St. Louis may be known for toasted ravioli and Provel cheese, but ask any local and they’ll tell you the burger scene is just as legendary. From historic diners still smashing patties on the same griddle for 60 years to modern pubs experimenting with wild toppings, the Gateway City has something for every burger lover. Whether you’re hunting for an indulgent triple stack, a gourmet build with farm-fresh toppings, or a neighborhood tavern classic, these ten burger joints capture the very best of St. Louis in 2025.
1) Jack Nolen’s (Soulard)
Jack Nolen’s opened in Soulard in 2019 and quickly became a smash burger favorite. Its menu is intentionally short and focused—just singles, doubles, and triples with crispy, lace-edged patties cooked on a hot griddle. The bar offers a rotating craft beer selection, sports on TV, and a welcoming tavern vibe. The Bluetine Fries (a St. Louis-style poutine with blue cheese) are almost as famous as the burgers.
- Why go: One of the highest-rated burgers in Missouri.
- What to try: Double smash with American cheese, add the Bluetine fries.
- Local buzz:
“Top tier burger—up there with the city’s best.” - Where: 2501 S 9th St, St. Louis, MO
2) Carl’s Drive-In (Brentwood)
Carl’s is pure Americana—a tiny diner with just ten stools at the counter, unchanged since the 1950s. The grill sits right in front of you, sizzling with thin, smash-style patties that are cooked until perfectly caramelized. Pair your burger with onion rings and a frosted mug of homemade root beer. Carl’s is cash-only, further cementing its retro vibe.
- Why go: A living piece of STL burger history.
- What to try: Triple cheeseburger + root beer.
- Local buzz:
“Go old-school or go home.” - Where: 9033 Manchester Rd, Brentwood, MO
3) Stacked STL (Carondelet)
Stacked STL has built its reputation on choice—diners can build their own burger with dozens of proteins, toppings, sauces, and buns, or order from the creative signature menu. The industrial-style dining room feels modern yet casual, with plenty of room for groups. Their sides, especially fried pickles and mac & cheese, are big crowd-pleasers.
- Why go: A playground for burger customization.
- What to try: The Goat Burger (goat cheese, caramelized onions, arugula).
- Local buzz:
“Menu bursting with flavor—burgers cooked to perfection.” - Where: 7637 Ivory Ave, St. Louis, MO
4) Mac’s Local Eats (Dogtown @ Bluewood Brewing)
Mac’s Local Eats is famous for its rip fries and whole-animal smash burgers made from pasture-raised beef. The restaurant began as a pop-up before finding a permanent home inside Bluewood Brewing. Everything here has a foodie edge—pickles are house-made, toppings are farm-sourced, and the burgers come out with perfect crispy edges. Expect long lines, but it’s worth the wait.
- Why go: Local sourcing, cult following, legendary fries.
- What to try: Double rip-burger + rip fries with “dog sauce.”
- Local buzz:
“Masterpiece smash with fries that slap.” - Where: 5610 Oakland Ave, St. Louis, MO
5) Seamus McDaniel’s (The Hill)
Seamus McDaniel’s is an Irish-inspired pub that’s been serving burgers since the 1980s. Known for generous portions, this is where you go for a hearty, no-frills cheeseburger and a pint. Their outdoor patio is a neighborhood favorite in summer. Burgers here are thick and juicy, often requiring two hands and plenty of napkins.
- Why go: A long-running institution on The Hill.
- What to try: Chili cheeseburger or classic bacon cheeseburger.
- Local buzz:
“Cozy pub—one of the city’s best.” - Where: 1208 Tamm Ave, St. Louis, MO
6) Nomad’s Burger Pub (Tower Grove South)
Nomad’s Burger Pub brings creativity to the burger scene with unique toppings and sauces that rotate seasonally. The atmosphere is relaxed and eclectic, with an artsy, bar-style feel. They also offer vegan and vegetarian options, making it a more inclusive burger joint. Expect burgers with unexpected twists like hot honey, kimchi, or fried eggs.
- Why go: Innovative flavor combinations.
- What to try: The Burger of the Month—always adventurous.
- Local buzz:
“My favorite among the big STL names.” - Where: 1223 Lindenwood Ave, St. Louis, MO
7) Concord Grill (South County)
Concord Grill is a suburban favorite known for its massive menu of burgers—over 30 varieties ranging from classic bacon cheddar to wild combos like peanut butter & jalapeño. The casual dining room has an old-school, family restaurant feel. Portions are huge, making this a great value option in South County.
- Why go: Endless variety, hearty portions.
- What to try: Jalapeño cheddar burger or black & bleu burger.
- Local buzz:
“Hidden gem for 20+ years.” - Where: 11427 Concord Village Ave, St. Louis, MO
8) Five Star Burgers (Clayton)
Five Star Burgers has a simple philosophy: focus on quality ingredients and cook them right. Their beef is hormone- and antibiotic-free, and the vibe is sleek yet casual. The menu highlights regional flavors, like the green chile cheeseburger inspired by New Mexico. It’s a reliable go-to for both lunch breaks and casual dinners.
- Why go: Consistency, clean ingredients, friendly service.
- What to try: Green Chile Cheeseburger.
- Local buzz:
“Always on my short list.” - Where: 8125 Maryland Ave, Clayton, MO
9) The Village Bar (Des Peres)
The Village Bar is a no-frills, small-town-style tavern with old wooden booths, neon beer signs, and some of the most loyal customers in St. Louis. Their burgers are simple but well-executed, char-grilled, and paired best with a beer and fries. It’s the kind of place where regulars know your name.
- Why go: Classic neighborhood bar experience.
- What to try: Mushroom Swiss burger.
- Local buzz:
“One of the city’s most dependable patties.” - Where: 12247 Manchester Rd, Des Peres, MO
10) 9th Street Deli at Howard’s (Soulard)
Located inside Howard’s bar in Soulard, this deli has a cult following thanks to its hand-patted burgers made with fresh ground beef. The atmosphere is more dive-bar than restaurant, but that’s part of the charm. The burgers are juicy, perfectly seasoned, and often paired with live music and a cold beer.
- Why go: A hidden gem with serious burger cred.
- What to try: Classic cheeseburger with American cheese and pickles.
- Local buzz:
“One of the best I’ve ever had.” - Where: 2732 S 13th St, St. Louis, MO
Exploring the best burgers in St. Louis isn’t just about the food—it’s about the stories behind each spot. These restaurants represent decades of tradition, innovation, and community pride, all served between two buns. No matter where you start, you’re guaranteed to find a burger worth remembering. So grab a friend, bring your appetite, and take a bite out of St. Louis—one burger at a time.