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The Most Famous Burgers in Every US State

The history of hamburgers begins with the Hamburg-style meat from Hamburg, Germany.

Two delicious homemade burgers

German immigrants brought this style to America, and the American-style hamburger arguably debuted in 1904 at the St. Louis Louisiana Purchase Exhibition.

Nowadays, Americans eat, on average, three hamburgers a week — approximately 50 billion burgers a year!

Due to its popularity, you can get a good hamburger with delicious toppings in thousands of places. But which restaurants serve the absolute best burger in every state?

I’ll share my opinion on why each of the following burger places offers the best burger in their state!


Alabama: Vicki’s Lunch Van

Vicki’s Lunch Van in Montgomery, Alabama, always has a long line and even sometimes a huge crowd!

This popularity is reasonable, as the burgers here are classic but delicious.

They come with standard ingredients like lettuce, tomato, ketchup, onion, pickles, mustard, and cheese, but the meat is so juicy and irresistible.


Alaska: Tommy’s Burger Stop

Tommy’s Burger Stop is the best burger in Alaska, located in Anchorage.

Tommy’s uses 100% grade beef from Australia and covers the patty in a delicious cajun seasoning that makes it stand out.

They make a range of gourmet burgers, but one fan favorite is the Stella Bleu Burger, which comes with bleu cheese and mozzarella.


Arizona: Rehab Burger

Rehab Burger in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a great place to get a burger because of its unique and fresh ingredients.

The beef is grass-fed and hormone-free, and the buns are baked in-house.

They also have a wide range of unique toppings like mac & cheese, manchego cheese, and pineapple teriyaki aioli.

You can also build your own burger with a choice of beef, chicken, turkey, beef chorizo, or veggie patty.


Arkansas: Big Orange

Big Orange is a mini-chain burger joint, the most popular in Midtown Little Rock.

Something intriguing about Big Orange is that they offer a half-and-half patty of 50% Angus beef and 50% veggie, making for a lighter overall feel.

Their signature burger is the White Truffle & Pecorino. People can’t resist those two flavorful ingredients paired up with arugula, fig jam, and garlic mayo.


California: Pie’ n Burger

Pie’ n Burger is an old-school, diner-style burger joint that serves classic, tasty hamburgers and pies in a friendly environment.

What makes their burger so delicious is that they stick to the basics when it comes to most of the ingredients — pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes — but top them with a thousand island dressing for an extra kick.


Colorado: The Cherry Cricket

There are many places to get good burgers in Colorado, but The Cherry Cricket tops them all due to their ultra-stacked and delightfully juicy beef and bison patties. 

They only offer a build-you-own-burger option, but they give you an extensive list of burger toppings to choose from, including crispy poblano peppers, chile relleno with green chili, and even peanut butter!


Connecticut: Louis’ Lunch

Louis’ Lunch is one of the oldest family-run businesses in the country, and they have been serving their classic hamburger for four generations — since 1895.

It’s simple in appearance, and they even serve it on toasted white bread but don’t be fooled; this classic burger is worth the hype!


Delaware: Farmer & The Cow

Farmer & The Cow is not only an excellent name for a beef-focused restaurant but is truly an excellent place to eat scrumptious burgers!

They specialize in craft burgers, and one of the best ones is “That’s What Brie Said.”

It includes brie, bourbon pear, balsamic, and prosciutto — all on top of a house-made patty that includes chuck, brisket, and filet.


Florida: Thee Burger Spot

Thee Burger Spot serves juicy quarter-pound burgers, all grilled with high-quality beef. 

Their absolute best burger is “Thee Glazed One,” which is a bacon cheeseburger that uses Krispy Kreme Glazed Donuts as the bun!

Is it good for you? Absolutely Not. Will you love it? Absolutely yes. Keep in mind that it’s only available Fridays and Saturdays!


Georgia: NFA Burger

You wouldn’t guess that the best burger in Georgia comes from a counter-serve gas station joint, but alas, NFA Burger in Dunwoody takes the win.

Even though there’s no seating area, people pile in to get their gigantic quadruple patty burger that comes with a sweet and salty sauce they call “sassy sauce.”

You can also get your burger in between a Belgian waffle bun, making this spot even more unique.


Hawaii: W&M Bar-B-Q Burgers

A mom-and-pop burger joint in Honolulu, Hawaii, called W&M Bar-B-Q Burgers, serves delicious hamburgers, especially their HAL burger.

The HAL burger combines classic ground beef with strips of steak to make it even more dynamic and meaty, then includes teriyaki sauce for a slightly sweet kick.


Idaho: Hudson’s Hamburgers

Hudson’s Hamburgers — located in Coeur d’Alene — serves very simple, straightforward burgers in terms of appearance and ingredients: pickles, cheese, and/or onions. That’s it.

However, the pickles and onions are sliced fresh, the quality of the beef is outstanding, and the burger itself is grilled to perfection. Sometimes less is much more.


Illinois: Au Cheval

Au Cheval is a high-end burger joint in Chicago, and their signature double cheeseburger is one of the best in the country.

It’s a simple burger with American cheese, pickles, onions, and house sauce on a toasted bun — but the beef is top quality, and the taste is unbelievable.

You can also get a burger with fried eggs and bacon, perfect for brunch.


Indiana: Bru Burger Bar

With multiple locations across Indiana, Bru Burger Bar is a burger chain that knows how to do burgers right.

One of their best burgers is the Truffle White Cheddar, which comes with jalapenos, onions, truffle corn, lettuce, and truffle aioli.

If you love the truffle flavor, you just can’t get any better than this!


Iowa: BurgerFiend

BurgerFiend, in Cedar Rapids, Indiana, is a straightforward, casual burger joint with the option to build your own single, double, triple, or even quadruple burger.

Their bacon burger is a favorite among customers because they ground the bacon right into the burger for even distribution that tastes beyond perfect!


Kansas: Cozy Inn

The Cozy Inn, located in Salina, Kansas, offers the best burger in the state due to its old-fashioned, classic, homemade taste.

They are small, more along the lines of sliders, so you can eat multiple in one sitting.

This historic spot has been around for 100 years, and people still go because they love their no-frills burgers with a classic taste and basic ingredients: pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard.


Kentucky: Mussel & Burger Bar

Mussel & Burger Bar has two locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and both of them are wildly popular due to the restaurant’s creative craft burgers.

You can get a classic All-American burger, but many people opt for their more inventive hooches, such as the Seafood Burger that contains crab, shrimp, lobster, peppers, chives, and onions, all doused in a spicy crabmeat aioli.

The C.E.O. burger is also a bit hit.


Louisiana: The Company Burger

New Orleans is one of the top food cities in the state, so it’s no surprise they have a delicious burger joint there as well.

The Company Burger tends out due to their hormone-free and antibiotic-free beef, fresh, house-made toppings, and illustrious condiment bar with various types of mayo and aioli.


Maine: Palace Diner

Palace Diner offers a vintage, comforting diner-style setting in Biddeford, Maine. Getting their burger during lunch is an excellent choice.

Their burgers are well-seasoned and full of flavor.

It has the classic diner taste but somehow elevates beyond that, especially with the Palais Royale Burger, which includes two patties.


Maryland: The Abbey Burger Bistro

Near downtown Baltimore, Maryland, The Abbey Burger Bistro is a local favorite for burgers, beer, and shakes.

They have all sorts of burgers, from veggie burgers to classic beef to wild game like bison and lamb.

You can get very creative when you build your own burger here, but the lamb burger and the peanut butter burger are two local favorites.


Massachusetts: White Hut

In West Springfield, Massachusetts, you’ll find White Hut, a counter-serve spot serving tasty hamburgers since 1939.

They make delicious hot dogs as well, but don’t miss out on their classic cheeseburger with tomato, lettuce, mayo, and fried onions to top it all off.

And make it a double if you’re hungry!


Michigan: Mercury Burger Bar

Mercury Burger Bar is a lively burger joint in Detroit, Michigan.

People appreciate the combination of a cozy diner feel with a sleek modern touch.

Like the feel, the burgers are a combination of classic and inventive.

Try the salmon burger for a unique yet still incredibly tasty burger, try a bleu cheese and apple burger, or just go for the classic NY burger.


Minnesota: Matt’s Bar

Matt’s Bar and Grill in Minneapolis is another historic burger joint from 1954 that has remained in business due to its undeniably delicious burgers.

Their “Jucy Lucy” burger is a unique twist on a classic burger in which the burger patty is filled with gooey cheese instead of the cheese being placed on top.

Don’t be afraid to ask for extra cheese.


Mississippi: Stamps Super Burgers

Jackson, Mississippi, is home to Stamps Super Burgers, a no-frills burger joint.

What makes Stamps stand out is the crusty sear on the burger patties that resemble a cast iron steak.

Their burgers are always perfectly seasoned and grilled just the right amount. They have vegan and turkey burgers as well, but their classic burger is undeniably the best.


Missouri: Gordon’s Stoplight Drive-In

Gordon’s Stoplight Drive-In is the best place to get a double cheeseburger in Crystal City, let alone throughout the state.

Beyond the fact that the beef is always exceptional, the cheese on the cheeseburger is always super melty and delicious.

If you’re super hungry, don’t hesitate to order the monstrous quad burger!


Montana: The Burger Dive

The Burger Dive in Billings, Montana, won $10,000 in a burger championship in 2016, and it comes as no surprise.

They have a laundry list of inventive burgers, and it can be hard to choose when to get there, given all the options.

One of the best is the Blackened Sabbath burger with blackened seasoning, bacon, bleu cheese, garlic mayo, and onion rings.


Nebraska: Honest Abe’s

Honest Abe’s has several locations throughout Lincoln, Nebraska, and is a local favorite due to its delicious burger, called “Greatest Burger Ever.”

Calling your burger the greatest burger ever might seem hyperbolic at best, cocky at worst.

Still, many customers will vouch for this title, especially if they order it with the “awesome sauce.” I guess you can say Honest Abe’s is just being, well, honest!


Nevada: Rollin Smoke Barbeque

Rollin Smoke Barbeque is a popular restaurant in Las Vegas where you can get delicious brisket burgers.

The “Outlaw Burger” is a bit out-there in appearance, as it’s stacked to the brim and pretty impossible to bite into, given its height.

It includes tasty brisket, bell peppers, onions, red cabbage slaw, tomato, lettuce, cheddar, chipotle aioli, and a tower of fried onion strings.


New Hampshire: Lexie’s

Lexie’s is a mini-chain with multiple restaurants of different names across New Hampshire and Massachusetts:

  • Lexi’s Joint
  • Lexi’s Landing
  • Lexie’s Dover
  • Lexie’s Exeter

Lexie’s Joint, in Portsmouth, is the most popular one.

There, you will find specialty burgers like “The Farmhouse,” a bacon and egg burger topped with avocado and their delicious herbed aioli, or the “Urban Cowboy” with their delectable chimichurri sauce.


New Jersey: White Manna

White Manna is a tiny yet mighty burger spot in Hackensack that serves incredible sliders.

Their sliders smell of freshly grilled onions from a distance, which pulls more and more customers in every day.

They also use very fatty ground beef, which is appealing to a lot of frequent customers.


New Mexico: Sparky’s

In the land that brought us Hatch green chiles — Hatch, New Mexico — you’ll find a funky, vintage, casual burger restaurant called Sparky’s.

As you might expect, they serve a green chile cheeseburger, and it is to die for! It’s a must-try if you are in Hatch.


New York: Sin City Burger

As one of the best states to eat in the country, New York has a lot of food competition, but a small, unfussy burger joint in the Big Apple called Sin City Burger is up there and is making its mark.

You can get a basic burger that’ll exceed your expectations for the price, or go all in on a SIN burger that includes double meat, double cheddar, bacon, relish, caramelized onions, and their signature “sin sauce.”


North Carolina: Brooks’ Sandwich House

As the name suggests, Brooks’ Sandwich House specializes in all sorts of simple, homemade-style sandwiches, but the burgers at this road stop are the best.

You can order their cheeseburgers either “All The Way,” which includes mustard, chili, and onions, or ask for “Everything,” which includes mustard, chili, onions, lettuce, mayo, and tomatoes.

Even then, you’ll still be able to throw on jalapeños, pickles, and/or slaw.


North Dakota: Sickies Garage

Sickies Garage is a small national burger chain, but most of its locations are in North Dakota.

They serve 50 different super thick burgers, and their “Supercharged” burgers are the most extreme.

Think cheese curds, jalapeño peanut butter, man & cheese, glazed donuts, Jameson whiskey bbq, and other unique ingredients.


Ohio: Swensons Drive-In

Swensons Drive-In is an old-school, family-friendly restaurant chain in Ohio.

They have a cult following for their delicious, greasy burgers and milkshakes. The “Galley Boy” is their most popular burger, which includes:

  • Two beef patties
  • Swiss and American cheese
  • Special sauce
  • Pickles
  • A toasted bun

Oklahoma: Nic’s Grill

Nic’s Grill is a local favorite burger spot in Oklahoma City that’s cash-only.

They are known for their easy-to-order “Cheese and Everything” burger topping options that include all of the classic suspects — mustard, mayo, pickles, grilled onions, tomato, and, of course, cheese.


Oregon: Dandy’s Drive-In

Oregon is a popular burger state with stiff competition, but Dandy’s Drive-In, located in Bend, wins in our book due to its rave reviews and long-lasting power.

They’ve been in business since 1968, and their roller-skating waiters make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time while you munch on a delicious, old-fashioned hamburger.


Pennsylvania: Burgatory Bar

In Hamstead, you’ll find Burgatory Bar, a comically named but seriously tasty hamburger restaurant and cocktail bar.

You can build your own custom creation or select one of their specialty burgers, like the popular “Triple B.”

It includes bison beef, beer cheese, and bacon, along with tomatoes, pickles, and jalapeños — yum!


Rhode Island: Mission

The mission is a relaxed hamburger and hot dog joint in Middletown that has four main options for burgers: hamburger, cheeseburger, bacon cheeseburger, or chili cheeseburger.

And you can’t go wrong with any of them!

But we recommend the bacon cheeseburger because their bacon slices are always exceptionally thick.


South Carolina: Steve’s Classic Burger

Steve’s Classic Burger in Columbia, South Carolina, is appropriately named because they serve, well, classic burgers!

They have veggie and turkey burger options as well, but their classic burger is the best.

You can get it with a 1/4, 1/3, or 1/3 pound of beef and tasty toppings like pimento cheese or sautéed mushrooms.


South Dakota: Sugar Shack

Sugar Shack in Deadwood, SD, is an unassuming fixture that doles out scrumptious, 100% Angus beef burgers.

Their signature “Sugar Burger” includes grilled onions, Swiss cheese, and peppers for a savory, creamy, and dynamic combination.


Tennessee: Earnestine & Hazel’s

Tennessee is known for its BBQ but has delicious burger joints, such as Earnestine & Hazel’s in Memphis.

This bar and grill offer a “Soul Burger” with a special “Soul Sauce,” which is fitting when listening to live soul music while you eat there!


Texas: Tookie’s Hamburgers & More

Like Tennessee, you can find numerous famous meat-based restaurants in Texas.

However, Tookie’s has left its mark on the state with their out-of-this-world signature veggie burger called “Groovy Garden Burger.”

This burger includes a black bean and rice patty, lettuce, tomato, pico de gallo, cilantro, and a tasty cream sauce on the side.


Utah: Lucky 13

Lucky 13 is a no-frills burger spot in Salt Lake City that does one thing when it comes to food, and they do it well: burgers.

You can’t go wrong with any of their creative burgers, but the “Peanut Butter Bacon Cheeseburger” is especially memorable.


Vermont: Worthy Burger

Worthy Burger is an incredible farm-to-table burger spot in South Royalton.

You can’t go wrong with the “Worthy Burger” that comes with Plymouth cheddar, bibb lettuce, red onions, and their famous “secret sauce.”


Virginia: Repeal Bourbon & Burgers

Repeal Bourbon & Burgers is a speakeasy-style burger joint mixed with a cocktail bar in Virginia Beach.

Their craft burgers rival their crack cocktails, especially the Spongebob-themed “Krabby Patty” with crab cake and peach remoulade.


Washington: The Gourmet Burger Shop

The bacon cheddar burger at The Gourmet Burger Shop in Gig Harbor gives you something to write home about after every bite.

The patty is perfectly caramelized for a bit of a crunch, and the rosemary fries on the side complete this burger perfectly.


West Virginia: Oscar’s Breakfast, Burgers & Brews

Oscar’s Breakfast, Burgers, & Brews in Barboursville has a lot to offer, as its name suggests.

But you’d be remiss to leave without ordering one of their burgers, especially the “Clutch Burger.”

The “Clutch” is topped with sauteed mushrooms, Swiss cheese, tomato, lettuce, onion, and their own “special sauce” — which they joke that every burger joint should have.


Wisconsin: Solly’s Grille

Solly’s Grille, which has been around since 1936 in Milwaukee, is the best place to go for a burger filled with buttery goodness.

All their burgers are made with 100% sirloin and are covered in creamy, delectable Wisconsin butter.


Wyoming: Liberty Burger

Wyoming has laws restricting meat-like labels for vegan alternatives, perhaps because they want you to know if you’re eating a “real” burger or not.

In any case, Liberty Burger has you covered whether you are a meat-eater or a vegan, as they have beef, bison, and Impossible vegan patties — and they’re all spectacular.

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

Follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, Quora, Google Guide and Facebook.