50 Best Burger Restaurants in Kansas City

“Burgers are good, onion rings were excellent. Last time we went, they were out of onion rings. This time, we called before we went and was told they had onion rings. Twenty minutes later as we were placing our order, we were told they just ran out of onion rings. We left. How do you run out of onion rings? It’s really simple. If you consistently run out, order more. We will not be going back.“

“The Town Topic Hamburgers early morning 5am crowd is truly one of the last great American dining experiences. The three egg cheese omelet with shatteringly crispy perfectly cooked hash browns was a transcendent experience, and I wasn’t even hungover. The atmosphere and professional staff lend further into the experience as one that is both memorable and delicious all around.“

“The Town Topic Hamburgers early morning 5am crowd is truly one of the last great American dining experiences. The three egg cheese omelet with shatteringly crispy perfectly cooked hash browns was a transcendent experience, and I wasn’t even hungover. The atmosphere and professional staff lend further into the experience as one that is both memorable and delicious all around.“

“In August 2021, Hamburger Mary's Kansas City reported that the establishment would require proof of COVID-19 vaccination. I assumed the requirement had been lifted; however, I wanted to be sure I was prepared (I am vaccinated; my friend is not). Not to mention, I work in an academic/healthcare setting where masks & vaccination status are a daily consideration, so it's something still on my mind. Therefore, I sent Hamburger Mary's a very quick question via Facebook. Attached is a photo of the response I received. My question was in no way impolite, so I'm not sure why the business felt the need to say anything other than no. I'm not easily offended, but I also don't appreciate being spoken to in such a snarky manner for what I considered a perfectly reasonable & respectful question. I was really looking forward to visiting (and donating to a worthy cause!), but I have decided to celebrate my birthday elsewhere.“

“Burgers were sooo good, I asked for extra pickles and unlike some places that will go from 2 to 4, I swear there were close to 10! So good! Friendly staff!“

“OMG,Yall have to give them a shot, We can't stop eating here and the staff is on point and VERY WELCOMING...“

“Some of the best burgers in KC!“

“I heard Andy Reid likes Cosmo Burgers! I'd have to agree, Delicious!! Plus they Tater Tot game is onpoint.“

“A friend and I were looking for a place for lunch today. Most restaurants were closed at the Country Club Plaza, so we went over to Winstead’s.

Stepping into this place feels like hopping in a time machine straight back to the 1950s. The vintage diner vibe is spot-on—from the retro décor to the cozy, old-school atmosphere that just makes you want to linger.

I ordered the double cheeseburger with fries, and it totally hit the spot. The burger was juicy, stacked high, and packed with that classic, no-frills flavor you hope for at a diner like this. The cheese was perfectly melted, and the bun held everything together without getting soggy. The fries were hot, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and clearly made to be eaten alongside a burger like this.

Overall, it’s a great spot if you’re craving comfort food with a side of nostalgia. Simple, satisfying, and full of character—exactly what a vintage diner should be. 🍔🍟

The sweet tea was excellent too!“

“Top notch food and service!!!! Definitely recommend it.“

“Everything❗️ Doesn’t get any better than Hayes👌 And the people are the best, too👍“

“Dated fast food restaurant. The train delivery is cool to watch but it feels like the place was opened in the 50s and haven't changed a thing. Overpriced a little but its a one time experience I'll never get anywhere else again. Happy to be a part of the history of the place but if it closed tomorrow, I think id underatand.“

“Best burgers in town and a very fun and good energy atmosphere. Got my daughter addicted to the curly fries and burger.“

“Yummy juicy burgers and the best onion rings!“

“My daughter vegan and myself non vegan enjoyed this restaurant equally. Amazing food and service. I can’t wait to return 💞“

“Incredible place in KC River market. Make it a go to every time you are downtown“

“Went there for the first time tonight and first impression was great, went through the drive through and the line moved decently fast, I wasn’t expecting usual fast food pace, but that’s what we got! The lady at the window was super sweet, even though I changed my order in between. I had one burger that was modified and they got that right. It was right under $20 for two meals with shakes, I think that’s a very good price compared to any other corporate food chain. And the food tasted FRESH, veggies, meat, and fries. I would def go again“

“Cannot beat the experience here. Atmosphere impeccable. Food was INCREDIBLE. Drinks, uh espresso martini? You cannot have just one. And Edgar, do not get my started. My waiter Edgar completed the experience with the upmost quality service I’ve had. Will always visit when I’m in town“

“Amazing food and customer service!“

“Food was super fresh and delicious. We are on our way back again today. If they had coke products instead of Pepsi I'd be there more lol“

“Great wings, food served hot. Dessert was delicious“

“Fast and friendly staff. Food was hot & fresh, delicious and the wait time was short. Best fries I've ever tasted. Great food!“

“Fig and goat cheese sliders allllll the way. It’s kind of an unexpected twist on a classic and an artisanal option uncommon in the Midwest. Other items like their truffle fries are super dee duper and decadent. 10 for 10. Would always recommend“

“Food better than McDonald’s for sure … I love their fries … I’ll be back“

“Dr pepper shake!!! I want a whataburger where I reside in Wisconsin fiercely. I'd not had it for about 3 years and was so excited to introduce it to my husband. If there was one near where I live in wi it would be a once a week meal in our home!!!“

“The atmosphere rating is because it is basically just a drive thru. I am working nearby to help out an alternate location from my home base, and have seen this place on my way in every day. Intrigued I stopped by to give it a shot. The smash burger was perfect, and the fries were outstanding. The seasoning was great, and the fries had a gorgeous crispy outside with a creamy center, staying hot for the entirety of my 30 minute drive home, munching on them all the way. Well worth stopping if you're nearby.“

“The Lunch Box is a bodega with fast, friendly service and good food. I was there at lunch time and ordered onion rings and turkey club sandwich. The onion rings were homemade and would have been excellent but they were over-fried and tasted a bit burnt. The turkey club was excellent with lots of smoked turkey covered in bacon and cheese, served on toast with mayo, lettece and tomato. I will be back!“

“very friendly staff, make you feel at home and plenty of laughs,food is excellent, servers are the best and the most gorgeous girls around, bartenders are also awesome!!!“

“Top notch food and service!!!! Definitely recommend it.“

“Working routine route became hungry for a Freddy's Double and Large Onion Rings. So I pulled into Freddy's drive through, placed my order. Ate outside in my vehicle. The building and grounds are well maintained and clean. The service and Food is sooooooy yummy 😋 Thank you for your services!“

“This place is an old friend. I run into people, I grew up in here. Same family runs this place still. That is what makes this institution click.
The Burgers still rock and hand cut fries with each order! The pizza I will try out. The beer is Ice cold the place is just! Great hometown atmosphere. Great food. I watched many a royals game here thoughout the years. Even though I don't live in Waldo anymore. I still make the drive to this place no question!“

“Best burger is Kansas City, try the social burger!“

“I could eat 178 of the Chorizo ragoons. 😮‍💨“

“Good clean place to eat. Staff very professional and friendly. Family oriented!!“

“One of, if not the, best bar in KC. Spent almost an entire 8 hours with some friends out in their patio and it was a really amazing experience. I've gone many times now since I live so close, and my boyfriend swears that their burger has overtaken town topic for best burger in kc, while I think it's a close second. The service is amazing, the patio is gorgeous and so is the inside, the drinks are amazing, and so is the food. The 70s theme is perfect for me and my bf as well, since we are lovers of all things 70s. All around a truly incredible bar, I would definitely recommend!“

“First timer! Food is EXCELLENT. I ordered my lunch in the morning, picked it up at noon, hot and ready for me. It feels good to spend less money on lunch than I normally do on food that is 10x more healthy. Tacos were good size, seasoning was great and my flavored water actually had flavor. All this for $13. Highly recommend!“

“My wife and I stopped in for the first time in a few years. We were seated after a bit of a wait. It is after all a Friday night in a shopping district. Our server was bright and cheery. She had a warming smile and happy persona. we placed our drink order. Shortly thereafter our food order was taken. I ordered a flat iron steak and a baker. My wife ordered soup and salad. Our dinner was served fairly quickly. Unfortunately my steak was quite a bit overcooked, so I requested one that wasn't over done. When the replacement steak was delivered, it was a bit overdone as well. I was hungry so I kept it. The manager came by to talk to us. I've spent time in a kitchen or two and I understand a dinner rush. The manager stopped at our table and wanted to assure us that this was not acceptable. She made things right, but wasn't needed or expected. I felt bad for our server because she probably feared she wasn't going to get tipped for a fairly big check. She was pretty wrong. I tipped correctly and arguably better than normal. Our return visit ended up being a great experience. We met a couple of wonderful human beings. Had some pretty good food. And, of course, my wife and I got to connect.“

“Went on a first date here almost 28 years ago….loved the restaurant and atmosphere. Fell in love with the man that took me there and still with him to this day! ❤️“

“Great Food and service. Would come here again.“

“The food was great but I wouldn’t come here on an evening of you want good service. My husband and I did a tasting tour near by and wanted something to eat before we headed back to the Air BnB. Immediately you could tell how the experience was going to be when we didn’t order drinks right away and didn’t see our server again for about 15 minutes. She was very obviously more interested in paying more attention to customers that ordered drinks right away. She didn’t give her name otherwise I would I mention here. We only got one water and she didn’t come back to us again. We went to go to the hostess to try to pay our bill, ended up stopping her as she was leaving the bar. I give 2 stars out of 5. That’s only because the food was really good. I don’t think I would come back here. Maybe during the day would be better but I don’t know if I’d come here again anyway.“

“My grandson loves Culver’s!“

“We enjoyed our meal here. Good service. Place was empty.
Food was as expected.
Watched some TV.
Took some photos.
Lady gave our daughter some toys.
Had a nice time.

Kid-friendliness: They gave us daughter toys. Very kind lady. Thank you.“

“Omg…. Best food ever… it’s 1:28am.. nothing else open but thank god because nothing else would even COMPARE… we got the chicken bowl and buffalo chicken wrap.. 12/10!! Also amazing service and the music was everything. Can’t wait to become a regular.“

“I had breakfast. Very good biscuits and gravy. I also had a Mimosa.“

“Friendly Service and food is great!“

“Burning love & French fríes“

“The food was good. The service could definitely be a little better. The guy that took our order did not seem like he wanted to be helping us at all. It seemed like he was bothered that he had to take our order and the line that formed after we made our order moved very slowly.“

“Made a delivery near by the restaurant it smell grilling good outside so I thought I stop by and get me a burger Oh man! Best burger ever with some good fries it hit the truck driver’s spot! Yum yum coming back for more if ever in town! Thanks for the good hospitality!“

“SMAXX is the place to be! Especially on Wednesday’s for $1 whole wings. My husband has tried many other food items and likes it! 🔥phillies and burgers too! I don’t go at night so I can’t speak to that, but during the day, the music is always jammin’ with R&B hits. If you haven’t tried it, you should.“

“Tasty & delicious! Best chicken karhai I have had at a restaurant in the U.S. It's a bit spicy and so good! I also highly recommend the keema naan with some chutney. My mom doesn't do spicy, so she got the philly chicken roll—which she thoroughly enjoyed. My son gave his monster burger and fries 5 stars.

The seating is covered outdoors with one fan. It works for families but is super casual.

Tip: Call in your order on your way there with a 30-minute lead time. This place gets busy after 8 p.m., so make sure to call in the food order, or you might be waiting a long time.“