The 9 Best Burgers in the Southwest That Are Worth the Road Trip

If you could think of the one food that defines America, what would that be? For most of us, hamburgers would come to mind. A classic food, hamburgers first became popular in the early 1900s when they were introduced to the American public at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, Missouri. Over the next few decades, with the founding of fast-food chains like White Castle and McDonald's, the burger became an affordable meal for many and quickly solidified its place in American culture. As time marched on, the classic burger patty on a bun has remained, while well-known restaurants nationwide have evolved the burger concept into gourmet dishes with creative spreads and toppings. If you find yourself in the southwest and crave a burger, here are our top picks that will surely satisfy.

1. Original Hamburger Works - Phoenix, Arizona

If you like smoky meats, you'll love the mesquite-grilled burgers at Original Hamburger Works on 15th Ave in downtown Phoenix. There's just something about being cooked over an open flame that gives a burger a distinct flavor you'll have to try for yourself. For those with bigger appetites, try the Big Daddy with over a pound of beef! Smaller sizes include the Great Big One with a half-pound patty and the Big One with a 1/3-pound beef patty. Then there's the"The Works Burgers" menu featuring upgraded creations like the Fiesta with guacamole, bacon, and jalapeño cheese, and the Hawaiian Burger with a teriyaki glaze, provolone cheese, and—as you may have already guessed—pineapple!

2. Bob's Atomic Burgers - Golden, Colorado

Are you craving a burger but want to add a bit of your flair to create it? Go to Bob's Atomic Burgers, where you can build your own hearty meal. Starting with a hamburger patty (or a black bean or veggie burger if you don't eat meat), you'll choose a white, wheat, or gluten-free bun. Then comes the toppings, some of which are free while others have an additional charge. Free toppings include lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, jalepeños, and banana peppers, but you can also add premium toppings like a fried egg, roasted green chilis, onion strings, or cheese.

Bob's Atomic Burgers also offers daily specials that may be tempting to try. One special they've offered is the Granny Smith's Goated Burg, a patty topped with grilled apples, goat cheese, and walnuts. See for yourself why Bob's has some of the best burgers in Colorado.

3. Bubba's Texas Burger Shack - Houston, Texas

Family-owned and operated since 1985, Bubba's has been feeding hungry Houston residents and tourists for 40 years. It's a classic, no-frills sort of place where you're likely to run into someone you know. Bubba's is also the first burger joint in the Houston area to serve American bison burgers. While in Houston, you may as well order the Houston Burger with generous toppings of bacon, grilled onions, jalepeños, BBQ sauce, and cheddar cheese. Of course, beef and black bean burgers are also available if you don't want to try bison.

4. Purple Turtle - Pleasant Grove, Utah

It's hard to miss the Purple Turtle when driving through Pleasant Grove, given the towering sign with a turtle wearing a chef's hat, holding a burger, and the restaurant's purple roof. It's the type of diner that beckons travelers to pull over, if only to satisfy their curiosity. But what you'll find on the menu will make you really glad you stopped. Open since 1968, the Purple Turtle has been slinging good ol' fashioned burgers that are juicy, delicious, and memorable. Pair one with fries, onion rings, and/or a shake (Jacqueline W., who nominated the Purple Turtle, recommends the brownie shake) for an incredibly indulgent meal before heading back out on the road.

5. Hugo's - Fayetteville, Arkansas

Since 1977, Hugo's has occupied the basement of 25 ½ N Block Ave in Fayetteville and has been an eclectic community pillar. While its menu of classic American fare features homemade fries, nachos, sandwiches, and salads, it's the burgers that make this place stand out. Hugo's makes its burgers with 100% black angus beef; each patty is ⅓ of a pound. While you can certainly order The Traditional Hamburger, other options include a Bleu Moon Burger topped with melted bleu cheese, a Smoky Cheddar Burger, or the Guacamole Burger, among others, and pair your burger with one of the craft beers on tap.

6. Fatboy and Skinny's - Leesville, Louisiana

Occupying the space of a vintage gas station, the location of Fatboy and Skinny's isn't the only thing that will take you back in time—the burgers, hand-cut fries, and milkshakes offer a dose of nostalgia as well. The Fatboy burger is a ⅔-pound, double-meat burger, while The Skinny is a ⅓-pound single patty, so you can choose your size based on your hunger level. Best of all, you can build your burger your way by choosing from a list of toppings that range from veggies like lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, banana peppers, and pickles to sauces like BBQ, sriracha, A1, and so much more!

7. With Love, Always - Las Vegas, Nevada

Smash burgers are certainly all the rage in the burger world these days, and one Las Vegas eatery is a true standout with this version of a classic. With Love, Always opened its doors in 2021 and quickly secured its spot on the restaurant scene with its simple menu, retro vibe, and mouthwatering burgers that turn patrons into repeat customers. Also, it's owned and run by Las Vegas locals, and this burger joint is their love letter to the city. All burgers are served on a toasted Martin's potato roll, and you can up the ante by adding bacon, fresh jalapeños, or grilled onions.

Customer Sierra R.'s take on what makes With Love Always so special is that "it has a simple menu." "But what makes this place amazing is the high-quality ingredients and 'love sauce' that takes it up a notch. The smash burger patties have that crispy lace, and it's so good."

8. Buckhorn Tavern - San Antonio, New Mexico

The Buckhorn Tavern opened in its current location in 1943, but the business started well before that, in 1918. It has been a mainstay in the San Antonio community, and when new owners took over in 2019, it remained an ever-popular spot for some of New Mexico's best burgers. So, what makes the Buckhorn so special? Well, the namesake Buckhorn Burger is a top choice for burger lovers. This cheeseburger is topped with mustard, lettuce, tomato, chopped onion, pickle, and green chile. The restaurant has also won numerous awards and accolades, and has been featured on the Food Network series, "Throwdown with Bobby Flay."

9. Johnnie's Hamburgers & Coneys - El Reno, Oklahoma

For classic diner digs, there's no burger joint as nostalgic as Johnnie's Hamburgers & Coneys in El Reno. This iconic establishment is best known for its onion burger, a must-order menu item that has earned a cult following over the years. Depending on how hungry you are, you can get your onion burger with a single, double, or triple patty and make it a cheeseburger if you prefer!

The Southwest's Best Burgers

When choosing a "best burger" location in the Southwest, customer reviews, popularity, and awards are strongly considered. If you have a favorite spot to grab a burger, we would love to hear about it, so please fill out our nomination form.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own foodie trip around the southwest using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.