Tag local hamburgers nationwide

Local Burgers Nationwide – Vol 2.

(Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase or take an action through these links, I may earn a commission. This helps support my van life blog and my journey.)

Local Burgers Nationwide with Martin

The open road stretches before us, a ribbon of endless possibilities, and our trusty van is our ticket to culinary adventures that crisscross the United States. This journey isn’t just about miles and destinations; it’s about savoring the flavors of America, one mouthwatering bite at a time. As a dedicated burger fan, my integration of burgers into my van life journey is twofold: I seek out the most mouthwatering burgers while also exploring unique and off-the-beaten-path burger destinations across the nation. These are not your run-of-the-mill fast-food burgers; these are treasures hidden in the heart of big towns and small towns alike, each with its unique story to tell.


The Coney Island, Pottsville, PA

2290 W Market St, Pottsville, PA 17901 (coneyislandpottsville.com/)

Coney Island in Pottsville has a strong connection to the local community. It’s not just a burger joint; it’s a place where generations of families have gathered for delicious comfort food, creating a sense of shared nostalgia and tradition.

Coney Island Burger & Dog

Coney Island in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, is a historic burger and dog joint that has been serving its signature coneys and burgers since 1913. It’s known for its nostalgic atmosphere, complete with retro décor and a classic American diner vibe. Visitors are drawn to Coney Island for its traditional coneys, a local favorite, and a menu that transports diners back in time to the golden age of American diners. Don’t forget to grab a Yuengling while there!


Poppa Burger – Houston, Texas

1622 N Main St, Houston, TX 77009

See my video from my Poppa Burger visit – Dec 6, 2022

Poppa Burger, a cherished local classic burger stand, has been a staple in Houston since the early 1960s, serving up delectable burgers that have delighted generations of burger enthusiasts. What sets Poppa Burger apart is not only its rich history but also its commitment to round-the-clock service, welcoming patrons 24 hours a day.

Poppa Burger is a beloved classic roadside burger stand known for its simplicity and delicious burgers. With its unassuming exterior and focus on no-fuss, old-fashioned burgers, it has become a local institution over the years. The menu features juicy, handcrafted burgers that consistently deliver on flavor and quality, making it a go-to spot for burger enthusiasts in Houston.

Poppa Burger, Houston, TX

Bobo’s Drive In – Topeka, Kansas

2300 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604

Bobo’s boasts a well-kept secret: the Spanish burger. This culinary gem features a unique secret sauce that has become a sought-after favorite among patrons

See my video from my visit to Bobo’s Drive In – Sep 19, 2022

Located in Topeka, Kansas, Bobo’s Drive-In is a beloved local eatery with a timeless ambiance reminiscent of a classic American drive-in. This iconic establishment gained recognition after being featured on the popular television show, “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” At Bobo’s Drive-In, the star of the show is undoubtedly their signature steak burger, a mouthwatering creation that has garnered a devoted following over the years. Complementing these delectable burgers are their perfectly hand-cut onion rings, a crispy delight that’s hard to resist.

Bobo Burger in Topeka, KS

Twisted Root Burger Co – Deep Elum, Dallas, Texas

2615 Commerce St., Dallas, TX 75226 (twistedrootburgerco.com/locations/deep-ellum)

As evidenced by the quote adorning their wall, ‘Our Burgers May Not Be World Famous, But They’re Pretty Darn Good,’ Twisted Root Burgers takes pride in serving up burgers that may not have global fame but boast a reputation for being incredibly satisfying.

See my video from my visit to Twisted Root Burger Co – Apr 16, 2023

Twisted Root Burger Co

Twisted Root Burger Co offers a truly distinctive burger experience, combining high-quality made-to-order burgers with a welcoming ‘come as you are’ ambiance and quirky decor. What sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to freshness and local sourcing, from locally made buns to handcrafted condiments and custom pickles. They start their day early, ensuring that every ingredient is prepared fresh, leaving no room for preserved or packaged items. At Twisted Root, it’s all about the details, resulting in an exceptional burger experience that’s both inventive and delicious.

Twisted Root Mushroom Swiss Burger

The Balboa Bar & Grill – San Diego, California

1863 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (www.thebalboabarandgrill.com/)

The Balboa sent a wave of concern through the hearts of burger enthusiasts when they first announced their temporary closure during the challenging times of the pandemic. Fortunately, their resilience and determination prevailed, and they emerged stronger than ever.

See my video from my visit to The Balboa – Jan 12, 2023

Situated in Bankers Hill, San Diego, The Balboa isn’t just your average neighborhood bar—it’s a warm, welcoming community hub known for serving up some of San Diego’s best burgers, earning the coveted title of “Best Burger in San Diego 2022.” Beyond the accolades, it’s the affordability that makes The Balboa a standout. During their sought-after happy hour, you can enjoy a delectable 1/3-pound burger for just $8. It’s a delicious deal that keeps both locals and visitors returning for more, making The Balboa a cherished neighborhood gem that offers a taste of San Diego’s vibrant culinary scene.

The Balboa Burger

Local Burgers Nationwide – Vol 1. (Funny)

(Make it funny version)

(Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase or take an action through these links, I may earn a commission. This helps support my van life blog and my journey.)

I thought it might be funny, so I asked GPT-3.5 to add a delightful twist to my previous burger blog post, creating a funny version that adds humor and playfulness to the mix. Actually, I asked it to, "Rewrite the following blogpost to be as funny as possible. use jokes. puns. dad humour. or anything else that will make the post funny."  This is what we get....

When it comes to classic comfort food, nothing quite hits the spot like a juicy, mouthwatering hamburger. We’re not talking about those fancy, schmancy, avocado-topped, truffle-infused burgers you find in the city’s hippest joints. No siree! We’re diving into the heart of America, where the focus is squarely on crafting the perfect burger. Ambiance? That takes a back seat to flavor, my friends! So, if you’re the kind of person who thinks ketchup is a food group and believes that a burger without cheese is a tragedy, fasten your seatbelts. We’re embarking on a cross-country burger adventure, and the grill is hot!

Now, before you start thinking this is a “top 5” list, let me set the record straight. This is more like a journey through the wild, delicious west of burgerdom. The order I’m listing these burger joints is just the way they popped into my hungry head. It’s all about sharing some burger love with you, my fellow enthusiasts. You see, there are so many more burger places out there waiting to be explored. This list is just a tasty tease, an appetizer to whet your burger appetite. So, grab your napkin, because we’re about to embark on a finger-lickin’ journey through some of America’s best burger joints!

Cozy Inn – Salina, Kansas

108 N 7th St, Salina, KS 67401 (www.cozyburger.com)

Cozy Inn, where sliders are so small, they make your regular burger look like a sumo wrestler! These tiny, bite-sized wonders, often called “Slyders,” have been delighting taste buds since 1922. Now, I know what you’re thinking – size matters. Well, Cozy Inn might be small, but it’s big on flavor and nostalgia. It’s like the TARDIS of burger joints, with a history that packs a punch. So, if you find yourself in Salina, Kansas, don’t just drive by – slide on in!

See my video from my Cozy Inn Burger visit – Sep 10, 2022

Champ Burger – Houston, Texas

304 Sampson St, Houston, TX 77003 (www.champburger.net)

Champ Burger, where the only thing faster than their service is the speed at which your burger disappears! Nestled in Houston, Texas, this hidden gem will teleport you to the golden era of diners. The menu’s filled with burger choices that’ll make your taste buds do the cha-cha. The ambiance? Retro, baby! It’s like stepping into a time machine that transports you straight to burger nirvana.

See my video from my Booches visit – Sep 26, 2022

Booches – Columbia, Missouri

110 S 9th St, Columbia, MO 65201 (booches1884.com)

Booches, where tradition meets taste, and every burger comes served on its very own piece of wax paper! Located in Columbia, Missouri, this place has a history as rich as its burger flavors. The wax paper tradition is as quirky as your aunt’s collection of ceramic frogs, but it works like a charm. Booches is a bit like a time capsule – an old-school pool hall serving up nostalgia with a side of scrumptious burgers.

See my video from my Booches visit – Sep 26, 2022

Armadillo Burger – San Antonio, Texas

1423 McCullough Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212 (www.armadilloburger.com)

Armadillo Burger, where burgers aren’t just food; they’re edible works of art! In San Antonio, Texas, they take burgers seriously. At Armadillo Burger, they’re not afraid to get creative. From the “Armadillo Burger” to the “Brisket Burger,” it’s like a burger playground for your taste buds. And the secret ingredient? Smoked brisket, baby! It’s like they’ve taken the best of Texas and slapped it between two buns.

See my video from my Booches visit – Dec 22, 2022

Diablo Burger – Flagstaff, Arizona

120 N Leroux St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (www.diabloburger.com)

Diablo Burger, where sustainability and scrumptiousness collide like two heavyweight burger patties in a mouthwatering showdown! Picture this: Flagstaff, Arizona, a place where they take their burgers seriously, but they’re not about to ruin the planet to satisfy your cravings. Diablo Burger is all about that eco-friendly burger life. They’re like the Captain Planet of burger joints, sourcing their ingredients locally and giving you a taste of Arizona in every bite. With a menu as diverse as a box of crayons, you’ll find your burger bliss here. Plus, the cozy atmosphere? Well, it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds and your conscience, making it a must-stop for burger aficionados who want to savor deliciousness while saving the planet!

See my video from my Diablo Burger visit – Aug 17, 2022

Local Burgers Nationwide – Vol 1.

(Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase or take an action through these links, I may earn a commission. This helps support my van life blog and my journey.)

Local Burgers Nationwide with Martin

When it comes to classic comfort food, nothing quite hits the spot like a juicy, mouthwatering hamburger. We’re taking a tour of local burgers nationwide and a detour from the glitz and glamour to bring you five top-notch, no-nonsense local burger joint recommendations scattered across the U.S. These are the kind of places where the focus is squarely on crafting the perfect burger, where ambiance takes a back seat to flavor, and where you’ll find some of the best bites while staying far away from the bustling city streets.

From the tiny, historic Cozy Inn in Salina, Kansas, to the beloved Champ Burger in Houston, Texas, we’re diving into a world of unpretentious burger excellence. So, if you’re a fan of cheap eats and prefer the warm, welcoming embrace of local diners, drive-ins, or dives, fasten your seatbelt because we’re about to embark on a cross-country burger adventure!

You should know that this isn’t a definitive ‘top 5′ ranking, nor an attempt to crown the absolute best burger joint out there. Instead, think of it as a flavorful account of my burger quest, with each stop adding its unique story to the mix. The order is based on the first five burger places that came to mind while sitting down to write this post. It’s all about sharing some burger love with fellow enthusiasts and giving you my recommendations. There are countless burger joints waiting to be explored, so consider this just the beginning of a finger-lickin’ journey.

Cozy Inn Hamburgers – Salina, Kansas

108 N 7th St, Salina, KS 67401 (www.cozyburger.com)

Cozy Inn is known for serving incredibly tiny, slider-sized burgers, often referred to as “Slyders.”

Cozy Inn, Salina, KS

Cozy Inn in Salina, Kansas, has been delighting burger enthusiasts since 1922 with its unique and irresistible slider-sized burgers. These bite-sized wonders are deceptively small but pack an explosion of flavor that has kept customers coming back for nearly a century. Cozy Inn has become a nostalgic destination for burger lovers looking to taste a piece of history. The small, cozy diner exudes old-school charm, making it a favorite spot for locals and a must-visit for anyone passing through Salina.

Despite their diminutive size, Cozy Inn’s sliders are big on flavor and nostalgia, making them a timeless treat that captures the essence of classic American diners.

See my video from my Cozy Inn Burger visit – Sep 10, 2022

Champ Burger – Houston, Texas

304 Sampson St, Houston, TX 77003 (www.champburger.net)

Champ Burger is a classic burger joint with a retro diner vibe and a dedicated local following.

Champ Burger, Houston, TX

Tucked away in Houston, Texas, Champ Burger is a hidden gem that brings back the nostalgia of old-school diners. With its retro diner atmosphere and dedication to serving mouthwatering burgers, it has garnered a dedicated local following over the years. The menu offers a variety of burger options, each prepared with care and attention to detail. From classic cheeseburgers to unique creations, Champ Burger has something to satisfy every burger craving.

Highlight: The no-frills atmosphere and friendly service combined with delicious handcrafted burgers make Champ Burger an essential stop for burger enthusiasts exploring the diverse culinary scene of Houston.

See my video from my Champ Burger visit – Dec 7, 2022

Booches – Columbia, Missouri

110 S 9th St, Columbia, MO 65201 (booches1884.com)

Booches is famous not just for its burgers but also for its long-standing tradition of serving them on wax paper.

Booches, Columbia, MO

Booches in Columbia, Missouri, is a burger joint that’s steeped in tradition. While it’s renowned for its delicious burgers, what sets Booches apart is its unique practice of serving burgers on wax paper. This quirky tradition adds to the restaurant’s charm and reflects its commitment to keeping things simple. Booches is housed in an old-school pool hall, creating a distinctive ambiance that complements the straightforward and mouthwatering burgers they serve.

Booches offers a nostalgic journey back in time, serving up some of the best burgers in Missouri in an unpretentious and historic setting.

See my video from my Booches visit – Sep 26, 2022

Armadillo Burgers – San Antonio, Texas

1423 McCullough Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212 (www.armadilloburger.com)

Armadillo Burgers offers an extensive selection of burger combinations, including unique options like the “Armadillo Burger” and “Brisket Burger.”

Armadillo Burger, San Antonio, TX

San Antonio’s Armadillo Burger takes the burger game to the next level with its wide range of creative combinations. From the signature “Armadillo Burger” to the mouthwatering “Brisket Burger,” this spot offers an array of options to suit every taste. What sets Armadillo Burger apart is its use of smoked brisket and other locally sourced ingredients, infusing every burger with a rich and authentic Texas flavor.

Armadillo Burger’s creative approach to burgers, along with its dedication to using local ingredients, makes it a top choice for burger aficionados seeking a uniquely Texan burger experience.

See my video from my Booches visit – Dec 22, 2022

Diablo Burger – Flagstaff, Arizona

120 N Leroux St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (www.diabloburger.com)

Diablo Burger is committed to sustainability and sources its ingredients locally, including Arizona-grown beef.

Diablo Burger, Flagstaff, AZ

Diablo Burger in Flagstaff, Arizona, offers a unique dining experience that combines sustainability with mouthwatering burgers. This environmentally conscious eatery is dedicated to sourcing its ingredients locally, including high-quality Arizona-grown beef. The menu features a diverse range of burger combinations, each crafted with care and creativity. The cozy atmosphere and commitment to eco-friendly practices make Diablo Burger a delightful stop in Flagstaff.

For burger lovers with a conscience, Diablo Burger offers a guilt-free and delicious dining experience, showcasing the flavors of Arizona while promoting sustainability and supporting local agriculture.

See my video from my Diablo Burger visit – Aug 17, 2022