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Holy *Cow! (*and Turkey, Salmon, Black Bean): 25+ Best Burgers

Hot, juicy hamburgers are always a hit. Something about a fresh-baked bun slathered with sauce, perfectly cooked patty, and extra-fresh fixings make America’s quintessential cuisine a real crowd-pleaser. And though not all burgers are created equal, our region is full of some truly meaty (and non-meat) masterpieces. Keep reading for over 25 of our favorites.

El Paso Burger, photo by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group

 

Don’t mess with Texas—unless we’re talking ’bout burgers! The El Paso Burger from Bricks Eats & Drinks pays tribute to the Lone Star State with its big, bold flavors. Served with bacon, fried onions, cheddar cheese, pickled jalapeños, lettuce, tomato, and piquant chipotle BBQ sauce on a brioche roll, it’s a welcome change if you’re suffering from basic burger burnout.
Pro Tip: You can substitute gluten-free bread or vegan patties for any of their burgers—and, yes, they’re equally tasty!
482 Main Street, Placerville, 530-303-3480, bricksonmainstreet.com

Chef’s Signature Burger

 

If you think a restaurant famous for its seafood can’t make a mouthwatering burger, you’re in for a surprise! The Chef’s Signature Burger at Scott’s Seafood Roundhouse takes a traditional American dish up a notch with high-brow ingredients: buttery brie cheese and bacon jam you see gracing cheese boards of high-end wineries. Staying true to the American spirit of a burger, Scott’s Seafood generously garnishes their burger in Woodford Reserve BBQ sauce and finishes it off with crispy onion strings and peppery arugula.
PRO TIP: Choose from a rotating menu of gelato flavors to end your meal on a sweet note.
824 Sutter Street, Folsom, 916-989-6711, scottsseafoodroundhouse.com

Peanut Butter Burger, Dante Fontana © Style Media Group

 

Branch out from your ordinary all-American burger with the Peanut Butter Burger from Brickyard. Starting from a solid base—a patty made from a blend of fresh short rib, brisket, and juicy chuck—the adventure continues with the minimal but creative toppings: Thai peanut and hoisin sauce, which brings a unique sweet and salty flavor; sharp white cheddar, and pickled jalapeños for a hint of heat. Topping it all off is everyone’s favorite: bacon.
Pro Tip: Enjoy live music with your meal Thursday-Saturday.
1475 Eureka Road, Suite 120, Roseville, 916-836-8406; 4364 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 128, El Dorado Hills, 916-772-9464, brickyard916.com

Original Bad-Ass

 

Considering just how good the food at Mom & Pop Chicken Shop is, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they serve one wicked cheeseburger—the Original Bad-Ass. The name says it all here. Their signature buns are unbelievably soft and buttery but hardy enough to hold together a juicy patty, with loads of hickory bacon cooked to perfection, and all the fixings—drunken Jack & Coke onions with a caramelized and smoky flavor, “shop sauce,” garlic pickles, and iceberg lettuce.
Pro Tip: For a couple extra dollars, you can upgrade to a double patty.
4355 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 114, El Dorado Hills, 916-673-9563, chxshp.com

Oklahoma Smash Burger

 

So, you’ve decided to grab a cold one at Folsom Tap House. Why not soak up the suds with a burger? Their menu ensures crowd-pleasers like the popular Oklahoma Smash Burger (“smashed” with sauteed onions, Dijon mustard, pickles, and American cheese). It’s a fan favorite for good reason—they don’t skimp on quality or quantity—but you’ll need to bring your appetite, as the portions are plentiful.
Pro Tip: Order the horseradish white cheddar (extra charge) for an extra kick.
25005 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 140, Folsom, 916-292-5711, folsomtaphouse.com

Whiskey Burger

 


Whether you head to Amador County for a day of wine tasting or stay for the weekend, you’re in good hands at Hotel Sutter—especially if the craving for a burger comes. Sit outside on their cozy balcony overlooking historic Main Street or on the spacious back patio and dig into the Whiskey Burger. This meaty, messy mouthful comes complete with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and cheddar, with a hefty helping of crispy onion strings, house-made BBQ sauce, and—for those who dare—a $5 whiskey shooter beforehand. Ask your server for an extra stack of napkins, because there’s no neat way to devour this delight.
Pro Tip: What’s better than a burger and fries? A burger and beats! Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday evening on their back patio.
53 Main Street, Sutter Creek, 209-267-0242, hotelsutter.com/restaurant-bars

Hangover Burger; Photo by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group

 

It’s been quite the night and now you’re left with the biggest hangover. What do you do? Make a beeline for Bar 101 Eats & Drinks, of course. Their Hangover Burger is just the cure for your boozy blues. This Angus beef patty is topped with a comforting fried egg, bacon, hash browns, and American cheese, and comes with copious amounts of fries (or chips or salad). It’s like a warm embrace in the form of a burger.
Pro Tip: Bar 101 not only brings the cure but also the celebration. Check out their end-of-week live music nights or their Wednesday open mic night.
101 Main Street, Roseville, 916-774-0505, bar101roseville.com

Tom’s Burgers & Frosty brings the nostalgia with their old-school offerings. Fantastic frozen treats, banana splits, and malted shakes aside, this joint also makes some good burgers and sandwiches. Their Ranch Burger is served on a soft but firm hoagie roll and holds lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, onions, and your choice of American, Jack, or Swiss cheese. It’s a tasty mouthful and a great precursor to their even tastier desserts!
Pro Tip: Add an extra patty or pastrami (extra charge) to really “beef” up your burger.   
567 Placerville Drive, Placerville, 530-295-8199, toms-burgers-frosty.edan.io

Salmon Avocado Burger

 

We could never forget about our pescatarian friends in this burger roundup. The Independent Restaurant & Bar makes a Salmon Avocado Burger that will keep you frequenting this Placerville locale. The patty, made from certified organic Pacific King salmon, shallots, and dill, mingles with the simultaneously tangy and sweet citrus-honey-dill aioli (made in-house) for a fresh, never-too-heavy bite. The creaminess of the avocado and crispness of traditional trimmings (lettuce, tomato, and red onions) seal the deal on this palate pleaser.
Pro Tip: Burgers are served with a choice of fries, salad, or soup—we recommend the unique turnip fries!
629 Main Street, Placerville, 530-344-7645, independentplacerville.com

The Downtown Burger, stuffed with three types of meat, from Goose Port Public House is every carnivore’s dream. An entire third of a pound of Angus chuck means one juicy patty; slabs of bacon add a smoky note, and pulled pork smothered in BBQ sauce is thrown in for good measure. Topped with cheddar cheese and onion rings, this beauty is held together by a toasted bun with mild horseradish crème.
Pro Tip: Check out Goose Port’s website for live events and UFC viewing schedules.
316 Vernon Street, Roseville, 916-886-5080, gooseport.com

Redneck Burger; Photo by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group

 

The Redneck Burger offered at The Dive Burgers & Brews evokes a southern kitchen—on steroids. A burger is comfort food on its own but add fried green beans and redneck slaw to a freshly ground beef patty, and you’ve got down-home cooking on another level. Sautéed mushrooms, chopped bacon, and pickled jalapeños add more complexity to the flavor profile. For the finishing touches, cheddar cheese and “beast sauce” bring this mouthful together. Oh, and it’s served with swirl-shaped house fries that are to die for.
Pro Tip: Get a handcrafted milkshake (topped with tons of whip cream) to slurp alongside your burger.
5050 Rocklin Road, Suite A11, Rocklin, 916-824-1411, dineatthedive.com

Hamburger Provençal; Photo by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group

 

La Provence Restaurant & Terrace delivers the French (fan)fare with its Provençal décor and plates, namely the Hamburger Provençal. Half a pound of Angus beef sits on a house-made bun topped with sweet, caramelized onions. If you’re a fan of said onions, upgrade your side to the French onion soup (extra charge), for if there’s anyone who’s mastered this soup, it’s them! Aside from the French, of course.    
Pro Tip: Skip the beer with your burger and opt for a Provençal wine. Their Tour de l’Isle Rouge is an elegant accompaniment to any meal—including burgers.
110 Diamond Creek Place, Roseville, 916-789-2002, laprovenceroseville.com

For those times you’re keeping a close eye on your waistline, a turkey burger is a more health-conscious option. And The Phoenix from Rock-N-Fire proves it’s possible to make one that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Basil pesto, tangy olive tapenade, and balsamic glaze give this burger a unique Mediterranean flare. Tender baby spinach, tomatoes, and fresh red onions top off the Mediterranean masterpiece that’s sandwiched between a whole wheat bun (to really amp up the goodness).
Pro Tip: There’s no such thing as too much pesto, so get double the fill with their addictingly delicious, garlicy, and oh-so-good pesto fries.
1010 Riley Street, Suite 4, Folsom, 916-673-9474, rocknfirerestaurants.com

You’ll die happy after indulging in the Death Sentence at That Dam Place. Not one but two grilled, six-ounce patties are topped with mayo, lettuce, tomato, bacon, fried onion rings, and cheese sauce on brioche; in other words, all of life’s greatest food pleasures in one big, happy bite. It’s massive, it’s mouthwatering, and it’s not fat-free, so come hungry and leave your guilt (and tight jeans) at the door.
Pro Tip: It’s hard to find a lobstah roll ‘round these parts—especially one made right. Luckily, That Dam Place’s “The Last Meal” fits the bill—with big chunks of Maine lobster, lemon, tarragon, and creamy mayo on a split-top bun.
1013 Riley Street, Folsom, 916-790-8182, thatdamplace.com

Wise Villa Burger

 


Filet mignon is arguably the most tender of beef, and Angus chuck the juiciest; blend them together, along with short rib for a hearty beef flavor, and you have the recipe for serious burger success. Find this succulent patty on the Wise Villa Burger at Wise Villa Winery. Sticking to the notion that simplicity shines, they keep their garnishes simple—gooey white cheddar, crisp romaine, garden-fresh tomatoes, and sliced onions. The herby green goddess aioli that adorns the toasted bun seals the deal.
Pro Tip: Pair this simple stunner with one of Wise Villa’s world-class wines—the Petite Sirah is recommended.
4200 Wise Road, Lincoln, 916-543-0323, wisevillawinery.com

Squeeze Burger; Photo by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group

 

If you haven’t yet tried the novel burgers at Squeeze Burger—what are you waiting for? It’s almost a rite of passage in our neck of the woods. Touted as one of the best burgers in America by Guy Fieri, the Squeeze Burger is dressed to impress, with its cheese “skirt” and sesame seed-jeweled bun. Throw in some fresh tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, onions, mayo, and mustard, and you’ve got the ultimate burger experience. Caution: These burgers are not for the faint-hearted and may warrant an extra 30 minutes on the treadmill but are totally worth it!
Pro Tip: They also have “no skirt” or “mini skirt” options (cheese—not clothing!) if you’re all cheese-d out.
106 North Sunrise Avenue, Suite C1, Roseville, 916-783-2874, squeezeburgerroseville.com

50/1/50 Sliders

 

We love sliders—their smaller size makes them perfect for sharing and easier to eat. What do the numbers stand for in 50/1/50 Sliders? We’re glad you asked! Sienna blends 50% Kobe-style beef, 1% habanero pepper, and 50% bacon to create their distinctive patty. Melted habanero jack adds just the right amount of kick, crispy onion strings give a satisfying crunch, and house-made Thousand Island dressing brings the zest. Garnished with lettuce, tomato, and pickles, you’ll be ready to slide into a food coma after devouring these delicacies.
Pro Tip: Wait for your sliders to arrive with a delicious Watermelon Basil Martini in hand.
1480 Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-771-4700; 3909 Park Drive, El Dorado Hills, 916-941-9694 siennarestaurants.com

Bennett’s Cheeseburger

 

If you’re craving a simple, classic cheeseburger, head to Bennett’s Kitchen Bar Market for their Bennett’s Cheeseburger. This burger starts with an all-natural 100% chuck patty (the classic choice for hamburgers because of its higher fat ratio), ensuring lots of juicy goodness. Hand-torn iceberg brings the crunch and double Tillamook cheddar brings the sharpness this burger asks for. Fresh tomato and onion top things off, but we couldn’t forget about the Acme Bakery bun spread with house-made Thousand Island.
Pro Tip: Vegetarians can swap the beef patty for a Beyond Meat patty.
1595 Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-750-5150, bennettskitchen.com

Stuffed Burger; Photo by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group

 

Old Town Grill charbroils their free-range, grass-fed patties and accompanies them with vine-ripened tomatoes, dill pickles, red onions, and delectable Old Town spread. You must try their succulent Stuffed Burger that’s packed with whole-roasted garlic cloves (vampires begone!), mushroom, and feta. One bite and you won’t know what hit you! Strong flavors and ultimate satisfaction are guaranteed here.  
Pro Tip: Instead of fries, ask for their “side of the moment” that include grilled veggies or fresh fruit, to balance out all that meat.
444 Main Street, Placerville, 530-622-2631, otgplacerville.com

Moroccan Vegan Veggie Burger

 

A beefless burger doesn’t have to be boring, as Relish Burger Bar proves. Their Moroccan Vegan Veggie Burger is far from bland, spicing up an already delicious five-ounce veggie patty with exotic Moroccan spices. Zucchini, roasted red peppers, and crunchy lettuce top off this veggie delight. It’s hard to say what the best part is, but it might just be the vegan pretzel bun—dense enough to keep your burger from falling apart but still soft as a cloud.
Pro Tip: If you’re trying to cut back calories, order your burger “naked”—served over greens instead of in a bun.
1000 White Rock Road, El Dorado Hills, 916-933-3111, relishburgerbar.com

BBQ Burger; Photo by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group

 

Granted, Land Ocean is known for their more upscale fare like filet mignon and beef Wellington, but they make a pretty (and pretty to look at) polished burger. Something as simple sounding as the BBQ Burger can bring the oomph, with a large Kobe beef patty, crispy onion strings, bacon, sharp cheddar, and BBQ sauce. Don’t be fooled by the list of limited toppings either. LO dishes out a generous helping, so you best bring your appetite.  
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a burger bite during happy hour, try their prime beef slider that offers the same quality and great taste.
2720 East Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916-983-7000; 1151 Galleria Boulevard, Suite 241, Roseville, 916-407-5640, landoceanrestaurants.com 

Nixtaco Burger; Photo by Ray Burgess © Style Media Group

 

You wouldn’t expect big, bold burgers to come out of a Mexican restaurant’s kitchen, but Nixtaco isn’t your ordinary eatery. Known for their namesake tacos featuring scratch-made corn tortillas topped with all kinds of creative combos, their Nixtaco Burger has become just as beloved. Currently offered as a special on weekends and while supplies last throughout the week (check their social media channels for updates and availability), the drool-inducing burger boasts certified Angus beef (ground in-house), cheddar cheese, peppery arugula, and grilled onions on house-baked buttery brioche. The high-quality ingredients and attention to cooking detail make it just one more reason to celebrate the weekend’s arrival.
Pro Tip: Make it a true happy meal by ordering one of their 30-plus craft beers; from sours and stouts, to IPAs, ambers, and ales, there’s something to satisfy everyone.
1805 Cirby Way, Suite 12, Roseville, 916-771-4165, nixta.co

Krush Burger brings double the delight with the option to pick two mini burgers of your choice. They promise never-frozen Angus beef that’s cooked to order and freshly baked brioche buns that are hand-toasted. If left to us, we’d pick the Cowbell Burger for its bacon, crispy onions, gouda cheese, and BBQ sauce; and the Buffalo Chicken Burger for its crispy chicken, country slaw, buffalo sauce, and buffalo blue cheese sauce. Throw in their sweet potato tots with ancho honey dipping sauce and you’re golden.
Pro Tip: Ask for extra servings of sauce; they’re made in-house and add a ton of flavor.
6815 Lonetree Boulevard, Suite 101, Rocklin, 916-913-5692; 1151 Galleria Boulevard, Roseville, 855-578-7403, krushburger.com

The Bruiser from Buck & Sadie’s won’t hurt you, but it does pack a punch of flavor. Their patty, made of 100% Angus beef, sizzles on a flattop, creating a decadent crust reminiscent of an old-fashioned burger. Their choice of cheese is anything but old-fashioned though; they add the sharp, piquant flavor of blue cheese to spice up traditional fixings (fresh lettuce, sliced onions, and ripe tomatoes). Closed up in the buttery goodness of a brioche bun smeared with their house Shanty sauce, this burger comes to your table skewered with a gherkin.
Pro Tip: Looking to go bun-less? Choose a lettuce wrap instead.
2030 Douglas Boulevard, Suite 28, Roseville, 916-749-3394, buckandsadies.com

Vegan Burger; Photo by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group

 

Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes has some of the best buns—let alone burgers—in town, and if you’re a bun connoisseur, we suggest you try their artisan potato or multigrain options. Aside from their popular cheeseburgers, they also cater to the vegan, paleo, keto, and calorie-conscious among us with their “lifestyle burgers.” We’ve tried a few, and the Vegan Burger (black bean patty, avocado, sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, and BBQ sauce on a potato bun) is one of the good ones. Although, with so many options, it’s hard to go wrong here.
Pro Tip: De-veganize your meal with their green chile queso (extra charge). Whether slathered on your burger or fries, it’s truly addictive.
5194 Commons Drive, Suite 110, Rocklin, 916-660-9591, mooyah.com

Bones Roadhouse in Placerville has relaxed, unassuming bar vibes and their service and food are as warm and welcoming as it gets. Try their much-loved Cheeseburger that comes with a special Bones sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and raw or grilled onions (get the grilled onions to level-up the flavor profile). Another must-have at this joint is a cold beer (no tepid suds here!) so don’t skip it.
Pro Tip: Sub your fries for any of these fried foods: onion rings (they’ve really perfected these), “hotzarella” sticks, deep fried mushrooms, pickle spears, and more.
4430 Pleasant Valley Road, Placerville, 530-644-4301, facebook.com/bonesroadhousebarandgrub

Moo-ve over, burgers! Sliders are here to stay! One bite of the King’s Meats Dry Aged Sliders at Heyday Café, and you’ll immediately ask yourself why you didn’t try them sooner. Two, three-ounce patties (freshly ground at King’s Meats in Diamond Springs) are topped with triple cream brie, sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomato mustarda (essentially fancier, tastier ketchup), and micro greens. Sandwiched into pillowy brioche, these bite-sized beauties pack a seriously delicious punch.
Pro Tip: Save room for one of Heyday’s decadent house-made desserts. We hear the Ghirardelli chocolate brownie with vanilla gelato makes a perfect post-slider pairing.
325 Main Street, Placerville, 530-626-9700, heydaycafe.com

DO YOU WANT FRIES WITH THAT?

If you agree that every day should be “fry” day, then check out this list of our favorite fries found ‘round town.

Samuel Horne’s Tavern is a Sutter Street staple—and their Shoestring Fries and old-school Tater Tots are always the talk of every table. Freshly fried, crispy, and salty, enjoy them as-is or topped with fun fixings like chili cheese or pork chili verde. 719 Sutter Street, Folsom, 916-293-8207, samhornes.com

Sweet Potato Fries

 


One bite of the lightly spiced, piping hot Sweet Potato Fries at The Purple Place Bar & Grill and you won’t be able to stop! Served with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, they’re sweet, salty, and seriously delicious. 363 Green Valley Road, El Dorado Hills, 916-933-2313, thepurp.com

The Garlic Fries at Danette’s Brick Oven Pub—homemade, hand-cut tots tossed with a hefty helping of fresh garlic, olive oil, parsley, and asiago cheese—are potato perfection. Just make sure to pack a breath mint; these famous fries pack a pungent punch! 2875 Ray Lawyer Drive, Placerville, 530-622-7420, danettesbrickovenpub.com

The Chef’s Table serves up Pesto Fries—beer-battered tots topped with house-made pesto and shredded Swiss—that rise above the rest. Trust us when we say the reviews don’t lie. They really are “out of this world!” and the “best fries ever.” 6843 Lonetree Boulevard, Suite 103, Rocklin, 916-771-5656, thechefstablerocklin.com

Handcut Fries

 


Forget frozen fries! The Handcut Fries at Solid Ground Brewing are as fresh as they come. After being cut, they’re blanched till soft and nearly cooked through, then chilled, and finally dunked in the deep fryer—ensuring an extra crispy crunch. Sprinkled with just the right amount of sea salt, they’re the perfect pairing alongside a pint. Just don’t forget to ask for a side of the chef’s house-made ranch. 552 Pleasant Valley Road, Diamond Springs, 530-344-7442, solidgroundbrewing.com


by Nelly Kislyanka, Megan wiskus & Tara Mendanha

Photos by Dante Fontana & Ray Burgess © and wholly owned by Style Media Group—please don’t steal our copyrighted photos. For more information about our editorial photos, please click here to contact us <<LINK TO https://www.stylemg.com/pages/contact-us


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