Where Can You Get Best Burgers in
Utah for 2025 – 2026?

Updated For 2025-2026

Of course, Utahns love a good burger. Visitors do, too. And after many decades of exploring the state from Logan to St. George, I’ve learned that a list of the best burgers in Utah is one of those impossible endeavors.

Burger styles abound and everyone has their own opinion. I’ve also learned two more truths. Utah’s burger scene keeps evolving. And some legends never fade. Several of the originals on this list have gone out of business. 

It’s hard to keep up but here’s my fresh, newly researched and field-tested (at least some of them) list of the best burgers in Utah. I originally wrote a very average version of this article … I’ll admit it … a long time ago. 

With more than 400 pages on this site, it’s challenging to go back and update every one of them. However, I noticed that my page, “Best Burgers in Utah” was receiving a lot of hits. Despite its mediocrity. 

So, I figured it was time to write a page that was at least up to date. It blends new standouts with old favorites - plus a few regional picks. So no matter where you’re road-tripping, a burger enthusiast can hunt down a great burger without guesswork.

A quick note on how this article was written. Flavor first, a big beefy burger patty (or two), then bun integrity, fresh toppings, value, and that “I’d drive out of my way for this again” factor. Atmosphere doesn’t hurt. And, of course, incorporating the opinions of other burger aficionados helps cover all the bases. 

For those who prefer a keto or carnivorish burger, which ones do bunless or lettuce wrapped? Well, almost any of these will do that for you. Yes, it’s a thing. Just ask. 

Some of them won’t even look at you with that “Are you kidding me right now?” look. Extra credit for Utah personality (hello, pastrami and fry sauce) and places that feel like … well, Utah.

Salt Lake City & the Wasatch Front

Lucky 13 Bar & Grill (SLC)

Still a Salt Lake City icon and a consistent awards magnet. Lucky 13 turns out smoky, beefy monsters stacked with house-smoked bacon. One of the best bites in the state when you want a full-throttle burger and a cold drink (topped with some American cheese). 

It’s been around for a couple of decades and is usually busy for a good reason. The place routinely lands “best burger in Utah” nods from local outlets. It also has fantastic customer reviews. 

Where: 135 West 1300 South, SLC, UT

The Cotton Bottom (Holladay)- Garlic Legend

Utah’s most famous garlic burger got a second life after a renovation and expansion a few years back. This place has a fascinating history, which can be explored online.

While it is now usually referred to simply as "The Cotton Bottom," its full name for much of its history was the "Cotton Bottom Inn."

It still has the same old-style bar vibe. The Bar X Group bought it and kept the beloved recipe. They also made the hangout bigger and brighter. It’s just down the road from where I live.

Order the garlic burger, find a patio spot (if you can), and savor a 50-year tradition done right. Take your chances as we consistently show up to a full parking lot and patio. 

Where: 2820 East 6200 South, Holladay, UT

Crown Burgers (Multiple Locations) - Pastrami Royalty

Utah’s signature is the pastrami burger and Crown Burger popularized it. The “Crown” stacks shaved pastrami over a juicy patty with thousand-island style sauce. It’s messy in the best possible way and a rite of passage for burger lovers visiting SLC. 

When I worked in the transportation industry, I recall being asked multiple times by out-of-town visitors to take them to Crown for lunch. They just had to try one of those fantastic "Crown burgers". I always add crispy bacon to mine instead of pastrami. 

Crown offers an awesome lettuce-wrapped (bun-free) burger for those who prefer not to have the buns or bread. I know. What’s a perfect burger without a bun? Pretty darn good, I think. They provide great service if you order online and then pick it up in person. 

Check online for locations.

Hires Big H (SLC & Midvale) – Fry Sauce Classic

A retro Utah staple credited with spreading the gospel of fry sauce. The quarter-pound ground chuck Big H, with a side of those hand-cut fries, is pure nostalgia. It has been one of the best burgers in Utah for half a century. 

I recall this place vividly from when I first arrived in Utah as a college athlete from Canada. A long time ago! Great burgers then and now. But still good value. 

Where: 425 S 700 E, SLC, UT; 835 Fort Union Blvd, Midvale, UT

Proper Burger Co. (SLC)

Creative without being fussy. Try anything “Proper Style” (cheese, caramelized onions, house sauce) or go for their Johnny Utah with turkey pastrami - fun, flavorful, and very SLC. 

Bonus: for perfect pairing, combine with a Proper beer next door. 

Where: 865 Main Street, SLC, UT; Avenues – 376 8th Ave., SLC, UT; 1053 East 2100 South, SLC, UT

Northern Utah

Burger Bar (Roy) - The Big Ben

Family-owned since 1956 and as old-school as it gets. Order the Big Ben (or a seasonal wild-game special if they’re running one), snag a stool, and enjoy a little Utah burger history that’s still very much alive.

Where: 5291 S 1900 W, Roy, UT

Morty’s Café (Logan)

Laid-back college-town favorite near Utah State with reliable classics and fun one-offs. Great stop if you’re cruising through Cache Valley or headed to Bear Lake.

Where: 780 E 700 N, Logan, UT

Utah County

Seven Brothers (Provo) - Island-Style Indulgence

Born on Oahu, thriving in Provo. The Paniolo/Cowboy-style stacks crispy onion rings, grilled pineapple, bacon, and BBQ sauce for a sweet-smoky bomb that somehow stays balanced. Family-friendly and consistent.

Where: They now have multiple locations in Provo, Pleasant Grove, Saratoga Springs, and St. George.

JCW’s The Burger Boys (American Fork, Lehi, Provo, more)

A local chain with a big menu and generous portions. It’s the kind of place where everyone in the car finds something they want - burgers, onion rings, and shakes are all recommended. 

Where: American Fork, Lehi, Provo, Herriman, South Jordan. Go here to get the locations.

Heber Valley & Park City

Dairy Keen - Home of the Train (Heber City)

A beloved Heber institution (since the late 1960s) that just grabbed a stack of 2025 Best of State awards, including “local burgers.” Literally one of the best burgers in Utah.

Get the Train Burger and an over-the-top shake before or after a ride around the valley. Whenever we come back from fishing at Strawberry, this is a favorite stop.

Where: 199 S Main St, Heber City, UT

No Name Saloon & Annex Burger (Park City) - Buffalo Burger

Park City’s most famous burger is actually bison. And bison burgers are incredible if done right. They can be dry if not treated correctly.

Half-pound, juicy, and perfect after a day on the trails or the slopes. If you’ve got kids in tow, Annex Burger next door is the under-21 option.

Where: 447 Main Street, Park City, UT

Moab & Southern Utah

Milt’s Stop & Eat (Moab) - Roadside Perfection

A vintage drive-in with grass-fed burgers, green-chili add-ons, and that Moab sun on your shoulders. It’s a rite of passage en route to Slickrock or Arches. The line moves faster than you think.

Where: 356 S Mill Creek Dr, Moab, UT

Morty’s Café (St. George)

Same Morty’s attitude down south - casual, quick, and ideal after a red-rock hike or a round of golf. Keep an eye out for fun seasonal specials (their “Thank You Thursday” deals are a local favorite).

Where: 702 E St George Blvd, St. George, UT

Tooele Area

Dairy Delight (Tooele) - Old-Fashioned Classic

A Tooele staple with small-town charm and a big, beefy payoff. Order the Old-Fashioned Burger (their signature) and a thick shake. Then grab a booth and watch the steady stream of locals roll through.

My son will attest to this being one of the best burgers in Utah as he has been there several times. It’s exactly the kind of place Utah road trips were made for: affordable, unpretentious, and reliably satisfying.

Where: 46 W 100 S, Tooele, UT

New(ish) & Novel

In-N-Out - Multiple Locations

The California classic added a South Salt Lake location in February 2025, pushing Utah’s count to 14 statewide. If you want chain coverage ... especially out-of-towners hunting that double-double ... add this one. Drive-thru; late hours; expect lines.

MOOYAH (South Jordan) — now open at The District

A national better-burger chain joined the South Valley mix in April 2025. Think customizable builds, shakes, and family-friendly counter service - helpful for folks based in Daybreak or The District. Fast-casual, easy parking, modern feel.

Where: 11428 South Parkway Drive; South Jordan, UT 84095

Central 9th Market Monday Burger Night (SLC) - cult-favorite pop-up

On Monday evenings, the wood-fired market flips to smash-burger mode and draws lines for a weekly one-night-only fix; casual patio scene when the weather’s kind.

Call it a fun local secret hiding in plain sight. Limited window; outdoor vibe; occasionally, a vegan option appears.

Where: 161 West 900 South; Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Burgertory (West Valley City) — horror-themed “gore-met” fun

A campy, movie-poster-lined burger joint with jalapeño-habanero sauces, punny names, and big portions. It’s a mood.

Sometimes that mood is exactly what a birthday group or after-movie crew wants. Sit-down, family-friendly with a sense of humor.

Where: 3197 S Redwood Rd., Suite 9, West Valley City, UT

Honorable Mentions (Because I Can’t Help Myself)

Apollo Burger - For drive-thru pastrami fix statewide.

Annex Burger (Park City) – Mentioned above. For under-21 families who still want the No Name energy and burgers.

Fries, Sauces, and Pairings
(because a burger rarely travels alone)

• Utah runs on fry sauce, and Hires Big H helped carry that banner. 
• Proper’s onion rings have heft
• Lucky 13’s chips and sides are built for a pint
• Dairy Keen’s shakes share top billing with the burgers. 
• If you're chasing caramelized onions, start with Proper's "Proper Style"
• If you’re a green chili person, Milt’s in Moab has been doing right by chili and classic diner toppings longer than most of us have been alive. 

Take-Out Vs. Sit-Down at a Glance

• Take-out naturals: Dairy Delight (Tooele), Burger Bar (Roy), Crown Burgers (most locations), Apollo Burger, JCW’s. Speed plus consistency for road-trippers and ball teams.

• Sit-down & linger: The Cotton Bottom, Proper Burger Co., Hires Big H (SLC & Midvale), Dairy Keen (Heber). Good for a real conversation and a basket of fries.

• 21+ pub energy: Lucky 13, No Name Saloon (Annex next door for families). Big flavors, big crowds, big fun.

FAQ-ish Quick Hits

Where can I get a great veggie burger?
Proper Burger Co. does meat-free well, I'm told. Thoughtful builds that still feel like a good burger moment, not a compromise. Some chains (MOOYAH, Tonyburgers) rotate options. Check menus. 

Best burger near downtown Salt Lake City before a game?
Lucky 13 if you’re 21+. Hires Big H for the old-school vibe, Proper Burger if you want something a little different (and a beer next door). 

Is the pastrami burger really a Utah thing?
Absolutely. And Crown Burgers helped make it the local calling card. You’ll also find riffs at Proper and Apollo. 

Any Monday-night one-offs?
Central 9th Market’s Monday Burger Night has become a weekly ritual for many locals: a limited window with big flavor. 

Final Bites About
The Best Burgers In Utah

I’m still partial to a backyard burger on a summer night. Fantastic burgers smoked and temperature-checked on my Traeger. But these Utah spots keep my wife and me happily “researching” year-round. 

If you’ve got a can’t-miss burger I need to try, especially in smaller towns, send it my way, and I’ll try to keep this page fresh. I’ll even take a special road trip to try it out.

Disclaimer here – These outlets for the best burgers in Utah were last verified in November 2025. Hours and menus change. Eating establishments come and go and sometimes they go quickly. It’s not my fault. Always check before you go. 

Thins to Do in The Salt Lake City Area

Best Hotels in the Salt Lake City Area

Bryce Canyon National Park

Canyonlands National Park

Wasatch Mountains

Lake Powell

Zion National Park

Arches National Park

Great Salt Lake

Monument Valley