The Best Cheeseburgers from Across America
Updated: Sep. 03, 2019One thing you can count on finding anywhere in America is a great burger, and we've rounded up the best each state has to offer!
Alabama
The Avenue Pub, Tuscaloosa
The bar food at this Fifth Avenue gastropub does not disappoint—especially when you order the Avenue’s signature bacon burger. The gargantuan beef patties are topped with a layer of ooey-gooey provolone and crispy bacon. Locals describe it as the best burger they’ve ever eaten. We like to think of it as heaven on a plate, much like these other satisfying burger recipes you can make at home.
Alaska
Lucky Wishbone, Anchorage
This landmark diner has the best burgers in the Last Frontier for good reason; they’ve been grilling melt-in-your-mouth patties for over 60 years. Order one of Lucky Wishbone’s jumbo cheeseburgers and you’ll be greeted with a juicy, meaty 1/4 lb. patty topped with good ol’ fashioned American cheese. The flavor combo alone will make you feel nostalgic. Here are 12 other all-American recipes made with American cheese.
Arizona
Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ, Tucson
Spoiler alert: This is not your typical BBQ joint. Brother John’s combines all the best qualities of a Bavarian beer garden, a high-end bourbon bar and an inventive fine-dining restaurant, which is exactly why the Tucson hot spot is our top choice for the best cheeseburger in the state. The BroJo burger is made with a local butcher’s custom blend of ground beef, ensuring a mouthwatering quality (psst! here’s how to make restaurant-quality burgers at home) and can be topped with about everything under the sun—including caramelized onions, bourbon bacon jam and even mac and cheese.
Arkansas
Smitty’s Garage Burgers & Beer, Fayetteville
Burger enthusiasts from the South Central U.S. flock to Smitty’s for its deliciously zany burger combinations. Spicy sriracha with blue cheese? Smitty’s has it. A burger with peanut butter, bacon bits and sweet jalapeno relish? You better believe Smitty’s has that, too. Our favorite is The Egg-O-Nater, a cheeseburger topped with lettuce, tomato, mayo, bacon and a drool-worthy fried egg. Trust us, you’ll want extra napkins for this one. Feeling inspired? Check out our 50+ most flavor-packed burger topping ideas.
California
Gus’s Barbecue, South Pasadena
The Burnt End Burger from Gus’s Barbecue is simply unforgettable. With brisket burnt ends that replace the typical ground beef patty, tangy pickled jalapenos and a blanket of cheese sauce piled on top of a pretzel bun, a visit to this South Pasadena establishment needs to be put on your to-do list ASAP. Want the flavor at home? Check out our best BBQ recipes of all time.
Colorado
Crave Real Burgers, Colorado Springs
Drop any preconceived notions of what a burger is when you enter Crave. Their list wild chef-inspired burgers will take your tastebuds on an adventure. Take the Cubano, for example. This tasty burger has all of your typical toppings plus ham, chorizo, pulled pork, guacamole, jalapenos—and not to mention, a griddled hot dog. It definitely tops our list of most-indulgent—just like these OTT desserts from every state.
Connecticut
Flipside Burgers & Bar, Fairfield
Flipside serves comfort food at its finest, with burger offerings like the Mac ‘N Cheese Burger—a hearty sirloin patty that’s layered with grilled mac and cheese, bacon and then topped with a cheese sauce that will put your tastebuds in a frenzy. Find more comfort food favorites you can make at home.
Delaware
Redfire Grill & Steakhouse, Hockessin
Ooey-gooey aged cheddar, crispy maple-pepper bacon and scratch-made thousand island dressing take Redfire’s signature burger to the next level. Don’t miss their mushroom-loaded Steakhouse Burger either. Can’t get enough burgers? Try these copycat restaurant recipes at home.
Florida
B.B. King’s Blues Club, Orlando
Blues and burgers: What could be better? The Beale Street Burger packs two griddled beef patties between layers of melty American cheese, mayo, mustard lettuce and pickles for a flavor that’s as rich and smooth as the King of Blues himself. Better yet, grub while you boogie to live music that hits the stage each night. Speaking of which, you’ll never guess the surprising foods musicians request backstage.
Georgia
Green Truck Pub, Savannah
This neighborhood hangout takes care in every single ingredient that lands on your plate—from the grass-fed beef that’s sourced from a family-run farm right up the road to the pickles to the housemade ketchup and pimiento cheese. It’s because of this, their juicy, melt-in-your-mouth burgers are rated among locals as best in the city year after year. Learn how to make your own kitchen staples from scratch.
Hawaii
Kohala Burger and Taco, Kawaihae
Enjoy a big steamy burger on a fluffy brioche bun at Kohala Burger and Taco, a hidden gem located in the northern tip of the Big Island. Folks say the KBAT cheeseburger is melty, ooey-gooey and tender enough to fall off the bun. Here are a few more delicious recipes we found from Hawaii.
Idaho
Bittercreek Alehouse, Boise
Go gourmet in the heart of Boise with Bittercreek Alehouse’s Huntsman Burger, a crisp-tender burger made from house-ground chuck and brisket topped with melted Gloucester cheddar, stilton blue cheese and applewood smoked bacon. What’s more, the establishment offers dozens of domestic and imported beers on tap to wash it down with. Speaking of brews, find out which budget beer won our taste test.
Illinois
Au Cheval, Chicago
One taste the signature burger at this West Loop hot spot and you’ll never look back. The salty, fatty burger is so rich and indulgent that you simply can’t compare it to any fast-food burger you’ve had in the past. Add on a slice of their super-thick-cut bacon or a fried egg. Or both. Psst! Here’s the real reason why bacon tastes SO good.
Indiana
Bru Burger Bar, Indianapolis
Bru sets their burgers apart with specialty ingredients like tomato jam (learn how to make it at home) and taleggio cheese, a mild and slightly fruity soft Italian cheese. Paired with a side of crispy fries, it’s like heaven on a plate.
Iowa
Landmark Restaurant, Williamsburg
Located stone’s throw away from I-80, this old-school diner dishes out giant 1/3 lb. Angus beef burgers topped with your choice of fixin’s. Locals come back for the fresh grilled taste of the burgers and small-town hospitality of the staff. Here are more of the best hidden-gem restaurants from every state.
Kansas
BRGR Kitchen + Bar, Prairie Village
A casual scene with crowd-pleasing burgers—what’s more to love? Their signature burger contains a chuck and short rib blend that’s enrobed in a thick layer of American cheese. Want to kick it up a notch? Try the Road Hoss, the same tasty patty, plus Wisco cheddar, crispy bacon and onion straws. Yum! Tired of burgers? This is the best hot dog stand in every state.
Kentucky
Bouquet Restaurant, Covington
Fine dining doesn’t have to feel stuffy. That’s what you’ll find at Bouquet, a farm-to-table bistro located in the heart of Covington’s charming MainStrasse Village. Go for the Blackhawk Burger, named after the local family farm its American wagyu beef patty is sourced from. The burger is topped with melty house-made pimiento cheese, pickles, all stacked on a fluffy brioche bun. Get more Kentucky favorite recipes.
Louisiana
Judice Inn, Lafayette
Seventy-two years in the business and family-run Judice Inn still serves up the best burgers in town (with impeccable Southern hospitality to boot!). Each burger comes with your basic toppings like lettuce, mustard, mayo and onion—but the secret’s in the sauce, the Original Judice Sauce, that is. Regulars recommend ordering an extra serving of the haunt’s signature sauce to mop up with the bun and fries. Get a taste of the past with these ’50s recipes that are still worth trying today.
Maine
East Ender, Portland
This corner restaurant and bar serves up a tasty burger that’s dressed to impress, with onion jam, spicy ketchup and a hefty dose of stilton cheese. The patty is cold-smoked on-site which injects it with it an irresistible flavor that you don’t see at your typical burger joint. To recreate the flavor at home, learn how to turn your grill into a smoker.
Maryland
Clark Burger, Baltimore
Baltimore’s Clark Burger is loved by locals, university students and foodie tourists alike. Its Canadian-inspired menu boasts over-the-top poutine and trendy craft brews, but the real star of the show is their knock-you-socks-off burgers made with fresh juicy beef. Be sure to ask for the Burger du Jour—which, in the past, has included toppings that range from chow mein noodles to crab mac and cheese. Be sure to try these other Maryland classics, too.
Massachusetts
KKatie’s Burger Bar, Multiple Locations
As one TripAdvisor reviewer puts it, “CCome to KKaties’s.” The juicy, flavorful burgers served at the neighborhood joint has put them on the bucket list for foodies in the Bay State. Their 1/2 lb. Angus burgers are on-point, but regulars recommend their veggie and turkey burgers, too. Up next: These classic burger recipes are making a comeback.
Michigan
Glendale Ave. Food Truck, Traverse City
Recommended to us by our friends at MyNorth, this low-key pop-up food truck has become a Traverse City darling. Glendale Ave specializes in smash burgers, which are made by quite literally smashing a patty on a piping hot grill. The result? A quick-cooked burger that’s thin and tender with a crispy caramelized patina. Yummy. Psst! Have you checked out the best food truck in your state?
Minnesota
Hazelwood Food and Drink, Bloomington
You’ll find one fine burger just a stone’s throw from Mall of America. The restaurant’s Cowboy burger comes drenched in their award-winning BBQ sauce (get the copycat recipe), plus crispy onion rings, bacon and creamy Tillamook cheddar. It’s a real people-pleaser.
Mississippi
SideStreet Burgers, Olive Branch
Don’t blink or you’ll miss SideStreet Burgers, a family-run burger joint located just off the Mississippi border. Their no-frills counter-service approach lets the team focus on serving up the freshest and finest ingredients for a tasty burger you’ll never forget. Want that same flavor at home? Here are the best secrets to grilling burgers from a professional chef.
Missouri
Westport Flea Market Bar & Grill, Kansas City
Bargain hunting can really work up an appetite, so it’s no coincidence that this combination of flea market and restaurant exists. Not only can you grab lunch after shopping, but you can get the Flea Market Burger—one of the best burgers Missouri has to offer.
Montana
The Raven Bar & Grill, Bigfork
Sit back, relax and enjoy the view at The Raven, a waterfront eatery off of Flathead Lake in Montana. While your there, chow down on one of the best burgers in the country, like the Montana Beer Burger. It amps up your typical toppings with IPA caramelized onions, crispy onions and an ample helping of melted cheddar.
Nebraska
Honest Abe’s Burgers & Freedom, Lincoln
Giving something the name Greatest Burger Ever takes guts, but Honest Abe’s isn’t lying! Their patty is topped with chopped bacon, onions, American cheese, and what it calls “awesome sauce.” It’s a popular choice for Nebraskans and burger aficionados willing to make the trip.
Nevada
BBD’s – Beers Burgers Desserts, Las Vegas
There are so many burger places in Las Vegas that it’s hard to stand out, but BBD’s is a rising star on the scene with its elevated bar fare. Their Prime Steakhouse Burger, includes a prime beef patty, onions and pickles—and your choice from over a dozen cheeses (including Cheese Whiz!). It tastes so rich, you’ll feel like a high roller.
New Hampshire
Wild Willy’s Burgers, Rochester
You’ll find the best burgers in the Granite State at Wild Willy’s. We suggest the Willy Burger, where you can choose from fresh beef or bison add the classics like American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, mustard, ketchup, pickles and mayo. Pair it with the joint’s signature hand-cut “county-fair” fries. Next: Check out the best recipes from your state.
New Jersey
The Red Store, Cape May
Soak up the Jersey sunshine at The Red Store, a coastal mainstay. Here, James Beard nominee chef Lucas Manteca doles out superb 1/2 lb. beef burgers smothered in American or sharp cheddar cheese, caramelized mushrooms and onions, and topped with sundried tomato relish on a toasted brioche bun. One bite and you’ll be hooked.
New Mexico
Sparky’s, Hatch
The best burger in New Mexico simply must incorporate green chiles, and Sparky’s makes a green chile cheeseburger that’s garnering some much-deserved attention. The juicy patty, topped with a generous portion of those special peppers and American cheese, makes for a delightful combination.
New York
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, New York City
While you might have seen their signature CrazyShakes take the internet by storm (here are our best copycats) Black Tap’s burger game is strong. It’s the type of burger you’d find at an old-school diner—if, in fact, that diner was located in the trendy SoHo neighborhood of NYC, Get more diner-inspired eats.
North Carolina
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar – Dilworth, Multiple Locations
At Bad Daddy’s you can go down one of two paths: Order one of their delicious signature burgers (like the over-the-top Pittsburger, topped with shoestring fries and housemade American cheese) or build your own burger using practically any ingredient on the menu. A burger topped with pulled pork and fried onion straws? Count us in.
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North Dakota
Big Willy’s Saloon & Grill, Williston
At this saloon-style eatery, you’ll find mouthwatering burgers, including the colossal FRAC-ATTACK, a dish composed of two grilled cheese sandwiches, two beef patties, caramelized onions, chili, red pepper cream, mushroom, bacon, fries and topped with crispy fried onions. Finish the dish in less than 30 minutes and you’ll get it for free. Here are the most indulgent dishes from every state.
Ohio
Americano, Cincinnati
No matter what time of day you visit, don’t miss out on the Early Bird Burger from this casual downtown restaurant. It comes with an over-easy egg, onion straws, bacon, American cheese & sriracha mayo on top of a 100% steak-cut beef patty. Here are 25 more ways to “put an egg on it.”
Oklahoma
S&B’s Burger Joint, Oklahoma City
Inspired by all things rock and roll, this restaurant creates insanely decadent burgers inspired by your favorite genre. Jam out with an Old-Fashioned Deluxe Cheeseburger from their “Classic Rock” selection…or hit a high note with their “Heavy Metal” burgers. Our favorite is dubbed The Thunder; the burger is topped with grilled ham, swiss, lettuce, avocado and drenched in their secret Thunder sauce. Mmmmm.
Oregon
Cornerstone Pub & Grill, Forest Grove
The Lumberjack burger is everything you would expect from a classic burger joint serving satisfying comfort food. It consists of two patties topped with pepper jack cheese, four crispy strips of bacon on top of a golden brown bun. Don’t be shy, if you ask for seconds.
Pennsylvania
Red Owl Tavern, Philadelphia
While Philly may be known for its other popular sandwich (ahem!), you might be surprised to know that a downtown restaurant boasts the best burger in the state. The Red Owl Tavern Burger is made with a Lafrieda blend—which combines flat iron, brisket, and short-rib from American Black Angus Beef. It’s then topped with two types of cheddar, housemade pickles, tomato, lettuce and a special sauce.
Rhode Island
Blackie’s Bulldog Tavern, Smithfield
There are a few burger options at this laid-back yet sophisticated joint, but the Breakfast Burger is the best. It comes on toasted white bread and is topped with sweet and savory maple mayonnaise, bacon and a perfectly fried egg.
South Carolina
Bohemian Bull, Charleston
The Bohemian Bull serves up a simply great burger that’s “hand-spanked” and ground in-house using a blend of brisket and chuck. Build your own cheeseburger that’s so full of flavor, you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.
South Dakota
TapHouse 41, Sioux Falls
The burgers here are all top-notch, but their best may very well be the Big Dipper, a 100% Angus beef patty topped with American and Swiss cheese, sauteed onions, Vidalia onion spread on grilled marble rye bread. What’s more, it comes with beer cheese for dipping. Learn how to make your own beer cheese dip at home.
Tennessee
Emmy Squared, Multiple Locations
The Le Big Matt cheeseburger is a marvel, with two perfectly seared patties of local Bear Creek Farms grass-fed beef complemented by onions, pickles, special sauce and American cheese and nestled into a squishy, fluffy bun. It may seem simple but its execution is masterfully done. Psst! Here are 19 rude habits restaurant workers secretly wish you’d stop doing.
Texas
Zinc Bistro and Wine Bar, San Antonio
This Texas restaurant is 100% unique. It has the elegance of a European wine bar with a casual Texan twist. And while you may come here for a glass of fine wine, you wouldn’t want to miss the next-level lamb burger topped with aioli, fig jam and melted brie cheese.
Utah
Bambara, Salt Lake City
As seems to be a common trend, the classic cheeseburger has straightforward components that are expertly prepared. The patty is thick, juicy and satisfying. Ask your server about the BBDJ—or Bambara Burger Du Jour—for a tasty twist on the traditional cheeseburger.
Vermont
Table 24, Rutland
Table 24 has a stellar cheeseburger made with black Angus beef, Tillamook cheddar piled on top of a fluffy egg bun. Add your own toppings like bacon, caramelized onions, mushrooms, roasted peppers, beer cheese and more.
Virginia
Beauvine Burger Concept, Richmond
The list of cheeseburgers here may include several artisanal options, but you’re good to go with just the plain and simple namesake cheeseburger. Carefully sourced small-batch beef is topped with cheese, classic veggies and a special Beau sauce—their spin on Thousand Island dressing.
Washington
Vons 1000 Spirits, Seattle
Don’t let the classic burger at Vons 1000 Spirits fool you. It’s composed of all your standard ingredients but produced with the finest care. The kitchen chops the prime-marbled farm-fresh meat each day and each patty is served on a housemade sourdough bun. Creating your own sourdough bread at home is a skill, but it’s easier than you’d think.
Washington DC
Duke’s Grocery
There are lots of places to get a proper burger in DC, but you can only get the Proper Burger at Duke’s Grocery. And get it, you should! Two patties of Angus beef, Gouda cheese, dill pickles, sweet chili sauce and garlic aioli all come together to form one mouthwatering burger.
West Virginia
Tailpipes, Morgantown
Your only choices of doneness at Tailpipes are pink or no pink, and regardless of which you prefer, you can’t go wrong with the Tailpipes Deluxe. The patty is topped with cheddar and pepper jack and will leave both your cheese and burger cravings sated.
Wisconsin
Crafty Cow, Milwaukee
While you might expect a butter burger to reign supreme in America’s Dairyland, you may be surprised to see the stuffed burgers at Crafty Cow named best in Wisconsin—but believe us, they’re loaded with Wisco flavor. Go all out with the Cheesehead, a 1/2 lb. burger stuffed with five (!) different cheeses and topped with bacon, cheese curds and, yes, more cheese sauce. It’s gluttonous and completely delicious—just like these other Wisconsin favorites.
Wyoming
Cowfish, Lander
Don’t miss the big tasty burgers dished out at this restaurant, brewery and pub. Their beer burger is made with local beef, bacon, roasted tomato, and melty housemade beer cheese.
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