America's best cheeseburgers in every state, ranked
Say cheese!
Has there ever been a tastier pairing than a juicy hamburger and melted cheese? This simple but oh-so-tasty combination is arguably the most iconic fast food dish of all time, served at retro diners, fine dining restaurants, and everything in between. Whether you like an old-school fast food cheeseburger or a gourmet feast made with only the finest ingredients, our ranking of the USA’s finest cheeseburgers has you covered.
Click or scroll through our gallery of every US state's best cheeseburgers, counting down to the greatest of all.
Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards, accolades, and the first-hand experience of our well-traveled (and well-fed) team. They're also regularly checked and updated.
69. Washington: Boomer Burger, Boomer's Drive-In, Bellingham
What people love about the Boomer Burger, a quarter-pound patty with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles in a sesame seed bun, is its simplicity. The amazing special sauce and charred flavor come to the fore of this cheeseburger served at Boomers Drive-In, a fun, old-fashioned drive-in located in Bellingham. It's cheap, friendly, and extra speedy.
68. California: Steakburger, The Apple Pan, Los Angeles
The burgers at this LA institution are the stuff of legend. Living up to its motto, ‘quality forever,’ The Apple Pan has been dishing up its signature Steakburger since 1947 and the recipe has barely changed in all that time. It comes garnished with house-made burger sauce, mayonnaise, pickles, and lettuce, and most diners opt for a slice of melted Tillamook Cheddar on top. For a taste of burger history, this joint is not to be missed.
67. Wisconsin: Juicy Lucy, 11:11 Burgers & Beignets, Fond Du Lac
An unconventional cheeseburger, the Juicy Lucy looks like a regular hamburger from the outside, but when you bite into the patty, a mix of molten Cheddar and American cheese comes oozing out. Plus, at local joint 11:11, orders are totally customizable, so you can add jalapeños, extra cheese (American, Cheddar, pepper Jack, and provolone), maple bacon, and salad, or swap your regular bun for a pretzel one.
66. Oregon: Bless Your Heart, Bless Your Heart Burgers, Portland
The Bless Your Heart Burger features chili, onion, coleslaw, yellow mustard, house-made pickles, hot sauce, and American cheese, and was described as having 'a high flavor per cubic inch ratio' by one impressed customer. Get it from Bless Your Heart Burgers, a cool, casual joint in Portland.
65. Louisiana: Barbie Burger 2.0, Curbside Burgers, Baton Rouge
Once you try the Barbie Burger 2.0 from Curbside Burgers, a burger truck turned brick-and-mortar restaurant, you might not be able to eat cheeseburgers from anywhere else. It’s a huge sandwich with two patties and American cheese, and the little touches, such as pork belly preserve, roasted poblano mayo, sweet heat pickles, and a brioche bun, make all the difference.
64. Rhode Island: Crunch Burger, Harry’s Bar & Burger, Providence
To make a Crunch Burger, take a Harry’s Classic Cheese – a potato roll packed with a freshly ground beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, pickles, and special sauce – and add fried onion strings. Customers love it, saying it’s the perfect size and great value. It can be found at one of the two Harry’s Bar & Burger locations in Providence.
63. Arizona: The Traveling Wilburys, Diablo Burger, Flagstaff
Sourcing ingredients from the local area, Diablo Burger serves up extremely tasty burgers with a clever spin on the bun. Instead of brioche or potato bread, the spot uses muffins toasted and branded with the restaurant's initials. Enjoy the Traveling Wilburys, which sees the toasted muffin filled with sautéed cremini mushrooms, curry mayo, Swiss cheese, and chili flakes. Want to go even more local? Check the blackboard for the seasonal special.
62. Delaware: Morning Glory, Farmer & the Cow, Wilmington
Rustic joint Farmer & the Cow is known for its craft beer, cocktails, and crazily good burgers with gourmet toppings. The beef patties are made inhouse with a blend of chuck, brisket, and filet, though customers also love to substitute for salmon, turkey, chicken, or veggie. The Morning Glory combines the best of breakfast and dinner with that patty topped with sausage, hash brown, fried egg, spiced maple, and Swiss cheese.
61. New Mexico: green chile cheeseburger, Santa Fe Bite, Santa Fe
The green chile cheeseburger is the menu item everybody orders after wandering into the Santa Fe Bite. It's an award-winning burger with a patty made from freshly ground chuck and sirloin, served inside a house-made brioche bun with cheese and punchy green chiles. But if you've really got an appetite, it could be worth considering the Big Bite. 'Big' is the operative word here, as this burger features a mammoth 15oz patty and is accompanied by home fries and coleslaw.
60. Texas: Lucy Juicy, Pappas Burger, Houston
Pappas prides itself on serving 'Texas-sized burgers for real appetites' – so come hungry if you're ordering one of its massive 10oz burgers, all of which come with a side of fries. One of the best on the menu is the Lucy Juicy, the retro joint's take on Minnesota's cheese-stuffed specialty (the Juicy or Jucy Lucy). Pappas' Lucy Juicy features a tender beef patty packed with melty American cheese, served on a challah bun with bacon jam, pimento cheese, grilled onions, and a fried egg. It's quite a mouthful.
thepharmacyburger/Facebook
59. Tennessee: Cheese Burger, The Pharmacy Burger, Nashville
Three types of cheese – yellow Cheddar, Swiss, and Muenster – plus tomato and roasted garlic aioli make this one of the cheesiest, most flavorful cheeseburgers ever. It’s one of the customer favorites at popular Nashville joint The Pharmacy Burger, which has three locations around the city, including an outlet at the airport.
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58. North Dakota: ND Bison Burger, 46 North Pints & Provisions, Fargo
A gourmet burger featuring ground bison, Gouda, bacon, arugula, and tomato jam, the ND bison burger is always a great choice. Find it at 46 North Pints & Provisions, a busy restaurant in Fargo that also serves great salads, seafood, and steaks. The joint's ambition is to serve elevated comfort food with a Midwest attitude, and fans can't get enough of it.
57. Pennsylvania: Philly Burger, m2o, Philadelphia
For some of the best burgers in Philadelphia head to m2o, a neighborhood hangout with tons of great options. The Philly Burger, a spicy, saucy burger with Cheez Whiz, fried onions, and sliced jalapeños, is a dream for lovers of the city's classic Philly cheesesteak. There are five locations across the region, with chicken tenders, salads, and wraps also on the menu.
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56. Ohio: The Classic, Preston’s, Columbus
Columbus joint Preston’s has a short but sweet menu of burgers, fries, and chicken sandwiches. The Classic is the burger to order – a single or double smashed patty with 'special sauce,' American cheese, shaved onion, iceberg lettuce, and crunchy, house-made pickles. One fan called it 'transcendent.'
55. New York: Dry Aged Red Hook Tavern Burger, Red Hook Tavern, New York City
There are a lot of great burgers in New York, but you'll find one of the very best at this riverside tavern in Brooklyn. The Red Hook Tavern's signature burger is simple but perfectly formed. The thick 8oz patty has a 75/25 beef-to-fat ratio, giving it loads of flavor and a great char. The only additions are white onion and lots of American cheese.
54. Oklahoma: Tavern Burger, The Tavern, Tulsa
A cheeseburger with a twist, the Tavern Burger features a plump beef patty topped with Stilton cheese and mushroom cognac cream in a challah bun. Challah is soft, fluffy bread that has been enriched with eggs. Served at The Tavern, a fancy pub in Tulsa, it comes with skinny fries and gets glowing reviews.
DempseysBurgerPubWitchita/Facebook
53. Kansas: House Burger, Dempsey's Burger Pub, Wichita
Dempseys Burger Pub 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 the House Burger is a good place to start. That's Cheddar cheese, house pickles, tomato, Bibb lettuce, and red onion on a toasted bun. The duck fat fries make a tasty accompaniment.
clubparisrestaurant/Facebook
52. Alaska: Famous Filet Mignon Cheeseburger, Club Paris, Anchorage
Club Paris is a fancy French steakhouse that’s known for its ground filet mignon burgers. Only on the lunch menu, the 6oz cheeseburger keeps it simple with lettuce, tomato, mayo, and a slice of cheese, and it comes with a choice of chunky fries, French fries, or coleslaw. Customers say it’s always high quality and cooked to perfection.
51. Indiana: Strawberry Hill, 317 Burger, Indianapolis
For some serious heat, try the Strawberry Hill at 317 Burger. It's a hot twist on a PB&J, with spicy strawberry compote, melted peanut butter, and ghost pepper cheese on top of the burger. If a burger isn't enough to fill you up, grab an order of the signature poutine or choose one of the many side dishes, including French fries and onion rings.
50. Florida: Cheeseburger In Paradise, Empamamas, Tampa
Cheeseburgers come in all shapes and sizes, and Empamamas is living proof of that. This Cuban joint serves empanadas, tacos, and other Cuban street food staples, but it's the Cheeseburger In Paradise that has got everybody talking. Filled with seasoned ground beef, Cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, spinach, tomato, red onion, pickles, and signature Tampa Girl sauce, it's a once-eaten-never-forgotten dish.
49. New York: Emmy Burger, Emily, New York City
This is the gourmet burger to end all gourmet burgers. Crafted at Brooklyn mainstay Emily, the Emmy Burger is frequently touted as one of – if not the – best burgers in New York City and has inspired endless imitations. At around $30 this is no fast food burger, but regulars say it’s well worth the hefty price tag, thanks to the combination of dry-aged beef from artisan butcher Pat LaFrieda, secret sauce, caramelized onions, and Cheddar, all served inside a squidgy pretzel bun.
tedssteamedcheeseburgers/Facebook
48. Connecticut: steamed cheeseburger, Ted’s Restaurant, Meriden
An old-school, hole-in-the-wall place that has been around since 1959, Ted’s Restaurant is family-owned and now run by Bill Foreman, the nephew of Ted's son Paul. It’s famous for its signature steamed cheeseburger: a steamed, juicy burger with a thick layer of steamed melted cheese poured over the patty. You can add lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayo at no extra cost.
ParkburgerNation/Facebook
47. Colorado: El Chilango, Park Burger, Denver
This joint has become a Mile High City staple, with four locations across town. And while you can't go far wrong with any burger on the menu, the long-standing El Chilango gets the most love from customers. A generous patty is layered up with Cheddar, kicking jalapeños, salad, and house-made guacamole. Fans say it's cooked to perfection and best paired with the truffle-Parmesan fries.
wickedfreshburgers/Facebook
46. New Hampshire: Wicked Burger, Wicked Fresh Craft Burgers, Conway
Family business Wicked Fresh is known to serve wickedly good cheeseburgers. Made from local, freshly ground meat, the patties are smashed onto a griddle to sear the edges. The Wicked Burger is served with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and Wicked Fresh Sauce (similar to Big Mac sauce). You can go single, double, or, if you’re really hungry, triple.
backcountryburgerbar/Facebook
45. Montana: Backcountry, Backcountry Burger Bar, Bozeman
The motto at cool burger spot Backcountry Burger Bar is 'keep it simple,' and that's what the team does with their signature Backcountry burger. A Montana beef patty is paired with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and house sauce. You can make it a single or double patty, or swap beef for ground bison or a plant-based alternative. There's the option for a gluten-free bun, too. Customers rate it as one of the best burgers they've had.
44. Minnesota: Parlour Burger, Parlour Bar, Minneapolis
Stylish, buzzy cocktail bar Parlour only has one burger on the menu, but it's a good one. The patty in its famous Parlour Burger is made from a blend of ground chuck, ribeye, and brisket. Instead of one thick slab of beef, you get two thin patties, which give the burger a deep, caramelized flavor and crisp edges. It's topped off with pickles and a hefty dose of American cheese.
43. New York: Cheeseburger à l’Américaine, Pastis, New York City
The Cheeseburger à l’Américaine at Pastis is the perfect mix of American fast food and French flair. It features two tasty beef patties, melted cheese, red onions, pickles, and a special sauce, combining to make the ultimate gourmet burger experience. The only problem is that the restaurant is so popular (and the burger is so famous) that reservations are a must if you want to visit.
42. California: Dirty Flat Top Burger, The Friendly, San Diego
Burgers are arguably at their best when enjoyed at the counter of a laid-back diner, so fast food connoisseurs should feel at home at San Diego chain The Friendly. The joint also serves pizza by the slice, but it's the burgers we want to talk about. The patties are perfectly smashed and the buns are super soft, but the rest is up to you. Most people go for the signature Dirty Flat Top Burger, which comes with melted cheese and grilled onions.
41. New York: George Motz's Fried Onion Burger, Hamburger America, New York City
Any list of America’s greatest cheeseburgers would be remiss not to mention NYC’s hottest burger spot. Since it opened in late 2023, Hamburger America – headed up by self-described ‘burger scholar’ George Motz – has been the place to grab old-school diner fare. The simple cheeseburger is great, but what really draws the crowds is the signature Oklahoma-style Fried Onion Burger, which is made using a century-old recipe. Featuring a single or double beef patty, which is smashed on the grill with sliced onions and served on a bun with American cheese, it’s a delightfully messy affair.
40. California: Double Burger, Garaje, San Francisco
A dark and divey Mexican restaurant with diner-style booths and vintage art on the walls, Garaje is renowned for its Double Burger. Fans say the burger is juicy with a great char. It features griddled onions, dill pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes. It's also dripping in cheese and Thousand Island dressing.
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39. Michigan: cheeseburger, Green Dot Stables, Detroit and Lansing
This one is less a cheeseburger and more a cheese slider, but it's still a worthy addition to our list. As its name suggests, Green Dot Stables is a horse racing-themed joint, and it serves 22 varieties of sliders at the last count. The pick of the bunch has to be the cheeseburger, which comes topped with soft cheese, grilled onions, and pickles. If you're feeling more adventurous, though, the Korean slider, with kimchi and peanut butter, comes highly recommended.
38. Utah: The Copper Onion Burger, The Copper Onion, Salt Lake City
Many people say the CO burger at fancy Salt Lake City restaurant The Copper Onion is the best they’ve ever had. It features a beef patty, caramelized onions, Cheddar (for an extra buck), duck fat aioli, and iceberg lettuce in a crunchy toasted bun, and comes with chunky chips or a rocket salad. It’s a little bit on the pricey side, but completely worth it, according to satisfied customers.
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37. Florida: Penn Station, The Burger Station, Hernando
Visitors to The Burger Station, a quirky, retro restaurant in a restored gas station, swear by its burgers. The joint never uses frozen beef and cooks each meal to order, so it always tastes hot and fresh. The menu is extensive, but the Penn Station burger with cheese, tomato, onion, and lettuce is a no-brainer. Get a milkshake and crinkle-cut fries then enjoy your meal on the patio overlooking the lake.
welovecheeseburgers/Facebook
36. Nebraska: The Original, Cheeseburgers, Omaha
At this late-night burger joint, The Original, featuring a beef patty, American cheese, mustard, pickle, and onion in a toasted brioche bun, is the favorite. It’s cheesy, inexpensive, and always served quickly and piping hot. The place has a cool vibe with good music and welcoming waitstaff. There are several locations in Omaha for you to get your burger fix.
35. New Mexico: Rustic, Rustic On The Green, Albuquerque
Like other great burger restaurants, Rustic On The Green started as a food truck but thanks to its popularity, moved to a brick-and-mortar location. The go-to here is the Rustic, a freshly ground, smoky beef patty topped with caramelized onions, American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sauce in a pillowy, soft bun. Everybody comments on how fresh and full of flavor it is.
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34. Vermont: Worthy Burger, Worthy Burger, South Royalton
For an amazing cheeseburger, friendly atmosphere, and great service, head to Worthy Burger, a rustic joint with two locations in Vermont. The burger to order is its namesake, which features a juicy 6oz patty made from local beef, Plymouth Cheddar, secret sauce, lettuce, and red onion. It's 'worthy' of your time and money.
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33. Michigan: Ali’s Notch-Yo-Burger, Taystee’s Burgers, Dearborn
This cheesy, spicy, crunchy creation from Taystee’s Burgers, a family business in Dearborn, is a hit. Named Ali’s Notch-Yo-Burger, it’s a jazzed-up cheeseburger with American, Swiss, pepper Jack, and nacho cheese, plus beef bacon, Doritos, jalapeños, grilled onions, salad, mayo, and hot sauce, all piled into an onion bun.
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32. New Mexico: green chile cheeseburger, Sparky's, Hatch
Expect a line when you head to Sparky's in Hatch. The area is home to one of the most famous peppers in the world, so it's perhaps not too surprising that it's also home to the legendary green chile cheeseburger. The rendition at Sparky's is a beast of a burger with just chopped green chile and cheese, but the simple combination works wonders. The joint is further renowned for its unique décor, delicious coffee, and craveable barbecue. The line can sometimes snake out the door, but reviewers say it's worth the wait.
31. Texas: cheeseburger, Mr Juicy, San Antonio
This cheap and very cheerful joint is known for delivering three perfect things: thick milkshakes, perfectly crispy fries, and the juiciest burgers in San Antonio. Mr Juicy came 15th on Yelp’s 2024 list of the best cheeseburger joints in the USA, and fans can’t get enough of the old-school fast food served here. Reviewers praise the minimalist, no-fuss approach of the place, where the signature grass-fed cheeseburger is thick, succulent, and smothered in American cheese.
30. Massachusetts: The Sin Burger, The Blue Ox, Lynn
Winner of Boston Magazine’s 'Battle of the Burger' competition three years in a row between 2013 and 2015, the Sin Burger at The Blue Ox is a must-try. The patty is thick and flavorful, and applewood smoked bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and truffle aioli round out this award-winning offering. Talk about umami.
29. Arkansas: Bleu Moon, Hugo’s, Fayetteville
A charming basement restaurant that has been around since 1977, Hugo’s is the place to go for burgers in Arkansas. The Bleu Moon Burger, featuring blue cheese crumbles, lettuce, red onion, and mayo, is the favorite. You can choose how well done you want it, from 'bloody' to 'no pink.' Customers say that nowhere else compares, and the fries are spot on, too.
28. Wisconsin: KRK Burger, Kopp's Frozen Custard, Glendale
Kopp's has been serving fast food to the good folk of Glendale since 1950, and it's still going strong today. The old-school frozen custard is a major part of the appeal, but the jumbo burgers are arguably even better. The joint released the monster KRK Burger in 2018, reportedly 67 years after first coming up with the idea. It features a staggering 12 layers of deliciousness, including onion, pickles, mayo, ketchup, and three layers of cheese.
27. Texas: BBQ Burger, Tookie’s Burgers, Kemah
A huge state needs a huge burger as its favorite – and the BBQ Burger at old-school joint Tookie’s fits the bill. It features a beef patty, barbecue sauce, pickles, Cheddar, and a giant onion ring. The patty is marinated in barbecue sauce and onions to give it extra flavor. The Chili Cheeseburger (Texan) is another popular option.
hihocheeseburger/Facebook
26. California: HiHo Double, HiHo Cheeseburger, various locations
HiHo Cheeseburger claims to be the only burger joint serving nothing but 100% grass-fed wagyu patties. The beef is freshly ground inhouse every day before being grilled to perfection and simply seasoned with just salt and pepper. The toppings are kept to a minimum, too, allowing the essential beefiness of the burger to shine through. The HiHo Double complements the patty with cheese, ketchup, grilled onions, lettuce, and house-made pickles. The joint has four locations in California.
25. Wyoming: The Liberty Burger, Liberty Burger, Jackson
A Texas burger restaurant that moved into Jackson, too, Liberty Burger is well worth a visit for its flagship offering, The Liberty Burger. It comes with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, but you can ask for cheese and bacon to be added (at an extra cost). Customers say it’s worth upgrading your patty to a bison one; expect a juicy burger with tons of flavor that isn't at all greasy.
24. Georgia: The Tower Of Power, The Companion, Atlanta
This bacon cheeseburger from The Companion, a cool and cozy bar that gets rave reviews, has a loyal following of fans. Called The Tower Of Power, it features two patties, lettuce, tomato, onion, tangy mayonnaise, American cheese, and bacon. People say it’s the best burger for miles.
23. New Jersey: The Standard, Diesel and Duke, various locations
Local chain Diesel and Duke took New Jersey by storm when it opened in 2014, thanks to its simple menu of delicious, cooked-to-order beef burgers. All the options are delicious, but you can’t go wrong with The Standard. This hearty sandwich features a generous amount of American cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, aioli, ketchup, and a toasted bun. Customers recommend the poutine, too.
22. Kentucky: All-The-Way, Bard’s Burgers & Chili, Covington
For a classic, juicy cheeseburger with a good sear and the right amount of salad and condiments, head to Bard’s Burgers & Chili and order the All-The-Way. The patty is made with ground chuck, topped with cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, ketchup, and mustard, and served on a toasted bun. Many people say it’s the best burger they’ve ever had.
BurgerBrosTowson/Facebook
21. Maryland: cheeseburger, Burger Bros, Towson
What customers love about the cheeseburger at no-frills burger joint Burger Bros is the value for money. You get a whopping 6oz Angus beef patty and you can customize it by adding extra patties or toppings such as bacon, caramelized onion, onion rings, and salad. Everything else on the menu is top-notch too, including the fries and chicken wings.
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20. North Carolina: Barcelona Classic, Barcelona Burger, Mooresville
Soon to be your favorite burger, the Barcelona Classic keeps it simple with a thin, charred beef patty, American cheese, salad, pickles, house sauce, and a warm, soft bun. It comes with a choice of sides including mac ‘n’ cheese, roasted veggies, and truffle fries. Find it at Barcelona Burger, a light, industrial-style restaurant and outdoor seating.
19. Virginia: Beauvine, Beauvine Burger Concept, Richmond
For a classic cheeseburger in Richmond look no further than Beauvine Burger Concept, a spot also loved for its Fruity Pebble milkshake, duck fat fries, and heated outdoor seating. The Beauvine burger features American cheese, pickles, red onion, tomato, lettuce, Beau sauce, and a brioche bun. But what’s really cool is you can choose between a beef, turkey, soy, or plant protein patty.
blacksheepburgersandshakes/Facebook
18. Missouri: Ugly Cheeseburger, Black Sheep Burgers & Shakes, Springfield
For a sandwich called Ugly, this cheeseburger looks pretty appealing to us. It features two 4oz patties, sharp white Cheddar, butter lettuce, pickles, onion, and a house-made condiment called 'baaahd sauce.' It’s one of Black Sheep’s bestsellers, alongside its truffle and Parmesan fries. There are four locations in Springfield.
17. Nevada: Smoke & Fire, Smoke & Fire, Las Vegas
Customers can’t get enough of the Smoke & Fire Burger at this down-to-earth joint. It’s a huge 8oz beef patty with American cheese, diced onions, pickles, ketchup, and mustard, and you can double up or add bacon. It’s said to be cooked perfectly – juicy with a crisp char on the outside.
16. Hawaii: 50’s Burger, Chubbies Burgers, Honolulu
Often compared to Shake Shack, Chubbies Burgers is loved for its signature 50’s Burger, crinkle fries, and house-made mayo. The burger comes in a soft potato bun and has a crisp patty made from beef sourced from Kauai, Hawaii. Locals love it because, despite this place’s popularity, the food is always served hot and fresh.
15. Louisiana: Hickory Bacon Cheeseburger, District Donuts, New Orleans
A donut shop might not be the first place you'd go to find a delectable cheeseburger, but District Donuts will help change your mind. The Hickory Bacon Cheeseburger here features a double patty made from a blend of black Angus beef and is served on a sesame brioche bun with bacon, red onions, candied jalapeños, cold queso, and hickory sauce. There are five NOLA locations and one in Las Vegas.
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14. Illinois: Bad Burger, Little Bad Wolf, Chicago
A rich and cheesy double beef patty burger, the Bad Burger from trendy Little Bad Wolf is always a winner. It features two slices of American cheese, house-made pickles, and red onion mayo, though customers swear there must be a secret ingredient that makes it taste so good. You should also check out the tacos, mac ‘n’ cheese, and cocktails.
13. Alabama: Hamburger Fonfon, Chez Fonfon, Birmingham
Perhaps an unlikely place to find Alabama's best cheeseburger, Chez Fonfon is a beautiful French-style bistro with a front patio that'll make you feel like you’re dining on a street in Paris. The restaurant's Hamburger Fonfon has a thick patty, nutty Comté, and grilled red onions. It's one of the best around, and you'll need a reservation.
12. Illinois: double cheeseburger, Au Cheval, Chicago
Frequently topping lists of America’s greatest burgers, Au Cheval’s famed double cheeseburger has had a cult following for over a decade – and it’s still the talk of the town in Chicago. This upscale burger is utterly packed with flavor, from the intense, savory taste of the prime beef patty to the perfectly soft brioche bun and house-made Dijonnaise sauce. Many diners take it up a notch by adding thick-cut bacon and a runny egg, but it’s just as tasty without. Au Cheval also has a location in New York City as well as four diners called Small Cheval.
11. Hawaii: cheeseburger, Shige's Saimin Stand, Oahu
This unassuming mom-and-pop noodle shop in Wahiawa also happens to make a cheeseburger so delicious, people flock from miles around to try it. Shige's Saimin Stand came top of Yelp’s 2024 list of America’s best cheeseburger spots, and the joint has been family-owned and operated for more than 20 years. Here, the simple cheeseburger – which you can get regular, double, or deluxe (with onions and tomatoes) – is a thing of beauty, best served with a side of the joint’s famous fried saimin noodles.
nickshamburgerhouse/Facebook
10. North Carolina: Noah Burger, Nick's Old Fashioned Hamburger House, Lexington
The patties at Nick’s Old Fashioned Hamburger House are a very precise 5.3oz and made from a secret blend of fresh beef. Customers can opt for a plain cheeseburger – with up to five patties – or go for something special, such as the much-loved Noah Burger. This feast comes complete with local pimento cheese, bacon, jalapeños, raw onion, mayo, and barbecue sauce. If you want to make it extra special, have it on Texas toast for a slight upcharge.
Circle-E-Drive-In/Facebook
9. South Dakota: DBL Cheeseburger, Circle E Drive-In, Murdo
This rustic roadside eatery, with grass-fed burgers and hand-spun shakes, was named by Yelp as serving South Dakota’s best-rated cheeseburger in 2023. Circle E Drive-In keeps its menu simple – offering plain, cheese, or bacon burgers with either single or double beef patties – but regulars say the quality of every element is outstanding and the portions are very generous. To really taste the quality of the beef, we say grab a DBL Cheeseburger and order it ‘deluxe’ (with tomato, onion, and lettuce), though the signature Big Al (which comes topped with jalapeño cream cheese) is also great.
8. California: Pastrami Cheese Burger, Bunz, Huntington Beach
You can order your cheeseburger any way you like at Bunz. The patty will always be fresh and tasty, and the customizable add-ons include everything from nacho cheese and fried egg to bacon and pastrami. If you want to stick to the menu, though, the item the joint is known for is the Pastrami Cheese Burger. A regional specialty popular in and around Utah, the pastrami-loaded burger at Bunz is a thing of beauty and not to be missed.
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7. New York: 10oz Double Wagyu Cheeseburger, 4 Charles Prime Rib, New York City
The cheeseburger at 4 Charles Prime Rib isn't cheap, but it is utterly delicious. The basic burger will set you back a little under $40 and features 10oz of American wagyu topped with American cheese, pickles, and creamy Marie Rose sauce. Add a fried egg and thick-cut bacon to take this beast to another level. The dish and the presentation may look more fine dining than fast food, but the essential tastiness of a burger is undeniable.
6. Mississippi: bacon cheeseburger, R House, Columbia
Cute, unassuming country store R House, where you can also get house-made jellies and honey, was bestowed with the 'Best Burger in Mississippi' award for two years running by the Mississippi Beef Council. The burger in question is an old-fashioned, freshly made beef burger, with the option to add extras such as bacon and cheese. Two awards and hundreds of great reviews can’t be wrong.
5. Idaho: cheeseburger, Hit List, Garden City
Boise suburb Garden City is known for its craft breweries, winery tasting rooms, and hip music venues, and this cult-favorite burger joint fits right in. Hit List was named by Yelp as serving Idaho’s best-rated cheeseburger in 2023, and reviews are almost unanimously positive. The no-frills restaurant also serves hefty sandwiches filled with house-smoked pulled pork and pastrami, but it's the cheeseburger that draws the crowds. The dish couldn't be simpler, and fans say every element – from the butter-toasted bun to the caramelized onions and house-ground beef – is perfection.
4. Tennessee: The Dreamburger, Dreamburger, Nashville
When global burger experts Burgerdudes announced the World's Best Burgers list in September 2024, Nashville's Dreamburgers came in 23rd place. That's pretty amazing for a humble food truck from Tennessee! The burger itself is two juicy smashed patties with melty onions, American cheese, pickles, and Dreamsauce (a smokey mayo) on a toasted bun. The crust on the burgers is particularly spectacular, earning two big thumbs-up from the Burgerdudes and customers alike.
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3. West Virginia: House Burger, Farmer's Daughter, Capon Bridge
It might be a little off the beaten track, but Farmer's Daughter is definitely worth making the drive for. A butcher's shop that's also a grocery store and café, it serves up the tastiest burger for miles. Their award-winning House Burger consists of a dry-aged beef patty paired with American cheese, pickled red onions, lettuce, and Duke's mayo. Sometimes simple really is best.
2. Texas: burger-chan, burger-chan, Houston
Fans say the real draw of this gourmet mom-and-pop spot in the Houston Galleria – aside from the fantastic quality of the beef – is that the burgers are totally customizable, so you can choose from various types of bun, three cheeses, and an endless list of toppings and sauces. However, the simple burger-chan cheeseburger is hard to beat. It features two 2oz patties, Cheddar, sautéed onions, lettuce, tomato, and house-made Thousand Island, all on a squishy brioche bun. Burger-chan was the top-ranking burger joint in Yelp’s Top 100 US Restaurants List 2024, so you know it’s something special.
1. Florida: double cheeseburger, North South Grill, Pembroke Pines
Yelp reviewers voted North South Grill as having Florida’s best cheeseburger in 2023, and if you’re in the mood for a wonderfully juicy and crispy-edged smashburger, this is the place to go. This hidden gem is tucked away in a shopping center but, inside, the vibe is warm and friendly, and fans rave about the sizzling burgers, which are smashed to perfection and available with plenty of colorful toppings. You can’t beat the hefty half-pound double cheeseburger, which comes with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and the signature North Sauce.
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