10 Missouri Burger Chains That Locals Say Serve Beef Worth The Detour
I’ve spent enough Saturday afternoons cruising Missouri highways with my family to know that a truly great burger can turn a boring road trip into a legendary adventure.
Show Me State locals have strong opinions about where to find the juiciest patties, the crispiest fries, and the kind of flavor that makes you plan your entire route around lunch.
From Kansas City’s legendary late-night spots to Springfield’s modern burger havens, Missouri is packed with chains that deliver beef worth every mile of the drive.
1. Town Topic (Kansas City)
Kansas City runs on coffee and Town Topic burgers, or at least that’s what my uncle always said when he’d drag us to the 20th and Broadway location at 2 a.m. after a Royals game. This iconic chain has been flipping patties since 1937, and the fact that their flagship spot never closes tells you everything about local loyalty.
Thin, crispy-edged beef patties get smashed on a flattop grill until they develop that caramelized crust burger nerds dream about. Grilled onions come standard, and the no-frills atmosphere makes the food the star.
With multiple locations across KC, Town Topic proves that sometimes the best burgers come from places that look like time capsules. Visit towntopic.com to find your nearest location and prepare for a taste of history.
2. Hi-Pointe Drive-In (St. Louis area)
St. Louis burger debates get heated, but Hi-Pointe Drive-In has managed to win over skeptics across the metro with locations in McCausland, Kirkwood, Downtown, Chesterfield, and beyond. My first bite of their signature burger made me understand why people wait in line on Sunday afternoons.
Creative toppings meet high-quality beef in combinations that feel both adventurous and comforting. The menu rotates seasonal specials, so regulars always have something new to try alongside classic favorites.
Each location maintains the same commitment to fresh ingredients and bold flavors that made the original a neighborhood treasure. Check out their website to explore the full menu and find the Hi-Pointe nearest you for a burger that’s anything but ordinary.
3. Black Sheep Burgers & Shakes (Springfield)
Springfield’s burger scene exploded when Black Sheep opened its doors, and now locals can’t imagine life without it. With spots downtown, in Chesterfield, on Sunshine, and along Glenstone, this chain has become the go-to for anyone craving serious beef and even more serious milkshakes.
Hand-formed patties get cooked to order, which means you actually get to choose your doneness level. The shakes are thick enough to require genuine effort with a straw, exactly as nature intended.
Creative burger names and playful menu descriptions hint at the fun atmosphere inside each location. Whether you’re a Springfield native or just passing through on Route 66, Black Sheep delivers the kind of meal that makes you want to come back tomorrow.
4. Winstead’s Steakburgers (Kansas City – Plaza)
My grandma swears by Winstead’s, and when a woman who’s lived through eight decades of Kansas City dining makes a declaration, you listen. The Plaza location keeps the tradition alive with its dining room and famously late drive-thru window that’s saved countless hungry night owls.
Steakburgers here aren’t just a menu item but a Kansas City institution, served with that perfect ratio of beef to bun. The shakes are legendary too, mixed to that ideal thickness that coats your spoon.
Recent Facebook updates and their official website confirm they’re still going strong, serving the same quality that made them famous generations ago. Visit winsteadssteakburger.com to see why locals consider this place a Plaza treasure worth protecting at all costs.
5. Whataburger (KC & Springfield metros)
Whataburger’s Missouri expansion feels like watching your favorite band finally come to your hometown. Thanks to KMO Burger, the franchisee backed by Patrick Mahomes himself, sixteen company stores across Kansas City and Springfield now fly the orange and white flag.
Those big, customizable burgers that Texans won’t stop bragging about are now ours to enjoy anytime. The 24-hour availability at many locations means your burger craving doesn’t need to follow a schedule.
Mahomes’ involvement isn’t just celebrity endorsement; it represents a real commitment to bringing quality fast food to his adopted home state. The brand continues growing throughout Missouri, proving that Show Me State residents are ready to show Whataburger some serious love and loyalty.
6. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers (statewide)
Freddy’s conquered Missouri one steakburger at a time, and now boasts 35 locations across the state according to their official directory. I’ll admit I was skeptical about the thin patty approach until I tasted that crispy, seasoned edge that comes from proper smash-burger technique.
The shoestring fries are dangerously addictive, and the frozen custard provides the perfect sweet finish. Every location maintains consistent quality, whether you’re in a big city or a smaller Missouri town.
That retro atmosphere with red accents and vintage vibes makes each visit feel like stepping back to a simpler time. Check freddys.com to find your closest location and discover why Missourians have embraced this chain with open arms and empty stomachs.
7. Culver’s (statewide)
Culver’s brings that Wisconsin warmth to Missouri with locations scattered from Arnold to Blue Springs, Branson to Columbia, and everywhere in between. The ButterBurger name isn’t marketing fluff; they actually butter and toast the buns, which creates a richness that elevates the entire experience.
Fresh, never frozen beef meets Midwest hospitality in every single location. The cheese curds deserve their own fan club, and the concrete mixers provide dessert options that make decision-making genuinely difficult.
Their official website lists numerous Missouri restaurants, making it easy to find one near you. Whether you’re road-tripping across the state or just need a reliable burger in your hometown, Culver’s delivers consistency you can count on every single time.
8. Shake Shack (Kansas City – Country Club Plaza)
When Shake Shack planted its flag on the Country Club Plaza, Kansas City burger lovers celebrated like their team just won the championship. This New York import brought its cult-following burgers to the heart of KC’s most stylish shopping district.
Angus beef patties get the premium treatment with potato buns that somehow stay structurally sound despite all that juicy goodness. The ShackSauce adds a tangy kick that keeps you coming back for more.
Current hours show dine-in availability, so you can enjoy your burger in their modern, energetic atmosphere. The Plaza Shack proves that sometimes the hype is real, and a burger can absolutely justify its premium price tag when quality ingredients meet careful preparation and genuine passion.
9. Five Guys (statewide)
Five Guys invaded Missouri with the subtlety of a delicious, grease-stained bulldozer, and nobody complained. With active locations from Springfield Battlefield to St. Charles and O’Fallon, this chain redefined what fast food burgers could be.
Customization reaches absurd levels here, with free toppings piled as high as your conscience allows. Two patties come standard unless you specifically request a single, and those hand-cut fries arrive in portions that could feed a small army.
The peanut barrels and open kitchen create a casual vibe that puts everyone at ease. Check their Missouri store directory to find your nearest location and prepare for a burger experience that’s unapologetically excessive in all the right ways.
10. MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes (O’Fallon)
MOOYAH made its Missouri debut in O’Fallon in 2025, and early reviews suggest this won’t be their last Show Me State location. As the first Missouri outpost, this spot represents something special for locals who’ve been craving what other states already knew.
Certified Angus beef patties meet a build-your-own approach that lets you create your perfect burger. Real ice cream shakes and hand-cut fries round out a menu that prioritizes quality over speed.
The brand’s locations page now proudly lists O’Fallon, Missouri, marking the beginning of what could become a beautiful burger relationship. If you’re near St. Charles County, swing by and taste what all the excitement is about before the secret gets out completely.