Unearth The Voyage
Missouri knows how to do burgers right. From Kansas City’s legendary diners to St. Louis’s creative joints and small-town gems scattered across the state, locals have strong opinions about where to find the juiciest, most delicious patties. Whether you’re craving a classic griddle-smashed cheeseburger or something piled high with creative toppings, this list will guide you to the spots Missourians swear by when burger cravings hit.
1. Town Topic — Kansas City
When a burger joint has been flipping patties since 1937, you know they’re doing something right. Town Topic operates multiple downtown Kansas City locations, and every single one stays open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That means whenever the craving strikes, midnight, dawn, or midday, you can grab their famous double cheeseburger with grilled onions.
The diner-style atmosphere feels authentically old-school, with counter seating and a no-frills approach that lets the food shine. Locals love the simplicity: juicy beef, melted cheese, perfectly caramelized onions, and a soft bun. No fancy toppings or complicated menus here, just straightforward burgers done the way they’ve been perfecting for nearly a century.
2. Westport Flea Market Bar & Grill — Kansas City
Big, juicy burgers meet arcade games and cold drinks at this Kansas City favorite. Westport Flea Market has earned bragging rights for what many locals call the best burger in KC, their Bacon Cheeseburger is the star of the menu. Each patty comes thick and cooked to order, topped with crispy bacon and melted cheese that oozes over the edges.
The atmosphere buzzes with energy: old-school arcade games line the walls, and the crowd ranges from families to late-night revelers. It’s the kind of place where you can challenge your friends to pinball while waiting for your food. The combination of quality burgers and fun vibes keeps people coming back year after year.
3. Tay’s Burger Shack — North Kansas City
Health-conscious burger lovers have found their paradise at Tay’s. This North Kansas City spot serves grass-fed smashburgers cooked to crispy-edged perfection, paired with hand-cut fries fried in beef tallow instead of seed oils. The straightforward menu focuses on quality ingredients and simple preparations that let the beef flavor take center stage.
Fans appreciate the transparency: you know exactly what you’re eating, and it tastes phenomenal. The smash technique creates those irresistible crunchy bits on the patty edges while keeping the inside juicy. Tay’s has built a loyal following among people who want their burgers made right, without shortcuts or questionable ingredients cluttering up the experience.
4. Carl’s Drive-In — Brentwood (St. Louis County)
Only sixteen counter stools fit inside this tiny Route 66 landmark, but what Carl’s Drive-In lacks in size, it makes up for in flavor and history. The griddle-smashed double cheeseburger arrives with beautifully crispy edges and melted cheese, best enjoyed alongside their house-made root beer served ice-cold in a frosted mug.
Decades of burger-making expertise show in every bite. The cooking technique creates a perfect crust on the beef while sealing in all the juices. Visiting Carl’s feels like stepping back in time—the compact space, the vintage vibe, and the focus on doing one thing exceptionally well. Get there early because those sixteen seats fill up fast with locals who know quality.
5. Hi-Pointe Drive-In — St. Louis (multiple locations)
Born in the Hi-Pointe neighborhood, this modern take on the classic drive-in concept has expanded across St. Louis for good reason. Hi-Pointe lets you build your perfect burger with their Single or Double options, or you can try their rotating daily specials that showcase creative flavor combinations you won’t find anywhere else.
The fun, contemporary atmosphere attracts burger enthusiasts who appreciate both tradition and innovation. Each location maintains the same commitment to quality ingredients and inventive toppings. Whether you stick with a classic build or venture into their specialty creations, the result is always satisfying. The modern drive-in vibe makes it perfect for casual family dinners or meeting up with friends over seriously good burgers.
6. Baileys’ Range — St. Louis (Shaw & Downtown)
Serious burger programs don’t mess around, and Baileys’ Range proves it with their house-ground specialty burgers and impressive 30-tap beer selection. Everything comes made from scratch, including the patties ground in-house daily. Pair your burger with one of their famous boozy shakes for an adult twist on the classic burger-and-shake combo.
The Shaw and Downtown locations both deliver the same commitment to quality and creativity. You’re not just getting a burger here—you’re getting a carefully crafted meal where every ingredient serves a purpose. The atmosphere strikes a balance between laid-back and elevated, making it equally suitable for date night or a casual meal with friends who appreciate excellent food and drinks.
7. Stacked STL — St. Louis (Carondelet & new CWE location)
South City’s longtime burger favorite just got even better by expanding to the Central West End. Stacked STL earned its reputation through consistently delicious burgers like the South Broadway Special, or you can build your own masterpiece using their selection of house-made sauces that elevate every bite.
The Carondelet location has been a neighborhood staple for years, and the new CWE spot brings that same quality to another part of town. What makes Stacked special is their attention to sauces—these aren’t standard condiments but carefully crafted flavors that complement the beef perfectly. Locals appreciate having options without sacrificing quality, whether they’re in South City or exploring the Central West End.
8. Gordon’s Stoplight Drive-In — Crystal City (Jefferson County)
Don’t judge this tiny red-and-white drive-in by its size—Gordon’s Stoplight punches way above its weight class when it comes to burger quality. Located in Crystal City, this beloved Jefferson County gem serves classic cheeseburgers alongside their signature Suzy Qs, those addictive curly fries that locals dream about.
The humble exterior hides a burger operation that’s been perfected over years of serving the community. Everything arrives hot, fresh, and made to order. The cheeseburgers hit all the right notes: juicy beef, melted cheese, and that perfect ratio of toppings to patty. Paired with the crispy, seasoned Suzy Qs, it’s a meal that proves the best food often comes from the smallest, most unassuming places.
9. Booches Billiard Hall — Columbia
Columbia’s most famous burger comes wrapped in wax paper, served in a billiard hall, and requires cash—but one bite explains why Booches has achieved legendary status. The griddle burger recipe stays famously simple, letting the quality beef and perfect cooking technique do all the talking. Sliders or full-sized cheeseburgers both deliver that same addictive flavor.
Walking into Booches feels like entering a time capsule where nothing needs to change because everything already works perfectly. Pool tables fill the space, creating a laid-back atmosphere where burgers and billiards go hand in hand. Students, families, and longtime residents all agree: when you want the perfect griddle burger in Columbia, there’s only one answer. Just remember to bring cash.
10. Black Sheep Burgers & Shakes — Springfield (multiple locations)
Springfield’s local chain has earned its success through house-blended beef, inventive toppings, and an energetic vibe that makes every visit fun. Black Sheep offers gourmet burgers that go beyond the basics—think creative flavor combinations that actually work. Complete your meal with either a boozy shake for adults or a rich custard shake for everyone else.
Multiple locations mean you’re never far from a Black Sheep fix, and each spot maintains the same quality and atmosphere. The menu rotates seasonal specials alongside their core offerings, giving regulars something new to try. What started as one location has grown into a Springfield institution because they never compromised on ingredients or creativity while expanding across the city.
11. Casper’s Diner — Springfield
Route 66 legends don’t get much better than Casper’s Diner, where eclectic decor meets a short, perfectly dialed-in comfort menu. The old-fashioned steak burger stands out as a must-order item, especially when paired with their famous chili that’s been warming Springfield residents for years.
This isn’t your typical expanded menu trying to please everyone—Casper’s keeps things focused on what they do best. The steak burger delivers straightforward deliciousness: quality beef cooked right, served hot, and satisfying every time. The chili deserves its own fan club, thick and flavorful with just the right amount of spice. Combined with the quirky Route 66 atmosphere and vintage charm, Casper’s offers both excellent food and a memorable dining experience.
12. White Grill — Nevada
Historic small-town burger houses hold a special place in Missouri’s food culture, and White Grill in Nevada exemplifies everything great about them. The double cheeseburger comes loaded with melted cheese, and you’ll face a tough choice between their onion rings or Suzy Q fries—both deserve your attention. Breakfast served all day adds extra appeal for those who like mixing meal categories.
White Grill represents the kind of place where everybody knows the regulars, but visitors always feel welcome. The charm lies in consistency: you know what you’re getting, and it’s always good. Small-town hospitality combines with quality ingredients to create burgers that keep people driving out of their way to visit Nevada specifically for this meal.
13. Billy Bob’s Dairyland — Branson
Branson’s entertainment strip might be famous for shows and attractions, but locals know Billy Bob’s Dairyland as the place for authentic 50s-style diner burgers. The classic cheeseburger paired with crinkle-cut fries delivers exactly what you want after a day of Branson adventures. Just remember: this cash-only establishment keeps things old-school in the best possible way.
The cult following Billy Bob’s has built over the years speaks volumes about their consistency and quality. Vintage decor transports you straight back to the 1950s, creating an atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and genuinely fun. Tourists discover it, but repeat visitors and locals keep coming back because the burgers taste just as good every single time. Bring cash and your appetite.
14. Danna’s BBQ & Burger Shop — Branson
When a beloved BBQ joint decides to make burgers, you know they’ll bring that same smoke-kissed expertise to the patties. Danna’s BBQ & Burger Shop serves the Danna Burger, a creation that combines their barbecue heritage with burger perfection. Stacked with BBQ flair and cooked to juicy perfection, it bridges two Missouri food traditions beautifully.
Locals appreciate having a spot that excels at both barbecue and burgers without compromising either. The Danna Burger stands out because it’s not just a burger with BBQ sauce slapped on—it’s a thoughtfully crafted menu item that respects both cuisines. Whether you’re a Branson resident or visiting the area, Danna’s offers a taste of Missouri comfort food done exceptionally well.
15. Kenny’s Flippin’ Burgers — Cape Girardeau
Cape Girardeau’s downtown Scout Hall houses Kenny’s Flippin’ Burgers, where over twenty burger combinations await your decision-making skills. The Holy Flippin’ Cheeseburger commands attention as a half-pound masterpiece served alongside classic crinkle fries. Late-night hours on Fridays and Saturdays make it the perfect spot when burger cravings strike after dark.
The variety at Kenny’s means you could visit repeatedly and try something different each time, though many locals have their tried-and-true favorites. Located in Scout Hall adds to the appeal, creating a social atmosphere where good food meets good times. Whether you’re a Southeast Missouri State student, downtown resident, or just passing through Cape Girardeau, Kenny’s delivers burgers worth flipping out over.
