One of the best things in life (for us meat lovers) is that perfectly prepared burger. Whether it’s stacked high with gourmet toppings or kept classic with just cheese, pickles, and a squishy bun, the American hamburger has endless variations—and passionate fans in every state. From coast to coast, burger joints are constantly pushing the boundaries of flavor and creativity.
We’ve rounded up ten of the most legendary, crave-worthy burger spots across the country. These are the places worth going out of your way for—where the patties are juicy, the buns are buttery, and every bite is a little taste of perfection. Of course, we know there are others, but this is a good place to start!
Au Cheval – Chicago, IL
Often called the best burger in America, Au Cheval’s double cheeseburger is an exercise in restraint and indulgence all at once. Two perfectly seared patties are layered with gooey American cheese, dijonnaise, pickles, and served on a toasted bun that soaks up the flavor like a dream.
While there’s usually a wait, the payoff is more than worth it. Pro tip: go early, and don’t skip the optional thick-cut bacon and fried egg.
📍 800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Father’s Office – Los Angeles, CA
No ketchup allowed—and you won’t miss it. The famed “Office Burger” at Father’s Office is a dry-aged beef patty topped with caramelized onions, applewood bacon, gruyère, Maytag blue cheese, and arugula on a French roll.
It’s a bold, chef-driven take on the burger that helped ignite LA’s gourmet burger scene, and it still holds its own after all these years.
📍 1018 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Husk – Charleston, SC
Husk’s burger is a Southern masterpiece, crafted with hickory-smoked Benton’s bacon ground into the beef. It’s then seared and topped with American cheese, pickles, onions, and a special sauce—all served on a potato roll baked in-house.
This burger tastes like comfort food elevated by serious culinary chops. It’s rich, smoky, and deeply satisfying.
📍 76 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401
Le Tub Saloon – Hollywood, FL
Le Tub’s burger is big, messy, and unapologetically old-school. This no-frills beach shack cooks up a 13-ounce patty of fresh-ground sirloin over a wood fire grill, and serves it on a simple sesame seed bun with lettuce and tomato.
It’s a local legend, famously endorsed by Oprah and GQ, and one of the best greasy pleasures in Florida.
📍 1100 N Ocean Dr, Hollywood, FL 33019
J.G. Melon – New York, NY
For decades, J.G. Melon has been one of Manhattan’s most beloved burger institutions. Their thick, juicy patty is cooked medium rare, topped with American cheese, and served with a side of cottage fries.
It’s as classic as they come, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more satisfying burger in the Big Apple.
📍 1291 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021
Pie ‘n Burger – Pasadena, CA
Since 1963, Pie ‘n Burger has been flipping patties the same way—on a flat top with a spatula, old-school diner style. The burger is simple but flawless, with a thin patty, fresh iceberg lettuce, Thousand Island dressing, and a toasted bun.
It’s nostalgia on a plate, right down to the house-made pies for dessert.
📍 913 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106
The Company Burger – New Orleans, LA
The signature Company Burger is all about balance. Two patties, gooey American cheese, house-made pickles, and a tangy mayo-based sauce come together in a soft bun that’s toasted just right.
They keep it simple—and nail it every single time. Add a fried egg or bacon for extra indulgence.
📍 4600 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Casino El Camino – Austin, TX
Austin’s favorite dive bar burger joint, Casino El Camino serves up one of the juiciest half-pound burgers in Texas. It’s flame-grilled to perfection and piled high with your choice of toppings—many locals swear by the green chile cheeseburger.
The dark, graffiti-covered bar adds to the experience, making it a true Austin original.
📍 517 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Red Mill Burgers – Seattle, WA
This Pacific Northwest favorite is known for their stacked burgers loaded with smoky bacon and tangy Mill Sauce. The Deluxe Bacon Cheeseburger is a local icon, with perfectly grilled beef, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and that addictive sauce on a Kaiser bun.
It’s everything a great burger should be—fresh, filling, and full of flavor.
📍 312 N 67th St, Seattle, WA 98103
Butcher & Singer – Philadelphia, PA
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Butcher & Singer offers an upscale dining experience with a burger that stands out. Their signature burger features a juicy patty made from dry-aged steak scraps, topped with English cheddar and crispy fried onions. It’s rich, flavorful, and comes with a generous serving of fries. Serious Eats
📍 1500 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
From flame-grilled behemoths to perfectly balanced gourmet creations, America’s best burgers span a delicious spectrum. Each of these ten spots brings something unique to the table—whether it’s an iconic dive bar in Austin or a Michelin-starred spin on a pub classic in New York.
So next time you’re traveling (or just seriously hungry), add one of these burger legends to your itinerary. Your tastebuds will thank you.
Now Make A Great Old Fashioned
Now that you have your bourbon bottle in house, time to make some cocktails! Here is my list of both classic bourbon cocktails and a few new ones that work for every season!