Where To Find The Best Cheeseburger In Every US State

Few foods are as iconic in the United States as the cheeseburger. It is simple yet tasty, and can be found in endless scenarios and iterations, from plain old meat and cheese versions at your nearest food truck to elevated lamb burgers with specialty cheeses at a Michelin-starred restaurant. At its core, the cheeseburger is straightforward: a ground beef patty, melted cheese, and a bun. But its ubiquity and versatility make it a true American staple, and there are perhaps as many versions of the dish as there are restaurants in the country.

Yet this ultimate availability also makes it hard to find the best possible cheeseburger around. Because somehow, there is such a thing as a bad cheeseburger (or at least a not great one). So to help you out, we've put together a list of the best cheeseburgers in every state, so that whether you're in North Dakota or New York City, you'll always be able to make your way to a truly great cheeseburger. To accomplish this monumental task, we dipped into our own extensive repertoire of favorite cheeseburgers and scoured reviews, steering clear of large chain restaurants that can be found anywhere.

This spot was a Tasting Table pick for best hole-in-the-wall burger shop in Alabama for its juicy, well-seasoned burgers with great house sauce. In particular, the double bacon cheeseburger here stands out above the rest. The place has widely been touted as having some of the best burgers in the state, but more specifically, Google reviewers have waxed poetic about the bacon cheeseburger or double cheeseburger (or both).

jandjgrocerydeli.com

(205) 425-6760

8169 Dickey Springs Rd, Bessemer, AL 35022

This burger spot in Spenard is the most widely recommended on Reddit, while its bacon cheeseburgers in particular are widely praised elsewhere. Google reviewers especially liked the overall taste of the burger, with one saying it was the best they'd ever had. One reviewer was even tickled by Tommy's cheeseburger on a doughnut instead of a bun, which, against all odds, seems to work.

tommysburgerstop.com

(907) 561-5696

1106 W 29th Pl, Anchorage, AK 99503

The Chuckbox has been around since 1972 and has been praised by thousands of reviewers on Google, particularly for the Tijuana Torpedo, which has been recognized nationally and locally. It consists of a beef patty served with melted jalapeño jack cheese and green chili, and people can't seem to get enough of it. The mesquite-burning grill seems to play a key role in adding flavor to this cheeseburger.

thechuckbox.com

(480) 968-4712

202 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States

The cheeseburger here has been called the best in the state by local publications, while Google reviewers have also expressed general appreciation for it. It is made up of a smashed patty on a toasted bun with American cheese and the usual accoutrements. In other words, it doesn't contain anything out of the ordinary for a cheeseburger, but it's the execution that matters.

facebook.com/SalemDairyBar

(501) 559-4001

6406 Congo Rd, Benton, AR 72019, United States

This Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant is known for its barbecue prowess, which may be how their cheeseburger, the Thicc Smoked, manages to be so popular that it often sells out. Aside from the smoky brisket patty that gives it its name, this burger comes with raw onions, spicy pickles, horseradish dijonnaise, and American cheese. Order it with one of many craft beers and banana pudding for dessert.

mooscraftbbq.com

(323) 686-4133

2118 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90031

Park Burger was named as one of the places offering the best burgers in the U.S. by Tasting Table staff, and the burger in question, Gettin' Figgy Wit It, happens to have cheese — Brie, to be precise. If that weren't enough, Park Burger as a whole is a nationally recognized small burger chain, renowned for its varieties of toppings and good sides, like the sweet potato fries. Google reviews add up to thousands for the Pearl Street location, mostly full of praise for cheeseburgers and sides alike.

parkburger.com

Multiple locations

It's hard to imagine a burger cooked any other way than on a griddle or grill. Yet Ted's Restaurant implausibly steams its burgers, and even more implausibly, people love them. After all, Connecticut does have a history of making steamed burgers. Hundreds of Google reviewers have sung its praises, while the place remains an iconic Connecticut institution, widely commended for those steamed cheeseburgers and for the fact that it is a family-run establishment in business since 1959.

tedsrestaurant.com

(203) 237-6660

1046 Broad St, Meriden, CT 06450

Guy Fieri called Farmer and the Cow's That'll Do, Pig an excellent cheeseburger when he tasted it on the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." And like many things Fieri tries on his show, it was messy. Comprising ground pork and chuck served with horseradish cheddar, tater tots, bacon, and a combination of sauces made with ingredients as disparate as coffee and sumac, there is no shortage of interesting flavor points in this burger, which Google reviewers have also raved about.

farmerandthecow.com

(302) 405-7907

801 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801

It's a shame that such a good burger should only be available one night a week, but we'll take what we can get, especially since the burger in question is a revived version of a hugely popular sandwich from ViceVersa's chef Justin Flit's previous restaurant, Proof. Indeed, Proof loyalists and other diners flock to this Michelin Guide restaurant at the Elser Hotel for the ViceVersa Burger, which is only served on Mondays, and which has widely been praised in local and national media, including for its cheddar aioli and onion spread.

viceversamia.com

398 NE 5th St, Miami, FL 33132

The Michelin Guide restaurant The Chastain has received national and local attention for its TC Cheeseburger, especially for the caramelized onion aioli and its large portion size. The accompanying fries are also nothing to scoff at. Google reviewers have also lavished praise on this burger, with one calling it the best burger in Georgia, and we couldn't agree more.

thechastainatl.com

(404) 257-6416

4320 Powers Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30342

Although primarily a noodle shop, professional and amateur reviewers alike agree that it might just serve the best cheeseburger on the island, in the state, and maybe even in the country. This burger stands out for its simplicity, and aside from being topped with teriyaki sauce, the ingredients include typical American cheeseburger items, like melted American cheese and crisp onions.

facebook.com/ShigesSaimin

(808) 621-3621

70 Kukui St, Wahiawa, HI 96786

Yelp named the chili cheeseburger at Hit List as Idaho's best of 2023, with standout flavors perhaps coming from the fact that the restaurant grinds and forms its own patties in-house. Indeed, Google reviewers especially love the chili cheeseburger, which consists of a patty topped with house chili, American cheese, onions, and mustard. They seem to like the all-meat nature of the chili, as well as its mild heat.

hitlistboise.com

(986) 200-4422

5163 N Glenwood St, Garden City, ID 83714

The Loyalist has received global attention for its elevated fare, as well as its upstairs sister restaurant, Smyth, which has three Michelin stars. The OG cheeseburger it serves is recognized as the best burger in Chicago for its interesting combination of onion mixtures and cucumber pickles for toppings. The restaurant also serves a more classic cheeseburger, which is also no slouch in terms of flavor.

theloyalistchicago.com

(773) 913-3774

177 N Ada St, Chicago, IL 60607

Perhaps the most widely recommended Indianapolis burger spot on Reddit, The Workingman's Friend is especially adept at double cheeseburgers, which Google reviewers have praised in droves, especially for the crisp edges and large portion size. The restaurant, open since 1918 and still going strong, serves smashburgers and has been recognized by national media as an all-around great burger stop.

facebook.com/The-Workingmans-Friend

(317) 636-2067

234 N Belmont Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46222

Social media reviews have raved about The Flying Elbow, with many reserving a special mention for the Tombstone cheeseburger, a patty topped with Havarti cheese, guacamole, bacon, sour cream, and hot sauce. In 2022, it even won the Iowa Beef Council's best burger. There are plenty of other popular burgers on the menu here, which can be enjoyed in a friendly, wrestling-themed environment.

flyingelbowfood.com

(641) 758-3235

229 N 13th St, Marshalltown, IA 50158

Social media is awash with good things to say about The Pad, with Google reviewers especially loving the cheeseburger for its delicious taste and crispy edges, with one calling it the best in the state. The restaurant is also a local institution: It's a family-run business that has been around since 1961, providing an unofficial gathering place for locals who love the food and friendly atmosphere.

pad-restaurant.grubbio.com

(785) 234-3596

1730 NW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS 66608

Toasty's appears to be Kentucky's most highly recommended burger place on Reddit. Likewise, Google reviewers widely praised the burgers, especially for their house sauce, good portions, and accompanying fries. In particular, the cheeseburger at Toasty's Tavern was voted best burger in town for four years in a row. It's made with griddled onions, American cheese, pickles, and a house sauce.

toastystavern.com

(502) 614-7094

1258 S Shelby St, Louisville, KY 40203

When we visited this dark and atmospheric eatery, we found that it expertly represents the high-low food preparation style, where items like Champagne are paired with the humble fry. As for the Sylvain cheeseburger, which has received national attention for its high quality, it is an ostensibly "low" food that is instantly elevated by the addition of extra sharp cheddar and dill pickles, and by the fact that it is made with black Angus beef.

sylvainnola.com

(504) 265-8123

625 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130

This place is widely touted as having the best burgers in Maine. Indeed, the loaded double cheeseburger has been recognized nationally and is especially well-liked by Google reviewers as well, who mentioned the relish as a particularly happy addition. To try one yourself, order the double cheeseburger with fried onions, mustard, and relish. The patties are thin but mighty, and will come served on a buttered and toasted bun.

(207) 797-9857

144 Gray Rd, Falmouth, ME 04105

Traditionally, gas stations have not been known for providing good food. But a trend of gourmet eateries that happen to be located in gas stations seems to be emerging, with one bright example being the Sunshine General Store, where the regular and bacon cheeseburgers are highly rated on Google, including for the value and toppings. The place was also a Tasting Table staff pick for best hole-in-the-wall burger joint, and a local publication once named it one of the state's best burger joints.

facebook.com/Sunshine-General-Store

(301) 774-7428

22300 Georgia Ave, Brookeville, MD 20833

This luxurious burger served with foie gras was named one of the best burgers in America by Tasting Table staff. It comes with pickles, mayo, foie gras, and cheese and is served only during Donkey Hour, which is, of course, a happy hour that occurs Fridays and Saturdays at the bar between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Boston Magazine also named the foie gras burger the best in Boston in 2022, citing the good work of James Beard Award winner, chef, and owner Ken Oringer.

littledonkeycambridge.com

(617) 945-1008

505 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

This local institution has been going strong since 1972, serving great burgers all around. But perhaps the most sought-after burger is the Brasserie Burger when ordered with the Piedmontese beef, which tends to be very tender. It comes with caramelized onions, smoked bacon, tomato, watercress, Swiss cheese, and Dijon mustard-mayo and has received consistent attention from local and national media over the years.

redcoat-tavern.com

Multiple locations

In Minnesota, the Jucy Lucy seems to be a type of cheeseburger in itself, where the cheese is stuffed between two burger patties almost as a filling instead of a topping. The place that does this best, and seems to blow all other cheeseburger types out of the water: Matt's Bar, which is the most widely mentioned spot in national and local media when it comes to the best cheeseburger in the state. It's no wonder: the Jucy Lucy is believed to have been invented here.

mattsbar.com

(612) 722-7072

3500 Cedar Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55407

This spot has achieved legendary status for its dough burgers, which are also known as Slugburgers, a Southern favorite where patties are mixed with flour or other starch, and which have been served in the same way since the place opened in 1928. As a testament to these burgers' staying power, there are many positive Google reviews on the joys of the cheese and bacon dough burgers, with one person calling them fantastic, and another saying they are the best of their kind in the area.

facebook.com/lathamshamburgerinn

(662) 539-7023

106 W Main St, New Albany, MS 38652

The chef here, who has been serving the St. Louis food scene for 30 years, opened 5 Star Burgers in 2012. It has since been cited as the top burger place in Missouri, especially for the green chile cheeseburger. It is made with crispy Hatch chiles from New Mexico, pepper jack cheese, and green chile mayo. One Google reviewer called it remarkable, while another called it delicious.

5starburgersstl.com

(314) 720-4350

8125 Maryland Ave, Clayton, MO 63105

This place is known for making local, grass-fed beef patties, which already give it a leg up on the competition. It has also received local and national recognition, especially for the Wally burger, which comes with sharp cheddar, bacon jam, griddled onions, and a house sauce. Google reviewers seem to agree with the assessment, with several of them calling the burger delicious in every way possible. 

wallyandbuck.com

(406) 549-8157

319 E Front St, Missoula, MT 59802

Among Celebrity Chef Alton Brown's favorite U.S. restaurants is Block 16 for its Croque Garcon cheeseburger, which in itself means it's great. But the accolades don't stop there. National media have also recommended burgers at Block 16, known for farm-to-table practices, as have plenty of Reddit users, while one Google reviewer called the Croque Garcon burger next-level.

block16omaha.com

(402) 342-1220

1611 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68106

Fukuburger has received national and social attention for several of its burgers, all of which have an Asian twist, but the Buta Burger in particular has been widely touted as the best cheeseburger in Nevada. It is served with applewood smoked bacon, American cheese, pickled red onions, red ginger, Japanese barbecue sauce, and wasabi mayo.

https://www.fukuburger.com/

Multiple locations

This place has been mentioned as the best burger joint in New Hampshire by numerous publications, but perhaps the Matt's Steakhouse Burger can be considered the best of the best. One Google reviewer called it "nothing short of delicious," while another expressed the desire to eat this burger every day.

papajoesburgers.com

(603) 672-9130

237 South St, Milford, NH 03055

The cheeseburger here comes in slider form (so you will need many) with onions and a potato bun, which may not sound like anything special, but it's the quality that counts. The place has received national attention for these sliders, including accolades from Tasting Table staff, which cited the pungent flavor of the onions, which are cooked with the beef patties and become caramelized.

whitemanna.com

358 River St, Hackensack, NJ 07601

Tasting Table has named this one of the best green chile cheeseburgers in New Mexico, but you don't have to take our word for it. The place also won a local award for best green chile cheeseburger in 2024, and Google abounds with great reviews for the dish. It primarily comprises a patty made with beef ground on-site and a homemade green chile sauce.

sanantonioowl.com

(575) 835-9946

77 US-380, San Antonio, NM 87832

Some of the biggest New York food and general interest publications have praised the burger here, citing qualities like dry-aged prime beef, a dark crust on the patty, and a peppery flavor. This burger comes thick, a world away from shashburgers, but that's part of the appeal of this popular item, modeled after a similar burger from Peter Luger, a star New York steakhouse.

redhooktavern.com

329 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

This restaurant, open since 1938, is now a North Carolina institution, in part because it still serves very cheap cheeseburgers without sacrificing flavor. It is especially known for its Carolina-style cheeseburgers, which in "all the way" form come with mustard, onions, chili, and slaw and, as of 2024, cost under $5. Google reviewers also like this menu option, with many praising the style.

facebook.com/MelvinsHamburgers

(910) 862-2763

133 W Broad St, Elizabethtown, NC 28337

In 2023, the North Dakota Beef Commission named the burger from Old 281 Tavern the best in the state. Although it did not specify which burger (since there are many types at Old Tavern 281), Google reviewers seem to especially love the au jus burger, which comes with a prime rib patty, sauteed mushrooms, onions, Swiss cheese, and au jus, and the regular cheeseburger.

facebook.com/old281tavern

(701) 473-0281

241 6th St E, Minnewaukan, ND 58351

Recommendations for the Burger Box cheeseburger abound from local media and social media alike. The thing is so big it's considered splittable (though that doesn't necessarily mean you have to share it if you don't want to), and it comes with a Japanese-style house-made milk bun, two Angus beef patties, smoked cheddar cheese, sweet onions, and pickles. If you're wondering how things got so creative, know that the chef here, Vinnie Cimino, was a James Beard Award finalist.

cordeliacle.com

(216) 230-2355

2058 E 4th St, Cleveland, OH 44115

Any cheeseburger that Guy Fieri has eaten on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives is bound to be good, and perhaps a bit over the top (in the best way). One such place is Nic's Grill, where he savored and approved of the onion burger, made with ½ a pound of beef (there's the over-the-top part in this otherwise simple burger), cheese, and plenty of onions. The burger here has also won a local poll for best burger in Oklahoma City. Great Google reviews also abound for the onion burger.

facebook.com/p/Nics-Grill

1201 N Pennsylvania Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73107

The Double, Double cheeseburger here has earned a loyal following for its pure and simple delivery of a great double cheeseburger, which is made with two meat patties, each topped with cheese slices, lettuce, pickles, and a special sauce. The Tulip Shop Tavern has been recognized locally and nationally as providing the best burgers in Portland, particularly for the crispy smashed crust of the patties, the well-proportioned ingredients, and the fluffy buns.

tulipshoptavern.com

(503) 206-8483

825 N Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97217

The Mother Rucker at River Twice has been widely praised in national and local media, citing qualities like crispy edges, pink interiors, seasoned mayo, a milk bun, and excellent ingredients. Although this restaurant is a Michelin Guide spot that normally offers a tasting menu, it does offer this burger from the à la carte menu on Mondays.

rivertwicerestaurant.com

(267) 457-3698

1601 Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148

The Dream Burger, made with two grass-fed beef patties, cheese, mayo, patty sauce, onion jam, and lettuce, comes recommended by the Providence Journal. Google reviewers have also mentioned this burger quite a bit, lavishing it with praise. One person called it delicious, while another said the burger is made so well that other restaurants hardly stand a chance.

theretherepvd.com

Multiple locations

This South Carolina staple has been nationally recognized for its Tattooed Moose burger with cheese, with reviewers citing the fresh locally-made kaiser roll, the excellent harmony of the ingredients, and the marriage between the garlic aioli and special sauce. But a burger experience is also about the fries, and this place has wowed customers time and again with its duck fat fries, which have received nearly 200 rave reviews on Google.

tattooedmoose.com

Multiple locations

A burger named The Claw won a local competition for best burger in the state in 2026. It consists of a literal lobster claw poached in butter and placed atop a beef patty and served with Asiago cheese and house garlic and herb sauce. Google reviewers seem to agree with the competition assessment, with one person saying it was amazing, and another specifically said they see why the burger won the competition for best burger.

neighborsgrubandpub.com

(605) 716-7688

7280 Freedom Ln, Summerset, SD 57718

The cheeseburgers here are considered almost legendary, having been served since 1927 while still remaining popular today. The burgers themselves are pretty basic, but they are considered a local classic while also having attained national recognition. Google reviewers have plenty of great things to say about them, including several who seemed to understand why the place has been going strong for so long.

thebrownsdiner.com

(615) 269-5509

2102 Blair Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212

Many people think of burgers as being the ultimate quick and cheap American food. But then there are gourmet burgers, and that's almost a whole other category onto itself. One prime example is the L&L burger, served at LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue, a one-Michelin-starred restaurant. The burger has received national recognition for its excellence, particularly because of its smoked nature, peppery brisket patty made with local beef, and grilled onions.

leroyandlewisbbq.com

(512) 945-9882

5621 Emerald Forest Dr, Austin, TX 78745

The signature Crown Burger here has been cited as the best in Utah by local outlets, primarily because the patty is topped with a generous portion of pastrami, along with the cheese, Thousand Island Dressing, and onions. Google reviewers seem to agree with the local outlets, because excellent reviews for the pastrami cheeseburger abound.

http://www.crown-burgers.com/

Multiple locations in Utah

Honeypie is often mentioned on Reddit as serving the best burgers in Vermont. In particular, The OG –a double patty with cheese, a spicy sauce, and the usual accouterments — seems to have caught the attention of a local blog. The burgers here are freshly ground each day, and Google reviewers seem to have taken note, because several of them noted that Honeypie burgers were the best they'd ever had.

eatathoneypie.com

(802) 548-4999

8811 VT-30, Jamaica, VT 05343

The Cheesy Western — served with cheese, pickles, relish, and mustard and topped with a scrambled egg — is practically a celebrity in Virginia. This burger has been widely praised in national media and comes recommended by famous burger aficionado George Motz. The restaurant itself also has its charm, having been open since 1930 and is still owned by the same family that started it all.

texastavern-inc.com

(540) 342-4825

114 Church Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24011

The Lao Burger — a double patty with provolone, housemade jaew bong mayo, and pork belly — has been nationally recognized by multiple outlets, citing the inventive flavor combinations drawn from the chef's own family recipes. Indeed, the burger has been so popular that the team behind Taurus Ox restaurant, which first served the burger, opened Ox Burger as another venue to serve it.

oxburgerseattle.com

(206) 420-8220

1523 E Madison St Ste 101, Seattle, WA 98122

The House Burger comes recommended by national media, with many great Google reviews concurring. The establishment that serves the burger–made with dry-aged beef, American cheese, and pickled onion–is a butcher with sustainable sourcing, which may have something to do with the burger's popularity. More specifically, one reviewer cited flavorful toppings, while another simply said it was the best burger they'd ever had.

farmersdaughterwv.com

(304) 856-2550

2908 Northwestern Turnpike, Capon Bridge, WV 26711

The Dump Bar and Grill is no dump. In fact, the Wisconsin Beef Council awarded it the best burger in the state in 2026 for its Tennessee Whiskey Burger, made with ground chuck, cheddar, onions, whiskey and brown sugar candied bacon, and a bourbon glaze. Google reviewers especially love it for its thick bacon and soft bun, and the bourbon flavors.

thedumpbarwi.com

(920) 348-5733

105 W Edgewater St, Cambria, WI 53923

Tasting Table picked this spot as the best hole-in-the-wall burger joint in Wyoming, especially for The Popper burger, made with cream cheese, breaded jalapeños, and raspberry pepper jelly. It is large, messy, and also very popular among Google reviewers, with one person citing a great balance of flavors, and another expressing appreciation for the raspberry pepper jelly.

borninabarn307.com

(307) 460-3604

100 E Ivinson Ave, Laramie, WY 82070

To find the best cheeseburger in each state, we started by searching for the best burger restaurants, then determined whether a particular one served a cheeseburger that was especially popular in social media reviews or national or local publications. We focused on well-known restaurants with great reputations that have been around for many years, as the time itself is often an indicator of quality in a restaurant. But we were also open to newcomers with lots of social media or print media attention. 

Being aware that people often have different tastes and preferences when it comes to cheeseburgers, one of the goals was to include options that spanned the gamut between simple, no-frills cheeseburgers and over-the-top, gourmet, or gastronomic cheeseburgers. Luckily, this task took care of itself: Some states happened to idolize burgers with the likes of foie gras or lobster, while others preferred the old-fashioned method of using nothing but a patty, a slice of cheese, and a bun.