Hidden Burger Gems That Rival In-N-Out

With over a million restaurants in the United States, deciding where to eat out often leads to one popular choice: burgers. As of 2023, there are 83,705 burger establishments, with many of us frequenting the same familiar spots. Americans have a deep love for burgers, and In-N-Out consistenly ranks as a favorite, known for its tasty offerings and excellent customer service. However, there are numerous lesser-known burger joints that surpass In-N-Out, serving up juicy, mouthwatering burgers that deserve the spotlight. Let’s explore some of these hidden gems.

I’m into fitness… fitness this whole burger into my mouth. This crispy hot ‘n’ spicy chicken sandwich has a delicious spicy Melt sauce and fresh jalapeños on their signature artisan bun.

Furthermore, The Melt is located in Northern and Southern Carolina, with a branch coming soon to Arizona.

I'm 'bun-believably' excited about this burger feast! Oh my, this burger is filled with more than 1/3 pound of Angus & Wagyu beef cooked medium and perfectly pink and juicy. It is then grilled, chopped, and loaded with sliced jalapeños, melted pepper jack cheese, lettuce, avocado, and spicy Melt sauce.

It’s burger o'clock! Dig into a 100% Angus beef burger topped with cheddar cheese, jalapeños, sautéed onions, applewood bacon, and lettuce smothered in Prime sauce on a freshly baked egg bun.

Ground beef between your teeth. If you want a lighter burger, the B.P. burger is a great choice. It’s 100% Angus beef topped with tomatoes and lettuce and smothered in a tangy Prime sauce on a freshly baked egg bun. In addition, you must try their Parmesan truffle fries. Straight-cut, extra-crispy fries coated with parmesan cheese, white truffle oil, and chives. Divine!!

Say cheese (burgers)! Burgers at Billy Goat Tavern and Grill are absolutely memorable. This 1/3 lb burger served on a Kaiser roll with American cheese is fantastic. It comes plain with cheese, and then you add your chosen topping. It tastes fantastic with mustard and pickles. While you're at it, order a side of chili cheese fries.

When life throws you a burger, eat it! Indulge yourself with this 1/3 lb burger with bacon, American cheese, grilled onions, and a fried egg served on a fresh Kaiser roll. In 2008 and 2012, the Chicago Obama campaign ordered this; it became so popular they would just ask for “The Obama.”

Find someone who looks at you like they're looking at this burger! At The Counter, you can choose burgers from their menu. However, you also have the option to create your own satisfying massive burger with over 85 ingredients to choose from. Wash it down with a strawberry lemonade or your choice of beverage.

Hungry? Let’s eat up... As previously mentioned, you can choose from the list or create your own. Some individuals like what they call a burger bowl. A burger with a delightful mushroom sauce and colorful salad surrounding the burger. What more can you ask for? Building your own burger is so much fun.

You hamburgled my heart. Figs are chewy and sweet. The fig marmalade paired with red onion, bacon, melted goat cheese, spicy porter mustard, slices of tomato, and arugula creates an epic sweet and spicy burger. Every bite tastes amazing, and you can capture each flavor. Wash it down with a signature Wild Child beverage featuring vodka, mint, aloe, watermelon, lemon, habanero salt, and rosé.

Living that burger life! Yes, please. My husband's mouth drools just thinking about this 28-day-old bone marrow burger. It features bone marrow shiitake butter, roasted Roma tomato, horseradish, mustard aioli, and grilled onion. A side order of sweet corn pairs well with this delectable burger.

Don’t go bacon my heart! Foster Freeze’s famous burger is the Big Boss. Bite into a juicy beef patty with pickles, lettuce, Swiss and American cheese, tomato, bacon, and Fosters sauce topped with crispy onion rings. 

A burger without cheese is like a hug without a squeeze. Adding cheese to a burger gives it a gooey and creamy texture that complements the other ingredients. It enhances the taste of the burger, making it a delicious and satisfying meal. In addition, don’t forget to try the Oreo Twister.

Burger = good, cheeseburger = better, and bacon, avo, cheeseburger = the bomb. Treat yourself to a ¼ lb hamburger patty with cheese, tomato, bacon, lettuce, creamy avocado, onions, and dressing. Don’t forget to get a side order of the extra crispy chili cheese fries with well-done pastrami. It’s not too salty and tastes divine.

The pastrami burger is pretty loaded and not too salty with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles.

This is one of the best burgers on the menu. You will find a pressed patty, onion, American cheese, lettuce, pickle, tomato, and Irv’s sauce on the toasted bun. The tater tots and onion rings are definitely worth ordering too.

A little-known burger spot that is better than In-N-Out is Irv’s Burgers; it’s so worth stopping by. The staff is friendly; you can dine inside or outside and order takeout. The turkey burger is one of my favorites; it’s juicy and not dry. It comes with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, Irv’s sauce, and hatch green chilies. The chilis have a bit of heat with a fruity, grassy, smoky flavor.

This is a small hole-in-the-wall restaurant located behind a liquor store. They have a nice variety of burgers. The Napoleon is huge and totally worth it. It’s filled with braised short rib, caramelized onion, bacon, truffle parmesan fries, American cheddar, spring mix, smoked gouda, tomato jam, Korean aioli, and a fried egg. Make sure to come hungry.

This burger comes with sweet potato fries, a fried egg, bulgogi, sesame leaf, onion, gochu-q, spicy vinaigrette, spring mix, and Korean aioli. It will leave your mouth singing.

Located at 110 2nd St. Hermosa Beach, CA 90254, this little hidden gem by the beach has a chilled vibe with friendly service. The burgers are very juicy and have slightly crisp edges. The chili burger is a winner and features a double patty with cheese, chopped white onions, and a Texas-style chili. Furthermore, the fries are incredibly delicious as they are fried in duck fat.

Finally, to end off our list of 10 little-known burger spots that are better than In-N-Out the PS is a double-stacked patty with cheese and has a perfect ratio of crispy edges and meaty bites that are full of flavor. It is then topped with pickles, griddled onions, and their special sauce. Top your meal off with crispy tots and an ice-cold craft beer.