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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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.”
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.
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 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.
