America’s True Culinary Crown
Nothing represents America quite like a great hamburger. It’s humble, endlessly customizable, and taken very seriously everywhere from roadside diners to chef-driven kitchens. Everyone claims they know where the best burger is in their state—but everyone can’t be right. So we tracked down the single burger locals argue over, fawn over, and drool over most in each state.
Alabama: Chez Fonfon (Birmingham)
This French bistro burger has achieved cult status for a reason. Juicy beef, perfectly melted cheese, and a soft bun keep things simple but flawless. It’s not flashy—just a masterclass in balance that proves Alabama knows how to do burgers right, without overthinking it.
amirali mirhashemian, Unsplash
Alaska: Tommy’s Burger Stop (Anchorage)
Alaska doesn’t mess around, and neither does this burger. Thick, juicy patties with bold toppings and serious portions make this a local favorite. It’s the kind of burger that feels earned after a long day outdoors—which is basically every day in Alaska.
Arizona: Diablo Burger (Flagstaff)
Locally sourced beef and creative toppings make Diablo Burger a standout. The patties are rich, the buns are sturdy, and the flavors feel thoughtful without going overboard. It’s Arizona’s answer to the gourmet burger—still messy, still fun, just elevated enough to feel special.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/storygirl68/, Wikimedia Commons
Arkansas: Hugo’s (Fayetteville)
Hugo’s is a basement legend, and its burgers are the main event. Thick, juicy, and stacked exactly how you want them, these burgers feel timeless. This is comfort food done right, served in a spot that locals protect like a secret handshake.
California: HiHo Cheeseburger (Multiple Locations)
This one was close. Some will argue In-N-Out still reigns supreme—and culturally, that case is strong. But when it comes to pure burger quality, HiHo takes the edge. The grass-fed wagyu beef is richer, juicier, and more beef-forward, while the build stays refreshingly simple. In-N-Out may own nostalgia, consistency, and late-night loyalty, but HiHo wins on craftsmanship.
Colorado: Cherry Cricket (Denver)
The Cherry Cricket lets you build your burger dreams from the ground up. Wild toppings, perfectly cooked beef, and a laid-back vibe make it a Denver classic. Whether you go classic or adventurous, it somehow always works—and keeps locals coming back.
Connecticut: Louis’ Lunch (New Haven)
This is where the hamburger allegedly began, and Louis’ Lunch treats that legacy seriously. No ketchup allowed, toast instead of buns, and a flavor that feels frozen in time—in a good way. It’s history you can eat, and fiercely defended by locals.
Delaware: Charcoal Pit (Wilmington)
Old-school charm meets no-nonsense burgers here. Charcoal Pit’s patties are juicy, flavorful, and unapologetically classic. This is the kind of place where nothing has changed much—and nobody wants it to, especially longtime regulars.
Florida: Le Tub Saloon (Hollywood)
Massive, hand-formed burgers served in a divey, waterfront setting—what more could Florida want? Le Tub’s burgers are famously messy, ridiculously juicy, and absolutely worth the wait. It’s less a meal and more a rite of passage for burger fans.
Georgia: Holeman & Finch Public House (Atlanta)
This burger helped kick off Atlanta’s modern food scene. Perfectly seasoned beef, melted cheese, and a soft bun make it deceptively simple. It’s proof that when every detail is right, you don’t need anything fancy on the plate.
Hawaii: Teddy’s Bigger Burgers (Statewide)
Teddy’s brings island vibes to a classic American burger. Big patties, fresh toppings, and that unmistakable char make it a local staple. It’s laid-back, satisfying, and somehow tastes even better after a long day at the beach.
Idaho: Big Jud’s (Multiple Locations)
Known for its famously massive burgers, Big Jud’s turns excess into an art form. Even the standard burger is huge, juicy, and cooked well. It’s Idaho’s answer to “How big is too big?”—and the answer is never, according to locals.
The Home Chef India, Wikimedia Commons
Illinois: Au Cheval (Chicago)
The double cheeseburger here has become legendary for a reason. Rich beef, gooey cheese, and a perfectly runny egg take it over the top. It’s indulgent, perfectly executed, and worth every minute of the inevitable wait in line.
Indiana: Workingman’s Friend (Indianapolis)
No frills, no nonsense, and no substitutions. The smash-style patties are crispy, juicy, and deeply flavorful. This is a burger for people who care more about taste than trends—and Indiana wouldn’t have it any other way.
Iowa: Zombie Burger (Des Moines)
Creative names, wild toppings, and burgers that still deliver. Zombie Burger is fun without sacrificing flavor. It’s the kind of place that feels like a novelty—until you realize the burgers are actually excellent and surprisingly craveable.
Kansas: The Cozy Inn (Salina)
Tiny sliders cooked with onions and served by the sackful. These burgers are greasy, simple, and addictive. The smell sticks with you, the flavor definitely does, and Kansas locals wouldn’t trade them for anything.
Natan Machado Fotografia Gastronômica, Pexels
Kentucky: Mussel & Burger Bar (Louisville)
This upscale spot knows how to treat beef with respect. High-quality ingredients and thoughtful combinations make these burgers feel special without being pretentious. Kentucky brings bourbon energy to burger craftsmanship here, and it shows in every bite.
Louisiana: Port of Call (New Orleans)
Massive patties, loaded baked potatoes, and zero concern for moderation. Port of Call burgers are bold, indulgent, and perfectly suited to New Orleans’ larger-than-life food culture. You don’t rush this meal—you commit to it fully.
Maine: Palace Diner (Biddeford)
Classic diner vibes with serious burger credibility. The smash-style burger is crispy, juicy, and deeply satisfying. It feels old-school in the best way, proving Maine’s food scene isn’t just about lobster rolls.
Maryland: Abbey Burger Bistro (Baltimore)
Known for its creative protein options and build-your-own approach, Abbey Burger still nails the basics. Juicy patties and thoughtful toppings make it a standout. It’s a burger playground that doesn’t forget flavor comes first.
Massachusetts: Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage (Cambridge)
Loud, unapologetic, and endlessly customizable. Mr. Bartley’s burgers are big, messy, and fun—just like the place itself. This is where college-town energy meets serious burger satisfaction, day after day.
Michigan: Miller’s Bar (Dearborn)
No menu, no cheese options, no nonsense. Just thick, juicy burgers cooked the same way they’ve always been. Michigan locals swear by it, and one bite makes it easy to see why.
Minnesota: Matt’s Bar (Minneapolis)
Home of the Juicy Lucy, where molten cheese is sealed inside the patty. It’s messy, dangerous, and absolutely worth it. Minnesota’s contribution to burger culture is iconic—and fiercely defended by locals.
Jonathunder, Wikimedia Commons
Mississippi: Neon Pig (Tupelo)
This butcher-shop-turned-burger-legend knows its meat. The Smash Burger is rich, beefy, and perfectly cooked. Mississippi quietly delivers one of the best burgers in the South right here, without much fuss.
Missouri: Town Topic (Kansas City)
Late-night perfection in burger form. Thin patties, grilled onions, and soft buns come together fast and flawlessly. Missouri keeps it simple—and sometimes that’s all you need after a long night.
Montana: The Burger Dive (Billings)
Award-winning burgers with bold flavors and perfect execution. The patties are juicy, the toppings are thoughtful, and nothing feels overdone. Montana proves that great burgers don’t need a big-city zip code.
Nebraska: Dinker’s Bar & Grill (Omaha)
Classic Midwest burgers done exactly right. Thick patties, quality toppings, and a loyal local following keep Dinker’s on top. It’s comfort food that earns every ounce of praise it gets.
Nevada: Bachi Burger (Las Vegas)
Asian-inspired flavors give this burger spot a unique edge. Bold sauces and creative toppings make each bite interesting without overpowering the beef. Vegas excess, but make it delicious and surprisingly balanced.
New Hampshire: Lexie’s Joint (Portsmouth)
Local beef, thoughtful toppings, and perfectly cooked patties define Lexie’s. It feels modern without being trendy, and every burger tastes intentional. New Hampshire quietly brings serious burger energy here.
New Jersey: White Manna (Hackensack)
Tiny sliders cooked on a griddle that’s been seasoned by decades of use. The onions melt, the patties crisp, and the buns soak it all up. It’s a Jersey institution for a reason.
New Mexico: Bobcat Bite (Santa Fe)
Green chile turns a great burger into something unforgettable. The heat, the flavor, and the juicy beef make this a standout. New Mexico adds its signature twist—and it works perfectly every time.
Marshall Astor from San Pedro, United States, Wikimedia Commons
New York: J.G. Melon (New York City)
Old-school, no-frills, and consistently excellent. Thick patties, classic toppings, and a vibe that never changes. In a city full of options, this burger has stayed legendary by staying simple.
North Carolina: Merritt’s Grill (Chapel Hill)
A classic diner burger done right. Juicy patties, fresh toppings, and a relaxed atmosphere make it a local favorite. It’s the kind of burger you crave without overthinking the choice.
North Dakota: JL Beers (Multiple Locations)
Simple burgers with high-quality beef and well-chosen toppings. Nothing flashy—just solid execution across the board. North Dakota keeps it straightforward and satisfying, and locals appreciate that.
Ohio: Thurman Cafe (Columbus)
Enormous burgers stacked high and dripping with flavor. The patties are thick, the toppings are generous, and moderation is not part of the plan. Ohio goes big—and proudly leans into it.
Oklahoma: Tucker’s Onion Burgers (Multiple Locations)
This is onion burger country, and Tucker’s does it best. Thin patties, loads of grilled onions, and simple buns create incredible flavor. Oklahoma’s signature burger style shines here.
Oregon: Killer Burger (Portland)
Peanut butter on a burger shouldn’t work—but it absolutely does. Killer Burger’s bold combinations somehow stay balanced and craveable. Portland weirdness, perfected into something delicious.
Pennsylvania: Tessaro’s (Pittsburgh)
Charcoal-grilled burgers give these patties a deep, smoky flavor. Thick, juicy, and cooked over real flames, Tessaro’s delivers a burger that feels timeless and deeply satisfying.
Rhode Island: Mission Burger (Newport)
Locally sourced beef and thoughtful toppings make this a standout. The burgers feel carefully crafted without being fussy. Small state, big burger energy packed into every bite.
South Carolina: Husk (Charleston)
A refined take on the classic burger, using top-quality ingredients and Southern touches. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. South Carolina proves burgers belong in fine dining too.
amirali mirhashemian, Unsplash
South Dakota: Nick’s Hamburger Shop (Brookings)
Old-school smash burgers served fast and hot. Thin patties, simple toppings, and a flavor that keeps people coming back for decades. Sometimes tradition really is best.
Tennessee: Dyer’s Burgers (Memphis)
Fried in decades-old grease, and proudly so. The result is a uniquely crispy, rich burger that tastes like nowhere else. Memphis brings serious attitude to its burgers.
Texas: P. Terry’s (Multiple Locations)
Fresh ingredients, affordable prices, and perfect execution. P. Terry’s proves fast food can still be excellent. Texas keeps it simple—and nails it every single time.
Natan Machado Fotografia Gastronômica, Pexels
Utah: Lucky 13 (Salt Lake City)
Bold flavors, big portions, and burgers that don’t hold back. The patties are juicy, the toppings are indulgent, and the menu encourages excess—in the best way possible.
Vermont: Worthy Burger (South Royalton)
Locally sourced beef and a focus on quality define this spot. The burgers are rich, well-balanced, and deeply satisfying. Vermont brings farm-to-table principles to classic comfort food.
Virginia: Citizen Burger Bar (Charlottesville)
Thoughtful ingredients, creative toppings, and consistently great execution. These burgers feel modern without losing their soul. Virginia keeps things refined—but still fun and approachable.
Washington: Dick’s Drive-In (Seattle)
A Seattle institution with simple burgers done right. Fresh beef, soft buns, and a nostalgic charm make Dick’s unforgettable. Sometimes the best burgers come wrapped in paper.
West Virginia: Fat Patty’s (Multiple Locations)
Big burgers with bold flavors and plenty of personality. The patties are juicy, the toppings are generous, and the vibe is pure comfort food. West Virginia goes hearty.
Wisconsin: Solly’s Grille (Glendale)
Home of the butter burger—and yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Rich, indulgent, and unapologetic, this burger defines Wisconsin excess in the best possible way.
Wyoming: Liberty Burger (Jackson)
High-quality beef, clean flavors, and a focus on execution. The burgers feel fresh, satisfying, and perfectly suited to Wyoming’s rugged simplicity. No gimmicks—just great food.
Dallaire8888, Wikimedia Commons
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