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The 13 Best Burgers in Salt Lake City: An Insider Guide
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The 13 Best Burgers in Salt Lake City: An Insider Guide |
Discover the top burger spots that define Salt Lake City's unique culinary landscape. |
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Editor’s Note: This guide was fully updated in January 2026 to reflect current menus, new downtown locations, and the latest local burger trends. |
Salt Lake City’s burger scene isn’t about flash or gimmicks — it’s about comfort, tradition, and bold local preferences. From Greek-influenced drive-ins to chef-driven smash burgers and unapologetic pastrami stacks, the best burgers in the 801 reflect how people here actually eat.
This guide focuses on the burger joints locals trust — the places that earn repeat visits, late-night cravings, and word-of-mouth loyalty.
What Makes Burgers in Salt Lake City Different?
Burgers in Salt Lake City tend to be bigger, richer, and more indulgent than in other cities. Pastrami-topped burgers are a local staple, fry sauce is mandatory, and smash burgers with crispy, lacy edges are everywhere for a reason. Whether it’s an old-school drive-in or a modern food hall, SLC burgers prioritize flavor and familiarity over fleeting trends.
The 13 Best Burger Places in Salt Lake City
1. Central 9th Market
Central 9th Market has quietly become one of the most talked-about burger spots in Salt Lake City, and it all comes down to restraint. Their smash burger is thin, aggressively seared, and deeply flavorful, thanks to a high-fat beef blend that crisps beautifully on the griddle. The bun is made in-house daily, soft enough to soak up juices but sturdy enough to hold together.
This is the kind of burger that feels simple until you take a bite — then you realize every detail was intentional.
The Insider Secret: While Central 9th is a full-service market by day, the burgers are a 'sun-down' specialty. They are typically served Monday through Saturday starting at 5:00 PM. They often sell out fast, so keep an eye on their Instagram stories to make sure they haven't cleared the grill before you arrive!
Recommended: Double Cheeseburger
161 W 900 S, Salt Lake City
2. Cotton Bottom Inn
Cotton Bottom Inn is legendary, and not because it tries to be. The Garlic Cheeseburger is rich, heavy, and unapologetic — thick beef, melted cheese, and a punch of garlic butter that lingers long after the last bite. It’s the kind of burger you crave after skiing, hiking, or a long workday.
The atmosphere is pure Utah bar culture: dim lights, wood interiors, and decades of stories soaked into the walls.
Recommended: Garlic Cheeseburger
2820 E 6200 S, Holladay
3. Woody’s Drive-In
Woody’s feels frozen in time in the best way possible. This Millcreek staple delivers exactly what a classic drive-in burger should: double patties, melted American cheese, shredded lettuce, and a toasted bun that holds it all together without falling apart.
The Big Woody isn’t fancy — it’s comforting, filling, and deeply familiar. This is the kind of burger locals grew up eating.
Recommended: Big Woody with hand-cut fries
617 E 3900 S, Millcreek
4. BGR Burgers
BGR (The Burger Joint) BGR has mastered the art of the "steakhouse burger" in a casual setting. Instead of thin patties, they use a Prime-grade beef blend—a mix of chuck, brisket, and short rib—that is grilled over an open flame to your exact preferred temperature. It’s a thick, hearty patty that delivers a deep, smoky char you just can't get from a flat-top griddle.
This is the burger for the purist who wants to taste the quality of the meat. From the buttered brioche bun to the fresh-cut toppings, every element is designed to support, not distract from, that high-end beef.
Recommended: The Wagyu Wellington: A decadent Wagyu patty infused with truffle and topped with deep-roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, bleu cheese, and a signature mojo.
945 S 300 W, Salt Lake City 📞 (385) 525-8600
5. California Burgers & Deli
California Burgers is a masterclass in the classic Utah "everything" menu, where the variety is just as impressive as the quality. While most places thinly slice their pastrami, California Burgers is known for a slightly thicker, juicier cut that gives the 'California Burger' a massive, savory profile. Their strength lies in a massive selection of burgers that range from standard drive-thru classics to specialty builds you won't find anywhere else.
Every patty is cooked to order and served with that distinct, old-school diner char that defines the State Street food scene. It’s fast, consistent, and offers a burger for every craving—no frills, just a local staple that never misses.
Recommended: The California Burger—topped with bacon, avocado, and Swiss for a fresh, creamy finish.
306 N 300 W, Salt Lake City
6. Lucky’s Iron Door
Lucky’s Iron Door brings the oversized, indulgent burgers of Lucky 13 to a more relaxed, family-friendly setting. The patties are thick and juicy, the bacon is house-smoked, and the toppings lean bold — rosemary garlic, blue cheese, and heavy sauces.
This is where you go when you want a burger that feels like a full meal. Its a big portion so you may even bring some home for later. The Bear Burger is a local beast—topped with peanut butter, bacon, and sriracha, it’s the perfect salty-sweet-spicy combo for adventurous eaters.
Recommended: Rosemary Garlic Burger or Bear Burger
3754 W Center Park Dr, West Jordan
7. Dom’s Burgers
Located inside The Woodbine food hall, Dom’s has transitioned from a popular pop-up to a permanent destination. They specialize in the Oklahoma Onion Burger, where thin onions are smashed directly into the beef for a sweet, charred flavor.
The Technique: Smashing onions into the patty creates a "lacy," crispy edge that defines their signature style. Since it’s in a food hall, it’s fast-paced and convenient, but the quality stays at a "chef-driven" level.
The Build: They keep it simple with American cheese, pickles, and a soft bun, letting the onion-infused beef do the work.
Recommended: The Double Oklahoma Onion Burger. Insider Tip: Being in a food hall makes this a great spot for groups.
545 West 700 S, Salt Lake City
8. Rich’s Burgers-N-Fries
Rich’s focuses on grass-fed beef and gourmet toppings, giving their burgers a cleaner, heartier bite. The flavors are bold but thoughtful, often featuring blue cheese, balsamic reductions, or tropical elements like pineapple.
The fries deserve special mention — they’re crispy, generous, and heavily loaded if you want them to be.
Recommended: Blue Cheese Burger or Maui Wowi
30 E Broadway, Salt Lake City
9. Pago
The Pago Burger is a standout for anyone who values sourcing and balance over sheer size. As a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement in Salt Lake, Pago treats their burger with the same respect as a high-end steak.
The patty is made from grass-fed, locally sourced beef, which gives it a deeper, more complex flavor than your average burger. It’s a sophisticated build that relies on high-quality ingredients rather than gimmicks to deliver a memorable meal.
The Flavor Profile: It’s known for the "Pago style" toppings: funky pickled onions, peppery arugula, and a rich truffle aioli. The Cheese: They use white cheddar, providing a sharp, salty kick that cuts through the earthiness of the truffle. The Bun: Served on a toasted artisan bun that manages to stay light while holding everything together perfectly.
Recommended: The Pago Burger (the menu classic). Insider Tip: If you’re there for brunch, this burger pairs surprisingly well with their house-made bloody marys or a crisp local cider.
878 South 900 East, Salt Lake City
10. From Scratch
From Scratch is a must for this list because they take their name literally. Located in the downtown Gallivan district, they are one of the few places in the city that mills their own flour and bakes their own buns daily. The kitchen uses a wood-fired oven for almost everything, giving their burgers a distinct smoky char that you can't get from a standard flat-top grill.
.Wood-Fired Flavor: The beef is hit with intense heat from real wood fire, creating a unique crust and a deep, campfire-esque smoky flavor profile.The "Scratch" Elements: From the house-made ketchup and mustard to the hand-cut fries, every single component of the meal is made in-house.
Recommended: The Scratch Burger is the signature, topped with balsamic onions, white cheddar, and their house-made smoked bacon. Insider Tip: If you like heat, ask for their house-made hot sauce; it’s fermented in-house.
62 E Gallivan Ave, Salt Lake City
11. Proper Burger Co.
Proper Burger Co. is where high-concept culinary creativity meets the laid-back energy of a neighborhood brewery. While other spots stick to the basics, Proper is famous for pushing boundaries with bold, chef-driven flavors. It’s a place that manages to be both a "more is more" gourmet shop and a welcoming hangout for everyone.
The Rarebit Legend: Their crown jewel is the Rarebit Burger, smothered in a velvety Guinness cheese sauce and crispy fried onions. It’s a rich, savory icon of the SLC food scene.
The Inclusivity King: They set the city’s gold standard for plant-based options. Their house-made vegan and vegetarian patties aren't an afterthought—they are built with the same gourmet respect as the beef.
Sitting right next to Proper Brewing Co., the menu is specifically designed to pair with bold craft beers, from their house pickles to the umami-heavy sauces.
Recommended: The Rarebit Burger is the essential order, but the Rising Sun (kimchi and miso aioli) is a must for fans of funky flavors. Insider Tip: Grab the Cilantro Fries—the fresh, herbal kick is the perfect foil to the rich Guinness cheese sauce.
865 S Main St, Salt Lake City
12. Burger Fusion
Burger Fusion is a modern, high-end spot that treats burgers like gourmet entrees. They’ve gained a fast reputation for using a premium chuck-wagyu beef blend, giving their patties a rich, buttery texture that sets them apart from the standard local joints. It’s the perfect place for "burger geeks" who want complex flavor profiles and house-made everything.
The Beef: The wagyu-cross blend is the star here, offering a much juicier and more flavorful foundation than your average patty. They are famous for unique combinations featuring ingredients like hot honey pickles and balsamic-caramelized onions.
The Sides: Their Fried Havarti Pickle Spears are a local obsession, and their house-made chips are designed to be dipped in a variety of artisanal sauces.
Recommended: The Velvet Smoke Show—it’s a masterclass in balancing premium toppings with a perfect sear. Insider Tip: Order a side of the Garlic Parmesan sauce; it’s a game-changer for both the burgers and the chips.
490 S 700 E, Salt Lake City 📞 (510)-426-8440
13. Apollo Burger
Apollo Burger represents Utah fast-casual at its best. Their Burgers are char broiled for awesome taste. You can have it your way with toppings like mushrooms, pinapple, bacon, pastrami and more. There signature burger is the Utah burger.
The Utah burger has a juicy beef patty with smoked pastrami, bacon, gyro meat, American cheese, fresh vegetables, and their signature Apollo Sauce on a cornmeal bun, delivering a rich, Greek-influenced spin on Utah’s beloved pastrami burger.
It’s fast, reliable, and deeply rooted in SLC food culture.
Recommended: Utah Burger
Multiple locations check their website below
Final Take: Finding Your Perfect SLC Burger
Salt Lake City’s burger scene is a perfect reflection of the city itself—a blend of deep-rooted Greek-American traditions and a new wave of creative, chef-driven energy. Whether you are chasing the nostalgia of a charbroiled drive-in classic or looking for a refined smash burger in the heart of downtown, the 801 has something to satisfy every craving.
From the "Pink Gold" (fry sauce) flowing at Apollo Burger to the legendary garlic punch at the Cotton Bottom, these 13 spots represent the best of the Wasatch Front. The next time someone asks you where to find the best burger in the Beehive State, you’ll have 13 perfect answers ready to go.
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