The Perfect Burger In Each State, Revealed, For World Hamburger Day

Methodology

To find each state’s signature burger, we began by curating four focused keyword lists: patties, toppings, buns, and sauces. We then used Google Trends’ comparison tool under the Food & Drink category to get state-level search volume for every term. For each state, the highest-ranking term in each category was chosen (with ties broken by overall national popularity), producing a complete “patty → topping → bun → sauce” build. Finally, we merged these winners into our 50-state dataset and revisited last year’s averages to compile the top 10 states that were searching for burgers the most.

Regional Burger Styles Across America

While the hamburger may have its original origins in New York, with the Hamburg Steak that was served in the ports to attract German sailors, America adapted it and made it its own by putting the patty of minced beef in between bread.

“There are more regional burgers in the United States than you may realize … To me, the regional burger in America is everywhere,” said George Motz, owner of the restaurant Hamburger America. “A classic is the Oklahoma onion burger. Another local speciality is the olive burger from central and western Michigan.”

Specialty Burgers By State

Curious about the burgers that run America? From Minnesota’s molten Juicy Lucy to the Slugburger in Mississippi, these iconic regional creations showcase America’s diverse burger heritage.

Minnesota – Juicy Lucy

A beef patty sealed around a core of molten American cheese. Bite too soon and you’ll burn your mouth. Matt’s Bar and the 5-8 Club both claim to have invented it, and locals still argue over whose is better.

Wisconsin – Butter Burger

Wisconsin does not hold back. Cooks slather butter on the bun and sometimes on the patty too. Originating in Wisconsin, but Culver’s helped it reach nationwide fame.

Utah – Pastrami Burger

Piles upon piles of pastrami over the patty, then topped with cheese and fry sauce. The sandwich is very heavy, salty, and satisfying in equal measure.

Oklahoma – Fried Onion Burger

Cooks press a fistful of onions into the raw beef and sear them into the patty. The result: a charred, sweet crust you’ll only find in Oklahoma.

Michigan – Olive Burger

Olives might sound strange on a burger, but the combination of salty and rich flavors hits the spot. Chopped green olives are added with mayonnaise on top of the patties

New Mexico – Green Chile Cheeseburger

Not one for those who can’t handle heat, but it doesn’t hide it. Roasted Hatch chiles get layered over cheese and beef, usually with American or pepper jack cheese

Mississippi – Slugburger

The Slugburger mixes beef with soy meal or flour to stretch the meat, then gets deep-fried until crisp. It’s usually served on a plain bun with mustard, pickles, and onions.

Each State’s Perfect Burger

The perfect burger is something that is entirely subjective, ranging from different patties, bread types, and sauces. Based on Google Trends data covering the previous three months, we identified favourite patties, roll types, toppings, and sauces, and created each state’s perfect burger.

How Each State Builds the Perfect Burger

While cheeseburger-style patties dominate across most of the country, there is a much wider variety of options across the country when it comes to the preferred roll, additional toppings, and sauces. Here’s what Texans, Oregonians, and everyone in between are craving.

America’s Top 10 Burger-Obsessed States

We also looked at searches for the term “hamburger” in honour of World Hamburger Day to identify the states who are most interested in one of America’s favorite fast food meals. We looked at similar information last year, so we will also be comparing the risers and fallers; which states love hamburgers more or less than last year?

What we found, is that in the top-10 most burger-obsessed states, the burger variety is much more limited than across the country as a whole. All have a preference for cheeseburgers, and Texas toast as the bread.

Burger-Obsessed States: What Makes The Cut In Each?

South Dakota

Perfect Burger: Cheeseburger with bacon and mayonnaise on Texas toast
Google Trends interest: 100
Burger Joint: 22TEN Kitchen
Yelp Score: 4.5 (57 reviews)

Sioux Falls’ 22TEN Kitchen serves up a modern take on Midwestern comfort food, and their bison burger is a local standout. The burgers here are lean, juicy, and topped with bold extras like blue cheese or lingonberry.

Oklahoma

Perfect Burger: Cheeseburger with bacon and mayonnaise on Texas toast

Google Trends interest: 99

Burger Joint: Nic’s Grill
Yelp Score: 4.7 (500 reviews)

Tucked into a modest spot on NW 11th and Penn in Oklahoma City, Nic’s Grill doesn’t need flash to draw a crowd, just griddle-seared burgers piled high with whatever toppings you crave. Just remember to bring cash, they don’t take cards.

North Dakota

Perfect Burger: Cheeseburger with bacon and ranch dressing on Texas toast

Google Trends interest: 98

Burger Joint: Mezzaluna

Yelp Score: 4.7 (366 reviews)

In downtown Fargo, Mezzaluna offers an upscale twist on comfort classics. Whether you’re in jeans or dressed up, their burger balances richness and restraint, served in a stylish but unpretentious setting.

Kansas

Perfect Burger: Cheeseburger with bacon and ranch dressing on Texas toast

Google Trends interest: 98

Burger Joint: Whiskey Dicks
Yelp Score: 4.8 (110 reviews)

With over 600 whiskeys, daily happy hour, and a lively crowd, it’s a must-stop for burger and bourbon fans alike. But don’t let the dive-bar exterior fool you, Whiskey Dicks in Wichita serves up serious burger craft.

Alabama

Perfect Burger: Cheeseburger with mushroom and mayonnaise on Texas toast

Google Trends interest: 95

Burger Joint: Chez Fonfon
Yelp Score: 4.6 (899 reviews)

A Birmingham staple, Chez Fonfon delivers French bistro charm with Southern soul. The Hamburger Fonfon, simple, rich, and perfectly executed is a local legend, often topping best-of lists.

Wyoming

Perfect Burger: Cheeseburger with bacon and mustard on Texas toast

Google Trends interest: 93

Burger Joint: 2 Doors Down
Yelp Score: 4.4 (564 reviews)

A Cheyenne favorite, 2 Doors Down is a family-friendly spot known for fast service, bottomless steak fries, and burgers that hit the mark every time. With a range of classic options or stacked burgers, you won’t be disappointed, whatever you choose.

Nebraska

Perfect Burger: Cheeseburger with bacon and ranch dressing on Texas toast

Google Trends interest: 91

Burger Joint: Block 16
Yelp Score: 4.6 (401 reviews)

Block 16 in Omaha delivers creative burgers with cult status, like the Croque Garçon, stacked with ham, egg, and truffle mayo. It’s a tight space with a long line, but locals and out-of-towners agree it’s worth the wait.

Mississippi

Perfect Burger: Cheeseburger with bacon and mayonnaise on Texas toast

Google Trends interest: 89

Burger Joint: The Pig & Pint
Yelp Score: 4.5 (631 reviews)

The Pig & Pint in Jackson’s Fondren district goes big on flavor. Their Boudin Burger layers smoky sausage and delicious spices onto a juicy patty, no filler needed. Add fried green tomatoes and a local craft brew for a complete experience.

Louisiana

Perfect Burger: Cheeseburger with bacon and mayonnaise on Texas toast

Google Trends interest: 86

Burger Joint: Judice Inn
Yelp Score: 4.6 (420+ reviews)

A true Louisiana classic, Judice Inn has grilled burgers in Lafayette since 1947, and they haven’t messed with the formula. No fancy frills, no fries, just time-tested patties on a fresh bun with their signature spicy mayo.

Arkansas

Perfect Burger: Cheeseburger with bacon and ranch dressing on Texas toast

Google Trends interest: 86

Burger Joint: Hugo’s
Yelp Score: 4.5 (1045 reviews)

Tucked beneath street level in downtown Fayetteville, Hugo’s has served up legendary burgers since 1977. The Swiss and bacon cheeseburger melts in your mouth, the fries are hand-cut, and the craft beer list keeps it local. Expect a wait. but it’s always worth it.