There's nothing like a hot, melty burger to make every single one of your taste buds smile, and there are a few burgers in Massachusetts you deserve to have on your plate at least once. Bring your appetite and a whole lot of napkins as you work your way through this list of MVP patties.

1. The Blackjack (R.F. O’Sullivan & Son, Boston, Somerville and Lynn)

Hot Cajun spices are blended with the fresh sirloin burger meat, which is then decked out with a tangy creole sauce, rich mayo and a layer of melted cheddar.

2. The Plymouth Rock (KKatie's Burger Bar, Plymouth)

You'll get four quarter-pound burgers, each stacked with crispy cherry wood smoked bacon and American cheese. The whole thing is topped with crispy onion rings and KKatie’s special sauce on a grilled roll. It’s a tower of flavor.

3. The Cheese Excaliburg (The Pub, Amherst)

It’s a half-pound of fresh burger meat, a heaping helping of American cheese and all the classic fixings (including a crispy pickle). You’ll get a pile of Idaho Russet Burbank French fries on the side, or can opt to sub in homemade potato salad.

4. Crafty Mary (MET Back Bay, Boston)

You don’t need to be nursing a hangover to enjoy one of these incredible burger cocktails. It’s an amazing Bloody Mary garnished with a whole burger. If you’re in the mood for something less alcoholic, the Paris is also a great choice: creamy Brie cheese, a fried egg, sweet and caramelized onions, and a rich truffle mayo.

5. The Bacon Mushroom Demi (Max Burger, Longmeadow)

A little veggie, a lot of animal. This burger comes with Gruyere cheese, mushroom demi glaze, bacon, crispy fried onions, arugula, and French onion aioli.

6. Cheeseburger (White Hut, West Springfield)

A patty, a slice of cheese, and a bun. That's what you get, but this place somehow makes it taste like gourmet fare. And for $3.25, you can afford to get seconds. Or thirds.

7. The “Not on the Menu” (Craigie On Main, Cambridge)

This place actually only serves 18 burgers per dinner. That’s it. You’ll want to wait in line. The burger meat comes from a local farmer, and is slightly peppery. It’s served with the classic fixings. This burger has landed on Eater’s list of the 12 Most Elusive Burgers.

8. The Nun Burger (Red Nun Bar & Grill, Chatham and Dennis Port)

A hand-packed 7-ounce Angus burger served on a sandwich-sized English muffin. You’ll get bacon, salted onions or mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and lots of cheddar. Sub in truffle fries for a few dollars more. It’s worth it.

9. Gibbet Hill Farm Burger (Gibbet Hill Grill, Groton)

The Gibbet Hill Farm Burger is packed with with pork belly confit, smoked gouda, and roasted red pepper mayonnaise. The meat comes from the restaurant's farm, right on the premises.

10. The Taxachu$ett$ (Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage, Cambridge)

The burgers here have distinct personalities and names to match – the MBTA, Viagra, Gay Marriage, and Car Talk are all delicious choices. The Taxachu$ett$ is smothered in baked beans, sriracha, bacon and a fried egg. (Note: the menu changes constantly)

11. The Crunch (The Fix Burger Bar, Worcester)

Get ready for lettuce, fried prosciutto, parmesan crisp, potato chips, garlic mayo, and mustard pickles served on a sesame bun. The Crunchy is an explosion of textures, tastes, and undeniable good looks.

12. The Cadillac (Cruiser's Malt Shoppe, Gardener)

This burger is more than a meal: it's a challenge. You get eight (8) burger patties with cheese, stacked high and served with a small order of fries. It's $20, but you'll get it for free if you can finish the whole thing in an hour.

If that stirred your appetite, check out the 14 dishes you must eat in Massachusetts before you die.