The best burgers in St. Louis

THE NEWCOMERS

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 Southside 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.

Sneaky's Bar & Burger Joint

• EAT THIS: Miller Wagyu Ranch in Milan, Illinois, supplies the meat for the wagyu beef burgers. While the Sneaky's Classic (with two patties, American cheese, caramelized onions, pickles, and special sauce) is popular, consider branching out by trying the Aunt Babette (with pimento cheese, fried green tomato, fresh jalapeños, and Sneaky sauce). 
• DRINK THAT: The restaurant's located in the former Recess Brewing space, so it's only natural that you'd pair your burger with one of the more than 75 canned craft beers or dozen rotating draft beers.
• INSIDER TIP: The interior's eclectic décor includes historic campaign signs from co-owner Tyler Ottwein's grandfather, 94-year-old Merrill Ottwein, a former state senator. 307 N. Main, Edwardsville, Illinois.

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.

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Hi-Pointe Drive-In

Whether you choose to eat at the original location, in a converted shipping crate, complete with a neon rocket ship, 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 Toklahoma, a double cheeseburger with pickles seared in mustard with grilled onions, is serious burger business. Milkshakes, notably the creamy orange blossom–scented Dreamsicle, go hand in hand with the burgers and fries. hipointedrivein.com.

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Layla

The burger-and-shawarma locations both drip with pop culture décor and cheeky menu references. Burgers are bold and brash. Case in point: the Fungus Amongus, with a 6-ounce beef patty, hickory smoked bacon, Swiss, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, spring mix, and truffle aioli on a potato bun. 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. 20 Allen.

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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.

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Stacked Burger Bar

This Carondelet spot is not afraid to take risks with wild topping combinations. Match-ups like goat cheese and onion jam, and jalapeño-peach marmalade, Swiss, bacon, and spinach atop a turkey burger amp the flavor up to 11. The lengthy solid whiskey selection encourages a little imbibing with your burger. 7637 Ivory, Carondelet.

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Baileys’ Range

Open since 2011, the 6,000-square-foot, two-story flagship restaurant’s all about quality and variety. (A second location opened in a renovated former service station in July 2022.) 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. 4175 Shaw, 920 Olive.

BARBECUE MEETS BURGER

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

• Sugarfire Smoke House: The popular St. Louis–based barbecue chain grinds up a mixture of chuck, brisket, and short rib daily that’s so good, the owners spun it off into Hi-Pointe Drive-In.
• Duke’s BBQ Shack: Contrary to the pedestrian name, the Wentzville barbecue joint utilizes American Kobe beef for its Big Doobler double cheeseburger.
• Salt + Smoke: The barbecue chain's burger doubles up on bacon and beef. The St. Charles location’s popular tiered brick patio offers an abundance of outdoor seating along historic Main Street.
• The Midwestern: A gooey, two-handed rendition is topped with fry sauce, tomato jam, and soft pub cheese that might leave you looking like a toddler with a sloppy Joe.
• BBQ Saloon: How can you argue with two garlic-infused, smoked, mini smashburgers with cheese (unless you opt for the smoked, sliced filet mignon sliders with horseradish)? 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 half-pound bacon cheddar burger, with Hook’s cheddar, candied bacon, lemon Calabrian pepper aioli, and fried pickles. 10700 Watson, Sunset Hills.

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Planter’s House

Everything—the manchego cheese, chorizo jam, and serrano pepper relish—is inviting, and the bespoke cocktails are just as enjoyable. 1000 Mississippi, Lafayette Square.

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BC’s Kitchen

The Charlemagne of local burger royalty, the Angus bacon burger arrives with Swiss and cheddar, buoyed by a roasted garlic aioli. 11 Meadows Circle, Lake Saint Louis.

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Cleveland-Heath

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

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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.

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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.

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Truffles

The mile-high white American cheese burger with house-smoked bacon and caramelized onions served with herbed Parmesan fries is considered by many the gold standard in price and quality. Truffles’ fine-dining moniker extends outdoors to the most well-appointed tent in the city. 9202 Clayton, Ladue.

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The Crossing

It’s hard to beat this grass-fed, aged white cheddar burger with horseradish romaine slaw at lunchtime…well, unless you opt for an order of the craveable house-made French fries. 7823 Forsyth, Clayton.

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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, served with Parmesan aioli and ketchup, both on the side. 6 N. Sarah, Central West End.

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Cobalt Smoke & Sea

The enjoyably quirky eatery makes—no surprise—a delectably offbeat burger: Porky’s Burger, with bacon, arugula, grapes, and Boursin cheese. 12643 Olive, Creve Coeur.

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Annie Gunn’s

“Classic” describes this premium ground-in-house burger. Bejeweled with smoked bacon slabs and mustard aioli, it’s one of the best in town. 16806 Chesterfield Airport, Chesterfield.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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The Block

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

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Michael’s Bar & Grill

• EAT THIS: One of the best burger deals in town, 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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

• Schlafly Bottleworks: During the fall, order an Oktoberfest and the Bottleworks Cheeseburger, served on a brioche bun.
• Narrow Gauge Brewing: At Cugino’s, which serves as the defacto tasting room for the relocated brewery, patrons can find a creative take on a PB&J, a bacon and Swiss burger with homemade salted chipotle peanut butter and jalapeño-blackberry jam on a pretzel bun.
• 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.
• Urban Chestnut: The brewery's known for poutine and brats, but it also serves a quality smashed burger and frites.

THE CLASSIC BURGER SPOTS

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. 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.

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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. 

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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.

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Trainwreck Saloon

• EAT THIS: In case the 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.

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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.

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Fitz’s

• EAT THIS: The Bourbon burger’s mayo aioli, smoked cheddar, and bacon make it a favorite.
• DRINK THAT: Pair your burger with one of 20 (twenty!) ice cream floats. 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 Ronnie's Plaza. fitzsrootbeer.com. 

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The Parkmoor

• EAT THIS: The King Burger’s endured for generations.
• DRINK THAT: The curated cocktail menu includes a Spiked Sno-ball and a rotating barrel-aged cocktail.
• INSIDER TIP: Tuesday through Sunday lunch and dinner hours have been updated to include breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. 220 W. Lockwood, Webster Groves.

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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.

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The Royale

• EAT THIS: The Griddle Burger, whose brioche bun holds two 4-ounce, grass-fed beef 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.

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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.

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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: The Shaw restaurant makes a few standout veggie burgers, but the Make It Funky—with house-made barbecue sauce, vegan bacon, and caramelized onion—steals the show.
• Tree House: The popular vegetarian joint serves a delicious Beyond Burger topped with house pickles and mayo. 
• Frida’s: The signature Frida’s burger (topped with with tahini-chipotle slaw) may have met its match with an Impossible burger with white cheddar, grilled onion, tomato, arugula, and buffalo-seasoned mustard.
• Seedz Café: The vegetarian mainstay in DeMun serves a beet and black bean burger, with grilled pineapple and onion, pickled jalapeño, cashew cheez, and sriracha teriyaki glaze.
• Circle 7 Ranch: The popular restaurant 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).

AND DON'T FORGET...

Veritas

Topped with pimiento cheese, as well as pickled onions, quick pickles, onion jam, and greens (with the option to add braised pork jowl), the half-pound burger is a nod to the owners’ Southern lineage. (A quarter pounder is also available.) 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 affordable. 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. 

SuWaller’s Bar & Grill

Besides having a creditable half-pounder, 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. 

Westport Social

The $14 House Burger is made with sirloin, brisket, and a short rib blend, then topped with cheddar and bacon. You can also relax with bocce, Pop-A-Shot, ping-pong, and more. 910 Westport Plaza, Westport.

Gallagher’s

Housed in an 1870s building in downtown Waterloo, Gallagher's recently underwent a significant renovation of both its interior and menu. Among the options: the Duck Fat Burgers, with house ground, arugula, black diamond white cheddar, chipotle ketchup, house bread and butter pickle, brown sugar pepper bacon, and a brioche bun. 114 W. Mill, Waterloo.

Mia Sorella

The back patio is a popular spot at Trattoria Marcella’s sister spot. The incomparable Peppercorn Burger—with crispy fried onions, Fontina cheese, applewood smoked bacon, and aioli on a house-made sesame semolina bun—may be the most unexpected item on a local Italian restaurant menu. 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. 

Lester’s

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.

Pat Connolly Tavern

A family-run Irish pub with the hospitality you expect, Pat’s serves an 8-ounce Angus chuck (or Hungry Planet veggie burger), topped with fried pickles, pub cheese, pickled jalapeños, and chipotle remoulade. 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.

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. To devotees, a double SmokeShack—an Angus beef cheeseburger with applewood-smoked bacon, chopped cherry peppers, and ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun—equates to burger heaven. Multiple locations.

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.

BAR & GRILLS

• Mike Duffy’s Pub & Grill: Half-pounders rule here, though we add an order of Buffalo chicken wing Rangoon.
• Concord Grill: Choose from 50-plus burger styles, then stay for the deep-fried Twinkies.
• Seamus McDaniel’s: We’ve succumbed to a chili cheeseburger here more than once.
• SOHA Bar & Grill: Ten burgers—from 5 ounces to 20 ounces—are available. (We vote for the Hangover, with American cheese, bacon, tabasco mayo, and a sunny side up egg.)
• Clancy’s Pub: There are two locations in West County, both serving worthy (although different) burgers.