The Most Beloved Burger Joint in Every State (How Many Have You Been To?)

Burgers are one of the most classic American dishes. But since they’re on nearly every menu, it can be hard to nail down which one is the greatest. Not only in terms of quality but popularity.

There are some restaurants, both chain and independent, that are known for their rendition of the classic dish, and stand heads above the others.

We’ve compiled a list of each state’s most popular and beloved burger joints to help you avoid wasting money on a boring burger.

Kicking the list off with Alabama is Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint in Birmingham, though there are other locations throughout the south. It's a popular place to eat that won't break the bank or require you to earn extra money just to indulge.

The owners specifically pride themselves on their American Wagyu beef burgers. The restaurant offers a simple selection of a basic burger or cheeseburger, as well as daily specials, and a unique menu of specialty burgers.

Notable menu items include the Elvis, which comes with cheese, bacon, mayo, and peanut butter, and the Greg Brady, topped with mac n’ cheese, barbeque potato chips, and American cheese.

Alaskans in Anchorage hold the award-winning Tommy’s Burger Shop as one of their favorites. But if you’re planning to order a burger, expect a lengthy wait time, whether pickup or dine-in.

The thing that makes Tommy’s stand out above the rest is its Cajun-seasoned patties, made of Australian lean beef. Flavors include a simple burger, cheeseburger, or bacon cheeseburger.

There’s also an extensive specialty burgers menu, including a blue cheese and mozzarella topped patty, the island-inspired “Aloha Burger,” and even a black bean veggie patty.

Heading to Arizona, their most popular burger joint is Rehab Burger Therapy in Scottsdale, though there are also locations in Downtown Tempe and Phoenix.

The burgers come in two sizes — Rehab, a 10-ounce patty, or the 5-ounce Relapse — and the restaurant has a laid-back beach theme and a ton of burger options.

The patties are a mixture of sirloin, brisket, and chuck beef, and served on brioche, pretzel, kaiser, or gluten-free buns.

There are too many burger options to list, but some of the standouts are the Hangover Burger, Know Poblano Burger, Hatch Chili Cheeseburger, and Backyard BBQ Burger.

David’s Burgers in Arkansas is about as classic a burger joint as you can get. With 10 locations across central Arkansas, it’s one of the most popular and staple burger restaurants in the state.

There aren’t any bells and whistles or fancy flavors on this menu — just a simple single or double-stacked burger with basic toppings to taste.

What makes this place stand out from others, however, is the quality of beef. They butcher and grind their own meat daily, and cook each burger to order.

California has tons of well-loved burger joints, but none are as iconic and symbolic of the state as In-N-Out Burger. It's popular for its taste as much as its ability to help you keep more money in your bank account.

The first restaurant of the chain was opened in 1948 and was the first drive-thru burger joint in the state. Though the chain has expanded outside of California, the two are still essentially synonymous with one another.

Everyone has their own favorites, but one of the most popular options is the animal-style burger, which is cooked in mustard and includes grilled onions, pickles, and extra sauce.

One of the most popular and praised burger joints in Colorado is Cherry Cricket which has been in business since 1945.

The primary location is in Cherry Creek, Denver, but they also have a Ballpark location also in Denver and an upcoming Littleton location.

You can build your own burger or order one from the menu, and there are both vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free options.

Celebrity chef Aarón Sánchez has said his favorite dish here is a build-your-own burger with bacon, green chiles, jalapenos, and cheddar.

The three most popular and awarded burgers, though, are the Green Chile Relleno Burger, Jammin’ Poblano Burger, and Big Cheesy.

Making our way to the East Coast is Louis' Lunch in New Haven, Connecticut.

This restaurant has been a local staple since 1895, and it’s believed that the first burger ever was made here in 1900.

Burgers here are far from fancy and are still made in a classic way, served on plain white toasted bread.

There is only one burger on the menu, with cheese, tomato, onion, and no condiments or add-ons, which is meant to highlight the quality and flavor of the meat.

There are plenty of great burgers in Delaware, but there are few burger-specific restaurants. For this reason, one of the most popular burger joints in the state is Five Guys Burgers and Fries.

The standout locations are in Bear, Wilmington, Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach, Hockessin, and Newark.

Most people praise Five Guys for their fresh and handmade burgers and a wide variety of customization options.

Florida’s a large state with a ton of regional favorite restaurants, so it’s hard to pin down the state’s most popular burger joint.

It’s easy enough to say that Gilbert's 17th Street Grill in Fort Lauderdale is one of the top contenders, though.

The restaurant is family-owned, and aside from their delicious burgers, people flock to the location for the friendly customer service and inviting atmosphere.

There are plenty of options, including tried-and-true classics like the Havarti Burger and Dominican Burger, as well as their desserts and milkshakes.

The most popular burger joint in Georgia — The Vortex — is in the state’s capital of Atlanta.

There are two locations — one in Midtown, and the other in Little Five Points. Both locations are restricted to patrons 21 and over.

The Vortex originally started as a bar but quickly morphed into a beloved burger joint as well, known for its unique personality and chill environment on top of its delicious burgers.

They have basic hamburgers and cheeseburgers with chicken or vegan patties available on request, a wide variety of specialty burgers, and ultra-large “Coronary Bypass Burgers.”

Named after the Jimmy Buffet song, and with locations in both Lahaina and Waikiki, Cheeseburger in Paradise is one of the most popular burger joints in all of Hawaii.

In fact, the original Lahaina location sees as many as 1,200 patrons a day.

The main draw for both locations is the scenery — both are located directly on the beach, so you can enjoy your delicious burger with your toes in the sand.

They have plenty of classic burger options, as well as specialty burgers, like their Island Style Cheeseburger. They also offer plant-based patties and a turkey burger.

Despite the relatively small menu, Big Jud’s in Idaho is a well-loved and popular burger joint in the state, with locations in Boise, Meridian, Archer, and Ashton. And not only are the burgers delicious, but they’re also huge.

While they offer a variety of standard-sized meals, they also have giant one or two-pound patty burgers, like their enormous Man Vs. Food burger. This comes with two one-pound beef patties, 10 strips of bacon, mushrooms, blue cheese, swiss cheese, mayonnaise, tomato, and lettuce, as well as a large order of fresh Idaho fries and a drink.

For those just wanting an average-sized bite, check out their range of standard and specialty burgers.

Au Cheval may not be a burger joint specifically, but the Chicago-based upscale diner is certainly heralded and loved for its top-notch rendition of the dish.

With an exclusive first-come, first-serve, no-reservation approach, tourists and locals alike vie for the delicious beef patties.

There are only two burgers on the menu — single and double. The single comes with two patties and the double with three, plus American cheese, dijonaise, pickles, and onions.

You can also make it extra special by adding bacon and/or an egg.

Keeping in the Midwest, head to Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream. Their burger menu is pretty basic but makes up for its simplicity in quality.

There’s a single, double, or triple stack option with patties made of ground chuck, coming with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, jalapenos, and/or pickles.

They also have elk burgers with the same options, plus the Big Ugly Burger Challenge, which challenges patrons to finish a one-pound burger.

Check out the original Carmel, Indiana location, or visit the Zionsville, Bloomington, or Westfield locations. The Carmel location is its busiest and most popular.

Zombie Burger + Drink Lab is a unique burger joint in Iowa with a post-apocalyptic theme.

There are two locations — one in Downtown Des Moines, which offers a drinks menu and spiked milkshakes, and a Jordan Creek location, which is dry.

There are tons of zombie-themed burger menu items, like the 28 Days Later, which comes with blue cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and mayonnaise.

Or choose the Dawn of the Dead, which has bacon, egg, cheese, red onion, and mayonnaise. There are tons of vegetarian and vegan options, too.

The Cozy Inn in Salina, Kansas, stands as the best burger joint in the state with a near-century-long legacy. Since 1922, its iconic sliders, Cozy Burgers, have delighted customers with classic flavors — grilled with onions and topped with pickle, ketchup, and mustard.

The affordability, nostalgia, and mouthwatering taste earned it the 21st spot on The Daily Meal's 101 Best Burgers in America list. 

With its simple yet unforgettable charm, The Cozy Inn remains a must-visit destination for burger enthusiasts, capturing hearts and palates alike.

Kentucky’s most popular burger joint is Burger Boy Diner, which is located near the University of Louisville and is also open 24/7.

That makes it perfect for college students looking for a late-night burger, or locals wanting a hearty breakfast or lunch.

The basic Burger Boy Combo comes with two quarter-pound beef patties, two slices of cheese, three buns, and sauce, plus fries and a drink.

There’s also a bison version of the Burger Boy, plus veggie, turkey, or Beyond burgers.

Located in New Orleans’ esteemed French Quarter, Louisiana’s most beloved burger can be found at Port of Call.

It’s been open since the 1960s and serves the best burgers in the state. It’s so popular that the average wait time is at least an hour, rain or shine.

There are just four burger options — a hamburger, cheeseburger, mushroom burger, and mushroom cheeseburger.

The fresh ground patties are served with lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and pickles, plus a loaded baked potato on the side.

While Maine is known for its delicious and fresh seafood, that doesn’t mean they can’t make a mean burger.

One of the state’s most iconic diners is Fat Boy Drive-In in Brunswick. It’s only open from April to September, though, making it synonymous with New England summers.

The burger joint opened in 1955 and still retains the classic ‘50s style today. Menu options include classic hamburgers and cheeseburgers, bacon cheeseburgers, patty melts, and a veggie burger.

The Abbey Burger Bistro has four locations in Maryland. Its main location is in Federal Hill, Baltimore, but there are two more Baltimore bistros in Fells Point and Mt. Washington, plus a Havre de Grace site.

Locals and burger fans are drawn to this restaurant for the wide variety of burger meat options, including Angus beef, dry-aged beef, Kobe beef, lamb, salmon, bison, shrimp, and veggie.

Tasty Burger is a chain of burger joints located in Massachusetts. There are three Boston locations and two in Cambridge.

The chain opened in 2010 and quickly became a local favorite. The classic Tasty Burger option was even the official burger for the Boston Red Sox for six years.

There are four basic burger options, plus some special menu items. The Big Tasty comes with cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, and their signature Tasty sauce.

Other options include Spicy Jalapeno, Rise ‘N Shine, and Mushroom, plus a turkey burger and veggie option.

Miller’s Bar is Michigan’s favorite burger joint, located in the city of Dearborn. It’s won multiple awards for its classic burgers, but it still maintains its down-to-earth feel.

The joint is cash-only, and they serve their burgers on wax paper instead of plates, and it’s loved by locals and tourists alike.

Their menu is limited to a few different sandwiches, beans, onion rings, french fries, and their classic Ground Round burger.

It comes with cheese, mustard, ketchup, pickles, and onions, and you can order it with cheese or leave it plain.

Juicy Lucys are a great twist on the classic cheeseburger and originated at Matt’s Bar — Minnesota’s most popular burger joint, located in Minneapolis.

The bar opened in 1954, and the iconic burger variant was created shortly after.

The menu is pretty simple, including the classic Jucy Lucy, of course, plus hamburgers, cheeseburgers, sandwiches, fries, and soft drinks. It’s also a cash- or check-only establishment.

Mugshots Grill & Bar is now a popular chain of burger restaurants throughout the south, but it originated in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, in 2004. It has plenty of delicious burger options that make it a favorite for many.

They have two burger menus — the classic, original menu from 2004, and a variety of specialty burgers.

Standouts include Anthony’s Peanut Butter Burger, the Garlic Parmesan Bacon Burger, Mac and Cheese Burger, and The Challenger.

Anyone who finishes this large, triple-stacked burger, including a side of onion rings and fries, in under 12 minutes gets a free meal and T-shirt.

Hi-Pointe Drive-In opened in St. Louis, Missouri, in the 1980s, and has expanded to a total of five Missouri locations and an Illinois location since then.

They have four basic burger options — a single burger, a double burger, a turkey burger, or an Impossible patty. Most of their ingredients, including bread and beef, are all locally sourced.

You can add cheese and other toppings as desired, or order any number of the Chef Creations, including their Taco Burger.

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Billings, Montana, is home to The Burger Dive, which is one of the best and most well-loved burger joints in the state.

There are tons of burger options, including classic varieties, veggie patties, tuna steaks, and more.

Not only are two of the burgers award-winning, but so is the head chef, who’s been deemed “Burger Champion.”

Their most popular dish is the “I’m Your Huckleberry” Burger, which comes with a Huckleberry Hatch chili barbecue sauce, bacon, arugula, goat cheese, and red pepper mayonnaise.

Stella’s Bar & Grill opened in 1936 and has remained a favorite and beloved burger joint for Nebraska residents since. Located in Bellevue, the menu prominently features a wide variety of famous burgers. 

There’s a build-your-own option, including ground beef, Impossible patties, veggie burgers, and a ton of creative toppings. There are also specialty burgers, including Stella’s Staple burger, which comes with cheese, bacon, and a fried egg.

If you’re feeling bold, attempt the Stellanator. Participants have 45 minutes to eat a six-stack burger with six fried eggs, 12 pieces of bacon, and all the fixings (including peanut butter). Winners get a T-shirt, a free meal, and their picture hung in the restaurant.

There are plenty of famous and beloved burger joints in Nevada, especially in Las Vegas, but the most classic and noteworthy is Shake Shack.

The chain restaurant offers plenty of burger options, including classic hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and bacon cheeseburgers.

They’ve recently added vegetarian and vegan options to their menu, as well. Other menu options include chicken sandwiches, fries, shakes, and floats.

Lexie’s Joint is a family-owned burger restaurant originally based out of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and has expanded to three more in-state locations, plus one in Massachusetts.

They offer three patty variants — beef, chicken, and black bean, all of which are build-your-own. There are also tons of specialty burger menu items, with many delicious toppings.

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New Jersey is home to one of the country’s most beloved burger joints — White Manna, located in Hackensack.

They serve sliders, which are limited to just four options — a single or double hamburger, and a single or double cheeseburger.

Even without all the bells and whistles, these sliders manage to be a favorite of tourists and locals alike, with high demand and long lines.

It’s been featured on popular food review shows, including “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” and “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.”

Opening in 1952, Blake's Lotaburger serves uniquely New Mexican-inspired burgers and food. The chain has locations throughout the state and even a few in Arizona and Texas.

The most classic item on their menu is the “New Mexico Style” LOTA Burger. This burger is composed of two beef patties, cheese, and Hatch Green Chile.

New York is a foodie haven for both tourists and locals, meaning there are too many divisive opinions to firmly name one location the most beloved.

However, the ever-popular Shake Shack got its start right in New York City, giving its residents a unique claim to the successful restaurant’s fame.

It wasn’t just another chain restaurant, either — despite being known now as a burger spot, it started as a hot dog cart in the Madison Square Park Conservatory.

Al's Burger Shack is not only highly acclaimed and rewarded, but it’s a local favorite.

Located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, near the University of North Carolina campus, it ranked as Trip Advisor’s best burger joint in the entire country in 2018.

All ingredients are local and fresh, and the burgers are cooked to order. Their menu includes classics and unique variants, like their Bobo Chili Cheeseburger.

They also have turkey burgers, black bean burgers, and Impossible patties.

JL Beers first opened its doors in 2009 in Fargo, North Dakota, as a bar, dedicated to serving delicious and high-quality burgers and beer.

It’s only grown from there, with seven total North Dakota locations, plus bars in South Dakota and Minnesota.

There’s a wide array of both classic and unique burger options here, including the official JL Burger, which comes with two patties, grilled onions, house-made special sauce, and cheese.

Swenson Drive-In is an Ohio-based restaurant that started as a burger business in 1934, starting in Buchtel, Ohio.

The restaurant’s founder originally started by selling burgers out of his car. Now, it’s a major chain in the state, still boasting delicious food.

There are a few burger options, but the most popular and iconic is the Galley Boy. This burger includes two beef patties, cheese, and two separate sauces, all on buttered buns, and garnished with a green olive.

Tucker's Onion Burgers is based out of the city of Norman, and, as the name would suggest, boasts burgers with a strong oniony flavor.

These onion burgers honor an Oklahoman trend that started in the 1920s during the Great Depression when chefs would grill their burgers with onions for more flavor.

There isn’t a wide range of crazy menu options at Tucker’s, just simple and classic burgers. Choose between a single or double with or without cheese, and a beef, turkey, or Impossible patty.

Little Big Burger originated in Portland, Oregon, in 2010 with the intention of serving delicious and fresh burgers in a cool and trendy atmosphere.

Since then, they’ve opened locations throughout both Oregon and North Carolina, including a location at the University of Oregon.

The menu is simple and focuses on quality over quantity. Burger options include a classic hamburger or cheeseburger, a double stack, a chicken burger, or a Beyond burger.

Philadelphia-based Village Whiskey’s main focus is, to no one’s surprise, their extension whiskey selection.

However, it’s also a coveted burger spot in the city and state. Their burgers are a whopping eight ounces, and full of rich flavors. There are a handful of standard burger options, plus a rotating burger of the month.

If you want to combine your love of whiskey and burgers, though, check out the Whiskey King — the patty is topped with onions glazed in maple bourbon, bacon, foie gras, and blue cheese.

Harry's Bar and Burger is, as the name would suggest, a burger joint and bar, serving a variety of cocktails, beer, and boozy milkshakes.

What they’re known for, though, is their burgers, which have been voted the best in the state.

There are some classic combinations, like basic bacon cheeseburgers, as well as others topped with pulled pork, plus chili burgers, and veggie burgers.

Based in Charleston, Sesame Burgers and Buns is one of South Carolina’s most well-known burger joints.

It has a wide variety of burgers on the menu, and for each option, you can choose your pick of a beef, elk, chicken, turkey, or black bean patty.

There’s also a location in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and ingredients are sourced locally and sustainably.

Black Hills Burger & Bun is both a local and national burger haven, being ranked among the best burgers in the country by several outlets.

Located in Custer, South Dakota, this family-owned burger joint has just nine standard burgers on its menu.

Burger patties are six ounces and made of a daily-ground chuck. You can also swap it out for a black bean patty upon request.

The burger everyone raves about, though, is the Hot Granny. This dish includes bacon, cream cheese, jalapenos, and a jalapeno sauce.

Located right on Beale Street in the heart of Memphis, Dyer’s Burgers offers a literal taste of history through their burgers.

The burger joint was founded in 1912, and the chefs cook their burgers in the same grease they used back when they opened (after careful straining, of course).

The menu includes wings and chicken tenders, but as burgers go, the only variations you can choose from are cheese or no cheese, or if you’d like a single, double, or triple stack. The burgers come with just mustard, pickles, onions, and black pepper.

Though the chain burger joint has expanded throughout the country, the very first Whataburger opened in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1950.

Texas has no shortage of stellar burger places, but they have a special claim to this one. The restaurants are open 24/7 and have a simple but classic menu.

The basic Whataburger meal is available in a single, double, or triple meat option. Other variants include a jalapeno cheeseburger, bacon cheeseburger, and avocado bacon burger.

Crown Burgers, originated in Salt Lake City in 1978 as a family-owned and operated restaurant, a value it still maintains today. There are now eight total locations in the state.

The most popular and well-known menu item is the Crown Burger, which is topped with thousand island dressing, lettuce, tomato, onions, and cheese.

The unique finishing touch, though, is the topping of pastrami. This burger is so popular, in fact, that pastrami burgers have become a staple menu item at many Utah restaurants.

Worthy Burger is a Vermont-based, farm-to-table burger joint with locations in Woodstock and South Royalton. The ingredients are local and fresh and cooked to order.

There are only three beef burgers on the menu, with one named after the restaurant. The patty is topped with locally sourced cheddar, lettuce, red onion, and a secret sauce.

There’s also a mushroom and swiss topped burger, and a bacon cheeseburger. Other non-beef burger options include a veggie patty, tuna steak, and turkey and duck confit.

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MELT Gourmet Cheeseburgers in Leesburg is one of the most well-loved burger joints in the state of Virginia. All the ingredients are fresh and high-quality, and their menu is extensive.

While there are plenty of unique proteins like lamb, bison, tuna, and salmon you can order in burger form, the classic beef burgers are what fans recommend most fervently.

They also offer a unique and rotating burger of the month.

Dick’s Drive-In opened in 1954 in Seattle, Washington, as one of the first drive-thru restaurants in the state. Now, there are nine physical locations in Washington, as well as a food truck.

The menu is intentionally basic, with just burgers, fries, and shakes. The ingredients are simple, letting the burger shine, and there aren’t any fancy or outlandish ingredients between the buns. The most elaborate only has cheese, lettuce, mayonnaise, and relish.

Fat Pattys is a West Virginia-based restaurant that prides itself on its expansive burger selection. There are locations in Huntington, Teays Valley, and Barboursville, as well as one in Kentucky.

There are some sturdy classic options, like the classic patty melt, Patty Burger, and “Big” Fat Patty.

However, there are more creative and unique menu items, some standouts being the Raspberry Popper Patty, Bayou Patty, and Vampire Killer Patty.

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin is home to one of the state’s most beloved burger joints — 11:11 Burgers & Beignets.

They offer some classic burger variants like Juicy Lucys, bacon burgers, and more.

As for their more unique flavors, they have a PB&J; burger, a Tequila Jam burger, and a burger topped with cheese curds — perfect for the cheese state.

Wrapping up the list is Liberty Burger in Jackson, Wyoming. The restaurant has a plethora of Texas locations, but only one special Wyoming joint. Their beef is grass-fed, without hormones or stimulants.

The classic Liberty Burger comes with lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and optional bacon or cheese.

It can also be made vegan upon request. There are other flavorful burger variants, like their Wild West Burger, which can also be made with bison meat.

Burgers are one of the most classic dishes in American cuisine, and as such, each region prides itself on its rendition of the meal.

There are plenty of popular and well-loved burger joints scattered throughout the country to explore.

So consider grabbing your top travel credit card before you head out on your next cross-country burger tour.