger. Although creative options abound on the menu, purists will be pleased to see a classic hamburger listed, too – and it's executed to absolute perfection, with a simple combination of beef patty, lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo. Customers can't get enough of the fantastic burgers, or the amazing garlic and Parmesan fries.

Taking things a step further with the addition of peppered brown sugar bacon, Von's Seattle Classic might be more than just a beef patty in a bun – but it'd be a shame not to include it, as it's consistently praised for being deliciously thick and juicy. The burger patty is made of prime marbled beef, and toppings include lettuce, red onion, tomato, Cheddar and special sauce. 

A purveyor of all things delicious (like charcuterie, sausages and bagels), Cochon Butcher also has a mouth-watering sandwich and burger menu. Its Butcher Burger is an unbeatable classic that customers love; an all-beef patty is topped with melty American cheese and served on a sesame bun, with lettuce, tomato, dill pickles, onion, mayo and mustard complementing the juicy, beefy flavours.

The Classic – served at small-town burger joint Black Hills Burger & Bun Co. – is described as perfect by those who've tried it. A simple but effective burger, it's made by loading a freshly ground six-ounce beef patty, lettuce, tomato, onion and house-made pickles into a just baked bun. There's cheese to add, if you like, from American to Cheddar, and you can swap the classic ground beef patty for a buffalo patty, too. Just save some room for the highly rated sides.

Now discover America's fast food joints where the recipes never change