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Kevin A. Roberts

The best burgers in St. Louis

The only burger list you’ll ever need, featuring more than 80 spots, including under-the-radar joints you may have missed, gourmet burgers, neighborhood faves, veggie burgers, and more.

THE NEWCOMERS

Burger 809

EAT THIS: Our go-to is the West Side Slider (two cheeses plus BBQ sauce) with potato salad, but the daily specials—such as smoked Turkey legs and spicy BBQ wings—sure are tempting 

DRINK THAT: Either opt for one of Bluewood’s 14 house beers, or one of three lemonades (we prefer the blueberry),  made in house daily from fresh fruit. 

INSIDER TIP: Save room for the house-made lemon cheesecake with an Oreo crust. 1821 Cherokee (inside Bluewood Brewing).

Intergalactic Burgers

EAT THIS: The basic double smashburger (Ground Control) is fine, but we prefer the full on assault of the Big Bang, an explosion of cheddar cheese, guac, bacon, fried egg, and red hot aioli. Pair it with loaded waffle fries.   

DRINK THAT: The strawberry shake contains homemade compote. Sold!

INSIDER TIP: The pedigree is solid. Intergalactic lies the same solar system as Polite Society, Bellwether, as well as Good Day and Sub-Division Sandwich Co., also at the Food Hall at City Foundry. 3730 Foundry Way (Food Hall at City Foundry STL).

AJ's Smashed & Smoked

EAT THIS: A double smashburger—through the garden—and a side of cheddar, bacon, ranch fries, please. 

DRINK THAT: The house cocktails are all very reasonably priced, so take your pick.  

INSIDER TIP: Similar to sister restaurant Jack Nolen’s in Soulard, AJ’s does not have a house phone. 6980 W. Main, Belleville, Illinois.

Chappy’s

EAT THIS: All of the burgers—including the STL 66 burger topped with Provel, bacon, pickle, and a “Super Secret Sauce”—are made from a proprietary steak and brisket blend from Creekstone Farms.  

DRINK THAT: A vanilla shake with an add-in. (Of the six offered, we prefer Reese’s. Your child might choose cookie dough instead.) 

INSIDER TIP: The car-themed, kid friendly fried chicken and burger joint, proves it by giving away a Hot Wheels car with every kids meal. 1031 Century, Edwardsville, Illinois.

The Golden Hoosier

EAT THIS: You’ll be tempted by the sandwiches and specials, but the specialty here is smashburgers. The Southsider is topped with white American cheese and comes with rosemary Parmesan fries. 

DRINK THAT: At a place named The Golden Hoosier, it’s no surprise that the drink of choice is Busch on draft. 

INSIDER TIP: Tear yourself away from the whimsical indoor décor, and check out the back patio,  which looks like it was plucked from a Missouri state park. 3707 S. Kingshighway.

Coming Soon...

  • Baileys’ Range: 4175 Shaw (second location)
  • Breakfast & Burgers: 8411 Gravois (reopening)
  • The MOObileSTL Food Truck: Smashburgers, beef specials, and MOOre, using 100 percent locally raised beef from Pierce Creek Cattle Co. 

THE BURGER JOINTS

Mac’s Local Eats

Before the pandemic, if you wanted to get your hands around one of Chris “Mac” McKenzie’s wildly popular smashed burgers, you had to get in line. “We already need a bigger boat,” says McKenzie, who moved from Tamm Avenue Bar to Bluewood Brewing to a dedicated space in the former Brew Hub Taproom location south of Forest Park. The reason for the lines? The patties are ground from every cut of the animal and dry-aged, then smashed into a thin, crisp burger wearing a lacy golden-edged “meat skirt.” Stacked as high as you desire, each cheeseburger is topped with only the condiments that complement the rich, intensely beefy flavor of the meat. As close to a perfect cheeseburger as you’re likely to find, Mac’s Classic (with ketchup, mustard, house-made pickles, onion, and American cheese) is as elegant as it is delicious. 5656 Oakland.

Hi-Pointe Drive-In

Whether you choose to eat at the original location, in a converted shipping crate, complete with a neon rocket ship and a cow named George on the roof, or downtown, under the gaze of a two-story mural of a friendly space alien, dining at Hi-Pointe means motley smashed burgers served with an altogether silly, joyful approach. The Mitrailette, a double cheeseburger served on toasted baguette and loaded with house fries, lettuce, and sauce Andalouse, is serious and delicious business. Milkshakes, notably the creamy orange blossom–scented Dreamsicle, go hand in hand with the burgers and fries. hipointedrivein.com.

Layla

The burger-and-shawarma locations both drip with pop culture décor and cheeky menu references. Burgers are bold and brash. The Wilford Brimley, for instance, is a beef, bacon, and pepper Jack patty, topped with bourbon bacon jam and a fat onion ring, served on a pretzel bun. The side of pepper Jack bacon cheese dipping sauce served alongside should include a sidecar of Lipitor. And Layla’s line of plant-based burgers is among the best in the city—we like The Unicorn and its cashew “nacho cheese” sauce. Two locations: The Grove and Webster Groves.

5 Star Burgers

When a fine-dining chef as acclaimed as Steve Gontram decides to open a burger joint, it’s worth checking out. 5 Star serves the only burger whose patty is first seared on a flattop grill (imparting a gorgeous crust Maillard himself would be proud of) and then finished on an open flame. The happy hour, offered seven days a week, is wildly popular, with sliders and sides costing just a few bucks, and discounted craft beer and wine specials. 8125 Maryland, Clayton.

Stacked Burger Bar

This Carondelet spot is not afraid to take risks with wild topping combinations. Match-ups like grilled pineapple with ham, sauerkraut with an entire bratwurst, or a strawberry-maple jam–daubed sunny egg amp the flavor up to 11. The lengthy solid whiskey selection encourages a little imbibing with your burger. 7637 Ivory, Carondelet.

SPORTS CENTER

The overstuffed sandwiches are de rigueur at Lester’s, but the 64 TVs pair just as well with one of the half dozen half-pound Certified Angus beef burgers. The beverage of choice has to be the #6 Classic American Lager, a local brew named for Cards great Stan Musial. There’s even a bronze sculpture of The Man just outside the restaurant. 9906 Clayton, Ladue.

Baileys’ Range

Open since 2011, the 6,000-square-foot, two-story restaurant’s all about quality and variety. Choose from Missouri grass-fed, all-natural beef, veggie, or Match patties; load it with such toppings as bacon jam, smoked pulled pork, or IPA cheddar sauce. Everything from the dozen condiments to the beer buns are made in house. 920 Olive, Downtown.

BARBECUE MEETS BURGER

SOME OF THE BEST PLACES IN TOWN FOR A PULLED PORK SANDWICH COULD BE EQUALLY LAUDED FOR THEIR BURGERS.

The Shaved Duck keeps toppings simple but grinds up brisket and tri-tip in house. Sugarfire Smoke House is also in the house-ground camp, grinding a mixture of chuck, brisket, and short rib daily that’s so good, the owners spun it off into Hi-Pointe Drive-In. Contrary to the pedestrian name, Duke’s BBQ Shack utilizes American Kobe beef. Salt + Smoke doubles up on the bacon and the beef. The St. Charles location’s popular tiered brick patio offers an abundance of outdoor seating along historic Main Street. The Midwestern serves a gooey, two-handed rendition topped with fry sauce, tomato jam, and soft pub cheese that might leave you looking like a toddler with a sloppy Joe. And how can you argue with BBQ Saloon’s 10-ounce smoked Angus beef and cheese masterpiece, served with an onion ring filled with a mushroom-veal demi? The Phil Burger even got the attention of the Food Network.

THE GOURMET BURGERS

Twisted Tree Steakhouse

You could order the 16-ounce ribeye, but consider the Stout Burger, made with beer-caramelized onions, manchego, and sriracha aioli, and crowned with the signature onion rings. 10700 Watson, Sunset Hills.

Planter’s House

Everything—the challah bun, pickled Serrano relish, manchego queso, and patties—is inviting, and the bespoke cocktails are just as enjoyable. 1000 Mississippi, Lafayette Square.

BC’s Kitchen

The Charlemagne of local burger royalty, the Meister Burger’s topped with bleu and cheddar cheeses, smoked bacon, and piquant tomato relish. 11 Meadows Circle, Lake Saint Louis.

Cleveland-Heath

Grass-fed beef and a potato bun are just two elements elevating the burger here; equally critical are the russet–sweet potato fries, thin, hot and crispy. 106 N. Main, Edwardsville.

Brasserie by Niche

Frites here are French, but that’s American cheese flying on this intimate eatery’s lovely bistro burger. It’s perfect with a chilled glass of plummy Malbec. 4580 Laclede, Central West End.

Vin de Set

Social distancing is a breeze on the sprawling rooftop patio, where the wise menu choice is the Bistro Burger on grilled sourdough, topped with a flavor bomb of bacon aioli, tomato jam, arugula, red onion, and bleu cheese. 2017 Chouteau, Lafayette Square.

Olive + Oak

Go for the O+O burger, served on a pretzel bun, and think on how a pickle is the trumpet in the jazz band that is a good burger. 216 W. Lockwood, Webster Groves.

Truffles

The mile-high bacon cheddar burger is considered by many the gold standard. Truffles’ fine-dining moniker extends to a well-appointed patio with cantilevered umbrellas. 9202 Clayton, Ladue.

HOME SWEET HOME

Shake Shack, St. Louis native Danny Meyer’s acclaimed burger chain, has quickly gained a loyal following after opening several locations across the metro area. Order the Shackmeister Burger topped with beer-marinated crispy shallots if it’s available. shakeshack.com.

Tompkins Riverside

Less burger than grocery on a bun, this one’s loaded: bacon-onion marmalade, black garlic mayo, Marcoot cheddar, and enough beef to hold it all together. 500 S. Main, St. Charles.

The Crossing

It’s hard to beat this grass-fed, aged white cheddar burger with horseradish romaine slaw…well, unless you opt for the foie gras add-on, a $17 upcharge. 7823 Forsyth, Clayton.

Retreat Gastropub

The candied bacon, over-easy egg, cheese sauce, and alehouse bun make the Farmhouse burger a must-try. Side it with the Parmesan-garlic fries. 6 N. Sarah, Central West End.

Cobalt Smoke & Sea

The enjoyably quirky eatery makes—no surprise—a delectably offbeat burger, flavored with duck fat that lends a luscious richness to the proceedings. 12643 Olive, Creve Coeur.

Annie Gunn’s

“Classic” describes this premium ground-in-house burger, bejeweled with smoked bacon slabs and mustard aioli. 16806 Chesterfield Airport, Chesterfield.

Polite Society

Delectable strata of onion straws and a sweet smoked tomato glaze add to the luxurious burger geology at this combination library-restaurant. 1923 Park, Lafayette Square.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD FAVORITES

Corner Pub & Grill

EAT THIS: You’ll need that steak knife to negotiate the Backyard ’Q, a half-pound burger with barbecue sauce, bacon, cheddar, and gluten-free onion rings served on brioche.

DRINK THAT: A can of O’Fallon Knotty Pretzel or a raspberry lemon drop slushie.

INSIDER TIP: The new O’Fallon, Missouri, location has a partially covered patio with games. cornerpubandgrill.com.

Three Kings Public House

EAT THIS: If you’re among those who like a little kick, try the Southwest Chipotle Burger, with jalapeño, pepper Jack cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, and chipotle mayo on a brioche bun.

DRINK THAT: Though the lengthy, oft-rotating beer list gets much attention, don’t overlook the cocktail options, including a reasonably priced margarita with Grand Marnier.

INSIDER TIP: Deliveries can be requested by the staff (for a flat $3 fee) or by a third-party delivery company. threekingspub.com.

Grace Meat + Three

EAT THIS: Two patties of dry-aged beef with a fragrant char and gloriously gloopy white cheese make for a simple yet extravagant joy; the “comeback sauce” is a spicy remoulade, impregnating the bun and providing a lively kick.

DRINK THAT: Who needs bacon on your burger when you can get it infused in your vodka?

INSIDER TIP: Family-size sides, including collard greens and garlic mashed potatoes, are served here. Go early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends. 4270 Manchester, The Grove.

The Frisco Barroom  

EAT THIS: Before diving into your quarter-pound smashed burger, start with an order of poutine with brown gravy or buffalo grilled tempura fried cauliflower.

DRINK THAT: A pint of Frisco 1501 Historic Lager, named for the railroad line that runs near Public House Brewing Company’s original Rolla brewpub.

INSIDER TIP: The popular restaurant offers lovely alfresco seating options, including a charming patio that spills over into a covered space and a rooftop for evening dining, perfect for sunset. 8110 Big Bend, Webster Groves. 

The Dam

EAT THIS: The Animal Burger achieves its beastly status not just because of its triple patty but also because of the salty shingles of bacon, jalapeño rings, and generous dollop of barbecue sauce.

DRINK THAT: Amsterdam Bar’s next door—your burger can be delivered there and enjoyed while you do a brew.

INSIDER TIP: The Belgian fries come with a magnificent plunking sauce. 3173 Morganford, Tower Grove.

The Block

EAT THIS: Top the 8-ounce grass-fed beef and farmhouse white cheddar burger with a fried farm egg.

DRINK THAT: The I Can’t Dance craft cocktail.

INSIDER TIP: Happy hour (nightly from 4:30–6:30 p.m. on the patio) includes a nightly slider special for $6. 146 W. Lockwood, Webster Groves.

WHISKEY & WATERLOO

Housed in an 1870s building in downtown Waterloo, Gallagher’s is famous for its fried chicken, but almost equally noteworthy are the half-pound house-ground burgers, notably the Smoke, Whiskey & Onion Burger (with smoked bleu cheese, caramelized onion, and whiskey butter). (Note: The restaurant is temporarily closed for renovations.) 114 W. Mill, Waterloo.

Michael’s Bar & Grill

EAT THIS: The namesake 10-ounce burger is made with specially blended chopped sirloin; top it off with a thick spackling of yield sign–yellow soft cheddar spread.

DRINK THAT: Cider on tap, cold and fragrant, slices through that thickburger like a serrated knife.

INSIDER TIP: The cozy atmosphere includes an enclosed patio along Manchester. And beyond the classic burger, there’s no shortage of authentic Greek dishes. 7101 Manchester, Franz Park.

Big Sky Café

EAT THIS: Devotees rarely veer from the grass-fed bleu cheese burger with balsamic reduction, but they should consider the quinoa-and-lentil burger with smoked mushrooms, fontina cheese, and harissa aioli.

DRINK THAT: Lusty flavors call for bold beverages, such as the Hail Me a Cab! wine flight.

INSIDER TIP: On Thursdays, $14 buys you a burger and a craft beer. 47 S. Old Orchard, Webster Groves.

Tattooed Dog

EAT THIS: Hear that? It’s the Porkonator calling, an awesomely assembled collection of bacon, mixed salad greens, double American cheese, and a roasted garlic aioli on a Kaiser roll.

DRINK THAT: The Kona Longboard’s a good choice if you’ve been hanging ten on Peruque Creek, but ask about the constantly revolving tap.

INSIDER TIP: Finish your meal right with a fried Oreo drizzled with hot fudge. 11 Wentzville Bluffs, Wentzville.

Nomad

EAT THIS: Five burgers are on the menu. Good luck picking one. We hate to sound like the server who says, “They’re all good,” but it’s true, and the fries are some of the best in town.

DRINK THAT: To cut through the richness without adding calories, we prefer a San Pellegrino; otherwise, do a Yoo-hoo.

INSIDER TIP: Look for Patrick Swayze. He’ll show you where to order, but he won’t tell you to order the kimchi Brussels sprouts, so we just did. 1221 Tamm, Dogtown.

BREWS + BURGERS

THESE BREWERIES SERVE UP LOCALLY MADE BREWS AND EQUALLY NOTABLE CREATIVE SPINS ON BURGERS.

During the fall, order an Oktoberfest and the Bottleworks Cheeseburger, served on a brioche bun, at Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood. Cugino’s, which shares a space in Florissant with Narrow Gauge Brewing, offers a creative take on a PB&J, serving up a bacon and Swiss burger with homemade salted chipotle peanut butter and jalapeño-blackberry jam on a pretzel bun. At Rockwell Brewing, acclaimed restaurateur Gerard Craft’s BrassWELL serves one of the best griddle-smashed burgers in town, especially when paired with fries and a Passing Clouds Witbier. Besides beer, Urban Chestnut is known for poutine and pizza, but it also serves a quality smashed burger and frites Wednesdays through Sundays. And Brew Hub Taproom, near Forest Park, offers a wide variety of both brews and burgers, including the Sweet & Sassy Double, complete with house-made peanut butter sauce, brown sugar–candied bacon, and mild cheddar on a challah bun.

THE CLASSIC BURGER SPOTS

The Village Bar

EAT THIS: The menu options include the Best Cheeseburger, the Best Hamburger, and the World Famous Better Burger. Our personal favorite? The Sourdough Burger, with cheddar, bacon, and grilled sourdough.

DRINK THAT: Keep it classic and go with an ice-cold Bud.

VIBE: The Des Peres bar’s red-and-white menu (matching that unmistakable exterior) proclaims, “We’ve been perfecting the burger since 1879.” That means they’ve been at it for more than 140 years. Nobody makes it that long unless they’re tickling some tastebuds. 12247 Manchester, Des Peres. 

Carl’s Drive In

EAT THIS: Carl’s classic smashed burgers are available with one, two, or three patties, cheese oozing between them. Make it at least a double, but treble up if you’re hungry.

DRINK THAT: Double down on the nostalgic vibes with Carl’s house-made root beer, ideally in an ice cream float.

INSIDER TIP: Carl’s opened in 1959, and once it reopens to the public (at press time, it was pickup service only), grabbing a red swivel stool at the counter is like taking a trip in a time machine. (Remember: Carl’s is cash-only.) 9033 Manchester, Brentwood. 

O’Connell’s Pub

EAT THIS: A thick beef patty is the heart of O’ Connell’s justifiably admired cheeseburger, a straight-down-the-line classic topped with tomato, lettuce, onion, and your choice of American, cheddar, or Swiss on a springy sesame seed bun.

DRINK THAT: A mug of O’ Connell’s Amber Ale, brewed by Schlafly for the pub, is a well-rounded, slightly hoppy accompaniment.

INSIDER TIP: The fries are the obvious pairing, but order the battered, deep-fried mushrooms, served with a squeeze of lemon and a side of Mayfair dressing. 4652 Shaw, The Hill.

Trainwreck Saloon

EAT THIS: In case the (temporarily masked) red-eyed beast outside the Rock Hill location didn’t give it away, the bison burger is the way to go.

DRINK THAT: Ask about the seasonals from O’Fallon, Schlafly, and Urban Chestnut.

INSIDER TIP: Happy hour at both locations (on the patio at Westport and under a gazebo in Rock Hill) is 3–6 p.m. weekdays. trainwrecksaloon.com.

Gordon’s Stoplight

EAT THIS: Though the four-patty Quadzilla gets the spotlight at this nostalgia-riffic Crystal City burger joint, where the grill’s been sizzling since 1948, consider the Jumbo, packed with slaw, chopped onion, and barbecue sauce.

DRINK THAT: A hand-dipped chocolate shake is perfect.

INSIDER TIP: Visit on a summer evening, order at the walk-up window, and enjoy dinner at the picnic tables, a meal your grandparents would’ve loved. 500 Bailey Road, Crystal City.

Fitz’s

EAT THIS: The Bourbon burger’s mayo aioli, smoked cheddar, and bacon make it a favorite.

DRINK THAT: The floats are BOGO 4 p.m.–close on Fridays. Kids especially like the Cookie Monster.

INSIDER TIP: At the Delmar branch, you can sometimes see the bottling in action. Fitz’s also has a South County location, in Ronnies Plaza. fitzsrootbeer.com. 

BURGERS, BOCCE & MORE

At Westport Social—where you can kick back with Snookball (think soccer meets billiards), pingpong, and more—the $11 House Burger is made with sirloin, brisket, and a short rib blend, then topped with cheddar and bacon. 910 Westport Plaza, Westport.

The Parkmoor

EAT THIS: The King Burger’s endured for generations.

DRINK THAT: To-go beverage service includes a 16-ounce Manhattan.

INSIDER TIP: Patio and dining room are open Wednesday through Sunday night and all day Saturday. 220 W. Lockwood, Webster Groves.

Fast Eddie’s Bon Air

EAT THIS: The half-pound Fast Eddie Burger is just $3.99, and it’s even better paired with peel-and-eat shrimp, fries, and a Big Elwood on a Stick—all for less than $10.

DRINK THAT: As the neon signs allude, Fast Eddie’s is the place for a cold frosty one.

VIBE: It’s cash-only, no kids are allowed, and you’ll have to take a number, but the live music, vintage vibe, and ridiculously affordable prices make a visit to the Metro East institution well worth it. 1530 E. Fourth, Alton.

The Royale

EAT THIS: The Griddle Burger, whose brioche bun holds two 4-ounce patties, sharp white cheddar, two crispy strips of bacon, lettuce, tomato, thick pickles, and red onion in a snug, satisfying package.

DRINK THAT: Choose from The Royale’s excellent craft beer selection, or step it up with a rye Manhattan.

INSIDER TIP: Looking for a meatless option? The Hungry Planet burger is just as good as the beef burger, and the standard cheese and brioche bun can be substituted for all-vegan alternatives.  3132 S. Kingshighway, Tower Grove South.

Blueberry Hill

EAT THIS: There are eight burgers here (including two vegan options), but the famous 7-ounce hamburger’s charred patty is everything a burger should be; try it topped with bleu cheese.

DRINK THAT: Use the Arch icons on the drink list to pick your favorite local brew from a huge selection of 18 drafts and 64 bottles.

INSIDER TIP: Play a game of darts, peruse the pop culture memorabilia (with no shortage of celeb cameos), and pick a song on the jukebox before finding a booth or enjoying people-watching from a sidewalk table. 6504 Delmar, Delmar Loop.

Chuck-A-Burger 

EAT THIS: It’s still the ’50s in this iconic joint (so cholesterol hasn’t even been invented, right?). The Chili Cheese Chuck is a tangy mess of gastronomic  awesomeness. Thin, crispy fries are mandatory.

DRINK THAT: The chocolate malt here may cause you to consider adding poodle skirts or letter sweaters to your wardrobe.

INSIDER TIP: A regular series of classic car shows on weekends bring vintage roadster enthusiasts to the parking lot, where you can get a chrome-polished glimpse into another era. 9025 St. Charles Rock Road, St. John.

VEGGIE BURGERS

THESE ST. LOUIS RESTAURANTS OFFER MEATLESS MASTERPIECES.

SweetArt in Shaw makes a few standout veggie burgers, but the Make It Funky—with house-made barbecue sauce, vegan bacon, and caramelized onion—steals the show.

Popular vegetarian joint Tree House serves a delicious Beyond Burger topped with house pickles and mayo. 

Frida’s in University City puts its own spin on a patty melt, with Swiss, sautéed mushrooms, and house-made Thousand Island layered between slices of local rye. Or try the soy-free, nut-free Backyard Beyond Burger, a Beyond Meat patty dressed with house-made ketchup in addition to mustard, mayo, and classic burger toppings.

Seedz Café, the popular vegetarian mainstay in DeMun, serves a plant-based brown rice and garbanzo bean burger topped with avocado, jalapeño cashew “cheez,” house sauce, lettuce, and tomato.

Circle 7 Ranch offers an Impossible Burger, served on a signature branded bun (and, for carnivores, an even more impossible challenge: the OMG, with a staggering five patties).

UNDER-THE-RADAR JOINTS

Veritas

Topped with pimiento cheese and quick pickles, the burger is a nod to the owners’ Southern lineage. Enjoy live music on Wednesday evenings on the patio or a nearby green space. 15860 Fountain Plaza, Ellisville.

Anthonino’s Taverna

The classic Hill spot calls its laid-back menu of American, Greek, and Italian classics eclectic, and the burgers—topped with pancetta, feta, and tzatziki—fit the description. 2225 Macklind, The Hill.

Stella Blues

Cheap is the name of the game in this not-quite-dive bar where cash is king and burgers are less than a buck. 3269 Morganford, Tower Grove South. 

Iowa Buffet

First off, there’s no buffet, and this dive bar is no Iowa field of dreams. But the juicy burgers that roll off the ancient flame-grilling machine are magical charred, and pitch-perfect. 2727 Winnebago, Gravois Park. 

Jack Nolen’s

This newish Soulard burger joint shows that a well-garnished thicker-than-usual smashed burger can become instant tradition.  2501 S. Ninth, Soulard. 

TRIPLE THREAT

SuWaller’s Bar & Grill, our favorite biker bar, also boasts our favorite name for a burger, The Fat Bastard, two grilled cheese sandwiches with a quarter-pound burger sandwiched between them. 2101 N. Warson. 

Mia Sorella

The back patio is a popular spot at Trattoria Marcella’s sister spot. The $13 Bar Burger, with an 8-ounce patty and American cheese, is served on a semolina bun. 14426 Clayton, Ballwin.

The Blue Duck

For a different kind of burger, try the Sam Elliott, which is as Western as the grizzled actor, from the rub on the meat to the Redeye mayo, barbecue sauce, and green chili brioche bun. 2661 Sutton, Maplewood. 

Joey B’s on The Hill

Its menu is known for its huge portions, and Joey B’s burger weighs in at 10 ounces. Stuff it with soft jalapeño cheddar cheese. 2524 Hampton, The Hill. 

Pat Connolly Tavern

A family-run Irish pub with the hospitality you expect, Pat’s serves an 8-ouncer cooked properly and topped with all the fixings. Bonus: Kids eat for half off with a $25 purchase. 6400 Oakland, Dogtown. 

The Hive

From its cool blues dive bar vibe to charred burgers cooked to order, The Hive puts on a good buzz. Old-style pub cheese, cornmeal-dusted buns, cold beer, and cheap drinks in West County? You bet. 609 N. New Ballas, Creve Coeur.

Half and Half

Although known for breakfast, the hot spot serves a quality lunch, including a burger with caramelized onion, jalapeño, and cheddar. Pair it with breakfast potatoes and great coffee. 8135 Maryland, Clayton.

AN ODE TO THE BAR & GRILL

Half-pounders rule at Mike Duffy’s Pub & Grill, though we add an order of Buffalo chicken wing Rangoon. At Concord Grill, choose from 50-plus burger styles, then stay for the deep-fried Twinkies. Years after leaving Dogtown, we’ve succumbed to a chili cheese burger at Seamus McDaniel’s more than once. Nine burgers—from 5 ounces to 25 ounces—are available at SOHA Bar & Grill; we vote for the Hangover. At Satchmo’s, we prefer the Bayou Burger, topped with a fried green tomato and tequila-avocado vinaigrette. And be advised that there are two Clancy’s Pub locations in West County, both serving worthy (although different) burgers.