One Maryland burger comes out of a gas station general store with a half-pound beef patty and a pile of familiar toppings. The setting is about as modest as it gets, yet the sandwich has earned recognition well beyond the neighborhood.
Other contenders take burgers in much stranger directions. One restaurant tops a patty with Maryland crab dip, while another adds peanut butter and a sweet, spicy spread.
Between those creative choices and the classic roadside cheeseburger, ranking the state’s favorites can turn into a surprisingly lively argument.
I’d start with the simplest burger before moving on to the unusual toppings. A great bun, properly cooked beef, and the right amount of sauce can tell you plenty.
The fun of comparing ten spots is seeing how differently their kitchens answer the same question: what makes a burger worth returning for?
1. Clark Burger – York Rd
Canada and Baltimore shook hands, and the result is a burger wearing gravy like a winter coat. Clark Burger built its reputation on poutine, and it isn’t shy about piling it right on top.
The star move is called The Full Mountie. It stacks poutine directly onto the burger, so fries, cheese curds and gravy ride along with every bite.
Prefer a cleaner classic? The Clark Burger comes with sharp white cheddar, smoked bacon, red onion, lettuce, pickles and CB sauce.
Breakfast fans get their own hero, too. The Wake N Bacon Burger brings a fried egg, smoked bacon, cheddar, fried onions and sriracha mayo.
Burgers land on brioche buns, with a gluten-free bun available. The beef is all-natural, certified humane Angus from family farms, raised without antibiotics or hormones.
You’ll also spot a turkey burger and a build-your-own option for picky eaters. The Fruity Pebbles Milkshake sounds like a cartoon, and that’s a compliment.
Ordering happens at the counter, so it’s an easy fit for a quick solo lunch. Kids get their own menu, and high chairs are ready for the tiniest burger critics.
Doors open daily at noon and close at 9 PM. Weekend evenings get busiest, so a weekday afternoon visit may feel calmer.
Address: 5906 York Rd, Baltimore, MD 21212
2. Wag’s Restaurant
Head downstairs on Market Street and you’ll find one of Frederick’s favorite burger dens. Wag’s sits below street level, which gives it a snug, tucked-away feel.
The space is small and historic, anchored by a long wood bar. It’s the kind of room where a burger and fries feel like the whole point.
Burgers and American basics carry the menu here. The patties earn praise for a deep sear and well-seasoned beef, with cheese melted just right.
Want something off the usual path? Try the Sour Cream Mushroom Burger or the Rachael Burger for a twist on the classic.
Sub lovers aren’t left out either. The Bacon Cheeseburger Sub turns your favorite burger into a long, handheld adventure, and the Steak & Cheese Sub holds its own.
Night owls, take note. Wag’s stays open until 2 AM Monday through Saturday, so late cravings have a home.
Sunday hours run from noon to 9 PM. Thursday through Saturday evenings tend to be the busiest stretch.
Parking downtown can be tricky, so a garage might save you some circling. Reservations aren’t taken, so just show up hungry and patient.
Address: 24 S Market St, Frederick, MD 21701
3. Backslash Burger (Formerly Fifty Fifty)
Half beef, half bacon, fully unapologetic. Backslash Burger runs on the belief that bacon makes beef better, and the patties prove the point.
Each smashburger blends beef and bacon together into one patty. The shop used to go by Fifty Fifty, a name that matched the math.
The signature Backslash Burger gets onions smashed right into the patties. It’s seared with mustard, then finished with Backslash Sauce and pickles.
Feeling adventurous? The She’s My Cherry Burger pairs sour cherry jam with herbed goat cheese, which sounds wild until you think about it.
Creative toppings are the house specialty, and some combos even feature peanut butter and sweet pickles. Your taste buds may need a moment to catch up.
Don’t skip the sides. Old Bay Fries come with Backslash sauce, while sweet potato fries get cinnamon sugar and house-made blueberry ketchup.
You order at the counter and seat yourself, which keeps things moving. Outdoor seating is available, and dogs are welcome.
Hours run 11 AM to 10 PM Monday through Saturday. Sundays wrap up at 7 PM, so plan that lazy weekend lunch accordingly.
Address: 526 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701
4. CHAR’D
Duck fat fries next to a crispy smash burger? That pairing alone makes CHAR’D worth a detour to North Bethesda.
The menu is fully halal, built around grass-fed smash burgers. That makes it a welcome stop for diners who need halal options without giving up a serious burger.
Smash patties here are known for their crispy edges. The sauces get plenty of credit too, tying each bite together nicely.
Those duck fat fries deserve their own spotlight. Frying potatoes in duck fat adds a rich flavor that regular fries just can’t copy.
Ordering happens at the counter, so lunch can be quick. It’s casual and family-friendly, with high chairs for younger guests.
Here’s a perk for night owls in Montgomery County. CHAR’D stays open until 11 PM most nights and until midnight Thursday through Saturday.
Parking is usually easy to find, which feels like a small miracle in this busy area. Outdoor seating is available when the weather cooperates.
Weekday mornings tend to be quiet, while weekend afternoons and Friday nights pick up. Choose your timing based on how much buzz you want.
Address: 11881 Grand Park Ave, North Bethesda, MD 20852
5. Surfin Betty’s Burger Bar
Sand on your flip-flops is basically the dress code at this Ocean City burger bar. Surfin Betty’s keeps the beach mood going with smash burgers and milkshakes.
The patties are smash-style, so expect crisp edges and juicy centers. Shoestring fries come along as the skinny, salty sidekick.
Craving something sweet and savory? The Jam Good Bacon Burger mixes those flavors in one stack.
Love to customize? The BYO Burger lets you call the shots on toppings.
Not every eater in your crew wants beef, and that’s fine. The menu also includes a Chili Cheese Dawg, chicken wings and The Stand Grilled Cheese.
Goombah Fries are another menu highlight with a name that’s hard to resist. Sometimes you order things just to say them out loud.
Families will feel right at home here. There’s a kids’ menu, high chairs and a relaxed, beachy setting that forgives sandy toes.
Hours shift during the week, so check before you go. It’s open 11 AM to 9 PM Thursday through Saturday and until 6 PM other days.
Address: 1501 Philadelphia Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842
6. C$C House of Burgers
Burgers at 6 AM might sound like a dare, but Hagerstown takes it seriously. C$C House of Burgers opens its doors at sunrise every single day.
This is a grab-and-go joint, so think takeout first. You’ll order at the counter and carry your prize home or to the car.
The handcrafted Angus burgers are the main event. They’re thick, juicy and packed with flavor, the kind you need two hands to manage.
Seasoning is a big part of the appeal here. Both the burgers and fries get plenty of it, so nothing tastes bland.
Toppings matter too. Fried onions and the house C&C sauce add a savory kick that ties the whole burger together.
Wings round out the menu if you’re feeding a group with mixed cravings. A five-piece order makes a solid side to share or keep.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all on the table, with hours running 6 AM to 9 PM. Mornings tend to be quieter than afternoons and evenings.
Parking is usually easy, which keeps quick stops quick. There’s even a kids’ menu for younger burger fans in Western Maryland.
Address: 761 E Wilson Blvd # C, Hagerstown, MD 21740
7. Sunshine General Store
Grocery shopping and a legendary cheeseburger in one stop? Sunshine General Store makes that combo feel completely normal.
This roadside store in rural Montgomery County has been around since 1947. It still sells snacks, drinks and basic groceries alongside its small grill counter.
The famous Sunshine Burger is a half-pound patty with classic toppings. Lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, mustard and mayo keep it simple and satisfying.
Tasting Table has called it the best burger in Maryland. That’s big praise for a place that looks like it belongs in an old movie.
The bacon cheeseburger is another favorite off the griddle. Hot dogs and breakfast fare fill out the menu for early risers.
Speaking of early, the grill gets going at 6 AM most days. Coffee is available too, so you can fuel up before anyone else is awake.
Don’t expect fancy decor or table service. You order at the counter, grab your food and enjoy the old-school country store charm.
The store is closed Mondays and closes by mid-afternoon on other days. Show up before 3 PM on Sunday, or you’ll miss out.
Address: 22300 Georgia Ave, Brookeville, MD 20833
8. Abbey Burger Fells Point
Wild boar, deer and a burger on an English muffin all share one menu in Fells Point. Abbey Burger loves to push past plain beef.
The Game Meat Slider Trio is the adventurous pick. It lets you sample exotic meats without committing to a full burger.
Harry’s Bistro Burger brings Angus beef with a sunny-side-up egg, applewood bacon and cheddar. It all sits on an English muffin, which feels like breakfast meeting dinner.
Want total control? The Build-A-Burger option lets you pile on extras like fried green tomatoes and goat cheese.
Plant-based eaters get love too. The Homemade Veggie Burger and Fried Green Tomato Caprese show the kitchen thinks beyond meat.
Sides go big here. Crab Tots add a Maryland twist, while Waffle Fry Nachos and a Bavarian Pretzel make great sharing plates.
The pub sits about half a block from the water, with outdoor seating available. Trivia night happens on Wednesdays for anyone who likes burgers with brain games.
Unlike many spots here, Abbey Burger accepts reservations. Weekday hours start at 4 PM on Monday and Tuesday, so plan lunch for later in the week.
Address: 811 S Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231
9. Flamin’ Burgers
A mall food court is the last place you’d expect a top burger. Yet Flamin’ Burgers in Salisbury makes a strong case for shopping hungry.
Every order is made fresh, so your burger isn’t sitting under a heat lamp. That extra wait pays off with patties that come out crispy at the edges.
Toppings like fried onions, mushrooms, tomato and mayo pair nicely here. The combo adds savory depth without hiding the beef.
Don’t leave without a handcrafted milkshake. It’s the perfect reward after a long shopping trip, or a good excuse to skip one.
The vibe is casual and quiet, which makes it a nice break from busy store aisles. Kids have their own menu, so the whole family can refuel.
Dog owners, this one’s for you. Dogs are welcome both inside and outside, which is rare for a burger spot.
Hours run 11 AM to 7 PM Monday through Thursday. Fridays and Saturdays stretch until 8 PM, while Sundays close at 6 PM.
Parking is usually plentiful, a big perk on the Eastern Shore. You can also grab takeout if you’d rather eat on the go.
Address: 2300 N Salisbury Blvd Food Court G119, Salisbury, MD 21804
10. Vagabond Sandwich Company
Here’s the twist at the end of our list. The final pick calls itself a sandwich company, but its burgers stole the show.
Vagabond Sandwich Company in Bel Air has a relaxed storefront with a travel-inspired setup. It feels like a stop on a road trip, minus the long drive.
The BYO Burger lets you build your perfect stack. Expect juicy, well-seasoned beef on a soft brioche bun, served in a generous size.
Some burgers even feature a crispy, creamy crab filling. Few things feel more Maryland than crab meeting beef.
Not in a burger mood? Try El Diablo, the Southern James, the Three Little Pigs or the Nashville Hot Clucker.
Fish tacos and the Cluck’n Good Burrito keep things interesting for picky eaters. Full vegan and vegetarian menus mean nobody gets left out.
The shop opens at 10 AM daily and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Coffee is a highlight, so morning visits make perfect sense.
Outdoor seating adds a nice touch on pleasant days. Saturday afternoons get busy, while Tuesday mornings are calmest for a slow, happy bite.
Address: 111 Thomas St, Bel Air, MD 21014
