Best Burgers in KC

May is National Hamburger Month. Celebrate the American classic with a trip to one of our favorite diners, drive-ins or dives.

• Smitty's Garage Burger and Beer

  The newest restaurant on our list, Smitty's isn't your typical burger joint. This restaurant specializes in specialty burgers—and we're talking specialty! The Garage offers everything from bison to turkey to angus beef burgers and vegan patties. And their fries? The house cut fries served with a variety of dipping sauces and homemade chips are favorites.

• Town Topic

  Kansas City’s original greasy spoon with three locations (TownTopic.com), has been open for more than 75 years as a local landmark. In 1937, Claude Sparks opened the original location at 24th & Broadway, where he sold hamburgers for 5 cents each. At the end of his first day, he pocketed a whopping $21.00, and now the diner is a favorite for greasy home-style breakfasts, diner-style burgers, hand-dipped malts and fresh pie.

• Town Topic

  One of two downtown locations.

• Town Topic

  One of two downtown locations.

• Johnny Ray's Drive-In

  Since 1956, has been serving steakburgers with “all the fixin’s,” homemade malts and see-through-the-bag fries and rings at a drive-in that feels as though it is straight from the screen of a ’50s car classic. Celebrating the vibe, they host cruise-ins every third Saturday of the month, 3:00-10:00, all summer long. Enjoy the classic cars on display … with a side of fries.

• Tara's Cafe & Malt Shop

  Tara's Cafe & Malt Shop is the perfect lunch spot after a day riding the rails on the Belton, Grandview and Kansas City Railroad. The café, a neighborhood hangout and local favorite, is your classic greasy spoon, serving tenderloins, burgers, chili dogs, a variety of desserts and ice cream dishes. The chocolate Coke, as found only in the finest of diners and dives, is a must!

• Christy's Tasty Queen

  Christy's Tasty Queen has been serving customers for more than 40 years. When you feast at this authentic drive-in, you eat in your car or at a picnic table. Christy’s is best known for their amazing tenderloin, but the juicy, thick burgers are another classic that can’t be missed.