Best Burger Joint in Every U.S. State, Ranked

Nothing is better than a well-made, juicy burger. And as the land of burgers, the United States has countless burger restaurants.

There are also countless variations of burgers, ranging from the classic cheeseburger to creative concoctions that use peanut butter, chorizo and even donuts.

To help you navigate the endless world of American burgers, here is the best burger joint in every U.S. state — ranked.

50. Maryland: Kooper's Tavern

Location: Baltimore

Rating: 38.7 (out of 100)

Must-have burger: Ronan

The savory details: Burgers are not the specialty of Kooper's Tavern, but the restaurant's signature burgers are so good it is considered the best in the state for the dish.

Patties are made of Angus, or wagyu beef, or turkey, bison or lamb. There is also a black bean patty for vegetarians or anyone who doesn't feel like eating meat at the moment.

Visit Kooper's Tavern.

*Note: These burger joint rankings are based on a combination of Tripadvisor and our own editorial input. The rating is calculated from the number of five-star reviews divided by the total number of reviews.

49. Louisiana: Burgersmith Perkins Acadian Center

Location: Baton Rouge

Rating: 40.1

Must-have burger: Lamb Burger

The savory details: The burgers at this restaurant get straight to the point.

There are four beef burgers, two of which showcase a special sauce. The other burgers on the menu let you try different meats, including some you usually don't see in burger joints.

Bison, lamb, brisket and filet are all part of the menu, in case you want to switch things up.

Visit Burgersmith Perkins Acadian Center.

48. Vermont: Archie's Grill

Location: Shelburne

Rating: 41.9

Must-have burger: Vermont Bacon Cheeseburger

The savory details: All burgers at this establishment are made with Angus beef from a farm in Shelburne. This emphasis on eating local makes up for the somewhat limited options of the menu's burger section.

Though all the burgers are good, you simply can't pass up the opportunity to try the Vermont Bacon Cheeseburger, which has a hint of Vermont maple syrup.

Visit Archie's Grill.

47. Delaware: Summer House

Location: Rehoboth

Rating: 44.8

Must-have burger: Grilled Angus Cheeseburger

The savory details: Located in downtown Rehoboth, Summer House serves different kinds of food to hungry beachgoers. Their burger and sandwich offerings aren't very extensive, but they make up for quantity with quality.

You can't go wrong with a classic grilled Angus cheeseburger that doesn't have to be flashy or different to impress.

Visit Summer House.

46. Indiana: Burgerhaus

Location: Valparaiso

Rating: 46.3

Must-have burger: The Salamanca

The savory details: Each of the 11 gourmet burgers offered here is named after a different city around the world. The flavors the burger features mostly reflect those of the city it is named after.

The Kyoto, for instance, is made with sushi-grade Ahi tuna. The Tuscan has mozzarella, tomatoes and fresh basil.

Visit Burgerhaus.

45. Nevada: Holsteins

Location: Las Vegas

Rating: 47.9

Must-have burger: The Rising Sun

The savory details: Located within The Cosmopolitan hotel in Las Vegas, this restaurant offers a burger menu that's as fun as you would expect.

Global flavors find their way into burgers in the form of tempura avocado, tzatziki sauce and foie gras.

Pair your burger with a boozy milkshake.

Visit Holsteins.

44. Virginia: Market Burger Fries & Shakes

Location: Purcellville

Rating: 48.3

Must-have burger: The Market Burger

The savory details: This build-your-own burger place lets you choose between a single or a double burger and then add complementary and non-complementary toppings. This way, you can customize the burger to your taste.

If you don't feel like choosing, you can also get ready-made burgers that include a turkey, black bean, BLT or beef burger. Sometimes, there also are delicious daily specials.

Visit Market Burger Fries & Shakes.

43. Kansas: Big Bam's Burgers

Location: Shawnee

Rating: 52.1

Must-have burger: Huevo Ranchero

The savory details: This restaurant's commitment to quality is seen in its hand-pattied burgers, which it grinds every morning.

A variety of cheeses and sauces differentiates one burger to another, which is an impressive feat for a small restaurant.

Expect Californian, Mexican and Tex-Mex flavors.

Visit Big Bam's Burgers.

42. Washington: Cliff Droppers

Location: Packwood

Rating: 52.5

Must-have burger: Mushroom Swiss Burger

The savory details: These handcrafted burgers are lifesaving for hikers and adventurers exploring Mount Rainier National Park.

Though the place is small, it offers many choices, including elk burgers for those who also want to be adventurers in their eating.

Craft brews accompany any burger perfectly.

Visit Cliff Droppers.

41. Ohio: Flip Side

Location: Columbus

Rating: 52.7

Must-have burger: Chili Pepper Burger

The savory details: This burger franchise can be found in multiple locations in Columbus. While menus vary depending on the location, the burgers tend to stay the same.

The patties use Ohio-raised natural beef and can be substituted for turkey or Impossible Burger patties. You also can get farm-raised bison if you want something a bit different.

Visit Flip Side.

40. New Jersey: Gallagher's Burger Bar

Location: Atlantic City

Rating: 54

Must-have burger: Sunny Up

The savory details: While there are only four burgers on this small restaurant's menu, that's enough to keep customers happy.

Located at the Resorts Casino Hotel on the Atlantic City boardwalk, the restaurant makes burgers that customers have called "outstanding" and "one of the best burgers I've ever eaten."

Visit Gallagher's Burger Bar.

39. South Carolina: River City Cafe

Location: Myrtle Beach

Rating: 54.3

Must-have burger: Black N Blue Burger

The savory details: River City Cafe claims that its burgers are world-famous and, given its extensive and creative burger menu, we believe it.

You'll find everything from a peanut butter and banana burger to a fried popcorn shrimp burger and a burger topped with Doritos.

True to its Southern nature, the restaurant also offers some heart attack-inducing burgers that it calls its Double Dawg Dare Ya Burgers. Let us know if you ever rise to the challenge.

Visit River City Cafe.

38. New Hampshire: Wild Willy's Burgers

Location: Rochester

Rating: 55.8

Must-have burger: Outlaw Burger

The savory details: New Hampshire isn't where you'd expect a Wild West-themed burger place, but maybe that's where the secret of Wild Willy's lies.

You can choose any burger to have a patty made with Angus beef, all-natural beef or bison. And if you want to try something different, you can get one of two prime rib burgers.

Visit Wild Willy's Burgers.

37. Kentucky: Mad Mike's Burgers and Fries

Location: Newport

Rating: 55.9

Must-have burger: Rockefeller

The savory details: At a great price point, this burger joint offers classic burgers and original creations, all for less than $8.

The gourmet burgers borrow flavors from Hawaii and California, as well as Greece. The appropriately named Goliath substitutes buns for grilled cheese sandwiches.

Fries are made in-house to crispy perfection.

Visit Mad Mike's Burgers and Fries.

35. Wisconsin: Brews Brothers Pub (Tie)

Location: Weston

Rating: 56

Must-have burger: Kentucky Bourbon Classic

The savory details: This burger place draws inspiration from cuisines typical of different regions. There's the Kentucky Bourbon, the Rajun' Cajun, the Philly Melt and the California.

But the joint also winks at its home's food, with the Weston Burger, a local favorite.

Visit Brews Brothers Pub.

35. Alabama: Jack Browns Burger & Beer Joint (Tie)

Location: Birmingham

Rating: 56

Must-have burger: Dr. Gonzo

The savory details: Every burger in this joint is made with 100 percent natural wagyu beef, so you can expect quality. The joint makes it a point to tell customers that they won't get tomato and lettuce — either get the really basic burger or go for the specialty ones.

The latter include burgers with peanut butter, Guinness-fried onions and homemade mac and cheese. Yes, that's mac and cheese in your burger.

Visit Jack Browns Burger & Beer Joint.

34. Iowa: Short's Burger & Shine

Location: Iowa City

Rating: 56.8

Must-have burger: Arion Burger

The savory details: With 25 burgers on its menu, you are bound to find one that fits your tastes at Short's Burger & Shine. Flavors range from the classic and American to international twists that are completely unexpected.

The Arion Burger, for instance, brings the Mediterranean to Iowa with cucumber, feta and tzatziki sauce. The Manila Burger has capicola ham, sriracha slaw and wasabi mayonnaise.

Visit Short's Burger & Shine.

33. Illinois: Farren's Pub & Eatery

Location: Champaign

Rating: 57

Must-have burger: The Russell Burger

The savory details: With patties custom ground by a local business, this restaurant delivers on its promise of quality.

The burgers have the usual suspect ingredients, with blue cheese, cheddar and mushrooms.

Switch French fries to tricolor tortilla chips dipped in house-made dressings.

Visit Farren's Pub & Eatery.

32. Pennsylvania: Burgatory

Location: Pittsburg

Rating: 58.2

Must-have burger: Piggy Butter and Jelly

The savory details: This cheeky franchise works with local farmers, butchers and bakers to bring the best ingredients to their creations.

Their signature burgers cater to a variety of tastes, with cashews, everything bagel mix and aged gruyere making an appearance alongside more common ingredients.

To complement their burgers is an equally impressive shake selection that isn't afraid to offer unconventional flavors like caramel pretzel and espresso.

visit Burgatory. 

31. Mississippi: Ed's Burger Joint

Location: Hattiesburg

Rating: 58.3

Must-have burger: Comeback Burger.

The savory details: Ed's slogan is "the juiciest around," and they explain their simple philosophy by stating "Fresh beef. Fresh buns. Nuthin’ fancy."

Maybe you won't find anything fancy here, but you will find some delicious burgers with all-American tastes.

Pair it with a shake and some nachos for a classic burger evening.

Visit Ed's Burger Joint.

30. Hawaii: Stewz Maui Burgers

Location: Kihei, Maui

Rating: 58.7

Must-have burger: Makena

The savory details: All the beef patties in this restaurant are grass-fed and Maui-raised. There's also a veggie patty and a grilled mahi-mahi burger for non-meat eaters.

The flavors are fairly standard for gourmet burgers, but the local quality of the meat can't be beat.

Visit Stewz Maui Burgers.

29. Tennessee: Burger Republic

Location: Nashville

Rating: 59.5

Must-have burger: The Tennessee

The savory details: Southern flavors dominate the burgers at this joint, with Jack Daniel's honey glaze, Cajun spice and Texas BBQ sauce.

Each burger is intensely flavorful, with spices and sharp cheeses claiming attention with each bite.

If you like your burgers to pack a punch, you're in the right place.

Visit Burger Republic.

28. Maine: Wild Willy's Burgers

Location: York

Rating: 60.1

Must-have burger: Bubba BBQ Burger

The savory details: The second Wild Willy's to make it onto the list proves that the franchise offers some of the best burgers in New England. But if you've been to the one in New Hampshire, don't skip visiting the one in Maine.

For one, many of the burgers are different, and the Annie Oakley has too cool a name to pass up. Fries also are sourced from Maine and fresh cut for ultimate crispiness.

Visit Wild Willy's Burgers.

27. California: Pearl's Deluxe Burgers

Location: San Francisco

Rating: 60.5

Must-have burger: Teriyaki Burger

The savory details: Taking advantage of the Bay Area's diverse mix of cultures, Pearl's brings together many flavors you usually don't find in burger joints. Teriyaki sauce meets pineapple and buffalo meets bacon, for instance.

The restaurant also offers a burger that is crowned with a hot dog. We dare you to try to find that somewhere else. 

Visit Pearl's Deluxe Burgers.

26. New York: Black Iron Burger

Location: New York City

Rating: 60.8

Must-have burger: Iberico Burger

The savory details: The naysayers claim that New York City doesn't know how to do burgers. The next time you hear this, send them over to Black Iron.

Spanish flavors like Iberico jam and Spanish pickled peppers are especially interesting, given how rare they are in burger bars.

The Mediterranean burger and the Little Italy burger are also quite delicious.

Visit Black Iron Burger.

24. Wyoming: Liberty Burger (Tie)

Location: Jackson

Rating: 63

Must-have burger: South of the Burger

The savory details: This popular Wyoming burger franchise is a favored place in Jackson when you're craving a patty done right.

The specialty burgers have creative names to match the ingredients, with wasabi aioli, tortilla strips and feta cheese making their way onto the menu.

You can substitute any beef patty for a bison or Impossible Burger one.

Visit Liberty Burger.

 

24. Massachusetts: KKatie's Burger Bar (Tie)

Location: Plymouth

Rating: 63

Must-have burger: Blue Burger

The savory details: The burgers in this restaurant are fairly classic. You'll find blue cheddar cheese, caramelized onions and sauteed mushrooms. But the difference is in the freshness and quality of the ingredients.

Their Angus beef patties are never frozen and made daily in-house, which guarantees flavorful juiciness.

Visit KKatie's Burger Bar.

23. Colorado: Back Door Grill

Location: Steamboat Springs

Rating: 63.5

Must-have burger: Black Mamba 24

The savory details: Using natural Colorado beef is part of this restaurant's philosophy. They also hand-cut fries and onion rings every morning, so you can enjoy crispy, never-frozen goodness. Even the classic burgers offer a twist, with a bison burger on the menu.

The signature and new-school burgers are truly wacky. There's one with flaming hot Cheetos inside as well as a dessert burger with chocolate-covered bacon, funnel fries, peanut butter and strawberry jelly.

The prize goes to Black Mamba 24, though, for its use of high-quality Kobe beef.

Visit Back Door Grill.

22. Arizona: G's Burgers

Location: Cornville

Rating: 63.7

Must-have burger: Verde Valley Burger

The savory details: This family-owned burger place offers classic American dining staples as well as signature burgers with local flavors.

Jalapeños, green chilis and pepper jack cheese bring Arizonan hints to the burgers. The restaurant only uses Angus beef and fresh, locally sourced brioche bread for the buns.

Visit G's Burgers.

21. Nebraska: Honest Abe's Burgers & Freedom

Location: Lincoln

Rating: 64.5

Must-have burger: Daebak Burger

The savory details: We can't confirm the restaurant's claim of offering freedom, but we can attest to the quality of their burgers.

Some burgers are a nod to American history, like the 1809 Burger apple and bacon burger that reference Abraham Lincoln's birth year.

Others, like the Daebak Burger, bring in international flavors. Meaning "awesome" or "the best" in Korean, the Daebak is filled with kimchi — a flavor not normally found in burger places.

Visit Honest Abe's Burgers & Freedom.

20. Utah: Taggart's Grill

Location: Morgan

Rating: 65.2

Must-have burger: Portobello Mushroom

The savory details: After a day of touring the Weber Canyon, restore your energy at this small, family-owned burger joint.

The menu has seven burgers to choose from. All of them have simple recipes but outstanding flavor.

There are vegetarian and gluten-free options as well.

Visit Taggart's Grill.

18. Texas: Grumps Burgers (Tie)

Location: Granbury

Rating: 65.7

Must-have burger: BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger

The savory details: With a cute grumpy burger as a logo, Grumps has a straightforward menu.

The burgers don't have any surprise ingredients. In fact, most of the ingredients are in each burger's name, so you know exactly what you're getting.

Grumps is proof that you don't need to be flashy to be the best.

Visit Grumps Burgers.

18. North Dakota: Sickies Garage, Burgers & Brews (Tie)

Location: Fargo

Rating: 65.7

Must-have burger: Smoke Shack

The savory details: Sickies has around 50 burgers on its menu. Their original burgers emphasize American flavors, with American cheese, onion rings (within the burger) and lots of bacon.

You also can choose from three American Kobe beef burgers and a ton of supercharged burgers. For the latter category, you'll want a giant appetite, as stuffings include nacho cheese, cheese curds and pizza sauce.

There are breakfast and dessert burgers as well, in case you need a greasy morning pick-me-up.

Visit Sickies Garage, Burgers & Brews.

17. Oregon: Yeong's Place

Location: North Bend

Rating: 66.2

Must-have burger: Guacamole Burger

The savory details: It's hard to believe that a tiny local restaurant could have this many burger options, but Yeong's defies all odds.

Besides a myriad of beef burgers, you have choices like elk, buffalo, halibut and Impossible Burgers.

Whatever you get, reviewers say this is an "outstanding burger find." 

Visit Yeong's Place.

16. Michigan: Slabtown Cafe and Burgers

Location: Traverse City

Rating: 68.2

Must-have burger: TC Cherry Burger

The savory details: The burger selection at Slabtown is so extensive you'll probably be looking through the menu for quite a while.

Choices range from a simple single burger to build-your-own burgers, special burgers and stuffed burgers.

One thing remains consistent: They are all mouthwatering good. 

Visit Slabtowns Cafe and Burgers.

15. Connecticut: GoldBurgers

Location: Newington

Rating: 69

Must-have burger: Bacon, Egg & Cheeseburger

The savory details: You probably wouldn't expect the best burger in Connecticut to be in a locally owned restaurant in the small town of Newington. But GoldBurgers have set themselves apart with their invention concoctions and spins.

The owner is definitely influenced by Southern food and Tex-Mex, which brings customers flavors often lacking in New England menus like pickles, spicy BBQ sauce and corned beef.

Visit GoldBurgers.

14. Rhode Island: Mission

Location: Newport

Rating: 69.5

Must-have burger: Bacon Cheeseburger

The savory details: This simple restaurant has five classic burgers to choose from. If you aren't one to love complicated, over-the-top burgers, this is for you.

Having a limited menu has allowed Mission to perfect their burgers. If you're hungry after a meal, try one of their high-rated hot dogs as well.

Visit Mission.

13. New Mexico: Hall of Flame Burgers

Location: Ruidoso

Rating: 70.6

Must-have burger: Bacon Blue Cheese Burger

The savory details: Besides being the best burger joint in New Mexico, Hall of Flame is also the number one restaurant in all of Ruidoso, according to Tripadvisor.

Reviewers describe the burgers as "seriously delicious" and lament not having visited before. If you are to believe almost everyone who reviews this place, definitely get onion rings on the side.

Visit Hall of Flame Burgers.

12. Minnessota: King's Place

Location: Miesville

Rating: 70.7

Must-have burger: Full Count

The savory details: This baseball-themed burger place has over 50 burgers to choose from, most of which are pretty out in left field. That's what makes them so great.

People especially love the Full Count, which has peanut butter, BBQ sauce, bacon and jalapeños.

The other choices are even more out there in the best of ways.

Visit King's Place.

11. North Carolina: Al's Burger Shack

Location: Chapel Hill

Rating: 71.2

Must-have burger: Bobo Chili Cheeseburger

The savory details: Every burger at Al's is made with an all-natural, hormone-free patty from cows raised in North Carolina. This emphasis on supporting local farmers gives the restaurant ethics points while providing customers with great-tasting burgers.

For those who are hungry enough, any burger can be made a double or a triple by request.

Not into beef? Go for the shrimp burger instead.

Visit Al's Burger Shack.

10. Arkansas: Tailgaters Burger Co.

Location: Hope

Rating: 71.7

Must-have burger: Onion burger with bacon

The savory details: The great thing about Tailgaters is that it serves much more than burgers. You'll find hot dogs, sandwiches, brisket and even fried okra on the menu.

The burgers are a mix of classic and Midwestern flavors.

Visit Tailgaters Burger Co.

9. Alaska: Burger Bus

Location: Kenai

Rating: 71.8

Must-have burger: Halibut burger

The savory details: Take this burger joint's name literally, as it is an actual bus. Think of it as a permanent food truck, where you get no-frills, classic burgers and enjoy them on a picnic table.

Reviewers say this is "the best burger in town" and describe it as "a locally famous restaurant with a great Alaskan feel."

Visit Burger Bus.

8. West Virginia: Bombshells Burgers and BBQ

Location: Huntington

Rating: 71.9

Must-have burger: Mac Attack

The savory details: The burgers at this joint are nuclear-war themed, with names like Flamethrower and Bombshell. The restaurant also has some original sauces.

And customers like the whimsical atmosphere of dining in what feels like a bomb shelter.

Visit Bombshells Burgers and BBQ.

6. Idaho: The Brakeman American Grill (Tie)

Location: Victor

Rating: 72.4

Must-have burger: Elk Burger

The savory details: The menu of this restaurant is a nod to the Pacific Northwest. Classic burgers include elk and buffalo meat while specialty burgers have names like the Oregon Shortline and the Yellowstone Burger.

Somewhat surprisingly, there's also a Cajun burger that brings Louisiana flavors way up north. Then there's the Crazy Brakeman, a giant cartoon-looking burger that is only for the brave of heart and bottomless stomach.

Visit the Brakeman American Grill.

6. Florida: Brooks Gourmet Burgers & Dogs (Tie)

Location: Naples

Rating: 72.4

Must-have burger: The Donut Burger

The savory details: With 15 signature gourmet burgers, Brooks has made a name for itself on the Florida scene. Its gourmet burgers use original combinations like pesto and goat cheese and Korean BBQ sauce with duck bacon.

But the joint's most famous burger might also be the most American burger ever. It's a burger where the buns are replaced with two glazed donuts. 

Visit Brooks Gourmet Burgers & Dogs.

4. Montana: The Burger Dive (Tie)

Location: Billings

Rating: 75

Must-have burger: The "Jerk" Burger

The savory details: The extensive menu at this restaurant brings tons of different flavors to the medium-sized city of Billings.

Many of the burgers are named after TV shows or pop-culture references. Toppings include World Champion sauces and even an extra patty.

Visit The Burger Dive.

4. Georgia: Midtown Grill (Tie)

Location: Clarkesville

Rating: 75

Must-have burger: New Orleans Burger

The savory details: What makes Midtown Grill stand out — besides its original specialty burgers — is that you can turn any burgers vegetarian. All you have to do is ask for the patty to be an Impossible Burger.

Of course, you'll also have to forego any additional meat in the specialty burgers, which sometimes come with shrimp or bacon. Still, this makes it easy for vegetarians to enjoy a juicy burger without being forced to pick the one meatless thing on the menu.

Visit Midtown Burger.

3. Missouri: Stacked STL

Location: Saint Louis

Rating: 77.2

Must-have burger: Peach-a-Peno Burger

The savory details: Tex-Mex flavors reign supreme in the burgers of Stacked STL. But though you'll get your regular ingredients, you'll also find surprising twists.

If you've never tried jalapeno-peach marmalade on a turkey burger or pineapple-poblano chutney with bourbon bacon maple jam, here's your chance.

Visit Stacked STL.

2. Oklahoma: Nic's Grill

Location: Oklahoma City

Rating: 78

Must-have burger: Classic Burger

The savory details: Nic's Grill is a locally famous small restaurant. On any given day, chances are that Nic himself is at the grill making your burger.

This place is so small it's a cash-only business, which only adds to the charm. The menu is simple and doesn't rely on frills to wow.

When the Classic Burger is this good, you don't crave anything else.

Visit Nic's Grill.

1. South Dakota: Black Hills Burger and Bun Co.

Location: Custer

Rating: 82.1

Must-have burger: The Black Hills Blues

The savory details: This burger restaurant boasts almost 1,400 five-star reviews on Tripadvisor with its juicy, flavorful burgers.

Options include the Hawaiian, the Texan and the Greek Goddess as well as three veggie burgers.

Part of the magic is the buns, which are baked in-house on a daily basis.

Visit Black Hills Burger and Bun Co.