Devan’s (Double) Dozen: Burger Edition, Part II
BUT FIRST, A NOTE FROM THE WRITER: Long before there was disKCovery, there was Devan’s Dozen. In my mind, I always had my own Kansas City favorites but until eight years ago, had never formally ranked them or written anything down. When I put together such a list of my favorite burgers eight years ago, Devan’s Dozen was born. Returning to my roots, I published the first-half of a special “double dozen” a couple weeks ago. CLICK HERE to check out numbers 24 - 13 if you have not done so already. Happy National Burger Month!
For the better part of a century, Town Topic Hamburgers have been a Kansas City staple - but did they manage to crack this list? PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
Resuming the Best of Cowtown’s Brilliant Burgers
Published May 15, 2025
When someone asks what your “death row meal” would be, they’re not really asking what you like. They’re asking what food you most trust to carry you into the void. It’s a comfort food confessional; one last chance to taste the combination that never fails to bring you joy.
While Southern soul food staples tend to monopolize the label, real comfort food is personal. Unique to you. Sometimes even irrational. Like an old college hoodie, a childhood stuffed animal, or your go-to car karaoke song, there’s something about that meal that just feels right.
For Homer Simpson, it’s a pink-frosted, sprinkle-covered donut from Lard Lad. Garfield? Lasagna, obviously. For four sewer-dwelling vigilantes, it’s always pizza. And for Sheldon Cooper? It’s whatever the calendar dictates.
Me? I relate most to Danny Zuko. When asked what he wants at the Frosty Palace, there’s no hesitation. No angst. Just a double Polar Burger with everything, a cherry soda, and a chocolate ice cream; ordered without batting an eye. Now that’s comfort.
“A burger is a work of art that satisfies both hunger and soul.”
Are there more impressive dishes? Of course. Foods that I love more (and even written about at length)? Absolutely. But nothing puts the world on pause, and melts troubles away, like a double cheeseburger, something fried and golden on the side, and an ice-cold milkshake. It’s not just food; it’s solace on a sesame seed bun.
Maybe that’s why, without really trying, I’ve devoured so many of Kansas City’s burgers over the years. My accidental obsession became the first Devan’s Dozen. Now, eight years later, I’ve doubled down on that original list in honor of National Burger Month; the 24 finest burgers that are local to Kansas City.
A couple of weeks ago, I dropped the first half of that list. Since then, readers have been waiting to see who’d crack the Top 12.
Before revealing the final dozen, let’s take a quick look at the ones already ranked:
24. Verdigris - Leawood, Kansas
23. Fric & Frac - Kansas City, Missouri | West 39th
22. Knub’s Pub - Shawnee, Kansas
21. Golden Ox - Kansas City, Missouri | West Bottoms
20. Lew’s Grill and Bar - Kansas City, Missouri | Waldo
19. Pigwich - Kansas City, Missouri | River Market
18. Cosmo Burger - Kansas City, Missouri | Waldo
17. The Russell Restaurant & Catering Company - Kansas City, Missouri | Midtown
16. Helen’s JAD Bar & Grill - North Kansas City, Missouri
15. Danny’s Burger Shack - Kansas City, Missouri | Northland
14. Char Bar - Kansas City, Missouri | Westport
13. Bizz & Weezy Confections - Kansas City, Missouri | Crossroads
Without further ado (well alright, one last tiny bit of ado), here are the top 12 burger spots in Kansas City.
HONORABLE MENTION - Mugs Up Drive In - Est. 1956
700 E. 23rd Street, Independence, Missouri | $$$$
Whiz Burger with Onion Rings from Mugs Up Drive In (Independence, MO) | PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
STYLE: Loose Meat
In every sense of the word, the “Zip Burgers” at Mugs Up Drive In are not a burger at all. Instead Mugs Up serves up their own spin on the loose meat sandwiches made famous by the likes of Maid-Rite (Iowa) and NuWay (Wichita, Kansas), all washed down with frosty mugs of house root beer. This iconic Independence drive-in has been slingin’ their version of this classic for nearly 70 years! The compact beef bombs are well-seasoned and even better built. Each soft, chewy, crumbly, crunchy bite of beef, bun, onion, mustard, and pickle is a wondrous mix of textures and flavors that is without comparison in Kansas City. Order the Whiz Burger to get a thick layer of creamy, tangy cheese whiz to bring it all together. The signature “Zip Seasoning” is bold but so pleasing. Originating in Raytown in 1952, Mugs Up was once a local chain with multiple locations throughout the metro. The Independence location opened up four years later and today, it’s the last one standing. With its glowing neon sign, carhops, and hand-scooped ice cream, this drive-in stands as a welcome throwback to the early era of fast food.
The Fountain City Foodie’s Go-To Order? Whiz Burger with Onion Rings and a Medium Black Cow (root beer float)
Pro Tip: There’s no indoor seating. This truly is a drive-in. Don’t worry, the carhops are super-speedy and will come to you!
12. Burg & Barrel* - Est. 2013
7042 W. 76th Street, Overland Park, Kansas | $$$$
Spicy Avocado with Onion Rings from Burg & Barrel (Overland Park, KS) | PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
STYLE: Pub Burger
I’ve always appreciated the intentional, almost obsessive approach that Burg & Barrel takes to everything. The chevron-patterned hardwood floors? They make me believe I might actually be inside of a bourbon barrel. The collection of rotational tap handles hanging from the ceiling send a very clear message: this is a place for beer. That same attention to detail carries over into every one of their namesake specialty burgers. Each one is built on a thick, tender patty of Angus beef so juicy that I have to ask for extra napkins every time! And here’s a detail that has never escaped me: the lettuce. I know, it’s a weird thing to call out, but the intentional choice to use Bibb lettuce instead of lazily throwing in some iceberg or Romaine? It’s genius. It’s a subtle touch that elevates each sandwich. And it’s not just the lettuce, it’s every ingredient and topping. Whether it’s the Gotye, PB&E, or Spicy Avocado, the combinations work in harmony, delivering a bite that is both flavorful and texturally satisfying. Like the finest whiskey, each burger hits in all the right places.
The Fountain City Foodie’s Go-To Order? The Spicy Avocado, cooked medium, with onion rings and a pint of beer
Pro Tip: Going with plain-old fries can be boring, especially when Burg & Barrel has so many options! You can get yours tossed in the ranch or Cajun seasonings but personally, I say go for the onion rings! The beer batter is made from Flying Monkey Amber Ale. These are some of the best beer-battered onion rings in the city!
11. Mason Jar Brews and Burgers - Est. 2022
941 N. 74th Drive, Kansas City, Kansas | $$$$
The JR. with Tater Kegs from Mason Jar Brews & Burgers (Kansas City, KS) | PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
STYLE: Pub Burger
There’s a bluntness to Mason Jar Brews and Burgers that merits appreciation. The large u-shaped drink rail with dozens of taps and glass mugs dangling from above, makes it clear that this is a bar. But then, sunlight spills in through the oversized windows, a colorful chalkboard announces the, often inventive, Burger of the Month, and you know this is also a family restaurant. And if, even for a second, you forget where you are? The light fixtures overhead, fashioned from mason jars, bring it all back home. Stacked as tall as The Mason Jar’s namesake vessel, are their pub burgers. Ten ounce patties of grill-kissed ground chuck served on a brioche bun and served with classic toppings, or whatever madness the kitchen has dreamed up for the monthly feature. Among the regulars, The SOB stands apart. A house-blended patty of beef and chorizo, topped with queso, tomato, avocado, grilled poblanos, crushed tortilla strips, and chipotle mayo. It’s not exactly subtle, but then again, that isn’t The Mason Jar’s style.
The Fountain City Foodie’s Go-To Order? The JR, cooked medium, with Tater Kegs and a mug of beer
Pro Tip: It’s a small fee to upgrade from fries to Mason Jar’s Tater Kegs. Shredded hashbrowns, cheese, and bacon perfectly fried in mammoth tater tot form? YES PLEASE.
10. Governor Stumpy’s Grill House - Est. 1997
321 E. Gregory Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri | $$$$
Frisco Burger with Seasoned French Fries from Governor Stumpy’s Grill House (Kansas City, MO) | PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
STYLE: Classic Burger
“If this is your first time,” the server grinned when I visited Governor Stumpy’s Grill House, “where the hell have you been for 28 years?” It’s a fair question. Named after the owners’ grandfather, a Kansas City character who often joked he was the ex-governor of Tennessee, Governor Stumpy’s has been flipping burgers and pouring pints for nearly three decades. The Brookside pub hits that perfect balance between neighborhood bar and modern, family restaurant. Their lineup of specialty burgers come with a dash of friendly service, a pickle spear, and a side of golden shoestring fries that’ll give you nostalgic McDonald’s vibes (although Stumpy’s adds their own patent salt and pepper flair). Favorites like the Black & Bleu, Mushroom Swiss, and California Burger come stacked on toasted Brioche buns, full of flavor and solidly built. But the real magic is in the melts. The Uncle Paddy Melt keeps it classic with a cooked-to-order third-pound patty, sautéed onions, and American cheese, all melted between two slices of grilled marble rye. Meanwhile, the Frisco Burger is a California dream. Crunchy, buttery sourdough toast contains a juicy burger, fresh veggies, and thousand island dressing. For me, Stumpy’s is not just a great burger, it’s a reminder that there’s always something new to discover in Kansas City; even if it’s been hiding in plain sight for decades.
The Fountain City Foodie’s Go-To Order? The Frisco Burger, cooked medium, with Seasoned French Fries, a side of house ranch, and a pint of beer
Pro Tip: Governor Stumpy’s has a few house dipping sauces that are great for your fries or burgers alike. The house ranch is some of the best you’ll find in Kansas City. The barbeque sauce is one-part vinegar, one part spice, and altogether classic Kansas City. All due respect to ketchup enthusiasts, but don’t miss the chance to dip your fries in something you can’t get anywhere else.
9. Westport Flea Market Bar & Grill - Est. 1984
817 Westport Road, Kansas City, Missouri | $$$$
Mini Market Burger with Curly Fries from Westport Flea Market (Kansas City, MO) | PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
STYLE: Classic Burger
The brilliance of Westport Flea Market Bar & Grill’s burgers lies in their brazen starkness. A grilled five-and-a-half ounce chunk of McGonigle’s ground beef, seasoned with a house blend, sits on a buttered, toasted sesame seed bun like an empty canvas; daring you to make it your own. You can choose from one of five cheeses, and a few fried topping options, but after that, the brush is in your hands. A chilled display filled with condiments, vegetables, and assorted toppings waits at the pick-up window for you to build the perfect burger, your burger. Perhaps, that’s why so many have crowned Westport Flea Market’s burgers the best in the city; they’re always loaded up with just the right amount of toppings for whoever’s eating them. Every one is a two-handed masterpiece, rich with flavor and always meets the hype.
The Fountain City Foodie’s Go-To Order? The Mini Market Burger with pepperjack cheese, onion, shredded lettuce, and thousand island dressing, a side of curly fries, and a pint of beer
Pro Tip: It’s important to point out that Westport Flea Market is a cash-only establishment. Also, why their system may seem odd, you order your drinks from the server at your table. To order food, you must get up from your table and go to the far end of the bar where the register is to place your order.
8. Anton’s Taproom - Est. 2012
1610 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri | $$$$
Steak Burger with Smoked Gouda Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese from Anton’s Taproom (Kansas City, MO) | PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
STYLE: Steakburger
Anton’s Taproom has built their reputation on freshness. Some of the food is so fresh, it’s cultivated right on premises. In the basement of this Crossroads steakhouse, tilapia are raised in tanks. Nearby, an aquaponic garden churns out herbs and greens. The steaks for which Anton’s is known are locally-raised, grass-fed, and dry-aged. The burgers follow suit. Each half-pound patty of house-ground beef is hand-formed and seared to a crisp black char with streaks of carmine still peeking through, and served on a soft, buttery, toasted brioche roll. The sandwich may lack in diameter, but they’re surprisingly filling. There’s a trio of burger options, but the aptly named “Steak Burger” (topped with bleu cheese crumbles, caramelized onion strands, and Anton’s steak sauce) is the star. Each bit is bold and pungent, but somehow also sweet and indulgent. Anton’s bills itself as “Farm fresh. Local. Delicious.” There’s no lies detected there.
The Fountain City Foodie’s Go-To Order? The Steak Burger with Smoked Bacon Gouda Mac ‘n Cheese
Pro Tip: Consider going on a Tuesday when select bottles of wine are half-priced until 9pm.
7. The Snack Shack on Johnson Drive - Est. 2011
6018 Johnson Drive, Mission, Kansas | $$$$
Bobby with French Fries from Snack Shack (Mission, KS) | PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
STYLE: Smashburger
The Snack Shack on Johnson Drive has only been around since 2011, and set up shop in Mission in 2022, but everything about this place feels so much older. The checkerboard tile floors, the V-back diner chairs, chrome stools bolted to the floor, woodgrain booths, and tabletop jukeboxes all scream of an era of carhops and poodle skirts. Snack Shack keeps it simple with griddle-pressed smashburgers, fries, onion rings, shakes, malts, floats, and limeades, but they’ve got a few classic specialty twists. The Mushroom Swiss (self-explanatory but ever-popular) and the Bob/Bobby stand out. The Bob (single) and Bobby (double) pile a generous helping of grilled onions and jalapeños on the well-seasoned smash, balancing sweet and heat in a manner that gives this taste of childhood nostalgia a very grown-up kick.
The Fountain City Foodie’s Go-To Order? The Bobby with a 50/50 (half fries, half onion rings) and a hot fudge shake
Pro Tip: Snack Shack offers an array of wonderful hand-dipped shakes and malts. Nothing sets off a meal, or pacifies a Bobby, quite like ice cream.
6. Brewery Emperial - Est. 2016
1829 Oak Street, Kansas City, Missouri | $$$$
The bE Okie x1000 Smash Burger with Handcut Fries, and a pint of Ginger Shandy, from Brewery Emperial (Kansas City, MO) | PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
STYLE: Pub Burger / Smashburger
“Very few people are both a summer and a winter,” the Riddler told Two-Face in Batman Forever (1995), “but you pull it off nicely.” It’s the perfect reaction to Two-Face’s lair, a space split straight down the middle with one side dark and goth, the other bright and gaudy. Brewery Emperial isn’t nearly that extreme, but it’s just as hard to pin down. It’s a multi-faceted beast. Outside, the gravel courtyard feels rugged and everyman. Inside, the taproom flips the mood with a space that’s darker, cozier, and more intimate. The kitchen follows suit, serving up a menu of working-class fare with just enough polish to feel elevated. Even the burgers straddle that line between two worlds. The thin, crispy patties hint at a smashburger. Meanwhile, the plating, preparation, and presence gives it a dignity typically reserved for pub burgers. The bE x1000 Okie Smash Burger takes two well-seasoned smash patties, with surprising girth, drapes them in melted American cheese, and douses it all with creamy thousand island dressing and a mess of beautifully grilled strands of onion. It’s all sandwiched inside of a split-top brioche bun, toasted on both sides, that manages to stay soft while delivering a satisfying crunch. This burger is both blue collar and black tie; proof you don’t have to pick between rugged and refined. You can choose to be both, and you can pull it off nicely.
The Fountain City Foodie’s Go-To Order? The bE Okie x1000 Smash Burger with Fries and a pint of Ginger Shandy
Pro Tip: Brace for impact on that first bite! They tend to get a bit liberal with the sauce on the burgers and you may just get sprayed. There’s no shame in using a napkin as a makeshift bib. Also, it’s a brewery - get yourself a beer!
5. Town Topic Hamburgers* - Est. 1937
2021 Broadway Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri | $$$$
Double Cheeseburger with Tots from Town Topic (Kansas City, MO) | PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
STYLE: Smashburger
The fast food hamburger as we know it today was created in the 1920s by a small Wichita diner; ever heard of White Castle? As the restaurant expanded, imitators followed. In 1937, a pair of former White Castle employees opened Town Topic Hamburgers , modeling it after their old employer. In 1944, the iconic 20th and Broadway location opened its doors. White Castle left the city long ago, but almost 90 years later, Town Topic is still here, doing what they know best. Smashed beef patties, seared on both sides, pressed into a bed of thinly sliced onions on the grill; this is more than a burger. It’s a ritual that connects us to all the Kansas Citans who came before. Stacked on a soft white bun with pickles, onions, and melted American cheese; each bite is a spectacular indulgence. As Kansas City continues to change, Town Topic’s burgers don’t. While some things get better with age and others decline, Town Topic is so special because it stays exactly the same.
The Fountain City Foodie’s Go-To Order? A double cheeseburger with tots and a slice of pie
Pro Tip: While the burger options at Town Topic seem fairly straightforward, there is an unwritten rule. If it’s on the menu, they’ll probably put it on a burger for you. I have seen everything from onion rings to hashbrowns thrown on burgers. But if Town Topic is slammed, as they typically are, might be best to the stick to the classics.
4. Rascals Big Red Food Truck - Est. 2020
3750 S. Noland Road, Independence, Missouri | $$$$
Classic with Crispy Onion and Rascal Sauce from Rascals Big Red Food Truck (Independence, MO) | PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
STYLE: Smashburger
The physical genius of dance or gymnastics isn’t just the eye-popping ability to do the thing, it’s the practice and skill it takes to make something so difficult look effortless. At Rascals Big Red Food Truck, they pull off a similar trick. At first glance, it’s tempting to pull into the parking lot on Noland Road and think, “what you see is what you get.” A big red trailer loudly declaring itself the home of KANSAS CITY’S BEST SMASHBURGERS. Straightforward burger names. Simple choices. Foil-wrapped sandwiches stuffed into grease-kissed white paper bags. Everything about Rascal’s screams simplicity, but to chalk it up as such would be to miss out on their elegance entirely. It starts with a doughy bun that soaks up the grease and essence of the brittle-edged beef patties. She’s sassy, and just a little bit salty. A ream of melted cheese so criminally good that it should be illegal, melds all the flavors and textures together. A plethora of toppings, and an ability to stack your burger up to four-high, lets you build a burger that matches your appetite. But, the real secret weapon, if you choose to deploy it, is the namesake Rascal Sauce. The spicy mayo is a punchy back-up singer, tickling your taste buds with just enough spice to make itself heard without hogging the microphone. The result is a burger with a rich, deep complexity that is graceful enough to make it all seem so simple.
The Fountain City Foodie’s Go-To Order? A Classic (double) with cheese, crispy onions, & Rascal Sauce, and a side of tots with cheese sauce
Pro Tip: This is a food truck in a parking lot. The only place to sit and enjoy your meal is in your car. Also, go ahead and order the side of cheese sauce for your tots or fries. You know you want to!
3. Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen - Est. 2011
1526 Walnut Street, Kansas City, Missouri | $$$$
Tannin 8oz Burger with Pommes Frites from Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen (Kansas City, MO) | PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
STYLE: Steakburger
If we can be real for a moment, the first time I ordered the burger at Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen over a decade ago, it wasn’t some grand decision. It was because it was the only thing on the menu that I could afford! In a delicious twist of fate, it was love at first bite. Instead of Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson, this story starred me and an exquisite burger. The half-pound patty of Wagyu beef is cooked to a perfect medium, charred on the outside and juicy pink within. The richness and tenderness of the Wagyu shine through. The toppings are carefully chosen, not to steal the show, but to elevate the beef. The acidity of the tomato, the smoky cheddar, the chewy, sweetness of the bacon, each element has a role to play, harmoniously contradicting and complementing one another. Even the soft, grill-marked onion roll feels like the exclamation point on a comprehensive sandwich, with a luxurious bite. It’s a higher-end burger with its fair share of frills, but not the slightest whiff of gimmick. Tannin’s Burger is a beautifully scripted episode of pure burger bliss, served with a side of some of the city’s most perfect fries.
The Fountain City Foodie’s Go-To Order? The Tannin 8oz Burger, cooked medium, with pommes frites, a side of truffle aioli, and a glass of Malbec wine
Pro Tip: If you go after 10pm, Tannin offers a late night menu that includes their Wagyu burger at a slight discount. Also, this is a wine bar. If you imbibe, it’d be a disservice not to sample some of Tannin’s extensive collection.
2. Tay’s Burger Shack - Est. 2014
1019 Armour Road, North Kansas City, Missouri | $$$$
Homerun with Fries from Tay’s Burger Shack (North Kansas City, MO) | PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
STYLE: Smashburger
I’ve always seen a small menu as a mark of quiet confidence. It’s how a restaurant says, “We know who we are, and what we do best.” At Tay’s Burger Shack, that philosophy is on full display, right behind the counter. The menu has just six items: Nathan’s Hot Dogs, seasoned fries, and their famed burger - which comes as a single, double, triple, or quadruple-stacked “Home Run”. When I saw that line-up on my first visit, I knew I was in for a treat. And oh, what a treat a Tay’s cheeseburger is! Like the name of their largest stack, Tay’s knocks it out of the park. The soft, white-bread bun has a perfectly toasted underbelly. The Missouri-raised, grass-fed beef patties are juicy without crossing into greasy. Each sandwich comes dressed with the classic combination of lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle. Sure, you can jazz it up with grilled onions, bacon, grilled jalapeños, or even chili and Fritos; but in all honesty, the original Tay’s burger doesn’t need a thing. It’s perfect as prescribed.
The Fountain City Foodie’s Go-To Order? Triple Cheeseburger with grilled onion and sriracha mayo, a side of fries, and a bottle of Lost Trail Cream Soda
Pro Tip: Consider a 50/50 mix of sriracha mayo and ketchup as the perfect dipping sauce for your fries. Also, if Hi-C orange is your thing, Tay’s has a house orange drink that is quite tasty.
1. Hayes Hamburgers & Chili - Est. 1955
2502 NE Vivion Road, Kansas City, Missouri | $$$$
Single Cheeseburgers with Hashbrowns from Hayes Hamburgers and Chili (Kansas City, MO) | PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
STYLE: Slider
In many ways, Hayes Hamburgers & Chili was my first taste of Kansas City. Long before I fell in love with this city, Hayes had already carved out a tiny place in my heart. And speaking of tiny, everything about Hayes is delightfully small! The petite diner at Vivion and Antioch is so compact, the front door nearly kisses the counter when you walk in. The royal blue booths lining the wall and the stools around the counter are downright miniature. As for the titular burgers? They are just big enough to comfortably sit in the palm of your hand. Sure, you can find a larger burger here, but Hayes reminds us that bigger isn’t always better. The single hamburgers and cheeseburgers are small in stature, but might in flavor. Smashed patties hit a bed of onions on the flat top. The strands of onion soak up the beefiness while the patties absorb decades of seasoning and flavor. As they cook, the pillowy, fun-sized buns steam right on top of the meat, fusing into a singular entity of greasy, beefy, crispy, sweet, doughy divinity that just might make you believe in a higher power. For 70 years, Hayes has been slinging these magical burgers, and their famous chili^. Here’s to 70 more!
The Fountain City Foodie’s Go-To Order? Four single cheeseburgers, an order of hashbrowns, well-done, covered in melted American cheese and sausage gravy, and a glass of water.
Pro Tip: First of all, Hayes is a CASH ONLY establishment. There’s an ATM out back, but best to come prepared. Secondly, given the diminutive nature of these burgers, it can be tempting to order a double or triple. DO NOT MAKE THAT MISTAKE! Unlike other burger joints, Hays doesn’t stack their patties, they just make them larger. For instance, a double cheeseburger is a larger patty made from two sliders’ worth of meat. As the patty and the bun gets larger, it still makes for a nice burger but you’re not here for a nice burger. You want something divine! As the burgers get larger they lose what makes the classic single so special so opt for ordering 2 - 3 of those instead.
Everybody loves a good ranking. You love rankings. That’s why you’re here. You love to champion the ones that align with your taste, and to cry foul when they don’t. It’s the bedrock of any solid bar argument.
Some would assume that when I choose to drop a “double dozen”, that it’s a cop-out; that it’s easier than the traditional Top 12. Nothing could be further from the truth. The more places you include, the more glaring the omissions become. It becomes even harder to leave any beloved spot off. There were a dozen Kansas City joints that could’ve taken those final few slots; but when push came to shove, this is where I landed.
“Anyone who doesn’t think the best hamburger in the world is in his own hometown is a sissy ... and probably a security risk.”
I mean, seriously, how do you rank comfort? How do you slap a number on joy?
Can I honestly say these 24 burgers ** brought me more happiness than hundreds of others? That any one of them were more satisfying than a burger eaten at 2:00am after a night out? That delivered more solace than the one inhaled after a breakup? That topped a burger grilled in the parking lot before I cheered my team on to victory? Or the one griddled for myself at home after a long day?
Probably not, but I tried anyway.
Sometimes, trying to make sense of something as irrational and deeply personal as comfort food is the only way to appreciate it. Stepping back and asking why you like something might just reveal something about yourself.
Or maybe, just maybe, I really like burgers.
And with a list of top tier Cowtown options to choose from, you should go get yourself one too.
Those Pesky Endnotes
* This is a restaurant with multiple locations in the metro. The address given is both of the preferred location and the pictured one. CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING
^ Hayes has been serving their burgers for 70 years, but the chili recipe is even older; dating all the way back to 1904! CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING
** Ok, so you caught me. With the Honorable Mention for Mugs Up (which was WELL deserved), I did 25. 25 burgers in 2025!
Which burger place listed is your favorite? Whose exclusion from the Top 24 is so egregious that it must be expressed? As always, let me hear it in the comments!
