A State By State Guide To The Most Talked About Cheeseburger
Every state has at least one cheeseburger that sparks arguments, road trips, and cravings that never quite go away.
Locals swear theirs is unmatched, visitors leave plotting a return visit, and grills sizzle with recipes fine-tuned over decades.
Melty cheese, seared edges, secret sauces, and just-right buns all play their part, but the real magic lives in the stories behind each bite.
1. Alabama: The Big Bob Gibson’s Burger
Barbecue isn’t the only thing Alabama does right. Big Bob Gibson’s serves up a burger that’s become legendary in Decatur, slathered in tangy sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Locals swear by the perfect char and the way the cheese melts into every crevice. It’s comfort food at its finest, no frills necessary.
2. Alaska: The Moose’s Tooth Cheeseburger
Who knew a pizzeria in Anchorage would sling one of the best burgers in the Last Frontier? Moose’s Tooth combines quality beef with creative toppings that surprise first-timers.
The patty is thick, juicy, and cooked just right. Pair it with their craft beer, and you’ve got yourself an Alaskan feast worth braving the cold for.
3. Arizona: The Zinburger
Born in Phoenix, Zinburger takes the classic cheeseburger and gives it a sophisticated twist. Think premium beef, artisan buns, and cheese that costs more than your morning coffee.
It’s the kind of burger you eat with a fork and knife – or at least pretend to. Every bite screams quality, making it a desert oasis for burger lovers.
4. Arkansas: The Stoby’s Cheeseburger
Conway’s Stoby’s has been flipping burgers since the ’50s, and they haven’t changed a thing. Why mess with perfection?
This no-nonsense cheeseburger features a thin patty, grilled onions, and cheese that melts like a dream. It’s old-school Americana on a plate, the kind that reminds you why simple is often best.
5. California: The In-N-Out Double-Double
You can’t talk California burgers without mentioning In-N-Out. The Double-Double is a West Coast institution, with two patties and cheese that’s practically worship-worthy.
Fresh ingredients and a secret menu keep fans coming back. Whether you’re ordering animal style or keeping it classic, this burger defines Golden State pride in every bite.
6. Colorado: The Cherry Cricket Burger
Denver’s Cherry Cricket lets you build your burger dreams with over 30 toppings. Want peanut butter and jalapeños? They won’t judge.
The beef is always fresh, cooked to order, and substantial enough to satisfy mountain appetites. It’s creativity meets comfort, making every visit a personalized burger adventure you won’t forget soon.
7. Connecticut: The Louis’ Lunch Original Burger
New Haven’s Louis’ Lunch claims to have invented the hamburger back in 1900. History aside, their burger is served on toast – no bun, no ketchup, no exceptions.
The vertical grills give the meat a unique char that’s become legendary. Purists love it, rebels tolerate it, but everyone agrees it’s an experience worth having once.
8. Delaware: The Charcoal Pit Burger
Wilmington’s Charcoal Pit has been serving flame-grilled perfection since 1956. Their cheeseburger is straightforward but executed flawlessly – juicy, smoky, and satisfying.
The secret? Real charcoal grilling that gives the beef an irresistible flavor. It’s a Delaware staple that proves you don’t need gimmicks when you’ve got great technique and quality ingredients.
9. Florida: The Kush Burger
Miami’s Kush Burger is all about local, grass-fed beef and creative flavor combinations. It’s farm-to-table meets burger joint, and somehow it works beautifully.
Each bite delivers freshness you can actually taste. The cheese selection alone could make a foodie weep with joy, and the vibe is pure Florida cool – casual, vibrant, and unapologetically delicious.
10. Georgia: The Vortex Burger
Atlanta’s Vortex doesn’t do subtle. Their burgers are massive, outrageous, and exactly what you crave after a long day.
With names like the Coronary Bypass, they embrace excess proudly. The beef is high-quality, the cheese flows generously, and the attitude is pure Atlanta swagger. It’s not for the faint of heart or small appetite.
11. Hawaii: The Teddy’s Bigger Burger
Island life calls for island flavors, and Teddy’s delivers with burgers that taste like vacation. Add pineapple and teriyaki for that authentic Hawaiian twist.
The patties are hefty, the buns are toasted golden, and the ocean views don’t hurt either. It’s the kind of burger that makes you want to extend your stay indefinitely.
12. Idaho: The Big Jud’s Challenge Burger
Boise’s Big Jud’s serves burgers that could feed a small army. Their one-pound patty is legendary, challenging even the hungriest appetites.
Locals love the no-nonsense approach – just great beef, melted cheese, and classic toppings. It’s Idaho hospitality in edible form, proving that sometimes bigger really is better when it comes to satisfaction.
13. Illinois: The Au Cheval Burger
Chicago’s Au Cheval serves what many call America’s best burger. The wait can stretch for hours, but one bite explains why people endure it.
Double patties, bacon, and a perfectly fried egg create burger nirvana. The beef is seasoned flawlessly, and the cheese melts into every crevice. It’s worth every minute of anticipation.
14. Indiana: The Workingman’s Friend Burger
Indianapolis keeps it real at Workingman’s Friend, where burgers are smashed thin and cooked on a flat-top until crispy perfection happens.
Grilled onions and melted cheese make this simple burger sing. It’s blue-collar delicious, the kind of meal that fuels hard work and honest living. No pretense, just pure burger satisfaction delivered hot.
15. Iowa: The Zombie Burger
Des Moines goes wild with Zombie Burger, where creativity meets beef in the most delicious apocalypse imaginable. Each burger has a quirky name and even quirkier toppings.
From mac and cheese to fried pickles, nothing is off-limits. The patties are juicy, the atmosphere is fun, and the whole experience feels like a party for your taste buds.
16. Kansas: The Winstead’s Steakburger
Kansas City’s Winstead’s has been perfecting the steakburger since 1940. Their version is thin, crispy-edged, and absolutely addictive.
Pair it with a chocolate malt for the full nostalgic experience. The cheese is always melted just right, and the service comes with a smile. It’s Midwest charm served hot and delicious every single time.
17. Kentucky: The Ramsey’s Diners Burger
Lexington’s Ramsey’s Diners keeps things simple and satisfying. Their cheeseburger is everything you want after a long day—juicy, cheesy, and comforting.
The beef is fresh, never frozen, and cooked with care. It’s the kind of burger that reminds you why diners became American icons. No fuss, just good food made right.
18. Louisiana: The Company Burger
New Orleans knows flavor, and Company Burger delivers it in spades. Their cheeseburger balances simplicity with Big Easy flair—juicy beef, melted cheese, and a sauce that’ll haunt your dreams.
The bun is always fresh, the toppings crisp, and the vibe relaxed. It’s proof that even in a city famous for gumbo and po’boys, burgers deserve respect.
19. Maine: The Becky’s Diner Burger
Portland’s Becky’s Diner serves up honest-to-goodness cheeseburgers that hit the spot after a morning on the docks. Nothing fancy, just quality beef and melted cheese done right.
Locals and tourists alike crowd the counter for this reliable favorite. It’s Maine simplicity at its best – fresh, filling, and exactly what you need when hunger strikes hard.
20. Maryland: The Chaps Pit Beef Burger
Baltimore’s Chaps Pit Beef puts a Maryland spin on the classic burger. While they’re famous for pit beef, their cheeseburger holds its own with bold flavors and generous portions.
The meat is charred perfectly, the cheese melts beautifully, and the horseradish kicks it up a notch. It’s Baltimore attitude on a bun, unapologetic and utterly delicious.
21. Massachusetts: The Tasty Burger
Boston’s Tasty Burger keeps things fresh and flavorful with locally sourced ingredients. Their cheeseburger is straightforward but executed with precision – juicy patty, melted cheese, crisp vegetables.
The secret sauce adds just enough tang to make it memorable. It’s New England quality without the pretension, perfect for grabbing after a Sox game or any time hunger hits.
22. Michigan: The Redcoat Tavern Burger
Royal Oak’s Redcoat Tavern has been serving burgers since 1947, and their secret olive sauce keeps people coming back generation after generation.
The beef is high-quality, the cheese perfectly melted, and that sauce adds a tangy twist you won’t find elsewhere. It’s Michigan tradition on a plate, proving old recipes still reign supreme.
23. Minnesota: The Matt’s Bar Juicy Lucy
Minneapolis invented the Juicy Lucy—a burger with cheese stuffed inside the patty. Matt’s Bar claims to be the original, and one bite proves why it’s legendary.
The molten cheese center is dangerously hot and incredibly delicious. It’s messy, it’s indulgent, and it’s pure Minnesota genius. Just wait a minute before biting or risk burning your mouth.
24. Mississippi: The Neon Pig Burger
Tupelo’s Neon Pig elevates the Southern burger with creative toppings like pimento cheese and bacon jam. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist that works beautifully.
The beef is locally sourced and cooked perfectly. Every component shines, from the toasted bun to the final pickle. It’s Mississippi hospitality served hot and absolutely unforgettable every time.
25. Missouri: The Shake Shack Burger
While Shake Shack started in New York, St. Louis has embraced it wholeheartedly. The ShackBurger delivers Angus beef, cheese, and that famous ShackSauce people crave.
The bun is potato-soft, the patty juicy, and the whole package feels like a hug. It’s fast-casual done right, proving quality doesn’t require white tablecloths or ridiculous wait times.
26. Montana: The Matt’s Place Burger
Butte’s Matt’s Place serves burgers that match Montana’s big sky country – huge, satisfying, and unforgettable. The patty is thick, the cheese generous, and the flavor pure beef heaven.
After a day in the mountains, this burger hits differently. It’s fuel for adventure, comfort for weary souls, and proof that Montana does everything big, including burgers.
27. Nebraska: The Stella’s Bar Burger
Omaha’s Stella’s Bar keeps it old-school with burgers that taste like they’ve been perfected over decades—because they have. Simple ingredients, expert execution, zero pretension.
The cheese melts perfectly, the beef is seasoned just right, and the atmosphere is pure Nebraska friendliness. It’s the kind of burger that makes you feel at home immediately.
28. Nevada: The Heart Attack Grill Burger
Las Vegas goes all-in with the Heart Attack Grill, where burgers are measured in bypasses and served by nurses. It’s outrageous, excessive, and totally Vegas.
The Quadruple Bypass packs four patties and enough cheese to clog arteries just by looking at it. It’s not for everyone, but it’s an experience you’ll never forget – if you survive.
29. New Hampshire: The Red Arrow Diner Burger
Manchester’s Red Arrow Diner has been serving burgers 24/7 since 1922. Their cheeseburger is timeless – juicy beef, melted cheese, fresh toppings, and that diner magic.
Presidents and locals alike have eaten here, drawn by consistent quality and friendly service. It’s New Hampshire comfort food at any hour, reliable as the White Mountains themselves.
30. New Jersey: The White Manna Slider
Hackensack’s White Manna serves sliders that pack maximum flavor into minimum space. These tiny cheeseburgers are grilled with onions until caramelized perfection happens.
You can’t eat just one – most people order at least six. They’re Jersey icons, proving that size doesn’t matter when flavor and technique combine this beautifully. Pure slider perfection awaits.
31. New Mexico: The Blake’s Lotaburger Green Chile Burger
New Mexico demands green chile on everything, and Blake’s Lotaburger delivers with roasted chiles that transform a simple cheeseburger into something magical.
The heat is perfect, the beef fresh, and the cheese melts into the chiles beautifully. It’s New Mexican identity on a bun, proving that regional flavors make all the difference when done right.
32. New York: The Shake Shack Original
Born in Madison Square Park, Shake Shack’s original burger changed the fast-casual game forever. The ShackBurger features Angus beef, American cheese, and that addictive ShackSauce.
Lines stretch around the block, but nobody complains once they taste it. It’s New York efficiency meets quality, proving great burgers don’t need complicated ingredients – just perfect execution.
33. North Carolina: The Hereford Barn Burger
Charlotte’s Hereford Barn brings steakhouse quality to burger form. Their cheeseburger features premium beef, Southern toppings, and enough flavor to make you reconsider everything you thought you knew.
The pimento cheese option is particularly divine. It’s North Carolina hospitality meets culinary excellence, creating a burger experience that feels both familiar and elevated simultaneously.
34. North Dakota: The Sickies Garage Burger
Fargo’s Sickies Garage serves burgers in a car-themed atmosphere that’s pure fun. Their creations range from classic to crazy, all featuring quality beef and creative flavor combinations.
The Juicy Lucy option oozes cheese dangerously. It’s North Dakota cool – unpretentious, hearty, and designed to satisfy even the hungriest prairie appetites with style and substance.
35. Ohio: The Thurman Cafe Burger
Columbus’s Thurman Cafe doesn’t mess around. Their Thurmanator burger is legendary – multiple patties, bacon, cheese, and toppings stacked impossibly high.
You’ll need both hands and maybe a prayer to finish it. The wait can be long, but Ohio burger fans swear it’s worth every minute. It’s excessive, delicious, and unapologetically Midwestern.
36. Oklahoma: The Tucker’s Onion Burger
Oklahoma City perfected the onion burger during the Depression, and Tucker’s keeps the tradition alive. Thin beef patties are smashed onto a pile of onions until everything caramelizes together.
The result is sweet, savory, and absolutely addictive. It’s Oklahoma history you can taste, proving necessity really does mother delicious invention when times get tough.
37. Oregon: The Little Big Burger
Portland’s Little Big Burger keeps things simple and sustainable. Their quarter-pound burgers feature local beef, Tillamook cheese, and organic vegetables – everything Oregon stands for.
The size is perfect for not feeling overstuffed but still satisfied. It’s Pacific Northwest values in burger form – fresh, responsible, and absolutely delicious without unnecessary fuss or pretension.
38. Pennsylvania: The Primanti Bros Burger
Pittsburgh’s Primanti Bros puts french fries and coleslaw directly on the burger. Sounds crazy? It’s genius – carbs on carbs with tangy slaw cutting through the richness perfectly.
The cheese melts over everything, creating a messy masterpiece. It’s blue-collar Pittsburgh innovation, born from feeding hungry workers quickly. One bite explains why this tradition endures strong.
39. Rhode Island: The Harry’s Bar Burger
Providence’s Harry’s Bar serves burgers that locals have loved for decades. Their cheeseburger is perfectly straightforward – quality beef, melted cheese, fresh toppings, zero complications.
The atmosphere is dive-bar charming, the prices reasonable, and the satisfaction guaranteed. It’s Rhode Island comfort in its purest form, proving small states can produce mighty burgers when done right.
40. South Carolina: The Sesame Burgers and Beer Burger
Charleston’s Sesame Burgers and Beer elevates the Southern burger with creative toppings and craft beer pairings. Their cheeseburger balances tradition with innovation beautifully.
The beef is ground fresh daily, the buns baked locally, and the toppings thoughtfully chosen. It’s Lowcountry charm meets modern foodie culture, creating burger experiences that satisfy both tourists and locals.
41. South Dakota: The Minerva’s Burger
Sioux Falls’ Minerva’s brings steakhouse quality to their burgers. The beef is premium, cooked exactly how you want it, and topped with cheese that melts into creamy perfection.
It’s South Dakota hospitality on a plate – generous, friendly, and satisfying. Pair it with their famous sweet rolls, and you’ve got a meal worth traveling for, truly.
42. Tennessee: The Rotier’s Cheeseburger
Nashville’s Rotier’s serves their famous cheeseburger on French bread instead of a bun. Sounds weird? It’s brilliant – the bread gets crispy and soaks up juices perfectly.
This Music City icon has been serving locals since 1945. The beef is quality, the cheese melted just right, and the whole experience feels authentically Nashville – quirky, traditional, memorable.
43. Texas: The Whataburger
Texas pride runs deep, and Whataburger is practically a religion. Their classic cheeseburger features a five-inch bun, fresh beef, and toppings that stay put – no sliding allowed.
Open 24/7, it’s there when you need it most. The orange-and-white stripes mean home to Texans everywhere. It’s not just fast food; it’s a cultural institution worth defending fiercely.
44. Utah: The Crown Burgers Pastrami Burger
Salt Lake City’s Crown Burgers adds pastrami to their cheeseburger, creating a uniquely Utah combination. The salty pastrami contrasts beautifully with the beef and melted cheese.
It sounds excessive but tastes incredible. The special sauce ties everything together perfectly. It’s Mormon country meets deli tradition, proving that sometimes the wildest combinations work best unexpectedly.
45. Vermont: The Worthy Burger
South Royalton’s Worthy Burger sources everything locally – grass-fed beef, Vermont cheese, even the beer. It’s farm-to-table done right, with flavor that proves sustainability and taste aren’t mutually exclusive.
The patty is juicy, the cheese sharp, and the conscience clear. It’s Vermont values in edible form, making you feel good about eating something so delicious.
46. Virginia: The Five Guys Burger
Born in Arlington, Five Guys turned fresh-never-frozen beef and unlimited toppings into a national phenomenon. Their cheeseburger is customizable perfection – you choose exactly what goes on it.
The fries are legendary too, but the burger steals the show. It’s Virginia innovation that went nationwide, proving simple concepts executed flawlessly can change the entire burger landscape forever.
47. Washington: The Dick’s Deluxe Burger
Seattle’s Dick’s Drive-In has been flipping burgers since 1954. The Dick’s Deluxe features their special sauce, cheese, lettuce, and pickles – all for pocket change.
It’s fast, cheap, and surprisingly good. After a night out, it hits differently. The no-frills approach and fair wages make it a Seattle institution beloved across generations and neighborhoods.
48. West Virginia: The Black Sheep Burger
Lewisburg’s Black Sheep Burger proves West Virginia can do gourmet. Their cheeseburger features local ingredients, creative toppings, and beef that’s cooked to perfection every single time.
The atmosphere is upscale-casual, the beer selection impressive, and the burger absolutely worth the trip. It’s Appalachian pride meets modern culinary skill, creating something truly special and memorable.
49. Wisconsin: The Solly’s Butter Burger
Milwaukee’s Solly’s invented the butter burger – a pat of butter melting directly onto the patty. It’s gloriously indulgent and quintessentially Wisconsin.
The butter adds richness that elevates everything. Combined with melted cheese, it’s dairy heaven from America’s Dairyland. Your cardiologist might object, but your taste buds will sing praises loudly and joyfully.
50. Wyoming: The Luxury Diner Burger
Cheyenne’s Luxury Diner serves burgers that match Wyoming’s rugged spirit – big, satisfying, and no-nonsense. The beef is quality, the portions generous, and the flavor pure comfort.
After a day exploring the Cowboy State, this burger hits perfectly. It’s frontier hospitality in edible form, proving that sometimes the best things are the simplest done exceptionally well.
