Each State’s Go-To Burger Joint

If there is one type of food that most people can agree on, it’s a good burger. There’s nothing like going to your favorite fast food restaurant or sit-down eatery and trying a mouth-watering cheeseburger or hamburger. The problem is, that burgers are so beloved that you can’t walk 10 feet without coming across a different burger restaurant. How do you find what’s best? Luckily, we have completed the hard work and research for you, and we’ve come up with a list of each state’s go-to burger joint.

To create this list, we scoured the internet to find out which restaurant is most beloved in each state. Some of these burgers have won awards and contests. Others simply have a great review score that’s too good to ignore. Either way, whether you live in the state or you’re passing through on a road trip, be sure to stop by and add each of these burgers to your bucket list.

Alabama – Farm Burger

Our first go-to burger joint in the state of Alabama is Farm Burger. They’re famous for using the freshest ingredients, which they only get from local sources. The menu at Farm Burger is also incredibly simple so they can focus on the tasty meals. It’s no wonder the folks in Alabama run to it.

Alaska – Arctic Roadrunner

The citizens of Alaska love to stop by Arctic Roadrunner restaurants for lunch or dinner. They have many unique menu items, including beef, halibut & salmon burgers. They also have hand-dipped shakes and sandwiches. There’s something for every palette. It’s also a great place to bring the family.

Arizona – Paradise Valley Burger Company

For the best burger in Arizona, head to Paradise Valley Burger Company. It’s a long name but they have tasty burgers, many of which are served on brioche buns and topped with well-seasoned beef and a host of fun ingredients based on the burger you try. Second place goes to Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse. Try them both during your next trip.

Arkansas – Bulldog Restaurant

According to a list composed by Enjoy Travel, the go-to burger restaurant in Arkansas is Bulldog Restaurant, located in Bald Knob. The stop is along Highway 67, and it’s popular with tourists and locals. They serve great burgers with tasty, oozing cheese. Their BBQ plate is pretty good as well so plan a few stops.

California – In-N-Out Burger

Whenever you visit California, you must visit In-N-Out Burger. They have a simple menu, but everything is delicious and fresh and made right there on the spot. Plus, they have a secret menu of tasty variations that make you want to return time and time again. In fact, stop at every In-N-Out Burger you come across.

Colorado – James Ranch Grill

The go-to burger joint in Colorado is the James Ranch Grill. This place uses only the freshest ingredients. The burgers and cheese are produced right there on the ranch so you also get some amazing scenery as you eat. The toppings are made there as well. Stop by at least once.

Connecticut – GoldBurgers

In addition to being home to some of the largest school districts, Connecticut is also home to great burgers. When you’re there, stop at GoldBurgers. Their claim to fame is that they were the first to offer a hamburger on toast back in 2021, and they’ve been a hit ever since. Stop by to see new items on their menu.

Delaware – Five Guys Burgers

Many people in Delaware will tell you that they get their favorite burger at Five Guys Burgers. There is a great selection at Five Guys and they’re all mouth-watering. You can get regular burgers, bacon burgers, little bacon burgers, and more. Plus, there are great fries and sides.

Florida – Burger Culture

Many locals believe that the best go-to burger place in Florida is a place called Burger Culture. Technically, this is a food truck. You’ll know you’re there when you see the bright orange truck. The lines can be long at times but they’re certainly worth it. That’s why people return time after time.

Georgia – NFA Burger

NFA Burger might be hard to find at first because they’re technically inside of a Chevon gas station. However, this burger joint serves simple burgers that pack a big punch. Plus, they have hot dogs, sausages, and kid’s meals, so there’s a lot to love.

Hawaii – Butcher and Bird

Many argue that the best go-to burger joint in Hawaii is Butcher and Bird, which is also a butcher and deli shop. All of the ingredients are from local Hawaii farmers. They also make homemade dressings and fresh toppings. There’s also a tasty patty melt and bratwurst among other great options.

Idaho – Hit List

In addition to having some of the best schools, Idaho also has some of the best burgers. Head to Boise, and you’ll come across Hit List. It’s a hidden gem where they fill their tasty burgers with only the best, locally sourced ingredients. It’s also very reasonably priced and made fresh.

Illinois – White Castle

It’s this writer and Illinois native’s humble opinion that the best burger joint in Illinois is any one of the several White Castle locations. They just seem to do it better in Illinois. These are not the burgers you get out of the freezer section. These are well-made, fresh, and delicious, and worth a try.

Indiana – Smash’d Burger Bar

Come to Smash’d if you want to have what many people call the best burgers in Indianapolis, and possibly the entire state. This is a relatively new restaurant, which makes their amazing menu options even more amazing. Go there for the great food and laid-back atmosphere.

Iowa – Big Head Burger

Visit Iowa, head to Big Head Burger, and enjoy a great meal. The burgers here are so great that the restaurant was a finalist in 2024 Iowa’s Best Burger Contest. The restaurant, which is located in Waterloo, also serves wings, fries, milkshakes, and more. Plus, it’s affordable so bring the family!

Kansas – Jumbo’s Beef N Brew

There are many great burger places in Kansas, and one of them is Jumbo’s Beef N Brew. The name basically says it all. You can get great burgers and tasty drinks. This is a laid-back restaurant that serves many tasty dishes, including a slow-braised beef sandwich and tasty fries.

Kentucky – The Station Burger Co

This restaurant, which is located in Paducah, KY, specializes in hot and spicy burgers that will leave you wanting more. Many burgers are also topped with bacon and other surprises. If you’re in the area, stop by and try one of their burgers. You won’t regret it and you’ll probably come back for more.

Louisiana – Lee’s Hamburgers

One of the favorite go-to burger joints in Louisiana is Lee’s Hamburgers. There’s a great, expansive menu that offers a variety of burgers and they have some of the best fries in the state. Stop by the drive-thru and get a great meal, and do yourself a favor and get a shake on the side. After all, you earned it.

Maine – Burger Boy

Burger Boy is the go-to destination for a fast and tasty burger in Maine. The burgers here trump many others. One of them has a 5-ounce patty that is loaded with toppings. Make sure you get the very large portion of fries. You’ll also get coleslaw with every meal. This is a tasty, throw-back restaurant.

Maryland – Munchin Burger

Munchin Burger is the spotlight restaurant in Maryland. You can go for lunch, brunch, or dinner and get a great burger. It’s a great price and you get a large portion. The restaurant is located in Mount Vernon, so stop by if you’re in the area.

Massachusetts – Salty Days Fish

Believe it or not, one of the best burgers you can get in Massachusetts is at a fish market. It’s true. Head to Hingham and ask for the SD Smash Burger. It’s loaded with beef and toppings, and it’s a pleasant surprise in an unlikely place. While you’re there, see what else the market has to offer.

Michigan – Kate’s Diner

You can find this restaurant in the town of Marshall and it’s there where you’ll find the best cheeseburger in the state. You’ll get a great slab of meat plus oozy cheese and all the toppings. This is a cozy restraint that you’re sure to enjoy.

Minnesota – Revival Burger

Head to Revival Burger in the Twin Cities and try their revival burger. This tasty meal includes a rich and tasty beef patty that’s cooked to perfection. Add on the bacon for the perfect bite. Then, try the other options at this great burger place. You won’t regret it.

Mississippi – Zip’s Café

If you find yourself in Mississippi, head to Zip’s Café. Located in Magee, this tasty spot has a very simple yet amazingly tasty menu. Get the Big Zip Burger, and you’ll get an 8-ounce beef patty, all of the toppings, and their delicious Zip’s sauce that you won’t get anywhere else.

Missouri – Danny’s Burger Shack

Danny’s Burger Shack is in Kansas City. The menu is filled with tasty options, from their DBS classic burger to their sweet heat burger that has house-made jalapeño jam. There’s also a patty melt, a chicken sandwich, a capers chicken sandwich, and more. Go back and try everything on the menu.

Montana – Fuddruckers

While it’s a name-brand restaurant, many people in Montana love Fuddruckers. This is a tasty place that serves burgers on their special house-made sesame seed buns. Plus, you can get salads, fries, and world-class shakes that will delight your tastebuds.

Nebraska – Honest Abe’s

Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, the funny name is just part of the charm of Honest Abe’s. There are many traditional burgers. However, their claim to fame is their special ingredients, such as Black Forest ham and raspberry jam, which you can get in various burgers. They also have a tasty burger featuring a fried egg.

Nevada – Gordon Ramsay Burger Las Vegas

This one is a little fancy, but so is Las Vegas. At this Gordon Ramsay-owned restaurant, you get a menu of various delicacies and burgers. However, these are made to perfection so that you’ll want to eat every meal there. Keep in mind it is pricy, but it’s worth a try at least once.

New Hampshire – Black Mtn Burger Co.

Black Mtn Burger Co. is the place to go if you find yourself in the Lakes region of New Hampshire. This is a laid-back restaurant with a comfy vibe and great burgers. People also really like the service and the prices here, so you can’t go wrong.

New Jersey – Bareburger

This New Jersey burger chain is a favorite of most burger lovers in the state. You have many tasty options here, from traditional burgers to those made of bison. There’s a kid’s menu and adult beverages. Get your burger with a side of crispy Brussels sprouts, and you’ll be happy.

New Mexico – Sparky’s Burgers

Head to Sparky’s if you’re in New Mexico looking for a great burger. This is a zany restaurant/roadside attraction that you can’t miss if you’re driving through the town of Hatch. Try everything on the menu, especially their world-famous Green Chile Cheeseburger.

New York – Harlem Shake

New York is a great place for just about any type of food and there are many burger places to consider. However, the go-to burger joint we want to highlight is Harlem Shake. It’s a throw-back restaurant with jukeboxes and great burgers that are seared to perfection. They’re located in New York, New York, so stop by when you’re in town.

North Carolina – Nick’s Old Fashion Hamburger House

You can find this great burger joint in Lexington, NC. They’re open Monday through Saturday and they offer tasty menu items every day. Specialty burgers include their pimento cheeseburger, Noah burger, Big Nick Mac, and the mushroom Swiss burger, among many others.

North Dakota – Old 281 Tavern

Our go-to burger joint in North Dakota is Old 281 Tavern, which was recently awarded the best burger in ND. They have a great menu that includes many tasty options. One of the best is the Montana Burger, which has bacon, Swiss cheese, and Huckleberry jam over a perfect patty.

Ohio – Swensons Drive-In 

Swensons Drive-In has been on many best-of lists as of late. Just recently, Reader’s Digest put it on their list of best burgers. Their claim to fame is their Galley Boy sandwich, which they say is “America’s Best Cheeseburger.” This restaurant has been around since 1934 and they’re here to stay.

Oklahoma – Tucker’s Onion Burgers

The go-to burger joint in OK is Tucker’s Onion Burgers which is famous for its onion-filled patties that will change how you think about fast food. The burgers are cooked to perfection over tiny steam ovens that produce the perfect texture.

Oregon – Five Stars Family Burger

One of the best restaurants in Oregon is a small establishment called Five Stars Family Burger. This eatery offers classic burgers but also many unique items, such as their Korean-style BBQ chicken. Plus, they only try to get local ingredients, so the food is extra fresh.

Pennsylvania – The Gettysburger Company

Head to the adorably named The Gettysburger Company for massive jumbo burgers that are served with a heaping bowl of fries at this old-school restaurant. You can also get beer, huge onion rings, and amazing service. As the name suggests, the restaurant is in Gettysburg, PA. While you’re in town, check out the other sites.

Rhode Island – Crazy Burger

You’d be insane to miss out on Crazy Burger, the go-to burger joint in Rhode Island. There are some really wild options here, including the Whassuppy Burger, which is a beef patty rubbed in fennel. There’s also the Poco Loco burger that’s made with soy. Try everything here and delight your taste buds!

South Carolina – Hamburger Joe’s

Located in Myrtle Beach, this quaint but tasty restaurant offers some of the best fresh-from-the-grill burgers. You can get your burger in many different ways, but most people recommend going for the basic burger with included toppings because it speaks for itself.

South Dakota – Taphouse 41

You can find this great burger place in Sioux Falls. There are many different types of burgers here that will delight your taste buds. However, you must try The Egg Burger for a taste you won’t soon forget. There’s also fried potato salad that will also hit the spot.

Tennessee – Brownsville Burger Basket

The go-to burger joint in Tennessee is Brownsville Burger Basket. The meal of choice here is the bacon double cheeseburger that’s made with gooey goodness. You can also get a crisp side of fries. While you’re there, try the brownie, lemon square, or their excellent chocolate pie for dessert.

Texas – Whataburger

Yes, this chain is in other states, but Texans really love getting their hamburgers at Whataburger. The sandwiches are simple, but they’re really great. Get some jalapeños on your burger for an extra treat you won’t forget. Once you visit, you’ll definitely be back again.

Utah – Tonyburgers

This is a family-owned burger restaurant that makes premium burgers. They have seven locations in Utah and many tasty menu items. Choose one of the “Manager Favorites” burgers and then customize them to your heart’s desire. Add this place to your bucket list.

Vermont – Burger Barn

Burger Barn is the go-to burger joint in Vermont. There are amazing burgers here because they’re made with grass-fed beef that’s cooked to perfection. Get your burgers with onions, BBQ sauce, or anything else you love. The food here is one step above all the rest.

Virginia – {Ra}Bistro

This is one of the most unique restaurants on this list. The Lynchburg eatery has several specialty burgers, including some made with bison, turkey, Angus beef, and chopped sirloin, among others. For a thrill, try the Bayou Burger, which is topped with flash-fried crawfish.

Washington – Smash That Burger

The eatery with the funny name has the best burgers in the state. Most people agree that even though they don’t have a lot of fancy frills, these simple burgers are simply delicious. As the name suggests, the secret to the taste is that the cooks smash the burger into the grill with onions and other toppings. The result is a great-tasting burger.

West Virginia – Hillbilly Hot Dogs

Although hot dogs are in the name, the hamburgers are also great at Hillbilly Hot Dogs. There are many wacky burgers here that are thick and juicy. The menu options include the Big Bad Bubba’s Baby Sister Baby Burger, Big Bad Bubba Burger, and the Big Bad Double Hubba Hubba Bubba Bacon Burger. Try them all!

Wisconsin – Pickles Bar and Grill

Recently, the Wisconsin Beef Council declared that Pickles Bar and Grill in Hazelhurst had the best burger in Wisconsin. It’s the All-American Burger. It’s a half-pound patty with raw onion, cheese, and smoked garlic mayo. Best of all, the burgers here are created with a blend of short rib, ground chuck, and brisket, so it’s a truly unique taste.

Wyoming – Liberty Burger

Head to Jackson, WY, and check out Liberty Burger, the go-to burger joint in Wyoming. Though the restaurant is in Wyoming, they get all of their beef from a single herd that’s grass fed in Dallas, Texas. That means the burgers are tasty and Liberty Burger helps the environment at the same time. The meat is produced without the use of hormones or antibiotics, so they’re amazingly delicious and better for you than traditional burgers. Check them out!

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock.com.