Seasonal menus are the order of the day at The Gulf. Its classy setting on the beach is the perfect base to chill out and enjoy good food and drink. The burger at The Gulf is crafted from 100% natural beef and served simply in a brioche bun with a stunning garlic aioli. If the sea air makes you feel adventurous, why not try the lightly breaded, fried grouper sandwich? Either dish will hit the spot.

One part brewpub, one part community center, 49th State Brewing is proud to be Alaskan – and rightly so. It’s cool and casual on the inside, but the rooftop patio is the real showstopper. Here, you can chow down while enjoying amazing views across the Cook Inlet. But what about those burgers? Each one is a blend of short rib, chuck, and brisket, and, handily, the burgers made with Alaskan products are highlighted on the menu.

PV Burger – as the locals call it – specializes in made-to-order burgers in a uniquely Arizonan style. The twist? Using a blowtorch, the chefs blast sugar onto the inside of each house-made PV Burger bun to take the taste to the next level. Hungry fans will no doubt find their ‘spirit burger’ among the eight delicious options on the menu. The spot is so beloved that it's attracted the attention of both Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and Man v. Food.

Not only is David's Burgers decked out like a traditional butcher shop, but the family behind the business has also been in the meat and restaurant trade for more than 60 years. They've perfected their burger recipe over that time, too. Freshly ground beef is smashed to the ideal thickness, seasoned to perfection, and delivered to delighted customers. The prices aren’t bad, either.

The founder of Peter’s Gourmade Burgers graduated from the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in 2001 and worked in fancy restaurants such as Studio in Laguna Beach. But nine years later, he quit to open a burger joint... in a gas station. Peter’s Gourmade Burgers has come a long way since then, but the burgers have remained just as delicious. The ABC Burger – 6oz of Angus beef, topped with avocado, bacon, and cheese – is a fan favorite.

The first thing you’ll notice at the Back Door Grill is the unique decor. The walls and ceiling are covered with dollar bills that have been stapled in place. Even the owners aren’t sure when this tradition started, but these days, any customer is invited to leave a signed dollar on the wall. They’ll even give you a pen and stapler! But if you come for the wallpaper, you stay for the burgers. Fresh, smashed, and cooked to medium, they’re a thing of beauty.

As its name suggests, Organika Kitchen prides itself on serving organic, healthy food in calm surroundings. Everything on its menu is plant-based, with no refined sugars or processed oils. That might not traditionally be the best foundation for a good burger, but Organika has cracked the code. The Kalifornia Burger has a patty made from quinoa, sweet potato, and black beans, complemented by spicy chipotle sauce and guacamole.

“There is nothing more classic than a burger, fries, and a milkshake,” Farmer & the Cow co-founder Mike Day told Delaware Today in 2024. But Day and co-founder Matt Collins didn’t rush the creation of their burger. The patty is a tried-and-tested blend of brisket, chuck, and filet that the chefs grind and shape in house. The rustic restaurant, complete with classy exposed brick, is the ideal setting for such elevated fare.

Everything about Brooks Burgers screams family-friendly dining. That’s by design. Owner Todd Brooks set up the business in 2010, and it’s since expanded to three Naples locations, all retaining those family vibes. But the real reason Brooks Burger has developed such a fan base is the quality of its food. One signature burger sandwiches a juicy patty inside a glazed donut. Another – the Todd’s Way burger – comes complete with cheese, bacon, and a fried egg.

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q claimed the number-one slot on Yelp’s 2023 Top 100 Burger Spots in America list. The Fox brothers in the name – Jonathan and Justin – are Fort Worth natives who’ve brought their love of Texas-style BBQ to the lucky folk of Georgia. They opened up shop in 2007 and have been slinging barbecue to happy customers since then. Their stunning burger sees chopped Angus brisket topped off with melted cheese and bacon.

After Shay’s Smashburgers was voted the best food truck in Hawaii in 2023, the owner declared he was 'dedicated to trying [his] best at making the tastiest, quality burgers for the people of Oahu.' It’s fair to say that he’s achieved exactly that. Fans can find plenty of parking near the truck and then enjoy a taste of the small but perfectly formed menu. The burgers are smashed onto the grill to achieve just the right amount of char.

Boise Fry Company is kind of like an inverted version of a true-blue burger joint. Here, the fries are the heroes and the burgers are the side dish. But even if the fries are the star of the show, the burgers have not been neglected. You can choose between local, grass-fed beef, natural bison, and black bean vegan burgers. All of them are hand-crafted to the Boise Fry Company’s secret recipe, and all of them are worth a bite.

Boba Burger offers fun vibes as well as Asian-fusion spins on the traditional burger. The snack shop is found in a corner of a bowling alley, where the owners Loc Tran and Anthony Kim Tran actually used to bowl. One of the go-to menu items is the BBQ Lechon Burger – that's a 5oz beef patty topped with cheese, pork, BBQ sauce, and fried onion strings. Just the thing to fuel a game!

Flamme Burger was the runaway winner of IndyStar's 2024 Best Burger Battle, crushing the closest competition by almost 7,000 votes. That speaks to the avid following the joint has – and the dedication of its owner, Henri Najem. Henri trialed 52 different kinds of patty before landing on his signature blend of brisket, ground chuck, and short rib. He even has a patented grill to fry them on! The burgers themselves are big, messy, and delicious.

Zombie Burger + Drink Lab leans heavily into its zombie title. The place is decked out in what it calls a ‘post-apocalyptic chic’ setting, and the burgers have got undead-themed names, such as 'East Village of the Damned' and 'Dawn of the Dead'. But this is more than just a novelty bar. The burgers seriously deliver on flavor, making visiting this Des Moines eatery a no-brainer.

Burg & Barrel gives you exactly what it says on the label: beautiful burgers and delicious drinks. The laid-back joint gives off the energy of a cool neighborhood hangout where everybody is invited. Its menu promises ‘more than just burgers,’ but rest assured – there are at least 10 different beef burgers available, each with a unique twist (peanut butter and egg, anyone?). Not only that, but there are seven other sandwiches stuffed with the likes of fried chicken, pork, and salmon.

If variety is the spice of life, then Mussel & Burger Bar could be a burger lover's paradise. Its extensive menu features every twist on a burger you can dream up. There are Spanish, Italian, and Argentinian takes on the patty-and-bun combo, as well as seafood and veggie options. The CEO burger, with Gruyère cheese, truffle aioli, and caramelized onions, is a big hit with customers. The mussels are good, too.

Zagat, CitySearch, and Gambit Weekly have all awarded Port of Call a ‘best burger in New Orleans’ accolade over the years. The joint has been a fixture in the French Quarter since 1963 and remains a go-to spot for locals and visitors. Holed up in a traditional Louisiana building, the restaurant delivers a New Orleans take on the classic burger. Freshly ground, it's accompanied not by fries, but by a baked potato. Chives and bacon bits come free of charge.

Locals have been showing their love for Blazes Burgers since voting it Down East magazine’s best burger in 2021. A fan favorite from this Westbrook diner is the breakfast burger – that’s bacon, cheese, and an egg served on top of a regular bacon cheeseburger. The motto at Blazes Burgers is ‘simple, affordable, memorable.’ It was probably meant to apply to the food, but it could just as easily apply to the easy-going restaurant.

SOKO Butcher Shop & Market only arrived on the scene in 2021, but it quickly built up a local following. Its focus is on high-quality, responsibly sourced meat – therefore providing the best food possible for its customers. It’s no surprise, then, that its food offerings are envy-inducing. The smash burger comprises two house-made, dry-aged patties with cheese and mayo in a potato bun. The accompanying beef tallow fries are delicious, too.

Veggie Galaxy gives you all the comfort and joy of a retro American diner, with one twist: it’s all vegetarian. The extensive menu runs from breakfast till late and covers everything you’d want from a roadside diner. Customers have the option to sub a Beyond Meat patty into their burgers, but Veggie Galaxy’s plant-based patties are every bit as good. The bakery – serving all kinds of cakes and treats – is also entirely suitable for vegans.

The outside of Slabtown Cafe and Burgers – with its porch and white-wood paneling – recalls the history and tradition of Michigan. Right away, you can picture people sitting on the pristine lawn, enjoying the view on a bright summer’s day. But as lovely as that is, the burgers are the reason to visit. The Slabtown Special sees two house-made patties topped with American cheese, grilled onions, and secret sauce.

The owners of Red Cow had a vision: to elevate the humble burger. And they did so, with a specially blended patty of 60% Angus beef and 40% ground bacon. It’s the foundation of the diner's signature burger, which also comes with Cheddar cheese, mustard, and more bacon. Other burgers on the menu have impressed Mpls.St.Paul Magazine enough to earn the joint a few ‘best burger’ awards. The restaurant is decorated with dark wood and touches of elegant red fabric.

Ed’s Burger Joint won the Mississippi Beef Council’s 2024 Best Burger Contest. Mississippi Magazine also awarded the joint its 'best hamburger' and 'best kid-friendly restaurant' accolades in 2024. Suffice to say, people like a burger from Ed’s. The secret to its success is to keep things simple and fresh. The ground chuck patties are never frozen, and the buns are sourced from a local bakery each day. It may be delicious, but it's 'nuthin’ fancy,’ as the restaurant’s website states.

Branson Craft Mall is home to arts and crafts traders, a coffee shop, a fruit and nut trader, a fudge company, and possibly the best burger joint in Missouri. The 16,000-square-foot facility makes the Pickin Porch Grill something of a hidden gem, but the spot offers rich rewards to anybody who seeks it out. The Bluegrass Burger – doused in BBQ sauce – is a popular choice, but the Chorizo Burger is the one for anyone craving some spice.

The backbone of the menu at The Burger Dive is a trio of World Food Championship 'burger champions.' Any burger is only as good as its patty, of course, and The Burger Dive’s 1/3lb fresh beef patty is the real deal. The fries and onion rings are also cut fresh every day, and the buns are sourced from local businesses. With amazing food and retro roadside vibes, the joint is a must-try for locals and tourists alike.

Honest Abe’s takes a leaf out of its namesake’s book and focuses on honest food done right. The burgers – with names inspired by Abraham Lincoln – are tasty beef patties in soft buns, and the fries and tots are crisp and delicious. However, how honest the joint is being by calling one of its burgers the ‘greatest burger ever’ is for the customer to judge. The restaurant’s wall dedicated to the 16th president of the United States is also something to behold.

Looking for a place where Las Vegas locals go? Head out of the touristy areas and over to Joy Burgers. The joint opened in 2022 and got a huge boost after TikTok star Keith Lee gave it a thumbs-up, making it go viral. There are 12 burgers to explore, plus the option to build your own. The go-to item for many customers is the Western Burger, which is loaded with house-made BBQ sauce, crispy onion rings, bacon, and Swiss cheese.

Lexie’s Joint started in Portsmouth and expanded to four other locations in New Hampshire following significant success. But owners KC and Alexis (the eponymous Lexie) are still at the heart of this family business, and burgers are still at the heart of the menu. Each handheld on the menu – split into sections named after the owners’ kids – can include either a 4oz beef, chicken, or bean-based patty.

In 2015, almost 60,000 people voted for the best burger in New Jersey in nj.com’s state-wide search. The winner? Krug’s Tavern’s incredible 12oz bacon cheeseburger. The secret to the joint's success, according to co-owner Joyce LaMotta, is not to squeeze the patty. "Try to keep the juice in there,” she said. “We don’t even put salt and pepper on it. It’s a straight piece of meat.” But when it’s meat this good, who needs anything else?

The green chile is at the center of much of the cuisine of New Mexico – and it’s also at the heart of Santa Fe Bite’s most popular burger. Co-owner John Eckre keeps it simple with a patty, melted cheese, and the ubiquitous chile. “When you try to enhance it beyond that point, I think you take away from it,” Eckre told Eater in 2015. “I’m a burger minimalist.” That philosophy extends to the restaurant, which has a cozy, homey quality to it.

The menu at Kings of Kobe – as you may have guessed from the name – is filled with American Wagyu beef. The owners claim that it's healthier and tastier than your traditional beef cuts, and it certainly makes one heck of a good burger. These patties are rich and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Kings of Kobe also takes its style inspiration from Japanese restaurants; customers are greeted with clean lines, warm lighting, and smart seating.

Al’s Burger Shack probably didn’t need to make burgers this good. The joint is nestled right next to the University of North Carolina campus, so it would likely have grabbed hungry customers no matter what. However, TripAdvisor once named Al’s Burger Shack the best restaurant for burgers in America. That’s a bold claim, and it’s one that Al’s has been trying to live up to ever since. The joint's burgers feature fresh, made-to-order chuck patties and house-made toppings. What more could you want?

In May 2024, the North Dakota Beef Commission awarded the Old 281 Tavern its 'best beef burger' accolade for the second year running. The final vote was given to the public, so the locals must really love this not-so-hidden gem. 281’s exterior looks more like a barn than a tavern, but inside, there’s a family-friendly atmosphere. The menu includes every kind of burger you could want, each bun emblazoned with the 281 logo.

Flavor 91 Bistro promises sustainably sourced, all-natural ingredients throughout its menu. Much of the produce comes from Ohio-based farms, too – and the green ethos is also reflected in the green-tinged diner. But while that's all well and good, it doesn’t count for much if the food doesn’t taste great. Luckily, Flavor 91 Bistro has that covered as well. The popular Flavor Burger includes Ethiopian-style seasoning that customers just love.

If you’re in Oklahoma, you’ve got to try your burger Oklahoma style. This tasty technique sees a whole pile of thinly sliced onions cooked into the patty right there on the grill. The story goes that this Oklahoma specialty was invented in El Reno, so what better place to try it than in its hometown? Sid’s Diner is something of an icon, and its roadside diner gives off old-school Americana vibes. Those onion burgers are the star of the show – and for good reason.

PDX Sliders started out as a food truck operation in 2014, and it quickly developed a truckload of fans. Awards and accolades followed for its juicy three-inch sliders – and the owners swiftly set up shop in a bricks-and-mortar shop in Portland. PDX Sliders didn’t lose any of its charm in the larger venue, and the handhelds didn’t lose any of their flavor. Like your burgers a little bigger? Don’t worry. Any slider can be upgraded to a full-size burger.

The philosophy at HipCityVeg is ‘eat well, feel good.’ Every item on the menu is vegan, and all the packaging is completely compostable. But this clean-living cafe doesn’t have an agenda. Its menu is a vegan spin on fast food classics, giving customers a meat-free alternative to the usual fare. Unsurprisingly, the most popular item is the Ziggy Burger: a juicy 'bacon cheeseburger' with an organic grain patty, tempeh bacon, and provolone cheese.

Even though it’s called the Crazy Burger Cafe & Juice Bar, this Rhode Island gem focuses on delivering simple pleasures: fresh food and maximum flavor. If it’s a cheeseburger you want, you can rely on getting a top-tier version, complete with fries, in this homey setting. But there are also some crazy combinations for the more adventurous burger connoisseurs out there. The Whassupy Burger sees a wasabi-rubbed patty topped with Brie and served with fiery wasabi-chipotle mayo.

Charleston is known for its fresher-than-fresh seafood, and 167 Raw Oyster Bar makes the most of it. But this small but mighty venue does more than just serve oysters; its menu is filled with classics such as lobster rolls and fish tacos. One of the most popular items is, of course, the burger. There’s no ground beef in sight here, though – instead, you’ll find a perfectly cooked tuna burger sandwiched between a soft bun with plenty of special sauce. Delicious!

Murph’s Burgers & Fries made the leap from a food truck to a bricks-and-mortar outlet in 2022, and its fans have come along for the journey. In 2024, the joint’s Famous Murph Burger was voted one of the top five burgers in the state by the South Dakota Beef Industry Council. The ingredient that takes the Murph Burger to the next level is its iconic bacon jam – it takes nine days to make, and it’s worth every minute.

Burger Republic has been slinging burgers since 2012. Its signature patty is a patented blend of brisket, short loin, and chuck – and it was once named one of the best burgers in America by TripAdvisor. This being a Nashville joint, the must-try burger on the menu is called the Tennessee. Naturally, it's glazed in Jack Daniels–spiked honey, then topped with maple-basted bacon and Memphis BBQ–dusted crispy onions. Don't forget to order the tots on the side.

The name Burger-chan is a hybrid of American and Japanese words – much like its burgers are Asian-inspired riffs on an American classic. But the real draw of this homegrown Houston joint is its freestyle menu. Customers pick up a checklist-style menu and customize their burgers to their hearts’ content. So, if you’ve been dreaming of smashed patties loaded with kimchi relish and scallion aioli, this is the place for you.

You can’t miss Spoke on Center, with its huge, wheel-like sign hanging off the side of its building. It’s a beacon that welcomes you into a smart bar with outdoor seating and party vibes – but the real draw here is the long list of gourmet burgers. Salt Lake Magazine recommends the Rise and Shine burger, with its brunchy toppings of egg, bacon, tomato, and mushrooms. But there’s also the option to customize your own burger with buns, sauces, and toppings.

The Farmhouse Tap & Grill was the only Vermont restaurant to appear in Yelp’s ranking of the top 100 burgers in America in 2023. It’s a farm-to-table gastropub that has a little something for everybody. There’s a garden in the summer, a parlor in the basement, and a fancy dining room serving food from local farms. The burgers are so good that you might even be tempted to forget the beef in favor of the popular turkey or pork versions.

Spelunker’s is a drive-thru with a difference. Its burgers are made fresh daily – and so are its frozen custard–based shakes. Even the fries are cut in house every day. There's a dine-in option at this retro café, too, so you don’t have to worry about eating in your car. The go-to order is the Cavern Burger, which is topped with the ultimate trio of ketchup, mustard, and mayo. Add cheese, bacon, an extra patty, or all three to get the true Spelunker’s experience.

Von’s 1000 Spirits co-owner Merrisa Firnstahl-Claridge comes from a long line of food and drink connoisseurs, and now she’s ushered her family into the 21st century. But while the old-school charm of this slick location might grab the headlines, the food is what really matters to the customers. The burgers are chopped in house to ensure the best quality, as are the hand-cut fries. Not only that, but the sourdough buns are baked fresh daily using a 65-year-old starter.

One part butcher shop, one part deli, Farmer's Daughter places real emphasis on the quality of its meat and produce. The shop is cool and casual – perfect for a lunchtime treat. And while all of the sandwiches are good, the burger is the main event. The patties are crafted with dry-aged, pasture-raised beef and grilled to order. Pickled red onions give the burgers just the right tang. WV Living gave Farmer's Daughter Market & Butcher its ‘best burger’ award in 2023.

According to some, the humble hamburger was invented in Seymour, a small town in Wisconsin. It’s only right, then, that you should treat yourself to the best of the best when you visit the state. Al’s Hamburgers is a vintage diner that delivers the joyful energy you’d hope for from a place slinging such an American icon, and its burgers are freshly ground every day. For an 'only in Wisconsin' experience, go for the Tailgate Burger, topped with cheese curds and bratwurst.

Liberty Burger is a small family-owned chain that originated in Texas and has just one location in Wyoming. The bright, inviting interior speaks to the chain's values of quality and community, and the burgers – well, they speak for themselves. The beef is from single-herd Dallas stock, and the fresh patties are a blend of tenderloin, chuck, and brisket. However, you can swap out the patties for bison or Impossible Meat, if you like.

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