This Ultimate Burger Bucket List In Nebraska Will Make Your Mouth Water
Nebraska takes burgers seriously. Like, really seriously. We all have our favorites, and it’s pretty hard to get us to change our minds once we’ve picked the one we like the most. But when you’re looking for something new, there are so many great burgers in Nebraska that it’s sometimes hard to figure out where to start. Based on the Nebraska Beef Council’s 2015 Best Burger winners, your recommendations, and restaurant ratings, we’ve picked the 18 burgers that you absolutely must try in Nebraska before you die.
Step back in time while you enjoy a killer burger at Mac's. Each table features a phone on the wall next to the menu; you place your order by picking up the phone and telling the staff what you want.
Gourmet burgers made with local ingredients make HF Crave one of the absolute best burger places in Lincoln. Build your burger the way you want it - there are even vegetarian options for those who are keeping it light.
Blink and you might miss the Hide-Away, but it's definitely worth stopping in to try their delicious homemade burgers. Reasonable prices and a beach theme make for a laid-back place to grab a burger and a beer.
You can't go wrong no matter what you order at the Speakeasy, but you'll fall in love with the burgers. There's only one burger on the regular menu, but you can customize it as you like - and their changing burger specials are always awesome.
This local favorite is full of character, excellent food, and cold beers. The locals will tell you that the burger is right up there with the prime rib on their list of favorite meals at Tub's.
This classic Omaha burger joint has a loyal following who will sing the praises of Louie M's burgers to the ends of the earth. Honestly, look at that fried bacon and broccoli mac & cheese burger. That is a work of art right there.
Local ingredients that change with the seasons and a commitment to quality are just the beginning of why Dempsey's receives consistently high customer ratings. A wide variety of immensely creative burgers means that you'll never get menu fatigue here.
This Vegas-themed restaurant serves up inventive and delicious burgers that never disappoint. They make their own fresh-cut fries and chips to perfectly complement the juicy hamburgers.
The Drifter Cookshack is located on the grounds of High Plains Homestead, and you'll get good, down-home cooking here. The Coffee Burger is a Nebraska legend which originated at the former Sioux Sundries and was resurrected by the Cookshack. It consists of two one-pound beef patties, six slices of American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles on a standard size hamburger bun, making it a treat for your eyes as well as your mouth.
Dinker's serves up classic American bar food that's been among Omaha's best since it opened in 1965. The burgers here have been called the best in Omaha - you should definitely stop by to judge for yourself. Bring cash - Dinker's doesn't take cards.
You might not find yourself in Martinsburg very often, but after you taste their burgers that may change. Bob's is an insanely popular eatery with burgers so big and juicy you might not actually need to eat the next day.
Stella's snagged the number five spot in the 2015 Nebraska's Best Burger competition sponsored by the Nebraska Beef Council. This tiny eatery has been a Bellevue staple for decades, and recent remodels have made the inside more comfortable. But what hasn't changed are the top-quality ingredients and always-tasty burgers.
The Cellar walked away with the #4 spot on the 2015 Nebraska's Best Burgers list. They serve up some pretty imaginative creations, including the crab rangoon burger that comes with sweet and sour sauce and fried wontons, topped off with a crab rangoon. Their certified Angus beef burgers and unstoppable onion rings are among the tastiest in the state.
Ground steak burgers and fresh local ingredients won Sozo third place in the 2015 Nebraska's Best Burgers competition. It's attached to a Holiday Inn, but don't let that fool you - this is real food made by real people, and just about everything is made on-site from scratch.
Union Bar is one of those places that you'll keep dreaming about long after your meal is over. Pictured is the Mack Daddy burger which comes with bacon and mac & cheese. This hometown favorite took the #2 spot in the 2015 Nebraska's Best Burgers competition.
Another Gering eatery walked away with the top spot in 2015. Goonie's Sports Bar & Grill has only been open since 2013, but they've quickly earned a place in the hearts - and on the plates - of Nebraska burger lovers. Goonie's fun and friendly atmosphere is partially to thank for the restaurant's wild popularity...but let's be honest - their insanely delicious burgers are the stars of the show.
310 M Street Gering, NE 69341
It might take you a while to work your way through this list, but we have to highly recommend trying them all. For more of Nebraska’s best burgers, check out our list of 10 great places here and 30 more awesome restaurants here.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Nebraska In Your Inbox
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.