The Best Burger In Every U.S. State
There are more than 80,000 burger joints scattered across the United States, but only a handful ignite the kind of craving that makes you reroute a road trip or stand in line during a torrential downpour.
After months of tasting seared patties and wiping secret sauce off my sleeves, I’ve narrowed the field to one unbeatable bite per state. Some winners are big-city icons; others hide on sleepy backroads where neon signs hum after dark.
What unites them is a perfect storm of juicy beef, balanced toppings, and sheer personality. Grab a napkin and a good map because here are the burgers worth planning your next vacation around.
1. Alabama – Butch Cassidy’s Café, Mobile
The ‘Butch Burger’ is a study in restraint: bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, mustard, and exactly four pickles—no more, no less. I still remember the sizzle echoing through the tiny dining room as my order hit the flattop.
One bite and the smoky bacon mingled with tangy pickles in a way that felt like Gulf Coast sunshine on a bun.
2. Alaska – Tommy’s Burger Stop, Anchorage
Tommy’s seasons its patties with a Cajun spice blend that wakes up taste buds numbed by sub-zero temps.
Add lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle, then pair it with chili-cheese fries dusted in the same seasoning for a double-down on flavor.
It’s proof that comfort food thrives even at the edge of the Arctic.
3. Arizona – The Stand Arcadia Burger Shoppe, Phoenix
‘The Standard’ keeps it simple: house-ground beef, crisp veggies, and a creamy Stand Sauce. Order it ‘Evil’ if you crave a jalapeño kick; the heat sneaks up, then lingers just long enough to demand another sip of soda.
I once tried writing emails here but abandoned my laptop after the first messy bite.
4. Arkansas – Cotham’s in the City, Little Rock
Locals swear by the ‘Hubcap Burger,’ a literal plate-filling pound of beef named for its eight-inch diameter. The first time I tackled one, a passer-by clapped when I finished—southern hospitality at its funniest.
If you’re brave, order the quadruple; otherwise, stick to a single and save room for pie.
5. California – HiHo Cheeseburger, Los Angeles (and beyond)
HiHo uses 100% grass-fed wagyu, sears it in mustard, and layers on slow-cooked onions, house pickles, and a tangy ‘Matty Sauce.’ The result is decadence without heaviness, proof that premium beef really does taste different.
Bonus points for fries smothered in burger toppings—because California never skimps on flair.
6. Colorado – Misfit Snack Bar, Denver
The double-cheeseburger here is unapologetically molten: thin-smashed patties, gooey cheese, briny pickles, and a special sauce that drips faster than you can catch it.
Order sweet-potato chips with Humboldt Fog fondue for a Rocky Mountain twist on ‘fries and cheese.’ It’s bar food elevated without losing its soul.
7. Connecticut – GoldBurgers, Newington
Two patties, American cheese, potato chips right in the stack, and signature GoldBurger sauce give this sandwich a satisfying crunch.
Adventurous types can sub in blue cheese or nacho-topped variants, but the classic hits every nostalgic note. Think roadside burger shack meets mad-scientist topping bar.
8. Delaware – 2 Fat Guys, Hockessin
With a name like 2 Fat Guys, you expect excess, and the menu delivers—from Cajun-spiced patties to a Kennett mushroom-Swiss homage.
My pick is the Tex-Mex, where jalapeños and pepper jack bring the heat while chipotle mayo cools things down. Finish with the ‘Fat Boy’ fried-tortilla sundae if you dare.
9. Florida – Cowy Burger
In Miami’s vibrant Wynwood, Cowy Burger serves a crispy “Cowy” smashburger with American cheese, house-made bacon jam, lettuce, tomato, and pickles on a toasted bun.
The smoky jam makes every bite pop. I enjoyed mine with fries and a craft beer in the baby-blue dining room, soaking in Florida’s bold, sunny vibe.
10. Georgia – Hudson Grille, Atlanta (and surrounds)
Whether you choose ‘The Classic’ or the goat-cheese-topped ‘Heisman,’ Hudson Grille delivers seared perfection across multiple locations.
On my last visit, I traded fries for their pillowy sweet-potato version with marshmallow dip—sounds wild, tastes like game-day bliss. Consistency is the real secret weapon here.
11. Hawaii – Honolulu Burger Co., Oʻahu (multiple spots)
Island flavors shine in the ‘Aloha Elvis,’ stacking bacon, banana, peanut butter, and guava jelly atop a pristine patty.
Prefer savory? Go ‘Loco-Moco’ with Spam, egg, and mushroom gravy. Whole-wheat, taro, or brioche buns let you customize your slice of paradise.
12. Idaho – Big Jud’s, Boise (and beyond)
Here, the standard burger STARTS at one pound, then climbs to the legendary two-pound ‘Man v. Food’ challenge loaded with ten strips of bacon and blue cheese.
I split one with two friends and still needed a victory lap around the parking lot. Don’t skip the huckleberry ice cream chaser.
13. Illinois – Small Cheval, Chicago & suburbs
A minimalist offshoot of Au Cheval, Small Cheval offers only single or double patties with dijonnaise, onions, and pickles by default. That focus keeps ticket times quick and flavors laser-sharp.
Wash it down with a salted-caramel shake—spiked if you’re on the L and not driving.
14. Indiana – The Workingman’s Friend, Indianapolis
This century-old tavern proves that tradition never goes out of style. The griddled burger arrives with crisp edges, melty cheese, and a side of history: black-and-white photos of 10-cent-beer days line the walls.
If nostalgia had a flavor, it would taste like this.
15. Iowa – JJ’s Tavern & Grill, Ankeny
JJ’s Smash Burger nails the Midwestern comfort brief with American cheese, garden-fresh toppings, and a zesty ‘Tavern Sauce.’
Feeling bold? Order the ‘Brock Curdy’ piled with cheese curds, pulled pork, and bacon—essentially a county fair between two buns. Bring extra napkins and zero regrets.
16. Kansas – The Cozy Inn, Salina
These six-bite sliders have been sizzling on the same flattop since 1922, and they’re unapologetically loaded with onions—like, clothes-will-smell-for-days onions.
No cheese, no fries, no nonsense. Locals eat them by the sackful, and after five, I started to understand why. It’s Kansas comfort in its purest, punchiest form.
17. Kentucky – Dizzy Whizz, Louisville
Open since 1947, this drive-in churns out the ‘Whizzburger’ stacked with all the fixings, including their creamy house sauce and shaved lettuce for maximum crunch.
I tried mine under neon lights with a root beer float and honestly felt like I’d time-traveled. It’s the kind of burger that makes you wish carhops were still the norm.
18. Louisiana – Port of Call, New Orleans
More steak than standard burger, this half-pounder is juicy enough to soak the bun before you even pick it up. Order it with a loaded baked potato instead of fries—it’s their signature move.
Add a neon-colored Monsoon drink and you’ve got a NOLA experience without stepping onto Bourbon Street.
19. Maine – Butcher Burger, Portland
Butcher Burger in Portland’s Old Port is a love letter to Maine’s meaty soul, serving up the “Surf & Turf Burger” with a bacon-blended beef patty, hand-picked Maine lobster, lettuce, tomato, bacon, and mayo on a toasted bun.
The lobster’s sweet pop against the smoky beef is like a coastal sunset in every bite. I sat outside with a local IPA, watching tourists wander by, and the hand-cut fries with spicy ranch sealed the deal as a perfect summer meal.
20. Maryland – Abbey Burger Bistro, Baltimore
Here, you build your own burger from a wild list of proteins—camel, anyone?—but the ‘Chesapeake’ with lump crab dip, Old Bay, and beef is the sleeper hit.
It’s rich, messy, and exactly the kind of fusion you’d expect from Maryland pride. Just don’t wear white.
21. Massachusetts – Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage, Cambridge
Right across from Harvard Yard, Mr. Bartley’s slings burgers named after pop culture icons—order the ‘Tom Brady’ and you’ll get a pile of bacon and blue cheese with a side of deflated ego (just kidding).
I once sat next to a local professor who swore he eats here weekly. Proof that even Ivy Leaguers can’t resist melted cheddar and sarcasm.
22. Michigan – Taystee’s Burgers, Dearborn
Started in a former gas station, Taystee’s packs their burgers with Detroit flavor, literally. The ‘Ali Burger’ has jalapeños, Taystee sauce, and a fried egg that somehow doesn’t make a mess until the last bite.
Grab a mango slush and take it all in from the parking lot; it still feels like a well-kept secret.
23. Minnesota – Matt’s Bar, Minneapolis
You’ve never really had a Juicy Lucy until you’ve burned your mouth on one. At Matt’s, the cheese is sealed inside the patty, so when you bite in, lava.
I ignored every warning and paid the price, but it was absolutely worth it. Get a Grain Belt beer to ease the singe.
24. Mississippi – Neon Pig, Tupelo
The ‘Smash Burger’ at Neon Pig combines five cuts of beef into a patty that’s beefier than Mississippi summer is humid. Topped with bacon bits, cheddar, onion, and comeback sauce, it’s got the crunch and drip dialed in.
Elvis would’ve approved—this place is less than 10 minutes from his birthplace.
25. Missouri – Town Topic, Kansas City
Open 24/7 since the 1930s, this tiny diner is the definition of a greasy spoon. Their onion-topped burgers are simple, thin, and perfectly seasoned, basically the fast food of your dreams, made slow.
I ate one at 2 a.m. after a concert and briefly believed I had found true happiness.
26. Montana – The Burger Dive, Billings
This award-winning spot churns out specialty burgers with bold, fearless toppings. Try the ‘I’m Your Huckleberry,’ which layers huckleberry BBQ sauce, bacon, and goat cheese over a perfect sear.
It’s smoky, tangy, sweet, and somehow not too much, just like Montana’s big skies.
27. Nebraska – Honest Abe’s, Lincoln
Their ‘Greatest Burger Ever’ lives up to its name: fried egg, crushed Doritos, pepper jack, and chipotle mayo piled high on a toasted bun. It’s not subtle, and that’s the point.
Even the pickiest eaters at my table looked defeated (but satisfied) by the last bite.
28. Nevada – Holsteins Shakes and Buns, Las Vegas
Located inside The Cosmopolitan, Holsteins is all Vegas excess in burger form. The ‘Gold Standard’ shines with dry-aged beef, smoked bacon, goat cheese, tomato confit, and garlic-chive aioli.
And yes, the adult milkshakes (booze optional) deserve their own fan base.
29. New Hampshire – Lexie’s Joint, Portsmouth
Casual and cool, Lexie’s keeps it playful with burgers like the ‘Urban Cowboy’ (onion ring, bacon, BBQ sauce, jalapeños).
The buns are fluffy, the patties well-seasoned, and the vibe pure coastal charm. Grab a chalkboard table and go wild with condiments.
30. New Jersey – White Manna, Hackensack
These tiny, griddle-smashed sliders have achieved near-mythic status—people wait in line just to get four in a paper boat. They’re caramelized, ultra-simple, and wildly addictive.
I once meant to ‘just try one’ and left with ketchup on my shirt and no regrets.
31. New Mexico – Santa Fe Bite, Santa Fe
Santa Fe Bite, a legend reborn in Santa Fe, slings the “Green Chile Cheeseburger” with a hand-pressed Angus patty, roasted Hatch green chiles, melted cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on a soft bun. The chiles’ earthy heat dances with the juicy beef, making each bite a Southwestern revelation.
I grabbed a seat at the counter, still buzzing from a nearby art gallery visit, and paired it with crispy onion rings that rivaled the burger’s fame.
32. New York – Emily, Brooklyn
The Emmy Burger is legendary: dry-aged beef, caramelized onions, melted cheddar, and Emmy Sauce on a pretzel bun that somehow never gets soggy.
It’s rich, salty, sweet, and perfectly balanced—like a Michelin-starred diner meal. I waited 40 minutes once and still talked about it the whole subway ride home.
33. North Carolina – Brooks’ Sandwich House, Charlotte
This no-frills burger shack is cash-only, closes early, and serves up double-patties that speak for themselves. Add house-made chili and slaw for the full North Carolina treatment.
There’s nothing fancy here—just bold flavor, perfectly toasted buns, and a side of Southern grit.
34. North Dakota – JL Beers, Fargo
Beer and burgers are the name of the game, and JL nails both. Try the ‘Humpty Dumpty’ with a fried egg, ketchup, and thick-cut bacon.
I once demolished it at the bar next to a couple celebrating their anniversary—with extra fries and zero judgment. That’s North Dakota hospitality for you.
35. Ohio – Swensons Drive-In, Akron and beyond
Swensons’ ‘Galley Boy’ is a double cheeseburger with two sauces: one sweet, one tangy, and both top secret. Served drive-in style by hopping carhops, it’s fast food with a nostalgic heartbeat.
I devoured mine in the front seat while ’90s pop blared from someone else’s open window.
36. Oklahoma – Nic’s Grill, Oklahoma City
This tiny spot only seats about ten, and if you blink, you’ll miss it—but the griddle-cooked burgers are enormous, juicy, and slightly chaotic in the best way.
A soft bun barely contains the beef, onions, cheese, and rivers of grease. It’s a burger that requires a nap afterward and maybe a change of shirt.
37. Oregon – Bless Your Heart Burgers, Portland
Southern roots meet PNW freshness at this joint, where the ‘Double with Everything’ comes dripping with Duke’s mayo, yellow mustard, pickles, onions, lettuce, and tomato.
The smashburger crust is real-deal crispy, and the vibe is cheeky without being pretentious. Portland weird meets Carolina comfort—and it totally works.
38. Pennsylvania – Village Whiskey, Philadelphia
Jose Garces’ signature burger is an upscale knockout: 8 oz. of beef, foie gras (optional, but c’mon), tomato jam, and sharp cheddar on a buttery bun.
It’s decadent, sure—but also balanced, thanks to that sweet-savory jam. Grab a whiskey flight with it and lean into the indulgence.
39. Rhode Island – Harry’s Bar & Burger, Providence
Their mini-burgers may look like sliders, but they pack a full-sized punch: griddled patties, garlic butter buns, and plenty of creative topping combos.
I tried the ‘M.O.A.B.’ (Mother of All Burgers), and it lived up to its name with cheese, smoked bacon, and chipotle ketchup. It’s the perfect match for a pint and patio weather.
40. South Carolina – Husk, Charleston
Husk turns the burger into a Southern art form: two patties of Benton’s bacon-infused beef, American cheese, and a tangy house sauce, served on a house-made sesame bun.
Everything is made from scratch, including the pickles. I still dream about it—eating it on a shady porch with a glass of bourbon nearby.
41. South Dakota – Black Hills Burger & Bun Co., Custer
In a town known for Mount Rushmore, this little burger joint still manages to steal the spotlight. Try ‘The Hot Granny’—jalapeños, cream cheese, bacon, and sweet-spicy sauce all stacked high.
I passed through on a road trip and ended up staying an extra night just to eat it again.
42. Tennessee – Dyer’s, Memphis
Dyer’s fries its burgers in 100+ year-old grease. That’s not a gimmick—it’s tradition. The result is crispy, savory edges and rich flavor that’s literally aged to perfection.
Add a root beer and pretend you’re living in 1912.
43. Texas – Rodeo Goat, Dallas and beyond
With names like ‘The Chaca Oaxaca’ (featuring chorizo, fried egg, and avocado crema), Rodeo Goat doesn’t hold back. Each burger feels like a dare—and a victory when you finish.
I once tried three in one sitting. It wasn’t wise, but it was worth it.
44. Utah – Proper Burger Co., Salt Lake City
The ‘Proper Style’ burger is a Utah classic: iceberg lettuce, tomato, pickles, grilled onions, and fry sauce (of course).
They also offer wildcards like peanut butter and sriracha, but even the standard delivers high-altitude satisfaction.
Wash it down with a local brew from Proper Brewing next door.
45. Vermont – Worthy Burger, South Royalton
This farm-to-bun gem serves grass-fed beef seared over a wood fire, giving it that irresistible char. Topped with local cheddar and seasonal extras like maple candied bacon, it’s a burger that tastes like Vermont in autumn.
Sit outside and listen to the breeze—it’s the opposite of fast food.
46. Virginia – Repeal Bourbon & Burgers, Virginia Beach
Repeal Bourbon & Burgers in Virginia Beach crafts the “Southern Comfort” burger with a grass-fed beef patty, pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes, bacon, and spicy mayo on a brioche bun.
The creamy pimento and tangy tomatoes elevate the beef to coastal decadence. I savored mine with a bourbon cocktail on their patio, the ocean breeze making every bite feel like a vacation.
Don’t skip the truffle fries—they’re practically a meal on their own.
47. Washington – Uneeda Burger, Seattle
This casual shack offers premium beef with a farmer’s market attitude. Go for the ‘Madame’: grass-fed beef, fried egg, truffle aioli, and gruyère.
I ate it during a rainstorm under a patio heater, and honestly? It made the gray sky feel romantic.
48. West Virginia – Fat Patty’s, Huntington
Fat Patty’s delivers on both size and flavor. Try the ‘Black & Blue’ burger: Cajun spice, blue cheese crumbles, and grilled onions piled onto a buttery bun.
It’s the kind of burger that makes you slow down and really enjoy every bite.
49. Wisconsin – Solly’s Grille, Milwaukee
This is butter burger country, and Solly’s does it best—each patty is literally swimming in Wisconsin butter.
You’ll need a fork, a napkin, and maybe a cardiologist, but you’ll also never forget the taste. Creamy, salty, and totally worth the mess.
50. Wyoming – Liberty Burger, Jackson
Liberty brings bold flavors to a town that already knows how to do hearty. The ‘Wild West’ burger comes with BBQ sauce, bacon, onion rings, and chipotle ranch—all stacked to cowboy standards.
I devoured one after hiking and swore it had restorative powers.