50 Top Hole-In-The-Wall Burger Spots In Each State, With A Few Extras

You can spot a great burger joint by the steam on the windows, the clang of the flat-top, and the locals who know exactly what to order. This guide maps out the small counters, cash-only classics, and road-side treasures where flavor matters more than fuss. From century-old grills to late-night haunts, these are the spots worth the detour and the wait. Bring an appetite, a few napkins, and a readiness to fall for your new favorite burger.

1. Chris’ Hot Dogs Hamburgers (Montgomery, Alabama)

Century-old counters tell stories while thin patties sizzle and pop. Order it with chili and onions and you will get why regulars keep a stool warm. The menu is simple, and that confidence tastes like history.

Grab a seat, watch the line, and time slows as the grill perfumes the room. The bun squishes just right, catching drips without getting soggy. It is nostalgia you can bite, and you will want another.

2. Tommy’s Burger Stop (Anchorage, Alaska)

Tiny kitchen, big sear, and baskets that land with a thud. The patties develop a rugged crust that stands up to messy house toppings. You lean over the basket, elbows on the table, living happily in the drip zone.

Shakes cool the heat while the fries echo that fresh oil crunch. The room hums with locals swapping snow stories between bites. It is pure Anchorage energy, hearty and unfussy.

3. The Stand Arcadia Burger Shoppe (Phoenix, Arizona)

Walk-up window, desert sun, and a line that moves fast. The house sauce clings to smash-seared patties that snap with every bite. Add a shake and you have the full Arcadia routine down.

Picnic tables invite quick chats while you chase runaway fries. The flavors are bright, clean, and dialed for repeat visits. Order confidently, then try not to inhale it all at once.

4. CJ’s Butcher Boy Burgers (Russellville/Fayetteville, Arkansas)

Red-and-white diner stripes frame a counter where beef gets ground in-house. You taste it immediately in the snap and richness of the patty. Fries are cut to order, hot and salted just right.

The choreography behind the counter is half the joy. Orders fly, spatulas tap, and your burger arrives shining with juice. It is a classic done fresh, not fussy.

5. The Apple Pan (Los Angeles, California)

U-shaped counter, cash-only ritual, and the hickory burger that made generations loyal. You perch on a stool and watch the dance of wax paper and spatulas. The first bite rings with smoke, tang, and perfect crunch lettuce.

Servers slide plates with a practiced flick, pie cooling in the corner. Conversation hums as fast as the ticket times. It feels like old LA, because it is.

6. Bud’s Bar (Sedalia, Colorado)

No frills and no plates, just a burger that nails the basics. Cheese melts into the crevices of a thick, juicy patty. You nurse a cold beer and grin at the simplicity.

The room is wood-paneled, loud, and friendly without trying. Fries? Optional, because the burger is the event. Bring cash and an appetite for straightforward excellence.

7. Louis’ Lunch (New Haven, Connecticut)

Historic grills broil patties in antique cast-iron, and toast stands in for buns. The char tastes different here, clean and primal. Onions and tomato, maybe cheese, and you are done.

The place is tiny and proud of its rules. You watch the ironwork glow while time bends backward. It is a burger museum that still feeds the neighborhood.

8. Charcoal Pit (Wilmington, Delaware)

Old-school booths frame a menu of charred patties and thick shakes. The grill smoke perfumes the air with just enough nostalgia. You slide into vinyl and the world slows a notch.

Shakes tilt thick, fries pile high, and the burger wears a proper char ring. Families share baskets, teens share stories. It is a Delaware ritual worth repeating.

9. Le Tub Saloon (Hollywood, Florida)

Waterfront shack energy meets monster patties and controlled chaos. You wait, you sip, and that giant burger finally arrives glistening. The sear is deep, the juices run, and napkins surrender.

Wood decks creak, the breeze rolls in, and fries play backup. It is Florida in a basket, laid-back and loud. Expect delays, expect greatness, and enjoy the view.

10. NFA Burger (Dunwoody, Georgia)

From a gas-station counter comes a championship smash. The patties lace at the edges and lock in salt and sizzle. Sauce snaps, pickles bite, and buns hug tight.

Lines move, grins spread, and trays disappear fast. It is proof that great burgers need no fancy address. Pull up, order bold, and thank yourself later.

11. W & M Bar-B-Q Burger (Honolulu, Hawaii)

A tiny stand turns out teriyaki-kissed classics with island patience. The glaze hits sweet-savory and makes the patty sing. Lines curl around the lot, and you will not mind.

Grab a picnic spot and let the breeze set the tempo. Fries crunch, burgers drip, and everything tastes sunny. It is Honolulu comfort on a bun.

12. Hudson’s Hamburgers (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho)

Since 1907, a counter and a griddle have kept things focused. Fresh patties meet knife-sliced pickles in a clean, perfect assembly. You taste restraint, and it works.

Seats turn fast as locals chat with the grillman. The bun is tender, the onions sharp, and the flavors tight. It is a lesson in how little you actually need.

13. Paradise Pup (Des Plaines, Illinois)

A small hut pushes out char-grilled cheddar beauties with serious lines. Smoke clings to every layer, amplified by melty Merkts. The patio becomes a chorus of happy chewing.

Fries and shakes round out the ritual, but the burger is king. You watch the grill flare and know you chose wisely. Bring patience, leave thrilled.

14. Workingman’s Friend (Indianapolis, Indiana)

Tin ceiling, neon glow, and wafer-thin doubles with lacy edges. Each patty crackles, stacking flavor without heaviness. The bun compresses into a perfect handheld package.

Fries spill over, beers clink, and the room hums blue-collar friendly. Service is brisk and no-nonsense. You finish fast and consider ordering another round immediately.

15. Hamburg Inn No. 2 (Iowa City, Iowa)

Campaign stops and griddle pops share equal billing here. Burgers press into the flat-top for that honest crust. Pie waits patiently for your second stomach.

Photos line the walls, coffee refills keep coming, and conversations ping. The burger is straightforward and satisfying, never trying too hard. Save room for dessert, then thank yourself.

16. Bomber Burger (Wichita, Kansas)

Tiny bar, huge patties, and an owner with plenty of attitude. The burger is a beast with char to match its size. Cash keeps it simple and fast.

Fries tumble over the basket as you strategize the first bite. It is messy in the right ways, loud and proud. You will leave full and amused.

17. Dizzy Whizz (Louisville, Kentucky)

Drive-in rhythm with a house classic called the Whizzburger. It hits all the diner notes with crisp edges and tangy sauce. You park, order, and settle into the glow.

Onion rings crunch, shakes soothe, and the burger keeps you coming back. It is Louisville comfort with no pretense. Roll the windows down and enjoy.

18. Port of Call (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Dark bar, massive burger, and a baked potato riding shotgun. The patty is juicy enough to require napkin triage. It is decadent in a way that feels very New Orleans.

Dim lights, chatter, and ice clinks set the mood. The char builds a savory wall you happily scale. When the plate clears, you will not need dinner.

19. Roy’s Allsteak Hamburgers (Auburn, Maine)

A classic shack where griddled patties meet onions cooked just right. The bun is soft and supportive, with a whisper of toast. You get that Maine thrift and pride in every bite.

Lines move quickly, smiles move quicker. It is simple food done with care and repetition. Bring cash and a good appetite.

20. Hamilton Tavern (Baltimore, Maryland)

Neighborhood pub vibes meet Roseda Farm beef and crisp house pickles. The burger hits that farm-fresh richness without heaviness. A pint alongside seals the deal.

Wood tables, friendly chatter, and a kitchen that respects the product. Fries are sturdy, salads bright, and the burger the star. You will plan a return before leaving.

21. Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage (Cambridge, Massachusetts)

Cramped and loud with cheeky-named burgers that actually taste great. Char is real, toppings are bold, and the staff keeps it moving. You squeeze in and grin through the bustle.

Shakes help with the heat while fries bring the crunch. It is Cambridge chaos with flavor discipline. Expect to laugh, shout, and devour.

22. Miller’s Bar (Dearborn, Michigan)

No menus, no plates, and onions that announce themselves. A burger wrapped in wax paper lands hot and perfect. The room trusts you to know what you want.

It is a study in minimalism where flavor carries the load. The beef is the headline, everything else plays support. You will finish before the beer warms.

23. Matt’s Bar (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

Home of the molten-core Jucy Lucy, a legend that bites back. Cheese erupts if you rush, so pace yourself. The sear holds it together like a toasted shield.

The room is small and buzzing, with grills throwing off steady heat. Fries are straightforward and salty in the best way. You will tell friends, then bring them.

24. Bill’s Hamburgers (Amory, Mississippi)

Brown paper wrappers cradle flat-top magic from an old recipe. The patties are thin and deeply seasoned, inviting a double. Onions and mustard sing in harmony.

The counter crew moves like clockwork, friendly and fast. You stand, chat, and devour without ceremony. It is Mississippi burger heritage preserved daily.

25. Town Topic (Kansas City, Missouri)

Since the 30s, this 24-hour counter has kept onion-fried sliders sizzling. The griddle hums, the coffee pours, and the neon buzzes late. You stack a couple and call it happiness.

Stools spin, cooks banter, and the city drifts through. It is quick, affordable, and reliably delicious. A true anytime burger stop.

26. The Burger Dive (Billings, Montana)

Award-winning sauces meet a dialed-in griddle for balanced burgers. Buns toast to a gentle crunch that holds every drip. You taste attention in every layer.

Specials rotate without getting fussy. Fries are crisp, shakes thick, and the vibe easygoing. Billings keeps it friendly and flavorful.

27. Stella’s Bar & Grill (Bellevue, Nebraska)

Since 1936, Stella’s stacks beefy, drippy perfection with a smile. The patty is juicy, the toppings classic, the bun sturdy. Paper napkins work overtime here.

It is a neighborhood ritual with long memory. Fries and beers round out the table with ease. You will crave it on the drive home.

28. Archie’s Giant Hamburgers (Reno, Nevada)

Late-night college haunt with burgers sized to match the appetite. Char marks run deep, and the stack feels celebratory. You earn the nap afterward.

The dining room buzzes with post-game chatter and neon. Fries spill over, shakes aid recovery, and laughs echo. Reno knows how to feed a mood.

29. Lexie’s Joint (Portsmouth, New Hampshire)

Tiny space, creative specials, and shoestring fries that crunch like radio static. The burgers are playful without losing focus. Each bite snaps with acid, salt, and char.

Chalkboard menus keep it fun and fresh. Grab a stool and watch the rapid-fire plating. It is small, smart, and satisfying.

30. White Manna (Hackensack, New Jersey)

Shoebox diner where steamed-onion sliders sizzle in a tight ballet. The grill is inches away and the show is nonstop. You order more than planned.

Soft buns, melty cheese, and onions weave sweet and savory. The counter curves, the lights glow, and time blurs. It is mini perfection on repeat.

31. Buckhorn Tavern (San Antonio, New Mexico)

Roadside roadhouse where green-chile cheeseburgers set the bar. Heat blooms, cheese soothes, and the patty carries it all. You chase bites with a cold drink and a grin.

Wood walls, local chatter, and that pepper aroma linger. It is New Mexico in a single sandwich. Worth a detour, worth a pilgrimage.

32. J.G. Melon (Manhattan, New York)

Dim room, squishy bun, and a griddled patty that defines restraint. The seasoning is confident and the lettuce crisp. You taste New York without the noise.

Order a side of cottage fries and lean into the comfort. Service is brisk, the vibe clubby but warm. It is the platonic ideal of a pub burger.

33. Brooks’ Sandwich House (Charlotte, North Carolina)

Cash-only cinderblock shack with chili-mustard-onion classics. The patties come fast, hot, and unapologetically messy. You eat leaning over the wrapper like a pro.

Regulars trade nods while orders shout from the window. It is Charlotte grit with a friendly core. Bring small bills and big hunger.

34. Hi-Ho Burgers & Brews (Grand Forks, North Dakota)

Fresh-ground patties and a diner spirit that feels timeless. The burger leans classic with confident seasoning. A local beer pairs like it was planned.

Booths are comfy, staff is neighborly, and fries deliver crunch. It is a steady standby you can count on. Grand Forks keeps it grounded and good.

35. Swensons Drive-In (Akron area, Ohio)

Headlights flash, trays fly, and the Galley Boy wears double sauce. The sweetness-salty dance is oddly addictive. You will crave a second before finishing the first.

Car-side service makes it feel like an event. Fries and shakes seal the throwback charm. It is Ohio nostalgia with a glossy sheen.

36. Nic’s Grill (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)

Eight stools, onion-fried burgers that sprawl over the plate, and fries everywhere. The sizzle is loud, the flavor louder. You watch the cook command the flat-top like a stage.

It is tight, hot, and perfect for lunch. Cash speeds things up, appetite slows nothing down. Oklahoma comfort, one sizzling bite at a time.

37. Helvetia Tavern (Hillsboro, Oregon)

Barn-side tavern with jumbo burgers and picnic-table vibes. The bun corrals the juices while lettuce keeps things crisp. You might spot cows and decide you need another.

It is casual, country, and completely charming. Onion rings tower high and vanish quickly. A perfect sunny-day destination just outside town.

38. Tessaro’s (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

House-ground beef meets a wood-fired grill that perfumes the block. The bun is big, the aroma bigger, and the char unforgettable. You feel the heat before the plate lands.

Inside is bustling but cozy with neighborhood chatter. Fries are hearty, beers cold, and the burger top tier. Pittsburgh pride in sandwich form.

39. Stanley’s (Central Falls, Rhode Island)

Since 1932, thin patties, grilled onions, and crisp pickles have ruled here. The flavor hits fast and clean, never heavy. You can easily handle two.

Counter seats keep it social and speedy. The routine feels comforting and unchanging. Rhode Island tradition on a paper plate.

40. Rockaway Athletic Club (Columbia, South Carolina)

Neighborhood bar energy with a pimento-cheeseburger that steals the show. The spread melts into the crevices and turns savory into velvet. You will chase every last drip.

Plates clatter, laughter carries, and the bar keeps pace. Fries support, beer refreshes, and the burger wins. It is a Columbia staple for good reason.

41. Nick’s Hamburger Shop (Brookings, South Dakota)

Since 1929, sliders glide across the counter with clockwork speed. The patties are petite, seared, and perfectly seasoned. You order a few and build your own meal.

The space is compact, friendly, and proudly consistent. Milkshakes make it feel like childhood. South Dakota slider tradition lives strong here.

42. Dyer’s Burgers (Memphis, Tennessee)

Historic grease anchors deep-fried patties with a crunchy halo. The flavor is old-school decadent and fully Memphis. You will not forget that first bite.

Beale-adjacent energy brings music and motion to the meal. Fries punch through the richness, shakes soothe. It is a legend that lives up to its lore.

43. Keller’s Drive-In #5 (Dallas, Texas)

Carhop trays, toasted poppy-seed buns, and roadside neon that glows just right. The burger is crisp-edged and balanced, built for the car seat. You tune the radio and settle in.

Onion rings crunch, shakes slide into cup holders, and time slows. It is Dallas drive-in magic, pure and simple. Bring cash and a cruising mood.

44. Crown Burgers (Salt Lake City, Utah)

Local chainlet fame comes from pastrami-topped burgers and fry sauce. The stack is salty, smoky, and wildly satisfying. You will need extra napkins and a plan.

Crinkle fries scoop sauce like champs. The rooms are casual and bright, built for quick comfort. Utah pride between two buns.

45. Al’s French Frys (South Burlington, Vermont)

50s stand charm with crinkle fries and true old-school burgers. The patties are seasoned right and kissed by the flat-top. You feel the nostalgia without the dust.

Milkshakes, bright lights, and a brisk line keep things lively. It is family-friendly, quick, and comforting. Vermont memories in a paper boat.

46. Texas Tavern (Roanoke, Virginia)

Ten stools, open 24/7, and the Cheesy Western that locals order by heart. Service is lightning-fast and proudly curt. You eat, grin, and get on with your day.

It is a pocket-sized institution with real swagger. The menu is tight, the flavors tighter. Roanoke runs on this little counter.

47. Dick’s Drive-In (Seattle, Washington)

Simple menu, fast lines, and hand-cut vibes since 54. The burgers are tidy and satisfying, built for curbside bites. You stand under the sign and smile.

Shakes are thick, fries classic, and service efficient. It is Seattle tradition with no fluff. Late-night or lunchtime, it always hits.

48. Jim’s Drive In (Lewisburg, West Virginia)

Retro window service and smashed patties perfect for summer drives. The sizzle brings neighbors to the lot. You eat with the windows down and the radio up.

Shakes cool the heat while fries add crunch. Friendly faces, quick hands, and no pretense. A small-town burger that travels well.

49. Solly’s Grille (Glendale/Milwaukee, Wisconsin)

Butter burger summit where a seared patty swims under a silky cap. The richness is bold but beautifully balanced. Onions add sweetness and lift.

The counter is cozy, the service brisk, and the history proud. Fries work hard, malts work harder. Wisconsin dairy dreams on a bun.

50. The Bird (Jackson, Wyoming)

Laid-back perch above town with char-happy patties and big views. Burgers arrive juicy with a confident sear. You stretch out on the patio and stay awhile.

Beers are cold, fries hearty, and the vibe mountain-casual. It is Jackson sunshine in burger form. The soundtrack is clinks, laughs, and wind.

51. Lucky Buns (Adams Morgan, District of Columbia)

Compact room, juicy patties, and zingy house sauces that wake everything up. The buns are squishy and perfect for sauce drip management. You will lick fingers without shame.

Global accents nudge the flavor in fun directions. Fries are seasoned, cocktails lively, and music up. It is a DC night made delicious.

52. El Hamburger (San Juan, Puerto Rico)

Beachy stand energy with grilled onions and paper-wrapped classics. The patty is straightforward, smoky, and satisfying. You taste salt air and sunshine.

Grab a stool, watch the street, and settle into island time. Fries are simple, shakes cheerful, and everything tastes like vacation. A San Juan favorite for good reason.

53. Vicki’s Lunch Van (Montgomery, Alabama)

Window orders fly as flat-top smash burgers crisp at the edges. The energy is locals-only and proudly so. You get your bag and head to the hood of the car.

Salt, sear, and onion do the heavy lifting. Fries ride along like loyal friends. Quick, hot, and exactly what you wanted.

54. Pie ’n Burger (Pasadena, California)

Counter pie shop that quietly turns out textbook diner burgers. The patty is balanced, the bun toasted, and the lettuce crisp. You follow with a slice of pie because you can.

Servers glide with coffee pots and easy smiles. It is Pasadena charm without trying too hard. A pure, steady classic.