Burgers are a beloved staple throughout the United States, and with countless options available, finding a standout burger requires a bit of local insight. Often, it’s the unassuming spots that hold the most delicious secrets, particularly those that have stood the test of time.
To compile a list of the top under-the-radar burger joints in each state and Washington D.C., we consulted local food critics, scoured customer reviews on platforms like Yelp and Google, and drew from our own experiences. Our focus was on unpretentious eateries, often hidden gems in small towns or off-the-beaten-path locations.
Here are some of the standout burger spots across the U.S.:
Alabama: Butch Cassidy’s Cafe, Mobile
Known for its motto, “It’s what’s between the buns that counts,” this spot serves a signature Butch burger loaded with a large grilled patty, bacon, cheese, and a variety of toppings. Patrons enjoy affordable beers and occasional live music.
Alaska: Burger Bus, Kenai
Housed in a repurposed school bus, Burger Bus offers the Kenai Killer burger with cheese, bacon, green chiles, and jalapeños, served alongside fries. Diners can enjoy their meal at the single picnic table or in their car.
Arizona: The Chuckbox, Tempe
This spot boasts burgers grilled over mesquite charcoal, with a self-serve condiment bar for customization. Payment is cash only, and the rustic seating adds to the charm.
Arkansas: Ozone Burger Barn, Ozone
Located in Ozark National Forest, this quirky spot offers hand-pattied burgers from a walk-up window, with picnic table seating under an open-air shelter.
California: Bill’s Hamburgers, Van Nuys
A small operation where burgers are prepared by the longtime owner, Bill Elwell. Known for thin beef patties with a generous helping of mayo, lettuce, and tomato, it’s a must-visit despite the owner’s gruff demeanor.
Colorado: Crown Burgers, Denver
A fixture for 29 years, Crown Burgers is famous for its Royal burger topped with pastrami, with sides of steak fries and onion rings.
Connecticut: Louis’ Lunch, New Haven
Credited by many as the birthplace of the hamburger, Louis’ Lunch maintains its original charm with burgers cooked in vintage broilers and served on toasted white bread.
Delaware: Gus & Gus Place, Rehoboth Beach
Operating since 1956, this boardwalk staple offers affordable burgers and cheeseburger subs, a perfect complement to a day at the beach.
District of Columbia: Ben’s Chili Bowl
A historic eatery known for both its chili and burgers. Visitors are encouraged to try a burger topped with the restaurant’s signature chili.
Florida: El Mago De Las Fritas, Miami
Specializing in Cuban-inspired fritas topped with crispy potato strings, this diner is a Miami favorite.
Georgia: Johnny V’s, Macon
Known for its budget-friendly burgers and friendly service, Johnny V’s also serves up popular breakfasts.
Hawaii: Shige’s Saimin Stand, Wahiawa, Oahu
Aside from its signature noodle soup, Shige’s offers acclaimed cheeseburgers that attract locals and visitors alike.
Idaho: Hudson’s Hamburgers, Coeur d’Alene
A family-owned diner since 1907, Hudson’s serves simple and delicious burgers with homemade hot sauces.
Illinois: Illinois Bar & Grill, Chicago
Famous for its 13-ounce Chicago burger, this dive bar is a go-to for hearty appetites.
Indiana: Miner-Dunn Hamburgers, Highland
Serving nostalgic smashed burgers since 1932, Miner-Dunn is known for its classic diner experience and homemade sides.
Iowa: Rides Bar & Grill, Fort Dodge
A biker bar offering creatively named burgers, often accompanied by live music.
Kansas: Grandstand Burgers, Overland Park
This tiny spot is known for its Kelly burger, featuring multiple patties and toppings.
Kentucky: Bunz Burgerz, Louisville
Hidden among popular eateries, Bunz Burgerz offers unlimited toppings in a vibrant setting.
Louisiana: Judice Inn, Lafayette
Serving the community since 1947, Judice Inn is known for its no-fries policy, offering local chips instead.
Maine: Harmon’s Lunch, Falmouth
A roadside stand serving classic, affordable burgers with a nostalgic touch.
Maryland: Sunshine General Store, Brookeville
Located in the back of a convenience store, this spot serves thick patties on sesame seed buns in a no-frills environment.
Massachusetts: White Hut, West Springfield
Operating since 1939, White Hut is known for its simple, slider-like hamburgers.
Michigan: Miller’s Bar, Dearborn
A dive bar with a straightforward menu, Miller’s offers juicy burgers served on wax paper.
Minnesota: Lions Tap, Eden Prairie
A quintessential Minnesota bar offering thick, simple burgers with a cozy, wood-paneled atmosphere.
Mississippi: Latham’s Hamburger Inn, New Albany
Known for its unique doughburgers, a mix of beef and flour, shallow fried for a crispy finish.
Missouri: Squeeze Inn, Stockton
Famous for its Squeezeburger with a crispy cheese skirt, this spot offers a unique twist on the classic.
Montana: Best Burger, Bozeman
A straightforward burger stand, Best Burger is known for its quality sandwiches, fries, and shakes.
Nebraska: Bob’s Bar & Grill, Martinsburg
A local favorite with oversized burger patties and a welcoming atmosphere.
Nevada: Scoopers Drive-In, Sparks
A retro drive-in with fresh ground beef burgers and a wide variety of milkshake flavors.
New Hampshire: Papa Joe’s Humble Kitchen, Milford
Burgers are named after patrons and offer a variety of unique toppings in a casual setting.
New Jersey: White Manna Hamburgers, Hackensack
An original slider joint offering small, flavorful burgers with onions and steamed buns.
New Mexico: Burger Boy, Cedar Crest
Known for its chileburgers topped with local green chiles, served in a classic diner setting.
New York: Village Diner, Johnson City
This upstate New York diner serves simple, fresh burgers with a local twist.
North Carolina: Al’s Burger Shack, Chapel Hill
A favorite among university students, Al’s offers creative burger options with a focus on local ingredients.
North Dakota: Sickie’s Garage Burgers and Brews, Bismarck
A quirky spot with an extensive menu, known for its creative burger combinations.
Ohio: Bob’s Hamburg, Akron
A vintage diner serving classic burgers with a special sauce, accompanied by house-made root beer.
Oklahoma: Sid’s Diner, El Reno
Famous for its onion burgers, Sid’s offers a unique experience in a small diner setting.
Oregon: Roake’s, Milwaukie
A historic roadside stop known for its burgers and Coney sauce, served in a nostalgic setting.
Pennsylvania: Tony’s Lunch, Girardville
Home to the unique Fluff Burger, this diner serves a regional specialty with spicy and sweet toppings.
Rhode Island: Crazy Burger, Narragansett
Offering specialty burgers with creative ingredients, Crazy Burger lives up to its name.
South Carolina: The Clock Drive-In, Greenville
An iconic spot known for its chili cheeseburgers and freshly made onion rings.
South Dakota: Murph’s “Butterguts” Burgers & Fries, Sioux Falls
A no-frills joint offering flavorful burgers with house-made sauces.
Tennessee: Gabby’s Burgers, Nashville
This family-focused eatery serves grass-fed beef burgers with a side of sweet potato fries.
Texas: Lee Harvey’s, Dallas
A popular spot with a unique setting that often outshines its ever-changing menu.
Utah: Shooting Star Saloon, Huntsville
Claiming to be the state’s oldest saloon, it offers hearty burgers in a historic setting.
Vermont: The Shopping Bag, Burlington
A corner store with a grill serving fresh, half-pound burgers for takeout.
