12 Burger Chains In Pennsylvania Locals Swear Are Worth Going Out Of The Way For
Some burgers are convenient. Others are destination worthy. In Pennsylvania, locals know the difference, and they will happily take the long way if it means biting into something unforgettable.
These are the places that spark detours, cravings, and heated debates about whose burger truly reigns supreme.
Think juicy patties, toasted buns, and that first bite moment that makes the drive feel like a smart decision.
From roadside classics to polished chains that still feel personal, Pennsylvania has no shortage of spots that earn loyalty one burger at a time.
Call it comfort food with a compass or proof that great burgers inspire road trips. When hunger hits and standards are high, these chains are the reason locals keep the keys ready.
1. Burgatory
Customization reaches new heights at this Pittsburgh-born burger haven where you can build your dream patty from the ground up.
Burgatory lets diners choose everything from the type of meat (beef, turkey, bison, or even a black bean patty) to an impressive array of toppings that includes peanut butter, fried pickles, and smoky bacon jam.
The modern industrial design features exposed brick, sleek metal accents, and vibrant neon signs that create an energetic dining atmosphere.
Their signature “Holy Guacamole” burger piles on fresh avocado, pepper jack cheese, and chipotle mayo in a flavor explosion that keeps people coming back.
Locations include 932 Freeport Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15215, plus several other spots throughout the region.
Fun fact: the name combines “burger” and “purgatory,” suggesting you’re stuck between heaven and earth while deciding among so many delicious options.
The signature milkshakes and frozen treats are equally legendary here too, and pair perfectly with any burger creation.
2. Primanti Bros.
Pittsburgh’s most iconic sandwich shop started as a small cart in the Strip District back in 1933, serving hungry truck drivers and night-shift workers.
What makes Primanti Bros. legendary isn’t just the burger itself but the outrageous way they pile coleslaw and french fries directly onto the sandwich between thick slices of Italian bread.
The no-frills decor stays true to its blue-collar roots with simple booths, vintage photos covering the walls, and a counter where you can watch the magic happen.
Their “Almost Famous” sandwich features grilled meat, melted cheese, crispy fries, tangy slaw, tomatoes, and onions all stacked together in glorious chaos.
The original location at 46 18th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 remains a pilgrimage site for burger lovers statewide.
Eating one requires strategy since the towering creation challenges even the biggest appetites.
Locals swear the combination sounds weird but tastes absolutely perfect, especially after midnight when cravings hit hardest.
3. Burgh’ers Brewing
Craft burgers and comfort sides come together beautifully at this local kitchen that takes both flavor and beef seriously, every time.
Burgh’ers Brewing creates unique burger combinations that complement their house favorites, resulting in pairings that elevate the entire dining experience beyond typical bar food.
The rustic brewery atmosphere showcases wooden tables, copper brewing equipment visible behind glass, and chalkboard menus listing daily specials.
Their “Peanut Butter Pickle Bacon Burger” sounds absolutely bonkers but delivers a sweet, salty, tangy combination that somehow works brilliantly together.
Visit them at 3601 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 for burgers that match the creativity of their menu.
Each patty gets grilled to order daily and topped with ingredients sourced from local suppliers whenever possible.
The vibe stays casual and welcoming, making it perfect for groups who want great food without stuffiness.
Recommendations from the staff help you discover which side or sauce best complements your burger choice each visit.
4. Shake Shack
New York’s burger darling expanded into Pennsylvania and quickly won over locals with buttery toasted buns and perfectly seasoned Angus beef patties.
Shake Shack proves that simple done right beats complicated done wrong every single time, focusing on quality ingredients rather than gimmicks.
The contemporary design features clean lines, bright lighting, and a cheerful green color scheme that feels welcoming and energetic.
Their ShackBurger layers American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce (a secret blend that tastes like elevated thousand island) onto a squishy potato bun that holds everything together beautifully.
Multiple Pennsylvania locations include 3601 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19148 and spots in King of Prussia and Pittsburgh.
The crinkle-cut cheese fries arrive hot and salty, perfect for dipping into more of that addictive ShackSauce.
Fun fact: their frozen custard gets made fresh throughout the day and comes in rotating flavors that change with the seasons. Lines can get long during peak hours, but the wait moves surprisingly fast.
5. Five Guys
Walking into Five Guys means accepting you’ll leave smelling like delicious grilled beef and fried potatoes, and honestly, that’s part of the charm.
This Virginia-born chain conquered Pennsylvania with generous portions, customizable toppings (all 15 of them are free), and boardwalk-style fries cooked in peanut oil.
The straightforward red and white tile design keeps things simple and clean, with bags of potatoes stacked along the walls showing exactly where those amazing fries come from.
Their classic cheeseburger features two fresh beef patties grilled to order, topped with whatever combination your heart desires from grilled onions to hot sauce.
Locations throughout Pennsylvania include 1527 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 among dozens of others statewide.
The Cajun fries add a spicy kick that regular fries can’t match.
Expect massive portions since a regular order of fries could easily feed two people, and they always throw extra into the bag.
Free peanuts while you wait make the experience feel almost nostalgic despite being a modern chain.
6. Smashburger
True to its name, this chain smashes fresh beef balls onto a hot griddle, creating crispy, caramelized edges that lock in flavor and juice.
Smashburger pioneered the smash technique that’s now trendy everywhere, proving they were ahead of the curve in understanding what makes a truly great burger.
The contemporary casual design mixes natural wood elements with industrial touches and an open kitchen where you can watch the smashing action happen.
Their signature “Classic Smash” comes topped with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and their special Smash Sauce on an egg bun.
Pennsylvania locations include 2023 Welsh Rd, Dresher, PA 19025 plus several suburban spots. The rosemary and olive oil tossed fries offer a gourmet twist on the traditional side.
Fun fact: they use a special tool that applies exactly the right pressure to create that perfect crust without overcooking the interior.
Their haystack onions add a satisfying crunch that regular onions simply cannot provide, making any burger instantly better.
7. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Kansas hospitality meets Pennsylvania appetites at this retro-styled chain that combines thin, crispy steakburgers with creamy frozen custard.
Freddy’s cooks their patties flat on the griddle until the edges get wonderfully crispy, then stacks multiple patties for maximum beef flavor in every bite.
The 1950s diner aesthetic features red vinyl booths, black and white checkered floors, and vintage Coca-Cola signs that transport you back to simpler times.
Their “Original Double” layers two seasoned steakburger patties with American cheese, mustard, onion, and pickles on a toasted bun that’s both classic and crave-worthy.
Find them at locations like 6694 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 throughout the state.
The shoestring fries arrive thin and crispy, seasoned with Freddy’s special fry seasoning that keeps you reaching for more.
Their frozen custard gets made fresh hourly and comes in flavors ranging from vanilla to seasonal specialties. The custard’s density and richness beat regular ice cream hands down, making it the perfect sweet finish.
8. Wayback Burgers
Nostalgia hits hard at this Delaware-born chain that recreates the classic burger joint experience from decades past.
Wayback Burgers focuses on fresh beef cooked on a flat-top grill, generous portions, and milkshakes so thick you’ll need serious suction power to get them through the straw.
The vintage Americana design incorporates old-school signage, chrome accents, and a color scheme that screams classic burger stand.
Their “Triple Triple” stacks three beef patties with three slices of cheese for those times when a single patty just won’t cut it.
Pennsylvania locations include various suburban areas where families gather for affordable meals that don’t sacrifice quality.
The onion rings come out golden and crunchy, providing the perfect alternative to fries.
Fun fact: they started back in 1991 as Jake’s Hamburgers before rebranding to Wayback, but the commitment to quality stayed exactly the same.
Their cheesesteak burger pays homage to Pennsylvania’s most famous sandwich, combining two beloved foods into one delicious creation that locals absolutely adore.
9. The Habit Burger Grill
California’s beloved burger chain brought its chargrilled perfection to Pennsylvania and immediately earned a devoted following.
The Habit flame-grills their burgers over an open fire, creating a smoky char that gas griddles simply cannot replicate, resulting in depth of flavor that keeps people driving across town.
The bright, beach-casual design features light wood, white subway tiles, and an airy atmosphere that feels relaxed and inviting.
Their “Charburger” showcases a flame-grilled beef patty topped with caramelized onions, pickles, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo on a toasted bun.
Visit locations like 120 Village Dr, King of Prussia, PA 19406 for that char flavor. The tempura green beans offer an unexpected side option that’s become almost as famous as the burgers themselves.
Their teriyaki charburger adds a sweet and savory Asian-inspired twist that sounds unusual but tastes incredible.
The grilled albacore sandwich provides a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor, proving they understand not everyone wants beef every single time they visit.
10. Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
Endless fries might sound too good to be true, but Red Robin delivers on that promise with every burger order.
This family-friendly chain offers over 25 different burger varieties ranging from classic to creative, ensuring even the most indecisive diner finds something they’ll love.
The casual lodge-style design features dark wood, warm lighting, and a comfortable atmosphere perfect for families and groups.
Their “Royal Red Robin Burger” stacks a fried egg, bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo onto a perfectly cooked patty that oozes satisfaction.
Multiple Pennsylvania locations include 1000 Ross Park Mall Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 and many other spots statewide.
The bottomless steak fries mean you never have to ration or share, though the sweet potato fries and garlic fries make worthy alternatives.
Their Banzai Burger features teriyaki-glazed patty with grilled pineapple and Cheddar cheese for a tropical twist.
The kids eat free promotions and birthday perks make it a go-to spot for celebrations and casual family dinners alike.
11. Sheetz (Made-to-Order burgers)
Gas station food gets a serious upgrade at this Pennsylvania-born convenience store empire that’s become a cultural institution across the state.
Sheetz revolutionized the concept of made-to-order fast food with touchscreen kiosks that let you customize burgers exactly how you want them, any time of day or night.
The bright, clean convenience store design combines fuel pumps with a full kitchen and seating area that’s surprisingly comfortable.
Their burgers feature fresh beef grilled to order with an impressive array of toppings from jalapenos to fried onions, all available 24/7.
Locations blanket Pennsylvania with hundreds of stores including 1401 Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA 17057 among countless others.
The Big Mozz burger adds mozzarella sticks directly onto the patty for an indulgent cheese overload.
Fun fact: Sheetz started in 1952 as a dairy store before evolving into the beloved convenience chain it is today.
Their fried pickles, onion rings, and loaded fries round out a menu that rivals many sit-down restaurants.
12. MOOYAH Burgers Fries & Shakes
At MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes, located at 990 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania 19422, building your own burger feels like being handed the keys to a mini happiness machine.
Buns that are pillowy soft wrap around juicy, custom‑topped patties while the toppings lineup seems practically endless; cheeses, sauces, grilled onions, spicy pickles, and fresh veggies all ready to stack however you like.
Add in hand‑cut fries that stay crisp without getting greasy and real, creamy ice cream shakes, and suddenly an ordinary lunch turns into a mini celebration worth the trip.
Whether you keep it classic or go bold with spicy sauces and adventurous add‑ons, MOOYAH makes every combo feel personal and satisfying.
With gluten‑free and keto‑friendly options, it’s easy to bring friends along no matter their cravings.
The Blue Bell location’s upbeat, fast service keeps meals moving whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch between errands or fueling up on a weekend wander.
When those burger cravings hit in Pennsylvania, MOOYAH satisfies big, with flavor and fun in every bite.