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The Best Burger from Every State in America

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at Northeastern chapter.

Everyone loves a good burger. Burgers are an American classic, so it’s not surprising that many restaurants claim to have the best burgers around. Despite this, I made it my personal mission to find the best burger in every state. After lots of research, I’ve compiled a list of the 50 best burgers from every state in America.

1. Alabama: The 18-oz. Bacon Cheeseburger from Vicki’s Lunch Van

best burger

Photo courtesy of facebook.com

Vicki’s Lunch Van is a small hole on the wall on the side of a busy road in Alabama. Previously, the restaurant looked just like the name suggests — it was just a van. Recently, the restaurant got so popular there was a need for an upgrade to a larger building. Locals swear by Vicki’s, and it is definitely a must-visit in Montgomery.

2. Alaska: The Burger Stop Cheeseburger from Tommy’s Burger Stop

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Photo courtesy of @tommysburgerstop on Instagram

Tommy’s Burger Stop is a local favorite; their burgers feature 100% USDA ground beef from Australia and each patty is 5.5-oz. Some of the burgers are classic and simple but have a unique twist from the Cajun seasoning, while others are truly unique. Some burgers, called po-boys, are served on baguettes.

3. Arizona: The Hangover Burger from Rehab Burger Therapy

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Photo courtesy of @hseuper on Instagram

Rehab Burger Therapy was created based on the idea that everyone needs to take a few minutes out of their daily lives once in a while and do something that they truly enjoy, whether that means going on a vacation or simply eating a burger. Their menu is fun and youthful and includes a large variety of items. The restaurant serves a PB & J burger as well as a spicy mac ‘n cheese burger, but I recommend that you try the hangover burger, which has a fried egg, bacon, colby jack cheese, and hatch green chili.

4. Arkansas: The White Truffle and Pecorino from Big Orange

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Photo courtesy of @scottychef on Instagram

The Big Orange specializes in burgers, salads, and shakes. They offer a few different patty choices, including all natural beef, house-ground turkey, or all natural veggie. They also have many different unique burger options, including the white truffle and pecorino burger, which has pecorino cheese, arugula, fig jam, white truffle, and mayo. Not only does this restaurant have burgers, but they also serve “burger-wiches,” which are a cross between burgers and sandwiches.

5. California: The Best Damn Grass Fed Cheeseburger with an Egg from 4505 Burgers & BBQ

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Photo courtesy of yelp.com

Although I still love In-n-Out, 4505 Burgers & BBQ is a really up-and-coming burger joint in San Francisco that also specializes in barbecue. They use fresh ingredients, and people from all over the state have traveled to try these burgers. Obviously, they’re good and definitely worth a try the next time you’re in the Bay Area.

6. Colorado: The Love Stinks from Crave Real Burgers

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Photo courtesy of @sscott09 on Instagram

Crave Real Burgers has multiple locations in Colorado and has quickly become one of the state’s most beloved burger joints. The restaurant has been featured on The Today Show, The Examiner, and Yahoo Travel because of its amazing burgers. Although there are lots of options, the “Love Stinks” is a customer favorite. It comes with roasted garlic cream cheese, more garlic, roasted red peppers, onions, and red pepper aioli.

#SpoonTip: Not only does the restaurant have amazing burgers, but they also have great shakes.

7. Connecticut: The Harlan Burger from Harlan Social

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Photo courtesy of @friendswithforks on Instagram

Although Harlan Social doesn’t specialize in burgers, the Harlan burger, which features cheddar ale sauce and bacon jam, is one of the most popular items on the menu. If you’re not a burger lover, the restaurant also carries a variety of other options, including seafood and pasta.

8. Delaware: The 55 Burger from Restaurant 55

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Photo courtesy of @restaurant55 on Instagram

Restaurant 55 features burgers with fresh ingredients and a lengthy list of drafts, making this the perfect casual eatery. They have quite a few burger options, including the 55 burger, which features 7-oz. fresh ground chuck. Other options include a Cordon Bleu burger and a Philly burger.

9. Florida: The Big T Burger With Cheese from T-Rays Burger Station

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Photo courtesy of foodspotting.com

T-Rays is a former gas station that was converted into a burger joint. The restaurant is very popular with locals, who claim that this food is the best in the state. Not only does T-Rays sell burgers, but their seafood is apparently amazing as well.

10. Georgia: The Quadruple Coronary Bypass from Vortex

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Photo courtesy of @tycobbphotography on Instagram

On Vortex’s menu, there are four different categories for their burgers. There are Vortex burgers, signature burgers, bypass burgers, and OMFG burgers. Obviously, Vortex takes their burgers very seriously.

The quadruple coronary bypass burger is the largest item on their menu, complete with four grilled patty melts as buns, eight slices of Texas toast, 32-oz. of grilled sirloin, 28 slices of American cheese, four fried eggs, 27 strips of bacon, and 12-oz. of mayonnaise. As if that’s not enough, the burger comes with 20-oz. of french fries and 16-oz. of cheese sauce. The burger has 9,606 calories in it. 9,606.

11. Hawaii: The Hawaii Big Island Big Burger from Village Burger Waimea

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Photo courtesy of @djjmoproductions on Instagram

The burgers at Village Burger are made using locally sourced, pasture-raised beef. The patties are made to order and made fresh daily. The big island big burger comes with fresh chuck and brisket, all in a buttery bun. Locals love these burgers for good reason.

12. Idaho: The Half Cheeseburger from Effie Tavern

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Photo courtesy of yelp.com

These burgers are massive, so they’re definitely big enough to share. They are simple, but can be customized. The melted cheese on it makes it drool-worthy.

13. Illinois: The Single Cheeseburger With an Egg from Au Cheval

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Photo courtesy of @losangeles.hypefeast on Instagram

Although Au Cheval is a French restaurant, they have perfected an American classic: the cheeseburger. The burgers at Au Cheval are cooked medium, and can be made into a single or a double.

14. Indiana: The Double Cheeseburger from Working Man’s Friend

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Photo courtesy of @susannabard98 on Instagram

Working Man’s Friend offers classic burgers that have been “smashed” to perfection. The burgers have crispy edges and lots of onions. The double cheeseburger is a fan favorite here, and definitely something to try.

15. Iowa: The Barber Shop Special from The Cider House

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Photo courtesy of Special to the Register

The Cider House uses only locally raised beef patties and also carries a variety of ciders. Because the restaurant was previously a barber shop, the restaurant called one of their acclaimed burgers the “Barber Shop Special.” The restaurant also offers a vegetarian option of this burger.

16. Kansas: Sliders from The Cozy Inn

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Photo courtesy of @dianaeatsnyc on Instagram

Although White Castle has revolutionized the slider, The Cozy Inn in Salina, Kansas created and perfected them. Each slider has a strong onion flavor and doesn’t come with cheese, but the simplicity of the flavor makes it amazing and addicting.

17. Kentucky: The Burger with Cheese from Sidebar Grill

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Photo courtesy of yelp.com

The Sidebar Grill is less known than other burger joints in Kentucky, but is loved by its customers because of its amazing food. The Sidebar Grill also offers fish and chips for those not into burgers and also an amazing black bean burger for vegetarians. The classic burger here is a crowd-favorite. Simple, yet tasty.

18. Louisiana: The Company Burger from Company Burger

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Photo courtesy of @eatingnola on Instagram

Company Burger has been touted as the best burger restaurant in New Orleans for three years in a row by Gambit — a huge accomplishment considering New Orleans is known for its amazing food. The Company Burger is simple: two 3.5-oz. patties, two slices of American cheese, onions, pickles, and house-made bread.

#SpoonTip: The restaurant also offers amazing milkshakes.

19. Maine: The Seven Napkin Burger from The Owls Head General Store

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Photo courtesy of @bf3778 on tripadvisor

According to the Food Network, The Owls Head General Store has the best burgers in Maine. This is a huge accomplishment for a small general store far from most large cities in Maine. The seven napkin burger is what most customers come here for, but they also offer a burger that has two grilled cheese sandwiches as the buns.

20. Maryland: The Simply AJ10 from Abbey Burg9er Bistro

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Photo courtesy of @eatmorebaltimore on Instagram

Abbey Burger Bistro, located in Baltimore, prides itself on using amazing ingredients and having many options. Abbey Burger Bistro offers a make-your-own burger option along with many pre-made options.

Despite the many options, the AJ10 stands out from the rest. This burger comes on an english muffin with pepper jack cheese, avocado, jalapeños, bacon, chili pepper mayo, lettuce, and tomatoes. Each AJ10 comes with a side of tater tots and nacho cheese. Even better, $1.00 from each order of this burger will be donated to charity.

21. Massachusetts: The Big KKmac from KKatie’s Burger Bar

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Photo by @kkaties on tripadvisor

All burgers at KKatie’s are made fresh daily and are 100% Certified Angus Beef®. They have two locations in Massachusetts: one in Plymouth and one in Marshfield, both serving amazing food. The Big KKmac includes cheddar jack cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and KKatie’s special sauce all on a grilled sesame seed bun. All burgers at KKatie’s also come with french fries and a pickle.

22. Michigan: The Chapman Burger from Laura’s Little Burger Joint

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Photo courtesy of yelp.com

Don’t fall for the name of this restaurant — the burgers at Laura’s Little Burger Joint are anything but little. Many have agreed that this is the best place in Michigan to get a burger, and they are definitely right. The Chapman burger is 7-oz. of grilled beef, pepper jack cheese, bacon, and grilled onions.

23. Minnesota: The Juicy Lucy from Matt’s Bar

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Photo courtesy of @mrsbrady24 on Instagram

The Juicy Lucy, a burger stuffed with cheese, is a Minnesota favorite, and Matt’s Bar claims to have invented it. The burger is absolutely delicious; it’s so good that it has even inspired other restaurants to attempt to copy it. Despite now having several competitors, Matt’s Bar still has the best burger in Minnesota.

24. Mississippi: The Smash Burger from Neon Pig Cafe

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Photo courtesy of yelp.com

The Smash Burger at Neon Pig Cafe is nominated to be one of the best burgers in America this year, and has won numerous other awards. The burger comes with five different cuts of meat, bacon bits, cheddar, hoisin sauce, and a special “comeback” sauce, all on a ciabatta roll.

25. Missouri: The Super Flea from Westport Flea Market Bar and Grill

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Photo courtesy of Facebook.com

If you’re hungry and up for a challenge, visit Westport Flea Market Bar and Grill and try their Super Flea. The Super Flea has five patties, bacon, cheese, and two pounds of fries for anyone willing to try. If you’re able to finish this burger, it will be free and you will earn a T-shirt and a photo on the wall of the restaurant. Good luck.

26. Montana: The 12-oz. Burger from Nap’s Grill

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Photo courtesy of napsgrill.com

Not only does Nap’s have Montana’s best burger, but they have the state’s best salads and takeout as well. Nap’s is a family-owned restaurant providing amazing customer service and ingredients. Their burgers are large enough to share, but good enough to eat all of. The burger is available in numerous size options, all being large, so come here hungry.

27. Nebraska: The Ultimate Triple Decker Dinker Burger from Dinker’s Bar

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Photo courtesy of tripadvisor.com

Dinker’s has been serving amazing burgers for over 60 years and is located near downtown Omaha. Although they serve many different kinds of burgers, the Ultimate Triple Decker Dinker Burger stands out because of its never ending deliciousness. The burger is stacked three patties high, making it nearly one pound of hamburger, with lettuce, tomatoes, and bacon between a grilled Kaiser bun. If you’re truly hungry, try it with their award-winning onion rings.

28. Nevada: Kiki’s Burger from Bachi Burger

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Photo by @thirstydave on Instagram

Bachi Burger has a few locations in Nevada, with one being located in Las Vegas. Bachi makes burgers that have an Asian influence, making them very unique, but delicious nonetheless. Kiki’s burger comes with Angus beef, mushrooms, bacon, onion marmalade, gruyere cheese, and garlic chili aioli.

29. New Hampshire: The Brewhouse from The Tuckaway Tavern and Butchery

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Photo courtesy of @zeropositive1 on Instagram

Since The Tuckaway Tavern doubles as a butchery, these burgers are as fresh as they get. They are all Certified Angus Beef® and are ground fresh daily. Each comes with a locally baked bun and your choice of side. Although The Tuckaway Tavern has many burger options, the Brewhouse comes with beer battered onion rings and beer cheese fondue.

30. New Jersey: The Medium Bacon Cheeseburger from New Park Tavern

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Photo courtesy of yelp.com

Although New Park Tavern is a pub, its food is acclaimed by visitors who claim it carries the best burgers in New Jersey. At New Park Tavern, price reflects attitude, but amazing customer service ensures all customers leave happy. The burgers are handmade and come with crispy fries. Overall, worth a visit, or maybe even two.

31. New Mexico: The Cheeseburger from Burger Boy

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Photo courtesy of tripadvisor.com

Burger Boy is a small, family-owned restaurant known for its amazing food and customer service. Although they offer a few different burgers for a cheap price, most choose the classic cheeseburger, which also comes with fries.

32. New York: The Standard Burger from Standard Burger

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Photo courtesy of @joechahwan on Instagram

Standard Burger won Time Out Magazine‘s New York Battle of the Burger Competition, making it the best burger restaurant in New York. Although it’s not located in the city (it’s in Staten Island), it’s well worth the drive. At Standard Burger, customers can choose from pre-made burgers or create their own. The standard burger, the restaurant’s most popular option, features simplistic ingredients on a potato roll.

33. North Carolina: The Hops Classic from Hops Burger Bar

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Photo courtesy of @thaswift on Instagram

Hops Burger Bar offers amazing, unique burgers with quality ingredients. The Hops Classic is a simple burger with lettuce, tomatoes, American cheese, bacon, ketchup, and mayo. If you’re looking for something more unique, Hops has burgers with goat cheese, guacamole, wasabi slaw, or even grilled pineapple.

34. North Dakota: The Sickies Burger from Sickies Garage Burgers and Brews

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Photo courtesy of @s_laurendesign on Instagram

Sickies offers 50 different types of burgers along with 50 different types of beer, but its most famous is the Sickies burger. This burger is an award winning burger with bacon, a fried egg, pulled pork, barbecue sauce, American cheese, onion rings, and hot sauce. If this doesn’t sound appealing, Sickies also offers a macaroni and cheese burger, a jalapeño peanut butter burger, or even a glazed doughnut burger.

35. Ohio: The Galley Boy from Swenson’s Drive Ins

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Photo courtesy of @kryden_ on Instagram

In 1999, Swenson’s had America’s best cheeseburger according to Forbes, and the burgers still manage to be the best in Ohio. There are numerous locations and each one offers amazing food at a cheap price. The Galley Boy is an award winning burger featuring two patties and two special sauces for only $3.50.

36. Oklahoma: The Onion Burger from Nic’s Grill

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Photo by @hotdogokc on Instagram

Nic’s Grill is adored by locals and their burgers are often called “the best burgers ever” by those that try them. The restaurant is tiny, but managed to be featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on the Food Network. Each burger is huge and also comes with a heaping pile of curly fries.

37. Oregon: The Good Reverend Burger from Reverend’s BBQ

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Photo courtesy of yelp.com

Although Reverend’s BBQ is famous for its barbecue, the restaurant also serves an amazing burger as well. The Good Reverend Burger features brisket burned ends, pimento cheese, pickles, lettuce, mayo, and fried onions. It’s loved by the community and a must-visit in Portland.

38. Pennsylvania: The Good Dog Burger from Good Dog Bar & Restaurant

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Photo by @gabearaujo on Instagram

Good Dog doesn’t offer many types of burgers, but what they do have makes up for the lack of selection. The Good Dog Burger, the restaurant’s most famous, is 1/2 lb. of house ground sirloin paired with roquefort cheese. Each burger is customizable and simple, yet delicious.

39. Rhode Island: The Roadhouse from The Abbey

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Photo courtesy of @zeropositive1 on Instagram

Each burger at The Abbey is packed with amazing ingredients and stuffed to the brim. The Roadhouse is recommended to be eaten alone because of its size, and includes Wisconsin gruyere cheese, a 10-oz. patty, onions, bacon, onion rings, and garlic mayonnaise all on a grilled onion roll. Truly amazing.

 40. South Carolina: The Art Burger from Art Burger Sushi Bar

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Photo by @plant.eater.n.at on Instagram

At Art Burger, burgers are treated just as the name suggests: like art. Each burger is named after a different artist and are all very unique. The Art Burger features a ground beef patty with bacon, onions, blue cheese, and walnut chutney. The restaurant also, uniquely enough, serves amazing sushi. If you’re in the mood for amazing food on the beach, come here.

41. South Dakota: The Classic from Black Hills Burger and Bun Co.

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Photo courtesy of yelp.com

Black Hills Burger and Bun Company has been named the best burger in America by TripAdvisor. All of the burgers at this family-owned restaurant feature a 1/3 lb. patty which is ground in-house every day. The burgers are served on a toasted bun with your choice of side. Black Hills Burger and Bun Company also features a Burger of the Week option, which are usually very unique and tasty as well.

42. Tennessee: The Gabby Burger from Gabby’s Burgers and Fries

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Photo by @nashvillegrubguy on Tabelog

Gabby’s features only grass-fed beef, and each burger comes with your choice of side. Gabby’s offers numerous different types of burgers, ranging from the Gabby burger, which features two patties and lots of cheese, to the BBQ burger. Customers are guaranteed to leave here happy and stuffed.

43. Texas: The Classic Cheeseburger from The Grape

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Photo courtesy of @brit_dishes on Instagram

The Grape’s cheeseburger features a ten ounce patty topped with bacon, white cheddar, horseradish pickles, and Dijon mayo. The burger was featured on Eater’s “21 Essential Hamburgers of America” list and numerous other sources consider it one of the best burgers in the country as well. Despite being adored by customers, The Grape only offers this burger on Sundays and Mondays, so be sure not to miss it.

44. Utah: The Crown Burger from Crown Burgers

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Photo courtesy of @karimkhanji on Instagram

Crown Burger now has numerous locations in Utah due to its amazing food and customer satisfaction. The Crown Burger, the restaurant’s most famous burger, features loads of pastrami on top of a normal cheeseburger. It’s huge, but amazing.

45. Vermont: The Worthy Burger from Worthy Burger

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Photo courtesy of @worthyburger on Instagram

This restaurant not only have amazing burgers, but also features eighteen constantly changing draft beers to go with its acclaimed food. At Worthy Burger, customers can choose from numerous meat options or a vegetarian option for their burger, along with a range of delicious sides.

46. Virginia: The I Can’t Help It from Burger Bar

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Photo courtesy of Facebook.com

Each burger at Burger Bar is made with eight ounces of local Angus beef. Each burger is served with your choice of cheese and can be made into a combo with fries and a drink for a low price. The “I Can’t Help It” is a burger that is recommended by numerous customers and has bacon on it.

47. Washington: The 60/40 Prime Juicy Lucy Burger from John Howie Steak

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Photo courtesy of Facebook.com

This burger, although famous, is only available at John Howie Steak during lunch on Monday through Friday. Despite this restaurant being known for its steaks, this burger is the one that stands out the most in Washington. It features a patty made of 60% prime chuck and 40% bacon with sharp cheddar and monterey jack cheese, all on a sweetened house roll. It’s on the pricier side, but so worth every penny.

48. Washington D.C.: The BGR My Way from BGR

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Photo courtesy of @martinrfmata on Instagram

BGR is a restaurant that has multiple locations, each one encouraging customers to choose from available proteins, buns, and toppings in order to create their own special burger. If you are indecisive, BGR also offers pre-made selections and sliders.

49. West Virginia: The Diner Burger from Avenue Eats

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Photo courtesy of @ggmelancholy on Instagram

This burger has been voted one of the 33 best burgers in America by Thrillist, and for good reason. The burger features sharp cheddar and its own diner sauce on a kaiser roll. Despite this burger being the restaurant’s most famous, Avenue Eats also carries ten other delicious burgers, including vegetarian options.

50. Wisconsin: The Cheeseburger from Solly’s Grille

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Photo courtesy of Facebook.com

Solly’s offers an amazing take on Wisconsin‘s famous butter burger. By putting lots of butter on their burgers, Solly’s burgers are known for being extra crispy and flavorful. The restaurant has also won numerous awards for their amazing burgers, so why not go try?

51. Wyoming: The Classic Cheese from MacPhail’s Burgers

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Photo courtesy of @tastetoronto on Instagram

Each burger at MacPhail’s is a 1/2 lb. of 100% local Angus beef and a bun made in-house. The family owned restaurant has won numerous awards for their amazing burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Definitely a must try.