The 17 best burgers in Boston

Ken Oringer’s global tapas restaurant in Cambridge is quite possibly the perfect example of upscale comfort foods done right. As you cobble together a feast of small plates at this Central Square establishment, be sure to include the burger: a dry-age beef patty topped with foie gras onions, buffalo pickles, jalapeno chips and a perfect smear of French onion soup mayo. (No, we have never strung all those words together before Little Donkey, either.) It may be meant for sharing, but you'll want to eat this one all on your own.

The award-winning Hojoko Wagyu Cheeseburger at this modern Japanese tavern is truly a standout. This Fenway eatery does its best to one-up every other burger in town, starting with its umami-forward blend of chuck and Wagyu short rib. Those beefy bases are then slathered in American cheese and special sauce, and finished with red onion and dashi pickle chips for some crunchy texture and funky flavor. It's the perfect food for your Red Sox pre-game.

The burger may not be top of mind to order at the seafood restaurant inside Encore Boston Harbor, helmed by Time Out Market Boston chef Michael Schlow. But meat eaters will never regret choosing the Schlowburger, a resurrection of the chef's famous stack from his bygone Boston hot spot, Radius. Jazzed up with peppery horseradish sauce, cheddar and crispy onion strings, the Schlowburger holds together well with a plush brioche bun and really is everything a burger lover could ask for.

jm Curley's glorious, half-pound burger is the perfect, juicy end to any work day, especially when paired with one of the restaurant's craft cocktails. Made from grass-fed beef, the Curley Burger is then topped with cheddar cheese, grilled onions, in-house pickles and homemade Russian dressing. Regulars tend to go all in when ordering this classic, adding a fried egg, slaw and, sometimes, an additional patty.

This neighborhood whiskey bar has been popping up on best-of lists more and more, and it’s not surprising to any diner who has sampled the creative menu. The mighty Hell Yeah Burger is the move here: double patties marinated in spices and whiskey, topped with a signature sauce, American and cheddar cheese, shredduce, smoked onions and pickles. Smaller appetites will enjoy the Simple Burger, topped with cheddar, shredduce and Grillo’s pickles just as much.

This Lower Mills spot was born from chef-owner Tambo Barrow’s desire to make unparalleled burgers. The Boston native, who seasons and smashes his grass-fed burgers right on the grill, has developed an extensive menu of creative combinations to showcase these perfect patties. Choose amongst favorites like: the Maui Burger, which is piled high with sliced fresh pineapple, smoked ham, sweet plantains, crispy onions, habanero pepper jack cheese and BBQ sauce on a potato bun; or the Parisian Burger, which is topped with applewood smoked bacon, brie, a fried egg, caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms and truffle aioli, served on a brioche bun. For folks who aren’t about beef, BRED Gourmet also serves up an old school veggie burger, the meat-like Impossible burger and a slamming jerk salmon burger.

Head to this celebrated Boylston Street establishment for a refined, French take on the American classic. Yes, Bistro du Midi is best known for its prime position for people-watching, but it's also known for its prime beef patties. The Bistro Burger is adorned with melted gruyère cheese and foie gras-truffle butter, and is nestled inside a lush sesame seed bun. Oui, chef.

A seafood joint that offers one of the best burgers in town? Absolutely. This no reservation, walk-in-only North End institution makes the list, thanks to its Neptune Oyster Burger. Staying true to its fish-centric agenda, the kitchen here tops its burger with fried oysters, cheddar cheese, garlic mayo and relish. The wait may be long to get your hands on this surf-and-turf delight, but if you get in line now, you won’t regret it.

Known for its extensive beer menu, this relaxed, cozy Brookline pub offers one of the best burgers around. For the P-House Burger—an 8-oz, all-natural prime burger served on a sesame brioche bun—it’s all about building your own burger from a selection of custom toppings and sauces. For example, you can enjoy your handheld with a fried egg, pickled jalapenos, bacon, sauteed onions or mushrooms, or any number of cheeses. A smear of truffle ketchup elevates the whole experience—and add the Monk’s Frites on the side to make your burger-eating experience pure bliss.

Located in the heart of South Boston, this modern American tavern serves comfort classics, including the ever-popular Lincoln Burger. This beauty features a blend of prime beef, which is cooked atop the restaurant's wood grill, and is topped with bacon aioli, Cabot sharp cheddar cheese and caramelized French onions—all served on a homemade sesame brioche bun. Pro-tip: The burger comes with either fries or a salad, but Lincoln will let you get half of each.

This Southie spot by longtime local chef Asia Mei is extra in all the right ways, from having a selection of roating jello shots to Ron Swanson-inspired weekend brunch specials. Burgers might take the ultimate crown, however, with over-the-top monthly offerings like the Italian Stallion"—a beef patty topped with porchetta, broccoli rabe pesto, provolone cheese, lemon aioli and banana peppers. The classic grass-fed ‘Shine burger is made with a blend of organic short rib, chuck and sirloin and served on a house-baked potato bun, and is delicious no matter how it's accessorized. The house-made mushroom-tofu burger, meanwhile, is an inspiring vegetarian-friendly option.

The potent Shojonator takes its inspiration from Wendy’s Baconator, though in a far smaller format (this little beefy guy is more slider than burger) and with far more flavor. The patty is topped with a pile of bacon and kimcheese (that would be kimchi blended with Velveeta), smoked barbecue sauce, sriracha aioli and fried shallots. As a nod to Shojo’s Asian-influenced menu, it's served on a steamed sesame bao bun. Add an extra patty or a fried egg, if you’re unbothered by your cholesterol levels. Find this fun one at both Shojo's Chinatown and Cambridge locations.

The original location of this homegrown burger chain is in Fenway, but they’ve expanded to five locations, including Cambridge. The retro vibe, reasonable prices and late hours have made it a local favorite. You’ll find the specialty burgers, like a patty melt and burgers topped with eggs, plus turkey and veggie burgers. Try a refreshing, house-made lime rickey, as well as a miniature pie or shake for dessert.

Since 1960, this Harvard Square landmark has been serving up its burgers with a side of celebrity-inspired names—and they're just as creative as the sandwiches themselves. The menu changes constantly, but we’re guessing that the Joe Biden (with American cheese, bacon and BBQ sauce) and the Bill Burr (named for the famous comedian from Canton and topped with cheddar cheese, guacamole, lettuce, tomato and red onion) might be on the menu, if you stop in.

Venture to student-saturated Davis Square to find a beefy hidden gem. Foundary on Elm, which is modeled after a traditional brasserie and features an expansive marble bar, offers well executed and unpretentious French fare —and its burger is no exception. A blend of brisket, chuck and short rib, the Foundary Burger boasts one of the juiciest patties around, made only better by Vermont cheddar cheese, charred red onion, shaved dill pickles, truffle aioli and a brioche bun. You won't regret making the Red Line trek over there.

Roxy's is known for its killer grilled cheese sandwiches, but this spot is no stranger to a flavorful, grass-fed burger, too. Called Justin's Burger, it's topped with house-made pimento cheese, caramelized onions, Grillo’s pickles and chipotle mayo and hits the perfect balance between salty and sweet, tangy and spicy. If you're up for an umami bomb, go with the Mushroom Burger, which is loaded with sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onions, monterey jack cheese, truffle mayo and arugula. The shop also offers a vegan burger, and even vegan grilled cheese, if that’s your thing.

Alden & Harlow’s “secret burger,” has built up a bit of a cult following. Offered in limited quantities and selling out just about every night, the burger starts with a patty consisting of Creekstone Farms ground brisket, short rib and beef, which is then topped with a cheddar cheese crisp, secret sauce, little gem lettuce, salted onions and bread and butter pickles—and it’s all served atop a homemade roll. Insider tip: If you really want a bite of this A&H burger action without the risk of it being sold out, it’s easier to get one on your plate during weekend brunch service.