Best Burger Joints Most People Miss in Salt Lake City

BRUCE BIGFORD

If you’re searching for hidden burger joints in Salt Lake City, you’re probably not looking for the same “top 10” list everyone shares. You want the spots that locals hit when they want a burger that actually delivers—without the hype, long waits, or tourist lines.

This guide is all about hidden gem burgers in SLC, including a few hole-in-the-wall favorites that most people overlook. Whether you want a quick downtown bite or a classic neighborhood burger, these are some of the best burgers in Salt Lake City that still feel like a secret. Here is your top 5.

1. Just Burgers 

Fresh wagyu burgers and fries cooked in tallow

Just Burgers (2 locatons) is one of the most underrated Salt Lake City burger places because it’s located inside Harmons City Creek, and Harmons South Jordan Pkwy meaning a lot of people don’t even realize it’s there. The big win here is consistency—fast service, clean setup, and a burger that is higher quality than a typical quick-stop meal.

They use wagyu beef from Snake River Farms. The best part is the customization: there’s a toppings bar that lets you build your burger exactly how you want it, which makes it a perfect option when you don’t want to commit to a full sit-down place. You won't go wrong when you try Just Burgers.

Recommended: Classic Cheeseburger + fries
Local Tip: Make sure you get the fries, they are fried in tallow

      Daybreak Location inside Harmons: 4727 South Jordan Pkwy, South Jordan
📞 (801) 302-3400 

      Downtown Location inside Harmons:135 E 100 S, Salt Lake City

 📞(801) 428-0375
🌐 Just Burgers

2.  Lake Effect 

Half-Pound Bison Done Right (Downtown SLC) 

Lake Effect is known as a downtown restaurant and nightlife spot, but the burger deserves its own spotlight. The Lake Effect Burger is built around a half-pound bison patty and stacked with tomato, shredded lettuce, sharp cheddar cheese, onions, dill pickles, and topped with a roasted garlic aioli sauce.

It comes with house-cut fries or a small house salad, and there’s even a chickpea-beet burger substitution if someone in your group wants a non-meat option. If you’re hunting for a downtown Salt Lake City burger that feels premium, this one’s a sleeper pick.

Recommended: Lake Effect Burger + house-cut fries
Local Tip: This is a great “before an event” burger spot downtown since you can grab a real meal without hopping to another location.

      155 W 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
📞 (801) 532-2068
🌐 Lake Effect

3. Virg’s (Taylorsville)

Neighborhood Classic That’s Way Better Than It Looks

Virg’s is a legit “hidden gem” because it isn’t marketed like a burger joint—it’s a long-running family restaurant—but the burger lineup is stronger than most people expect. Their Taylorsville location has standard favorites. Cheeseburgers with all kinds of toppings, plus Utah-style options like a pastrami burger for anyone who wants to level up.

If you’re looking for hole in the wall burgers in Utah that don’t feel touristy, Virg’s is a solid local play, especially if you want something classic and filling.  Virg's has multiple locations. Click on the website for more information.  

Recommended: Bacon Cheeseburger (or Pastrami Burger if you’re going full Utah)
Local Tip: If you’ve never been, this is one of those “order classic first” places—then branch out next visit.

      5570 S Redwood Rd, Taylorsville, UT
📞 (801) 968-7180
🌐 Virg's

4.  Patty Shack (Taylorsville) 

Fresh never frozen high quality burgers

Patty Shack is a true underrated burger stop because it’s not downtown, it’s not trendy, and it doesn’t rely on hype, it's a true hole-in-the-wall burger joint. The burgers are the whole point.

It’s the kind of place where people come for classics like a bacon cheeseburger, and it’s also a strong Utah-style choice if you’re into pastrami burgers. Patty Shack earns its spot because it stays focused: burgers, fries, and big portions that actually satisfy and are delicious.

Recommended: Paddy Daddy triple patty with bacon and pastrami.
Local Tip: Dont' miss out on the fries.  Yum!

      1207 W 4800 S, Taylorsville, UT 84123
📞 (385) 474-6167
🌐 Patty Shack

5. Chubby’s (Multiple Utah Locations) 

Big Comfort Burgers + Famous Fries

Chubby’s Cafe is a Utah-born, family-owned fast-casual spot known for fresh, never-frozen Creekstone Premium Black Angus burgers and crispy-edged smashed patties. It has that laid-back local vibe, with bold toppings and a menu built for comfort food cravings.

The standout order is the Chubby Deluxe, stacked with double patties, American cheese, bacon, grilled onions, and their signature fry sauce. Other favorites include pastrami burgers, guacamole bacon burgers, and spicy jalapeño ranch options. Their beer-battered fries are a must, especially loaded styles like elote or asada fries. Originally founded in Pleasant Grove, Chubby’s has since expanded across the Wasatch front.

Recommended: Chubby Burger + beer-battered fries
Local Tip: If you want the “true Chubby’s experience,” the fries are non-negotiable.  Check the website for other locations

      1276 W 12600 S, Riverton, UT 84065
📞 (801) 999-4783
🌐 Chubby's

Looking for something other than burgers?  Check our our 15 best pizza places in Salt Lake City 👇

Final Bite — Hidden Burger Joints Worth the Drive

If you’re tired of the same “famous” burger lists, these five spots are a strong starting point. They’re affordable, satisfying, and feel like real local favorites—exactly the kind of places that earn their reputation one customer at a time. Next time you’re craving a burger, skip the obvious options and try one of these hidden gem burger joints in Salt Lake City.