The 10 Best Burger Joints in America

Come for the big, juicy burgers and crinkle-cut rosemary fries, stay for the friendly service just a stone’s throw from University of North Carolina’s campus. Don’t miss the “Bobo Chili Cheeseburger” topped with chili sauce, slaw, chopped onion, yellow mustard and American cheese. Naturally, it’s local and sustainable.

Meet the “Donut Burger.” It’s exactly what it sounds like: A tender patty topped with American cheese and bacon sandwiched between two freshly baked glazed doughnuts. If sweet and salty isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other sinful options—not to mention “yummy” milkshakes (the words of many reviewers) and beef dogs galore.

Calling all burger snobs. Does a six-ounce patty slathered in sour blackberry compote, sweet peach and pecan jam, Gouda cheese and romaine cabbage pique your interest? How about mozzarella cheese, basil, tomato, balsamic mayonnaise, roasted garlic vinaigrette and Italian seasonings? Exotic combos are the name of the game here.

These burgers aren’t as good as people say they are: They’re better. Juicy but not greasy, the patties ride on pillowy toasted buns that don’t get soggy—even under a boatload of toppings like gooey queso. Plus, everything is affordable and you’ll get friendly, speedy service.

Yes, some reviewers have cautioned against biting into Slabtown’s stuffed burgers too quickly—lest hot cream cheese squirt into your face. Quite frankly, it’s a risk we’re willing to take. Although the gourmet menu offers toppings and fillings galore, they don’t overwhelm the enormous, high-quality patties.

One hundred percent Angus Beef burgers, American-made craft beers and hand-spun milkshakes: What else could you possibly ask for (other than a big stack of napkins)? Look for “The Tennessee” burger topped with Jack Daniel’s honey glaze, American cheese, smoked ketchup, maple basted Benton’s Bacon and Memphis dusted crispy onion rings.

Hands down, the best no-frills burger. Take a few bites of the “Pearl Deluxe” and the juice will run down into your fries or onion rings—or down your arm if you’re not careful. The cooked-to-order patties are finished simply with lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo and a sesame bun.

Sure, you’re never going to find a “healthy” burger…but these sammies come pretty darn close. Whether you’re in the market for an old-school cheeseburger or a “new-school” burger, they’re all made with natural Colorado beef that’s never been frozen and farm-fresh non-GMO ingredients.

Founded in honor of owner Bruce Bollinger’s grandmother, this family-run restaurant has been churning out perfectly cooked, juicy, half-pound burgers since 1945. You have the option to upgrade “The Classic Cheese” to ranch-raised buffalo, but really, they don’t call it cattle country for nothing. Oh, and crispy fries lovers: You can’t go wrong.

Don’t be fooled by the low-key atmosphere, which pays homage to classic drive-ins. The menu here is modern and innovative, featuring options like “I’m Your Huckleberry,” a ⅓-pound Angus burger covered with Huckleberry Hatch chili barbecue sauce, bacon, goat cheese, roasted red pepper mayo and arugula. Sound like a mouthful? That’s because it is (in the best way possible).