Here Are The Best Burgers In The United States

In the mood for a juicy, delicious burger? You certainly will be after reading this. From tiny burger bars to hugely popular burger restaurants with a cult following, our pick of the best burgers in the United States for 2023 make for plenty of must-eats. We’ve selected the best of the best using our ranking system, which takes into account editorial experience, critic reviews, customer feedback, location and accessibility, presentation, value for money and atmosphere. You’ll likely recognise some old-time favourites here, but there are dozens of newbies to rave about too. From Alabama to Wyoming, here's where you'll find the best burgers in the United States.

Best Burgers in the United States

How do these rankings work?

50. JAG Burger Beer Bowery – Fairmont, West Virginia

This is a small 32-seater spot focuses on two of the best things in life: beer and burgers. They have a wonderful selection of both.

What makes their burgers taste so good is their focus on fresh produce. Everything is made from scratch, and you can really taste the difference. Wash it down with one of those lovely craft beers and you will be in absolute heaven. Snap up one of their craft burgers for a minimum of $12 – fries are extra.

49. Big Gun Bar and Burger – Charleston, South Carolina

The best place to dedicate some quality time to delicious burgers. The Big Gun Bar and Burger joint also has a killer little bar, complete with karaoke. Oh, and watch out for their half price burgers from Monday – Friday between 4pm-6pm. What’s not to love about this place? Its Towering Inferno burger is famous for its size and spiciness. Burgers start from $14.

48. Bard’s Burgers & Chilli – Covington, Kentucky

This popular fast-food joint in Covington is famous for its Cincinnati-style chili and hefty burgers. While you could stick to a classic cheeseburger here, it would be a sin not to try the delicious Chili-Cheese burger. The tender, perfectly seared beef patties are smothered with melted cheese and flavoursome chili in a soft toasted bun. Burger prices range from $8.50 to $11.

47. GoldBurgers – Newington, Connecticut

It doesn’t get more American than this. GoldBurgers is famous in Newington for incredibly juicy double-stackers, served with jalapenos and a secret special sauce. For veggies, the scratch veggie burger (made with blended chickpeas and black beans) is a worthy alternative to Goldburgers' cult classics too. We like the prices as much as the burgers – they range between $8.50 and $10 – adding fries is just an extra $1.

46. Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes – Springfield, Missouri

Burgers, shakes and rock & roll - the restaurant specialises in satisfying every burger lover. They make the patties extra crispy and cook it with their special sauce to bring you a mouth-watering meal. The Cowboy Carl burger is topped with slow cooked smoked brisket, sharp white cheddar, candied bacon - yum. Expect prices between $10.25 and $14.

45. NFA Burgers – Dunwoody, Atlanta

NFA Burgers started life as a pop up in several different locations, but it now has a permanent home inside the Chevron. There's no need to dilly dally over choice – the menu is short, simple and superb. Each patty is topped with olive pickles, American cheese, French's mustard and sassy sauce, crammed into a Martin's Potato Roll. Heaven in a mouthful. Get their Double Classic Cheeseburger for just $8.

44. Holsteins Burgers – Las Vegas, Nevada

Located on the second level of Las Vegas' Boulevard Tower, Holsteins Shakes and Buns if famous for their fabulous burger creations. Think: Wagyu burger with foie gras, port onion marmalade, frisee, & truffle mayo. We heartily recommend The Gold Standard, made with dry aged beef sirloin burger, smoked bacon, aged goat cheddar cheese, tomato confit, baby arugula, garlic-chive aioli. Expect Las Vegas-esque prices, ranging between $18 and an eye-watering $36.

43. Ariete – Miami, Florida

There's a lot to love about this Miami institution. Instagrammable decor, superb service, upmarket items like fancy foie gras. But it's those burgers we keep dreaming about. The signature chug burger (a sort of elevated Big Mac with a double batty, American cheese, bread-and-butter pickles and a secret sauce) is nothing short of perfection. The chef only prepares a dozen of these bad boys each night though, so make sure you get there early. We can’t find the exact cost, but expect Miami prices.

42. The Farmhouse Tap & Grill – Burlington, Vermont

The Farmhouse Tap & Grill is legendary in Vermont for producing the best burgers in the state. There's six tempting burgers to choose from, with farm-beef, turkey and veggie options. But hey, we suggest you go all out with the Baller Burger. It's an indulgent beast of LaPlatte beef, with foie gras terrine, black truffle aioli, Spring Brook Farm raclette, coleslaw, and arugula – all for $18.

41. A&B Burgers – Boston, Massachusetts

This family-owned burger joint has elevated itself from a neighbourhood burger bar to an innovative restaurant with plenty more on the menu than burgers. But with organic beef from local farms, you won’t want to miss out on these. Their burgers include toppings such as bourbon mustard sauce, maple rubbed bacon, cheddar cheese, and pickled jalapeño, or creamy burrata and fig jam. Their signature burger comes at a price of $18.25.

40. Fat Dan’s Chicago-Style Deli – Indianapolis, Indiana

Fat Dan’s Chicago-Style Deli is a bustling heaven of burger-bombs – with options like the super-spicy “Ghost,” the Double-Brother Fat Burger, or the Fat Havana, with smoked pork and smoked maple ham. Drooling yet? Get yourself down to Fat Dan’s – the burger prices range from $11 to $18.

39. Paradise Valley Burger Company – Phoenix, Arizona

Paradise Valley Burger Company has featured on countless TV shows thanks to its big, bold burger flavours. It's the home of the ‘Relleno Burger', which includes surprise combos like 1000 island in a burnt sugar bun, and the 'Country Fried Burger', made with a jalapeno and thyme reduction. There are rotating specials too. The prices add something even more special at around $11 for a burger.

38. Chedda Burger – Salt Lake City, Utah

Chedda Burger joint knows how to make seriously amazing burgers. What started off as a popular food truck has now grown into a permanent home with a loyal fanbase. What makes these some of the best burgers in the United States? Think: local ingredients and toppings such as truffle cheese and their famous side of handrolled “Chedda Tots”. The prices are decent, too – from $7.99.

37. Earnestine & Hazel’s – Memphis, Tennessee

America's 'Greatest Burger Dive Bar' doesn't really need an introduction, nor does its famous 'Soul Burger', but we'll give it a go. They stuff a beautiful bun with a juicy patty, onions, cheese, pickle and 'soul sauce', you eat it, then you try and order another one as fast as you can. There's ghosts, good stories and great beers too. It’s on the pricier side for a dive bar – around $10 for a single cheeseburger.

36. Hop + Grind – Durham, New Hampshire

These guys don’t have restaurants, they have food experiences. They push the limits in fast-food cuisine and offer one of the best burgers in New Hampshire. If you’re into trying new tastes, then you should try their Bomb Diggity burger. It's a beef patty blended with American and cheddar cheese, topped with salami and mushrooms. Their cheeseburger is just $7.

35. Bud's Bar – Sedalia, Colorado

Some say time stands still at this 73-year-old burger joint. We really wish it did, because then we'd never have to experience that sad last bite of their delicious burgers. Located a short drive from Denver's suburbs, it's a bit of a schlep to get here but that's all part of its charmed. Burgers are pressed, grilled, topped with American cheese and served with a basket of Lays (no fries here). It’s the prices that stand out the most – just $3.90 for a hamburger. Bring cash.

34. Le Tub Saloon – Hollywood, Florida

This super casual, beachy restaurant opened in 1975 and their burgers have been the cornerstone of their menu ever since – even Oprah gave them a shoutout. It’s now making waves on social media, proving Le Tub Saloon as the place to be in Hollywood, Miami. Not only do they serve up ridiculously juicy patties, but the spot is also on the water – a burger with a view of boats bobbing in the harbour, what could be better? Throw in one of their spicy, super-savoury Bloody Mary cocktails for good measure. We love the fun, quirky vibe here – be sure to take a walk around to spot all the tub-related details. They only do one burger – the Original – for $14.50. Cheese, pickles, and bacon are extra.

33. Spot Gourmet Burgers – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

At Spot Gourmet Burgers, they trust you to build your own masterpiece. Choose from fresh ground USDA sirloin, organic chicken or a veggie patty, then simple choose three toppings and any number of condiments. Or you could opt for the chef's creations like the 'Unami', made with mushrooms, grilled onions, lettuce, pickled daikon, samjang, cucumber and pickled daikon. Grab one of their gourmet burgers for just $6.

32. Raoul’s – Manhattan, New York

Hotfoot to SoHo in New York City to try out the burger that’s had patrons coming back since 1975. More of a steakhouse than a burger joint, Raoul’s gained a cult following since two French brothers brought their cuisine to NYC. It has a very old New York vibe, and it’s more formal than casual – a special occasion kind of place. Generally, steakhouses know how to make extra-delicious burgers – try their famous Au Poivre burger and you won’t be disappointed. But getting this burger is no guarantee – they famously only serve twelve a night. Try your chances with the elusive burger, but bear in mind it’ll set you back $19.

31. Harry’s Bar & Burger – Providence, Rhode Island

These 100% pure Hereford beef burgers come in pairs, with each patty pressed with onions, and served on a toasted Martin’s potato roll. Don't miss the classic cheese and hickory smoked bacon burger. Customers rave about the crunchy onion strips too. Burger prices start from an impressive $5.99.

30. JewBoy Burgers – Austin, Texas

US-Mexico border culture meets a reform Jewish upbringing at JewBoy Burgers. There are burritos, latkes and lots of other fried treats but the burgers are best. Try the namesake bun, made with 1/3 lb freshly ground beef smashed over sautéed onions on a wicked hot flat top grill. They flip it twice, top it with cheese and then steam it to melty perfection. Their classic JewBoy Burger is $9.50.

29. 4505 Burgers & BBQ – San Francisco

This barbecue joint serves up top tier burgers in the heart of the city. The grass-fed beef patties are plump and juicy, the lettuce is crisp and the gruyère cheese is a winning touch. We heartily recommend going the whole hog with a fried egg on top too. Their single cheeseburger is $12.95.

28. The Thurman Cafe – Columbus, Ohio

Columbus can lay claim to some of the most iconic burgers in the world (Wendy's, anyone?), but The Thurman Cafe is something special. Over-the-top is their style, and we love them all the more for it. If you're feeling outrageous, opt for The Thurmanator, which is crammed full of just about every delicious ingredient you can imagine – bacon, cheese, mozzarella, mushrooms, ham and a 12-ounce patty. Their 6.oz burger is $14.75.

27. Do-B's – Emporia, Kansas

Lucky, lucky Emporia. This unassuming burger joint serves up some of the most succulent, well-seasoned burgers in the state, served with shaved onions, crispy lettuce and a tomato. You'll want to order the onion rings too. If you think your tastebuds can handle it, try the 'Carolina Reaper Burger Challenge', a burger that contains the hottest pepper in the world. Prices start from $6 for a 4 oz. hamburger.

26. The Cherry Cricket – Denver, Colorado

The Cherry Cricket has been slinging burgers, brews and great vibes since 1945. It reopened after a fire in 2017 but little has changed inside everyone's favourite burger joint, least of all those tasty burgers. There's a juicy 1/2-pound beef burger, 1/3 bison burger and an increasingly popular 'impossible vegetarian burger', topped with classic and created sauces like peanut butter and bacon jalapeno. Prices start from $9.50 and go up to $16.50.

25. Au Cheval – Chicago, Illinois

This upscale American diner consistently ranks as one of the best burgers in the United States. Why? Think towering patties smothered in cheese, topped with crispy bacon, a fried egg and possibly even a hash brown. It’s a popular spot, so it comes at a price of $15.99 for a single cheeseburger.

24. Grill Marks – Greenville, South Carolina

For the juiciest, meatiest patties in Greenville, hotfoot to Grill Marks. Unlike bog-standard burger joints, this creative burger restaurant uses 100% certified Angus Beef, locally-baked brioche buns and a wide variety of gourmet cheeses and toppings. Combine it with a gourmet milk shake or homemade ice cream for the ultimate treat. There are now three Grill Marks locations dotted around the city too. Prices range between $11.99 and $16.49.

23. Burger-chan – Houston, Texas

A customisable burger restaurant? Sounds like the stuff dreams are made of. It’s a cult favourite, so expect long queues, but we think it’s worth it to build a burger exactly how you like it. Choose a bun (the sweet sourdough is particularly popular), a size, cheese, extras, and vegetables. The vegetables (pickles, lettuce, tomato, pickle jalapenos, and raw onion) are freebies, while the other components are individually priced. We think the prices are fairly good, though – a single 5-ounce patty is $8 and the extras range between $1 and $3. Kimchi relish for $1? Yes please. Their tater tots are a must-try, too.

22. Dyckman Dogs – Manhattan, New York

As the name suggests, this place is actually a hot dog joint. But Dyckman Dogs masterfully channels all the topping goodness that comes with hot dogs into making some of the best burgers in the United States. You can add all the toppings you want, but they do the basics so well you might not even want to. Think buttery, grilled buns, American-style cheese melted on top of smashed patties, a good dose of their ‘special sauce’, and mustard – it is officially a hot dog place, after all. Stop by during Happy Hour for burger, fries, and a beer for just $15. On a normal day, a burger ranges between $13 and $16.

21. El Mago de las Fritas – Miami, Florida

Opened in 1984, El Mago de las Fritas is a little different to your average burger joint. Rather than your usual patty-brioche combo, they specialise in 'frita' or Cuban hamburgers here. They're made from a blend of beef and pork, seasoned with spices, topped with onions and crispy potatoes between a soft cuban roll for the perfect crunchy bit, every time. Burger prices start at $7.50 and end at $12.99.

20. Little Bad Wolf – Chicago, Illinois

Little Bad Wolf has been making waves on social media for its packed burgers – the Wolf Burger is the one to try if you really love those towering burgers. It’s three patties, crispy bacon, American cheese, pickles, red onion mayo, crispy onions, and a fried egg. Whew, that’s a mouthful. Combine it with their hand-crafted cocktails, a beer from the seemingly endless list, or a pint of hard root beer – they have it on tap. Comparatively, the Wolf Burger does come at a high price of $21.

19. The Cozy Inn – Salina, Kansas

When the Cozy Inn was founded in 1922, burgers cost just 5 cents. A century later, they're still one of the state's best bargain burgers at just $1.39 – and they're lip-smackingly good too. Burgers come with onions and you can add pickles. Pair it with Strawberry Crush for the ultimate winning combo. A small town gem.

18. The Nook – St. Paul, Minnesota

The Nook describes itself as 'a small place with big burgers', and boy are they right about that. It's the best place in town to try a 'Juicy Lucy' – a stuffed burger with cheese inside the meat instead of on top for an extra gooey, melted bite. You can also choose a pretzel or wheat bun too. Burger prices range between $10.25 and $16.25.

17. Hall Of Flame Burgers – Ruidoso, New Mexico

Hall of Flame's burgers are BIG and spicy. For a proper taste of the south, they put chilli in most of the burgers too. Try the green chilli burgers with bacon and avocado, served alongside crunchy beer batter fries. Service is speedy, even when the queues are long. Expect prices of around $12 per burger.

16. Tucker's Onion Burgers – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Tucker's Onion Burgers specialise in, you've got it, onion burgers. Back when meat was scarce during the 1920s, savvy burger lovers in Oklahoma started padding the patty out with onions. Tucker's has elevated the cult classic, with perfectly caramelized, crispy-on-the-edges onions and juicy premium ground beef, all served with hand cut fries and creamy old fashioned milkshakes. A single onion burger is just $7.75 – it’s $8.25 with cheese.

15. Randizzle’s – Phoenix Area, Arizona

Who would’ve thought that one of the best burgers in the United States would be made in a food truck? Leave pretention at the door and tuck into truly delicious burgers made by ex-professional football player Randy Gatewood. One of the best things about eating in a food truck is that you know for certain how much care and passion goes into every sizzling burger – it’s fresh, juicy, and crispy all at the same time. And the Randizzle’s special sauce ties it all together beautifully. Keep an eye on their Instagram to find out where the food truck is going next. Randy’s Classic Burger is $12.

14. Lucky 13 – Salt Lake City, Utah

Arguably Utah’s best burger joint, Lucky 13 is a favourite amongst many. Their fried pickles are crispy, crunchy, and juicy, and the rosemary garlic fries are excellent sides. But the star of the show is the burger – messy, overflowing goodness of high-quality beef, runny cheese, and fluffy buns. Their menu of burgers is impressive – the Ol’ Man is a particularly good choice with roasted jalapenos, grilled onions, and melted Swiss cheese. All for $12, including fries which can be substituted for onion rings or side salad. Affordable and delicious? A winning combination.

13. Burger She Wrote – Los Angeles, California

Aside from having a brilliant name, Burger She Wrote has long been a favourite in LA. The smashed patties are seriously impressive, overflowing from the bun. Their burgers are simple but done to perfect – think onion-y smashed patties, American cheese, crunchy pickles, and a sauce so lip-smackingly good you’ll want to drink it. Their thin cut, golden, salty fries are the best side. Really crank up the LA-diner vibes with a milkshake. The prices are good too – their Smash Single is just $9. Their vegetarian burger is also $13.

12. Patty Wagon Burgers – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Famous for their onion-y, juicy smash burgers, Oklahoma has some showstoppers on the burger scene. We’re big fans of Patty Wagon Burgers – a no-frills, casual spot that’s perfect for getting your burger fix. They have the highest quality, grass-feed, the freshest ingredients, and well-seasoned hand cut fries. The Red Dirt burger is a big hitter for us – it’s topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy thick cut hickory smoked bacon, grilled onions, lettuce, and locally made barbecue sauce. The sourdough bun really tops it off, too. All for the price of $9.99.

11. Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint – Birmingham, Alabama

Founded by childhood friends in 2014, there's a wide range of brilliant burgers on the menu at Jack Brown's but we recommend trying one of the 'specialty burgers'. These bad boy burgers are made with 100% all-natural Wagyu beef. Local favourites include the Elvis (wagyu topped with peanut butter, mayo, applewood smoked bacon and American cheese) and the Dr. Gonzo (with sautéed mushrooms, Guinness onions, Swiss cheese applewood smoked bacon). Burger prices start at $8.49.

10. Community Tavern – Chicago, Illinois

If you're up to speed with our annual burger roundups, Community Tavern will already be a familiar face. It's features in our top ten three years running, for good reason. The husband-and-wife team who own the tavern put a lot of love and care into all their dishes, but it's the burger that really stands out. Comprising two juicy patties, caramelized onions and a zingy sauce, it's a must-order. The double cheeseburger is $16.

9. BLOCK16 – Omaha, Nebraska

Chef Alton Brown claimed BLOCK16’s Croque Garcon Hamburger as his favourite in the country. High praise, indeed. This farm-to-table spot emphasises the importance of fresh, local, humanely raised, and preservative-free ingredients – they find the balance between comfort food and freshness. Their iconic Croque Garcon is a melt-in-the-mouth beauty of Jon’s Naturals patty, cheese, ham, locally sourced fried egg, onion, mustard, and truffle mayo on a ciabatta roll. All for just $8.25.

8. Roadhouse Diner – Great Falls, Montana

This popular spot in Great Falls, Montana serves up some seriously impressive burgers. We love the relaxed diner setting, but the juicy patties are the star of the show. All burgers are cooked medium to medium-well – they don’t cook to temperature, and this is the best way to eat their burgers. They know best! Their super-fresh patties are made of McCafferty Ranch beef and ground inhouse. In keeping with the locally sourced ingredients, each burger is served with fries made of Montana-grown potatoes. Their signature Roadhouse Burger is just $12.99, including the fries.

7. The Capital Burger – Washington DC

Step into burger heaven when walking into Washington DC’s Capital Burger. We’re a big fan of the name, but even bigger fans of the succulent burgers. Every meal here starts with a free mason jar of sweet, crunchy pickles – a great touch that we’ve not seen anywhere else. The Capital Burger is a no-brainer order – it resembles a French onion soup with caramelised onions, grand gru gruyère, and shallot aioli. The smoked gouda fries are an absolute must-try. While the initial price of $20 for Capital Burger is on the pricier end, this does include sea salt fries or a mixed baby greens salad. The prices range between $17 and $20 per burger.

6. Original Slap Burgers at Marie’s Bar & Kitchen – New Orleans, Louisiana

Working out of Marie’s Bar & Kitchen, Original Slap Burgers is literally a hole-in-the-wall spot. It’s the place to go for juicy and gloriously messy smash burgers in New Orleans. It has a great story behind it, too – owner Chad Barlow was without a home and work, ended up in New Orleans on a whim, and walked by Marie’s Bar & Kitchen one night to find the kitchen empty. After speaking to the owner, he rented out the kitchen and Original Slap Burgers was born. Slap burgers are Chad’s take on smash burgers, ultra-crispy and ultra-juicy, thanks to the butter he melts into the lean ground beef. The burgers start at $10.

5. Bub's NOLA – New Orleans, Louisiana

Bub's started life in 2020 as a pop-up but their burgers became so popular that it quickly became evident that the tight-knit group of friends would need a permanent home (now on Banks Street) If it's your first time here, opt for their namesake burger, made with two juicy patties, American cheese, pickles, onions and 'Bub sauce' loaded onto a toasted brioche bun. Their burger prices start at $6.50.

4. Mid-City Smash Burger – Portland, Oregon

These burger boys are, quite literally, smashing it. The New Orleans-born business boasts Portland's best smash burger. On the surface it's just meat, cheese and sauce in a bun but the reality is so much more. Two thin beef patties are smashed together, slathered with American cheese slices and the chef's own special smash sauce, and served between two fluffy buns. Their cheeseburger is just $5.

3. Hawkins House of Burgers – Los Angeles, California

Head to Watts, Los Angeles for earth-shattering burgers. Famous all over the city for their juicy patties of high-quality Angus beef, crunchy pickles, and super-soft buns, Hawkins House of Burgers is a must if you’re in Los Angeles. Expect the mess and get the napkins. Especially if you opt for their Triple burger – that’s three burgers stacked on top of each other for just $8.99. The place is no-frills, family-run, and friendly.

2. Bae’s Burgers – Mooresville, North Carolina

Grab the napkins – Bae’s Burgers specialises in messy, juicy, scrumptious burgers that’ll keep you coming back for more. The husband-and-wife duo have perfected the art of the smash burger, with a succulent centre and crispy edges. The ingredients are super fresh – the beef is dry-aged grass fed from a local supplier, using a blend of chuck, short-rib and brisket. This really sets them apart from other nearby burger joints. And the cherry on top? Their iconic Smash Burger is just $7. We think their garlic parmesan fries make the perfect side, too.

1. 7^th Street Burger – Manhattan, New York

Smash burgers are elite in the burger world – juicy, crispy, tasty. All the good things. And these patties from 7th Street Burger in Manhattan are a knockout. Their method is simple – smash burger patties on a soaring grill with some white onion, top it with American-style cheese, and tuck the cheesy-meaty-goodness into a super-soft bun that’s perfect for soaking in the burger juices. We particularly like their affordable prices, especially for NYC – a cheeseburger is $7.80. They stay open very late too, around 4am, and we can’t imagine a better meal after a few drinks. Bonus points for slinging excellent veggie burgers, too.