8 Burger Joints in the West Locals Can’t Stop Talking About

I love a good hamburger. It doesn't matter if the burger is basic but made to perfection, massive, packed with toppings, or quite unique, I'm happy to take a big bite. However, I do consider myself a burger snob, and I won’t settle for mediocrity—and neither will our readers here at Only In Your State. They’ve answered our call as we've sought out the best burgers in the U.S., and their suggestions make my mouth water. Luckily, here in the West, we are home to many bucket-list-worthy burger joints that locals love. So, after some hard decisions and several delicious bites, here are the best burgers across the western U.S.

1. Club Paris – Anchorage, Alaska

Club Paris is not only the oldest steakhouse in Anchorage, but it's also home to the best burgers in Alaska. This restaurant is best known for its famous Filet Mignon Burgers, where each tenderloin is broiled to perfection. You can also choose from options like the Teriyaki Burger or the Ranch Burger with Club Paris’ special barbecue sauce, and no matter what you choose, you can't go wrong.

2. The Peg House – Leggett, California

The Peg House is a hidden gem along Highway 101 in Northern California that is always worth a stop. Not only is this burger joint in an incredible location—surrounded by redwoods and in a historic redwood building held together with wooden pegs (hence the name of the restaurant)—but the burgers are really, really good. Choose from options like the Aloha Burger, Wildwest Burger, and Sunset Burger, along with vegetarian and vegan menu items, and make sure you stay a while. This is a delightful place for a meal.

3. The Daley – Honolulu, Hawaii

There’s something about a smash burger that immediately puts you in a good mood, and the options at The Daley in Honolulu are filled with mouthwatering goodness. The menu is pretty simple and straightforward, with plant-based options and double-patty burgers for when you are extra hungry. Pair your burger with the crinkle fries, and you’ve got a meal you’ll find yourself craving long after your last bite.

4. Main Street Burger – Meridian, Idaho

There are many burger joints worthy of this list in Treasure Valley, but Main Street Burger in Meridian is easily one of the best. The ingredients here are fresh and sourced from local farmers and vendors, ensuring high quality and lots of flavor. Plus, you’ll find all types of burger classics like the Bacon Cheeseburger or Guacamole Bacon Cheeseburger. And to create the ultimate meal, make sure to pair your burger of choice with fries and a milkshake.

5. Wally & Buck – Missoula, Montana

If you have tried the smash burgers at Wally & Buck, you know why they are considered some of the best in Montana. All of the smash burgers are made using locally-sourced, grass-fed and grass-finished ground beef and local, organic veggies. If you need a recommendation, try the O.G. or the Wally with Oregon cheddar cheese, bacon jam, griddled onion, lettuce, tomato, and a special Wally Sauce on a brioche bun.

6. Portland Burger – Portland, Oregon

With handcrafted burgers and housemade sauces, you can’t go wrong with anything you order at Portland Burger, one of the best burger joints in Oregon. The menu is filled with impressive options like the Classic Rock or the Magic Man, which is topped with portabella mushrooms marinated in a ginger-soy sauce. As someone who loves spice, the Angry Jalapeno is what you’ll see in front of me with fresh and crispy jalapenos, a housemade angry sauce, lettuce, onion, and American cheese.

7. Ox Burger – Seattle, Washington

The Ox Burger is a hidden gem that you won’t be able to keep quiet. Not only is the atmosphere friendly and cozy, but there are burger options for every craving, and you’ll need to open your mouth wide for a single bite—these burgers are big! The Lao Burger is a favorite with two patties, pork belly, provolone cheese, and jaew bong mayo.

8. Pour Decisions Bar and Grill – Cheyenne, Wyoming

Pour Decisions Bar and Grill is one burger joint where you’ll feel right at home and will always leave feeling extremely full. The burgers on the menu vary from a traditional burger to their signature burger with pineapple, sauteed onions, bacon, melted Swiss cheese, hot cherry peppers, and a sweet mango habanero sauce. And to cool it off, every specialty burger on the menu comes with one side and a scoop of ice cream.

Choosing the best burgers in a state is no easy choice. There are many factors to consider, from the quality of ingredients and flavor to even the vibes of the restaurant. Take a look at our complete list of the 50 best burgers in the U.S., and if there are burger joints you'd add, let us know by filling out our nomination form. We’d love to hear from you.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip to some of the best burger joints in the U.S. using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.