Skip to main content

4 of THE best burgers in the United States

The lowly hamburger has come a long way since Louis’ Lunch devised the original recipe in 1900. These days, it’s all about gourmet, sometimes over-the-top, ingredients. We’ll spare you the pretentious list of the best burgers in the United States. Just ahead of this year’s National Hamburger Day, we instead bring you four of the best burgers in the country.

Burger Joint (New York, NY)

Brooklyn
Image used with permission by copyright holder

New York’s swanky Le Parker Meridien seems like an unlikely host for a no-frills burger joint. But, tucked behind an unassuming curtain in one corner of the lobby lies Burger Joint. The spot is a favorite among Manhattan locals and tourists who flock to this no-longer-hidden hotspot. The kitchen keeps it simple with a brief menu of burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Don’t miss “The Works” (lettuce, tomato, onion, sliced pickles, and mustard).

Related: How to Grill a Burger to Perfection

Recommended Videos

Pono Burger (Santa Monica, CA)

LA
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Santa Monica’s Pono Burger is inspired by the Hawaiian concept of “pono” which loosely translates to “to do things the right way”. Their out-of-this-world burgers are testament to their skills at achieving same. This is high-brow burger’ing at its finest with a focus on non-GMO, organic, locally-sourced ingredients. While you can choose your own toppings, the on-menu selections include spot-on blends of flavors that perfectly pair with each individual burger. The Piku Fig Burger, for example, is a unique blend of organic beef patty with drunken caramelized fig jam, brie, hazelnuts, bacon, and balsamic vinaigrette. Wash it all down with a local craft beer or a seasonal favorite drink (the pumpkin s’mores milkshake is a favorite).

Kuma’s Corner Restaurant (Chicago, IL)

Kuma
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Kuma’s Corner Restaurant is as much of an institution as any restaurant can be. This staple of the Chicago restaurant scene takes no reservations and guests are virtually guaranteed a wait. The menu boasts a healthy degree of kitsch (the burgers are named after classic rock bands), but everything is so good, we guarantee you won’t care. There’s nothing traditional about their menu — the name of the game here is big, bold, in-your-face flavors. The High on Fire, for example, features prosciutto, Sriracha, roasted red pepper, grilled pineapple, and sweet chili paste.

Counter Café (Austin, TX)

TX
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Austin, Texas does a lot of things right. With some of the best cattle farms in the country, it’s no surprise that includes burgers. The tiny, no-frills Counter Café offers the most straightforward burger of any restaurant on this list and that can be a very good thing. The key here is to keep it simple. The Counter Burger is a just-right portion of grass-fed beef, topped with cheddar cheese and a light, airy sourdough bun. It’s simple, unpretentious, and totally satisfying (not unlike Austin itself).

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Away makes both soft and hard suitcases — which one is right for you?
Away's soft-sided luggage isn't as new as we thought
Away The Aluminum Edition

Away isn’t new to the luggage game. The innovative designs of Away luggage, its consistent product launches, and its high-end hard-sided luggage have been on the market for quite some time now. But in 2024, the brand launched its Softside Suitcase. Away has been my go-to suitcase brand since 2020, so I was shocked when I heard it released soft-sided luggage.

No, I was not shocked because the company decided to stray from its signature Hardside Suitcase. My surprise was instead linked to confusion because, well, I already have two soft-sided suitcases from Away, both of which are more than three years old. To make matters more confusing, the designs of the medium and carry-on sizes I have are completely different from what was launched in 2024. Huh?
The Away soft luggage relaunch?

Read more
Avoid the crowds and high prices with these alternative summer travel picks
Skip the tourist traps and explore these off-the-beaten-path destinations
Wilmington, North Carolina

Love the idea of a summer escape, but not the sky-high prices and packed tourist spots that come with it? You're not alone, and there's good news. Skyscanner’s 2025 Smarter Summer Report reveals wallet-friendly alternatives to major travel hubs that offer charm and adventure, minus the crowds.

“For many, summer feels like it goes by too fast. Travelers look forward to their summer vacation all year and this year people are looking to get the most of the season,” says Laura Lindsay, Global Travel Trends Expert. “They’re getting into the summer mindset earlier by making the ultimate summer playlist and looking up the weather of their dream summer destinations. To truly maximize the summer season, travelers are becoming more flexible than ever. They are stretching their budgets, extending their travel time and exploring more underrated destinations.”​

Read more
The ultimate men’s shoe lineup for your tropical vacation
The four must-have vacation shoes for your tropical getaway
man walking on the beach

Whether you’re headed to relax or to enjoy a sun-filled adventure, a tropical vacation is a dream getaway for most. However, before you can enjoy the sunshine and beaches, you’ll have to get some packing out of the way. Depending on your plans and location, your tropical vacation might be on the lighter side, with lighter fabrics and fewer layers. However, you’ll still need to pack a few beach-ready footwear options to complete your look. Whether it’s flip-flops for the beach or hiking shoes for the trails, the following shoe must-haves are essential for a smooth-sailing vacation. Regardless of whether you need a lightweight option that functions as a multi-occasion shoe or you want to travel light, these shoes are some of the best options to keep your suitcase light yet ensure your vacation is a success. 

A pair of flip-flops

Read more