Few things are as all-out American as a juicy hamburger – a dish that restaurants serve just about everywhere, from old-school diners to hole-in-the-wall joints. Whether you like yours plain with a pickle, or smothered with American cheese in a pillowy bun, this handheld meal is simply unbeatable, even when more inventive options appear on the menu. To prove it, we’ve found the best classic hamburger in every state and Washington DC.
Alabama: hamburger, Dub's Burgers, Athens
This hole-in-the-wall joint in Athens dates back to the 1960s, and its burger recipe hasn't changed since then. After all, when its burgers taste this good, why bother? Dub's offers no fancy creations or toppings – just great tasting hamburgers and cheeseburgers, with fries or onion rings on the side. Go for the simple hamburger, served 'all the way' (with mustard, ketchup, pickles, onion, and slaw).
Alaska: The Burger Stop, Tommy's Burger Stop, Anchorage
There's a fair chance that when you search for the best burger in Alaska, Tommy's Burger Stop in Anchorage will come up – and with good reason. Open for over 20 years, Tommy's has a menu featuring a whole roster of amazing burgers. Order The Burger Stop, and you'll get the joint's signature Cajun-seasoned patty with mayo, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, onions, and pickles on a toasted bun, plus a slice of American cheese.
Arizona: The Standard at The Stand Arcadia Burger Shoppe, Phoenix
Blink and you might miss The Stand Arcadia Burger Shoppe; this mom-and-pop shop serves drive-thru only, but customers highly rate it and praise the amazing flavor of its beef burgers. Freshly ground in house every morning, The Stand’s basic burger is called The Standard, and it certainly sets one for quality. It comes with lettuce, tomato, kosher dill pickles, sliced onions, and house-made burger sauce, though most diners opt to add a slice of cheese to finish things off.
Arkansas: traditional hamburger, Hugo's, Fayetteville
There are lots of tasty burgers on offer at this popular basement bar and restaurant – but we think the simplest is the best. Hugo's does a great take on the traditional hamburger, featuring a third-pound patty of 100% Angus beef, cooked to your preference. However you like yours, it'll come topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, mayo and mustard.
California: hamburger, In-N-Out Burger, various locations
Although these days In-N-Out has countless locations, the California-based outlet's uncomplicated burgers continue to satisfy hungry customers just like they did back in 1948 when it all started. The secret lies in the simplicity – no bells and whistles, just a thin American beef patty with freshly sliced (or grilled) onions, tomato, lettuce, and In-and-Out's signature sauce, all squeezed in between soft, spongy toasted buns. The result is simple, understated, and totally perfect.
California: Steakburger, The Apple Pan, Los Angeles
Old-school diner The Apple Pan has been slinging its signature steakburgers since 1947. The restaurant serves a mouthwatering and juicy beef patty with house-made sauce, mayonnaise, pickles, and lettuce, plus you can choose to add melted Tillamook Cheddar. Make sure you leave room for this LA institution's famous apple pie, best enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Colorado: Cricket Burger, The Cherry Cricket, Denver
A must-visit destination for burger lovers, this place lauds itself as Denver's best burger dive. Customers praise the burgers, which high-quality beef makes and cooks to perfection, as well as the casual and friendly atmosphere. The top order for purists is the classic Cricket Burger – a half-pound patty with lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
Connecticut: The Original Burger, Louis' Lunch, New Haven
Burger purists will appreciate Louis' Lunch and its Original Burger. The Library of Congress recognizes this simple family-operated joint as the birthplace of the hamburger, and it has been doling out the same freshly ground, hand-rolled patties – served between two slices of toasted white bread – to hungry customers since 1895. Garnishes like cheese, grilled onion, and tomato are available, but don't even dream of asking for ketchup. As the sign says, 'you don't mess with perfection.'
District of Columbia: Farmhouse Burger, Good Stuff Eatery, Georgetown
With a handful of locations across the USA (and one in Cairo, Egypt), Good Stuff Eatery attracts burger lovers as a popular spot. Located near the National Mall, the DC restaurant offers a variety of gourmet burgers, all of which chefs make with fresh, high-quality beef. For a solid classic that won't disappoint, stick to the hand-crafted Farmhouse Burger: a natural farm-raised beef patty topped with tomatoes, thinly sliced onions, lettuce, and pickles, served in a Pennsylvania Dutch bun.
Delaware: FTC, Farmer & the Cow, Wilmington
Not a totally classic hamburger per se, the FTC includes extras like bacon and house sauce – but diners highly recommend it. Gourmet toppings aside, the kitchen handmade patties in house (a blend of chuck, brisket and fillet keeps them juicy) – and they taste all the better for it. The rustic joint also offers friendly service.
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