Best Burgers St Louis, a city known for its rich culinary history and diverse dining scene, is a paradise for burger enthusiasts. From classic cheeseburgers to gourmet creations, there’s a burger joint in St Louis that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Whether you’re a foodie, a local, or just visiting, our guide will take you on a journey to explore the best burgers in St Louis, including their unique features, ratings, and prices, and insider tips on where to find the most mouth-watering burgers.
Best Burgers in St. Louis
St. Louis, a city renowned for its rich culinary heritage and cultural diversity, boasts a plethora of exceptional burger joints that cater to various tastes. From classic American diners to innovative gastropubs, these establishments offer mouth-watering burgers that delight both locals and visitors alike. In this discussion, we’ll delve into the popular burger joints in St. Louis, highlighting what makes them stand out from the crowd.
The Classics
The classics never go out of style, and St. Louis has its fair share of timeless burger institutions. These beloved establishments have been serving up delicious burgers for generations, earning a loyal following and critical acclaim. Let’s take a look at some of the most renowned classic burger joints in St. Louis:
- The Crown Candy Kitchen: Established in 1913, this iconic candy store and restaurant has been a St. Louis staple for over a century. Their burgers are crafted with high-quality meat, served on a soft bun, and paired with a generous helping of creamy toppings.
- Five Guys: This popular chain has multiple locations throughout St. Louis, offering a vast array of toppings and cooking methods. Their hand-cut fries and endless beverage options only add to the appeal.
- Rare Form: Located in the heart of St. Louis, Rare Form offers gourmet burgers made with grass-fed beef and topped with artisanal ingredients. Their small-batch menu changes seasonally, ensuring that there’s always something new to try.
The Innovators
For those seeking something more adventurous, St. Louis has its fair share of innovative burger joints that push the boundaries of traditional flavors and ingredients. Let’s explore some of the most exciting and unique burger experiences in the city:
- Edibles & Sweets: This popular food truck turned restaurant offers an array of gourmet burgers, from classic cheeseburgers to innovative creations featuring sweet potato fries and spicy mayo.
- Small Batch: As the name suggests, Small Batch focuses on crafting small-batch burgers made with locally sourced ingredients. Their rotating menu features unique flavors, from Korean BBQ to Jamaican jerk.
- The Libertine: This upscale gastropub offers an impressive selection of craft burgers, each one expertly crafted and presented with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and creative flavor combinations.
The Burgers That Break the Mold
Sometimes, a burger that defies convention and pushes the boundaries of traditional flavors is exactly what you need to shake things up. Let’s explore some of the most unique and innovative burger options in St. Louis:
- The Burger Bar: This popular burger joint offers a menu full of creative, internationally-inspired burgers, from a Korean-style BBQ burger to a Jamaican jerk patty.
- Franklin’s Restaurant: This family-owned eatery serves up classic American fare, including some surprisingly creative burgers. Try the “Southern Belle” – a juicy patty topped with fried chicken, bacon, and a tangy BBQ sauce.
- Shaved Freeze: For a truly unique burger experience, try Shaved Freeze’s Korean-style shaved ice burger. This refreshing twist on the classic burger features a shaved ice patty covered in sweet and spicy toppings.
Burger Joints Worth Exploring
From classic diners to innovative gastropubs, St. Louis has an embarrassment of burger riches. Here are a few more popular burger joints worth exploring:
- The Good Pie: This popular pizzeria also offers a fantastic burger menu, with options like the “Meat Lover’s” featuring three types of meat and a slice of bacon.
- Torchon: This upscale eatery offers a seasonal menu that often includes creative burgers, from a grilled portobello mushroom patty to a lamb burger.
- Chef’s Kitchen: This family-friendly restaurant serves up classic American comfort food, including a mouth-watering burger menu featuring options like a “Mac Daddy” burger topped with mac ‘n cheese.
Unique Burger Options in St. Louis
Gourmet and non-traditional burger options are a staple in St. Louis’s culinary scene. From unique toppings to innovative cooking methods, restaurants in the area offer a diverse range of burgers that cater to various tastes and preferences.
Eccentric Toppings
Burgers in St. Louis offer a wide array of toppings that elevate the traditional burger experience. These unique combinations often include locally sourced ingredients and flavors that highlight the region’s gastronomic identity.
| Burger Name | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|
| French Onion Burger | $12.99 | The Capital Grille – St. Louis |
| Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Burger | $14.99 | The Big Bang Pizza Co. |
| Crab Cake Burger | $19.99 | BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse |
Non-Traditional Cooking Methods
Some restaurants in St. Louis employ unconventional cooking methods to give their burgers a unique twist. Whether it’s an authentic wood-fired grill or a modern air fryer, these innovative approaches often create a mouth-watering experience for patrons.
- Smoked Burgers at Salt + Smoke
- Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers at The Gilded
- Air-Fried Burgers at The Burger Joint
Salt + Smoke offers smoked burgers that are slow-cooked to perfection. The restaurant’s wood-fired smoker infuses the burgers with a rich, smoky flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the beef.
The Gilded is a contemporary American restaurant that offers an innovative portobello mushroom burger. The dish features a grilled portobello mushroom patty, which provides a meaty texture and earthy flavor.
The Burger Joint, a casual eatery, features air-fried burgers that offer a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. This modern cooking method allows for a healthier and more sustainable burger option.
Must-Try Burgers in St. Louis
St. Louis is a city with a rich culinary history, and when it comes to burgers, it has plenty to offer. From classic diners to modern burger joints, the city is home to a diverse range of burger options that cater to different tastes and preferences. In this section, we’ll explore some of the must-try burgers in St. Louis, what makes them special, and why you should visit each location.
The Classic Cheeseburger at Gus’ Pretzels
Gus’ Pretzels is a St. Louis institution that has been serving up some of the city’s best burgers for over 50 years. Their classic cheeseburger is a must-try, featuring a juicy beef patty topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a slice of fresh tomato on a soft pretzel bun. This burger is a masterclass in simplicity, with each ingredient complementing the others perfectly.
The Blazin’ Burger at The Taproot, Best burgers st louis
If you like a little heat in your burger, The Taproot is the place to go. Their Blazin’ Burger features a beef patty topped with pepper jack cheese, crispy bacon, and a spicy sauce made with ghost peppers. This burger is not for the faint of heart, but for those who dare to try it.
- The Korean BBQ Burger at Seoul Taco
- The Foie Gras Burger at Annie Gunn’s
The Burger with a Twist: Unconventional Burger Options
This unique burger features a beef patty topped with spicy Korean BBQ sauce, crispy kimchi, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. The combination of flavors and textures is a revelation, with each bite a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory.
This luxurious burger features a beef patty topped with seared foie gras, truffle aioli, and a sprinkle of edible gold dust. This burger is a decadent treat, with the creamy foie gras adding an richness and depth to the dish.
History of Burgers in St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri, has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century, and the city’s culinary scene has evolved over the years to include a variety of iconic dishes, including burgers. The history of burgers in St. Louis is a fascinating story that spans from the early days of the city’s founding to the present day. From humble beginnings to the rise of modern burger joints, the city has played a significant role in shaping the American burger culture.
The evolution of burgers in St. Louis can be attributed to the city’s German and European immigrant roots, as well as its proximity to the Mississippi River. The city’s unique blend of cultures has contributed to the development of the modern burger, which has become a staple in American cuisine.
The Early Days of Burgers in St. Louis
In the early 20th century, St. Louis was home to a number of small, family-owned restaurants that served traditional German cuisine, including meat patties and sandwiches. These early burger joints laid the foundation for the city’s burger culture, which would later grow to include a variety of regional and national chains.
[Image: A vintage photograph of a small restaurant in St. Louis, showing a sign reading “Patty’s Hamburgers” and a group of customers enjoying burgers and sandwiches.]
One of the earliest known burger joints in St. Louis was Patty’s Hamburgers, which was established in the 1920s. The restaurant served traditional American-style burgers, including thin, round patties topped with cheese, lettuce, and tomato. The restaurant’s menu also featured a variety of sides, including fries, onion rings, and coleslaw.
The Rise of Modern Burger Joints in St. Louis
In the 1950s and 1960s, St. Louis saw the rise of modern burger joints, including iconic chains such as Ted Drewes Frozen Custard and St. Louis Bread Co. These restaurants introduced new menu items, including burgers with unique toppings and sauces, as well as frozen custard and bread bowls.
[Image: A vintage photograph of Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, showing a sign reading “Ted Drewes Frozen Custard” and a group of customers enjoying frozen custard and burgers.]
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard was one of the first restaurants to popularize the concept of “build your own” burgers, allowing customers to customize their orders with a variety of toppings and sauces. The restaurant also introduced the concept of “frozen custard” as a topping, which quickly became a hit with customers.
The Modern Burger Scene in St. Louis
Today, St. Louis is home to a thriving burger culture, with a wide range of restaurants offering everything from traditional American-style burgers to gourmet burgers with unique toppings and sauces. The city is also home to a number of artisanal burger manufacturers, who produce high-quality burgers using locally sourced ingredients.
[Image: A photograph of a modern burger joint in St. Louis, showing a sign reading “The Burger Joint” and a group of customers enjoying burgers and shakes.]
Some of the most popular burger joints in St. Louis include The Burger Joint, which offers a variety of traditional and gourmet burgers, as well as a selection of craft beers and artisanal fries. Another popular spot is Pappy’s Smokehouse, which serves a variety of BBQ-style burgers, including a “Pappy’s Pork Burger” topped with pulled pork, coleslaw, and BBQ sauce.
Local Ingredients Used in St. Louis Burgers
The use of local ingredients in St. Louis burgers has become increasingly popular in recent years. This trend is driven by the growing demand for fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients, as well as the desire to support local economies. By incorporating local produce and meats into their burgers, chefs and restaurateurs in St. Louis can create unique and flavorful dishes that showcase the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
Popular Local Ingredients Used in St. Louis Burgers
The Midwest is renowned for its rich soil and favorable climate, making it an ideal place for growing a wide variety of crops. Some of the most popular local ingredients used in St. Louis burgers include:
- Local Grass-Fed Beef: The Midwest is home to numerous family-owned farms that raise grass-fed cattle, producing beef that is not only delicious but also rich in nutrients. Grass-fed beef is a staple in many St. Louis burgers, adding a depth of flavor and texture that is hard to find in mass-produced beef.
- Missouri-Grown Cheddar Cheese: Missouri is known for its rich dairy farms, producing some of the country’s finest cheese. Local cheddar cheese is often used in St. Louis burgers, adding a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- St. Louis-Grown Tomatoes: The St. Louis region is home to numerous community-supported agriculture (CSA) farms that specialize in growing heirloom tomatoes. These tomatoes are often used in St. Louis burgers, adding a burst of juicy flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
- Local Bacon: Missouri is famous for its bacon, with many local farmers raising heritage pigs on small-scale farms. Thick-cut, local bacon is often used in St. Louis burgers, adding a smoky, savory flavor that elevates the dish to new heights.
Importance of Using Local Ingredients
Using local ingredients in St. Louis burgers not only adds flavor and texture but also supports the local economy and helps to preserve the region’s agricultural heritage.
- Supports Local Farmers: By using local ingredients, chefs and restaurateurs in St. Louis are able to support local farmers and ranchers, helping to preserve the region’s agricultural heritage and promote sustainable farming practices.
- Reduces Carbon Footprint: Buying local ingredients reduces the carbon footprint of the burger, as the ingredients do not need to be transported long distances, reducing emissions and promoting a more sustainable food system.
- Enhances Flavor: Local ingredients are often fresher and more flavorful than mass-produced ingredients, adding depth and complexity to the burger.
- Promotes Community Development: Using local ingredients promotes community development by supporting local businesses and fostering a sense of community among local residents.
Examples of Local Farms and Suppliers
There are numerous local farms and suppliers in St. Louis that provide high-quality ingredients for the region’s burgers. Some notable examples include:
- Shelby Farms: Located just outside of St. Louis, Shelby Farms is a family-owned operation that raises grass-fed beef and produces some of the region’s finest cheese.
- City Greens Farm: This community-supported agriculture (CSA) farm is located in the heart of St. Louis and specializes in growing heirloom tomatoes and other fresh produce.
- Town & Country Meat Market: This local butcher shop has been a staple in the St. Louis community for years, offering a wide variety of meats and specialty items.
By choosing local ingredients, chefs and restaurateurs in St. Louis can create unique and flavorful burgers that showcase the region’s rich agricultural heritage and promote sustainable food systems.
Special Dietary Options in St. Louis Burgers
St. Louis burger joints offer a variety of options to cater to different dietary needs and preferences. From vegetarian and vegan options to gluten-free and low-carb meals, there’s something for everyone in this Missouri city. Local restaurants have adapted to the ever-growing demand for special dietary options, making it easier for customers with specific requirements to enjoy mouth-watering burgers.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Many St. Louis burger establishments now offer vegetarian and vegan options, using creative and innovative ways to prepare plant-based burgers. Restaurants like Blueprint Coffee and Salt + Smoke have added vegetarian burgers made from black beans, lentils, or mushrooms to their menus. Some popular vegetarian burger options include:
- Mushroom Swiss Burger at Bistro by Joanie
- Black Bean Burger at the Kitchen Sink
- Portobello Mushroom Burger at the Capital Grille
These vegetarian burgers showcase the chef’s creativity and ability to reimagine traditional burger flavors using plant-based ingredients. For vegans, restaurants like Llywelyn’s Pub and the Shaved Duck have introduced vegan burgers made from black beans, lentils, or mushroom-based patties. Many of these vegan options are available on a regular menu, making it easier for vegans to find a suitable burger in St. Louis.
Gluten-Free and Low-Carb Options
For customers with gluten intolerance or those following a low-carb diet, St. Louis burger joints have introduced gluten-free and low-carb options to their menus. Some restaurants have replaced traditional buns with gluten-free alternatives made from rice flour, almond flour, or coconut flour. Others have created low-carb burgers using portobello mushrooms or lettuce wraps instead of traditional buns.
Some popular gluten-free and low-carb burger options in St. Louis include:
- Gluten-Free Burger at the Shaved Duck
- Low-Carb Burger at Salt + Smoke
- Mushroom Burger at Blueberry Hill
Restaurants like the Shaved Duck and Salt + Smoke have taken steps to ensure that their gluten-free and low-carb options are not only tasty but also safe for customers with dietary restrictions.
Photos of Special Menu Items
For a glimpse into the variety of special dietary options in St. Louis, consider the following photographs:
The Mushroom Swiss Burger at Bistro by Joanie features a rich, creamy Swiss cheese and a grilled portobello mushroom patty, all served on a toasted baguette.
The Black Bean Burger at the Kitchen Sink boasts a flavorful and spicy black bean patty topped with crispy tortilla strips and a tangy slaw.
The Portobello Mushroom Burger at the Capital Grille showcases a succulent portobello mushroom patty paired with melted Swiss cheese and caramelized onions.
These photographs highlight the creativity and variety of special dietary options in St. Louis, giving customers a glimpse into the unique flavors and ingredients that await them in this Missouri city.
Best Neighborhoods for Burgers in St. Louis
St. Louis is a food lover’s paradise, and its neighborhoods are home to some of the city’s best burgers. From trendy boutiques to historic landmarks, each neighborhood has its own unique charm and culinary scene. In this section, we’ll explore the best neighborhoods for burgers in St. Louis and what makes them so popular.
The Hill
Located just south of downtown St. Louis, The Hill is a historic Italian-American neighborhood that’s also home to some of the city’s best burgers. Visitors can stroll along the charming streets, exploring the shops and restaurants that line the way. The area is particularly known for its Italian cuisine, but burger lovers will find plenty of options to satisfy their cravings.
Some notable burger joints in The Hill include:
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Sullivan’s 44
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The Pasta House Cafe
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Joey B’s on the Hill
Central West End
The Central West End is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood that’s home to some of St. Louis’ best restaurants and boutiques. Visitors can explore the many shops and galleries that line Euclid Avenue, or enjoy the beautiful parks and gardens. The area is particularly popular with foodies, who appreciate the diverse range of cuisines on offer.
Some notable burger joints in the Central West End include:
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Five and Diner
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Burger Bar
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The Capital Grille
Soulard
Soulard is a historic neighborhood that’s home to the famous Soulard Farmers Market. Visitors can explore the bustling stalls and shops, sampling local produce and artisanal goods. The area is particularly known for its French and Creole cuisine, but burger lovers will find plenty of options to suit their tastes.
Some notable burger joints in Soulard include:
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The Anvil Saloon
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Soulard Brewery
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Big Sky Brewing Company
Delmar Loop
The Delmar Loop is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood that’s home to some of St. Louis’ best restaurants and boutiques. Visitors can explore the many shops and galleries that line Delmar Boulevard, or enjoy the live music and nightlife that the area is famous for. The Delmar Loop is particularly popular with young people and families.
Some notable burger joints in the Delmar Loop include:
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Black Bear
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The Loop Taphouse Grill and Bar
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Starboard Seafood Company
End of Discussion: Best Burgers St Louis
With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the world of St Louis burgers and find the perfect patty to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re in the mood for classic American comfort food or something more adventurous, our guide to the best burgers in St Louis has got you covered.
Essential FAQs
Q: What’s the best time to visit St Louis for burgers?
A: The best time to visit St Louis for burgers is during the summer months when the city’s outdoor burger joints are in full swing, and the weather is perfect for a stroll along the riverside.
Q: Are there any vegan burger options in St Louis?
A: Yes, many of the top-rated burger joints in St Louis offer vegan burger options, including plant-based patties and gluten-free buns, making St Louis a great destination for vegan foodies.
Q: Can I explore the best burgers in St Louis in a day?
A: While it’s possible to fit in a few burgers in a day, we recommend devoting at least a weekend to exploring the best burgers in St Louis to truly experience the city’s culinary scene.
Q: Are there any burger festivals in St Louis?
A: Yes, St Louis hosts several burger festivals throughout the year, including the annual St Louis Burger Fest, which features live music, craft beer, and of course, burgers galore.
