Missouri’s best burger, by our count, comes wrapped in wax paper inside a pool hall that opened in 1884. No fancy plate.
Just a burger, a sheet of paper, and the click of billiard balls nearby.
That pick surprised me too. The rest of the list includes a diner with overnight delivery, a drive-in on historic Route 66, and a downtown spot that swaps regular buns for grilled cheese sandwiches.
I love that range, because it proves a great burger can show up almost anywhere.
We searched the state, from big-city counters to river-town kitchens. A few lean on decades of tradition, while others dream up toppings that sound like a dare.
So grab a napkin, clear a weekend, and start mapping out a road trip. Which one would you hit first, and which one will you argue should have been number one?
1. Booches
Plates are overrated, and this Columbia legend has been proving it for generations. Your burger lands on a square of wax paper, and that’s the whole presentation.
Booches opened in 1884, which makes it the oldest pool hall in town. It has sat on 9th Street since 1928, so the address alone has nearly a century of stories.
The name comes from the founder’s nickname, Booch. That’s a fun bit of trivia to drop while you wait for your order.
So why is a pool hall our number one burger in Missouri? The answer is simple: these burgers are hand-patted, fresh, and made to order.
They land somewhere between a slider and a full-size burger. That means ordering two isn’t greedy, it’s smart planning.
Go for the Cheese Burger with Everything if you want the classic move. A plain hamburger works too, and the chili is on the menu if you need a side.
The menu stays short on purpose. Recent ownership even made it clear that salads aren’t coming, so leave those hopes at home.
Between bites, take in the row of full-size tables for pool, snooker, and three-cushion billiards. The walls are covered with witticisms, comic strips, and vintage sports memorabilia.
National press has noticed, too. USA Today named these burgers among the top 25 in the country back in 2000.
Plan ahead, because it’s closed on Sundays and doesn’t take reservations. Street parking downtown can be tricky, so give yourself a few extra minutes.
Address: 110 S 9th St, Columbia, MO 65201
2. Town Topic Hamburgers BROADWAY
Kansas City’s Town Topic on Broadway delivers burgers after midnight. The Broadway location offers service around the clock, with walk-up orders available until 10 p.m. and delivery or online ordering from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
The space is tiny, with a 1930s look that feels like a time capsule. You sit close to the griddle, which is half the fun.
Smash burgers are the main event here. The patties get pressed thin, then dressed with pickles, grilled onions, mustard, and ketchup.
Want to keep it simple? A Single Cheeseburger hits the spot, while the Triple Cheeseburger is for days when you mean business.
The Patty Melt on Rye deserves attention too. Grilled onions, melty cheese, and rye bread make a strong case for skipping the bun.
Fries come thin and crispy here. Chili Cheese Fries are on the menu if you’d rather go big.
Save room, because the pies are house-made. Order Pie Ala Mode and you get a scoop of ice cream on top.
Breakfast shows up around the clock as well. The Truckstop Omelet and French Toast are both on the menu, so a sunrise visit works just fine.
Late weekend nights bring the biggest crowds. Weekday mornings and afternoons tend to be calmer if you’d like a seat without the wait.
Parking is easy, with a free lot plus street spots nearby. Takeout and delivery are options when you’d rather eat on your couch.
Address: 2021 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
3. Hi-Pointe Drive-In
A taco burger and grilled cheese tacos on the same menu? Somebody in this St. Louis kitchen clearly likes to color outside the lines.
Hi-Pointe Drive-In sits in a former 1980s drive-in. The building has a past, but the menu feels fresh and playful.
Local ingredients get the spotlight here. The burgers come with a browned, crusty sear and a charred flavor that burger fans chase.
The Taco Burger is the obvious conversation starter. The Toklahoma Burger and the Frisco Melt give you two more reasons to come back.
Plant-based eaters aren’t left out, either. An Impossible Burger means your vegetarian friend can join the road trip.
Now, about those shakes. The names alone are worth a smile: Totally Smore-Tified, Strawberry Shortshake, and Confetti.
Toppings are flexible, so you can build your burger the way you like it. Pair it with fries or onion rings for a full spread.
Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor seating, which makes a sunny afternoon even better.
Expect a line at peak times, especially on weekend evenings. Mornings are quiet since the doors open at 11 AM.
A free lot and street parking make arriving painless. Delivery and takeout are both available if the line looks long.
Address: 1033 McCausland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63117
4. Black Sheep Burgers shakes rock n roll
Ordering a burger called Don’t Go Bacon My Heart might be the most fun you’ll have saying a menu item out loud. Springfield’s rock and roll burger joint leans all the way into the theme.
Brick walls give the downtown space a relaxed, trendy feel. It sits on East Walnut Street, an easy stop if you’re exploring the area.
The burger list is long and creative. Born in the U S A sounds patriotic, and the Ugly Cheeseburger proves looks aren’t the point.
Not into beef today? The Chicken Bijan is a menu highlight, and the veggie burgers get plenty of love too.
Creative sides are a big part of the plan. Shredded Onion Rings are vegan, so they work for nearly anyone at the table.
Shakes are the other headliner, as the name suggests. The Strawberry Fields Forever shake keeps the music puns rolling into dessert.
A Knife N Fork Caesar is on the menu if someone in your group wants greens. Fair warning, the burgers might win that argument.
Families fit right in with high chairs and a kids’ menu. Reservations are accepted, which helps on busy Friday and Saturday evenings.
Downtown parking can take a little patience. Free lot and street spots exist, but they fill up.
Bring a group and split a few burgers. With names this good, you’ll want to try more than one.
Address: 209 E Walnut St, Springfield, MO 65806
5. Billy Bob’s Dairy Land
Branson is famous for shows, but this little diner on the strip puts on a pretty good one with a griddle. Billy Bob’s Dairy Land brings retro 1950s style to 76 Country Boulevard.
Counter seating adds to the old-school charm. Grab a stool and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a piece of Americana.
Burgers, onion rings, and milkshakes are the house specialties. The burgers are made to order on the griddle, simple and satisfying.
The Patty Melt Burger is a standout pick. It comes with caramelized onions and melted cheese, and fries round it out.
Craving something different? The Frito Chili Pie is a fun, hearty side trip from the burger lane.
Desserts are where the dairy in the name really earns its keep. Banana splits, brownie sundaes, and strawberry milkshakes are all on the menu.
Pies are baked in-house, too. Blackberry cobbler has appeared alongside the burgers, so keep an eye out.
Kids are more than welcome here, with high chairs ready. Dogs can join you at the outdoor seating, which is handy for traveling families.
Call Billy Bob’s Dairy Land at 417-337-9291 to confirm its hours before planning a meal around show times. Weekend afternoons draw the biggest crowds.
Parking is plentiful, with a free lot and street spaces. That’s a nice break on a busy Branson day.
Address: 1829 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616
6. Dukes on the BLVD
Lawmakers handle big decisions in Jefferson City, but your toughest call might be fries or grits. Dukes on the BLVD makes both options hard to pass up.
Signature smash burgers lead the menu here. The kitchen pairs them with Parmesan Truffle Fries, a side that feels a little fancy.
The Patty Melt is a top pick for burger lovers who like grilled bread. It’s a menu highlight for good reason.
Then there are the cheddar jalapeno grits. They bring a cheesy kick you won’t find at most burger counters.
Hot chicken also shares the spotlight. If someone in your crew isn’t in a beef mood, that’s their move.
Appetizers go beyond the basics, too. Firecracker shrimp, Buffalo wings, and fried pickles make great table snacks.
Soy honey glazed carrots are another surprise on the menu. Yes, a burger joint can make you excited about carrots.
Live music adds some energy on certain nights. A private dining room is available for parties or team lunches.
Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, and high chairs are ready for little ones. Brunch is on the schedule as well.
Located right on Missouri Boulevard, it’s an easy stop on a trip to the capital. Parking is plentiful, so you can focus on the menu.
Address: 2125 Missouri Blvd, Jefferson City, MO 65109
7. Carl’s Drive-In
Thin, crispy edges are the whole personality of a great smash burger. At this Brentwood roadside stop, they’re the main reason to pull over.
Carl’s Drive-In has a Route 66 theme and a 1950s diner feel. The space is small and clean, with an old-school mood that feels calm.
The smash burgers come out thin and lacy at the edges. They’re cooked fresh, so patience pays off.
Root beer is a big deal here. Pair your burger with an icy mug and you’ve got a classic combo.
Onion rings come out crispy, and the foot-long hot dogs make a strong case for themselves. The Foot Long Chili Dog is a menu highlight.
Grilled cheese and tamales are on the lineup, too. Milkshakes round out the sweet side of the menu.
Here’s a practical tip: there’s no restroom on site. Plan a stop before you arrive so nothing cuts your meal short.
Hours run 11 AM to 7:30 PM Monday through Saturday. Sundays close early at 4 PM, so don’t show up for a late dinner.
Afternoons tend to be the busiest stretch. Since there’s no delivery, you’ll need to come in or grab takeout.
A free lot and street parking make it easy to swing by. It’s a short trip from St. Louis for a taste of the past.
Address: 9033 Manchester Rd, Brentwood, MO 63144
8. RC’S Lunch Car
A milkshake with fries on the menu name sounds like a joke until you realize it’s dessert and a side in one. RC’s Lunch Car in St. Joseph has a playful streak, and it shows.
The diner has a 1950s feel and a scratch kitchen. Burgers are ground on site, which explains the fresh flavor.
Gourmet toppings take these burgers up a notch. Pair one with hand-cut fries, or go for Good and Loaded Fries.
That shake we mentioned is the Old Plank Milkshake, You Want Fries with That. The name alone is worth the order.
Beyond burgers, the menu wanders in fun directions. The Birria Grilled Cheese and Pastrami Reuben are both highlights.
A PB&B&J sandwich and Chicken Bacon Ranch also appear. Shrimp tacos and smoked wings round things out.
Chips and Queso work well for sharing. Families get a kids’ menu, so little appetites are covered.
Timing matters here more than usual. It’s closed Sunday and Monday, and Tuesday only runs from 11 AM to 2 PM.
Wednesday through Saturday, hours stretch until 8 PM. That gives you more room for a dinner visit.
Free parking is easy to find, and delivery is available too. St. Joseph’s burger scene is lucky to have this spot.
Address: 505 Francis St, St Joseph, MO 64501
9. Social BTB
Board games and burgers turn out to be a winning team in Joplin. Social BTB lives up to its name with table games and room to hang out.
The spot sits on South Main Street with a relaxed feel. Hangout sections and an outdoor patio make it easy to stick around.
Burgers here come thick and hearty. The Bacon Cheeseburger is a fan favorite, while the plain Hamburger keeps it classic.
Sides might steal some attention, though. Onion strings, sweet potato fries, ranch fries, and Social Fries all appear on the menu.
Fried cheese curds give the table a Midwestern snack moment. Fried pickles are another crunchy choice for sharing.
Chicken tenders hold their own beside the burgers. A lineup of sauces gives you plenty of ways to dip.
Vegetarians get a full menu of their own. That makes group outings much easier to plan.
Live music and games on TV add extra reasons to visit. A private dining room handles bigger gatherings.
Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu. Dogs can come along to the outdoor seating, too.
Reservations are accepted, which is rare for a burger stop. Free parking is usually plentiful, so arriving is stress-free in this corner of Missouri.
Address: 1027 S Main St, Joplin, MO 64801
10. Kenny’s Flippin Burgers
Why settle for a bun when you could use two grilled cheese sandwiches instead? Kenny’s Flippin Burgers in Cape Girardeau asked that question, and the answer is delicious.
This downtown spot started life as a food truck. Now it serves creative burgers and indulgent milkshakes from a Broadway storefront.
The menu names are half the fun. The Holy Flippin Cheeseburger is a highlight, and you’ll grin while ordering it.
The Cape Catfish Smash Burger nods to its river-town home. It’s a creative twist you won’t see at many burger joints.
Fries get the creative treatment too. Ribbon Fries, Crinkle Cut, and Booty Fries all appear on the menu.
Then there’s the Bacon Ranch Fry Pie. It sounds wild, which is exactly why you should try it.
Can’t pick just one burger? The Slider Platter lets you sample without the stress.
Portions run big, so bring a friend or bring an appetite. Vegetarians get a full menu, which keeps groups happy.
Dogs are welcome, and there’s outdoor seating for nice days. Reservations are accepted if you’re coming with a crowd.
Sundays close at 5 PM, so plan early on weekends. It’s a fitting finale for a Missouri burger road trip with a little attitude.
Address: 418 Broadway St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
