America has countless legendary burger joints, from renowned chains like Shake Shack to local favorites such as Minetta Tavern in New York City. However, according to a recent ranking, one burger restaurant stands above the rest.
Surprisingly, it’s not in a big city or a famous foodie trail. Instead, you’ll need to travel to a small strip mall on an island in Hawaii to try what some claim to be the best cheeseburger in the country.
Yelp, the popular review platform, just released its list of the 20 best places to grab a cheeseburger in the United States, offering burger lovers a guide to an “unforgettable cheeseburger experience.”
To compile this list, Yelp analyzed several factors, including the number of reviews, customer ratings, and feedback from Yelp Elites users known for their high-quality reviews and photos.
Shige’s Saimin Stand: America’s Best Burger
Shige’s Saimin Stand is ranked number one on Yelp. It’s a family-owned restaurant about 20 miles from Honolulu, Hawaii. Although the name suggests they specialize in saimin soup, Shige’s is known for its tasty burgers. Located in a small mall, Shige’s is popular with locals and tourists for its delicious burgers.
Yelp mentioned, “This quiet place in Hawaii is getting attention for its burger, which some people on Yelp say is the best burger in the world. “
Read More : Stouffer’s Makes a Bold Move With New Non-Frozen Mac and Cheese Mixes
The menu at Shige’s Saimin Stand includes a variety of burger options. Customers can choose from a classic hamburger, cheeseburger, barbecue burger, and teriyaki burger. The burgers can also be customized with an extra patty or made “deluxe” with the addition of onions and tomato. These burgers have become popular for their flavor, simplicity, and freshness.
Yelp reviewers have raved about the experience, with one customer saying, “The perfect burger. It left me speechless. 5/5 stars. I would recommend it to anyone in Oahu.”
Another reviewer expressed their enthusiasm: “If I wasn’t taken and could marry food, I’d go to the moon and back just for that burger.”
America’s Runner-Up: Au Cheval in Chicago
Following closely behind Shige’s Saimin Stand on the Yelp list is Au Cheval, a diner-style restaurant in Chicago known for serving some of the best burgers in the country. Au Cheval’s signature burger can be ordered as a single or double, and you can upgrade it by adding bacon or an egg.
Fans of Au Cheval praise its rich, flavorful burger, which many argue is one of the finest in the U.S. One Yelp reviewer wrote, “Truly the best burger I’ve ever had. A must-visit if you’re in Chicago! They are so simple but delicious.”
While Au Cheval may not have taken the top spot, its reputation for creating an indulgent and satisfying burger keeps food enthusiasts flocking to its doors.
Other Top Burger Spots Across the U.S.
Besides Shige’s Saimin Stand and Au Cheval, there are also other burger places on Yelp’s top 20 list. Some of them include The Friendly in San Diego, 4 Charles Prime Rib in New York City, and Bunz in Huntington Beach, California.
The Friendly is famous for its chill vibe and special burgers, 4 Charles Prime Rib has fancy burgers, and Bunz in California has basic, tasty burgers for beachgoers.
Read More : Logan Paul And MrBeast Launch Lunchly: Is It Really Healthier Than Lunchables?
A Burger Lover’s Dream
For people who love burgers, Yelp’s list of the best 20 places is like a map of hidden gems all around the country. Whether you want a simple burger place or a fancy one, there’s something for everyone on the list.
Shige’s Saimin Stand may have surprised many by taking the top spot, but its flavorful and unpretentious burgers have earned it a place in the hearts of food lovers. Next time you find yourself in Hawaii, visit this tiny island strip mall to try what might just be the best cheeseburger in America.
For those who won’t be heading to Hawaii anytime soon, the full Yelp ranking offers plenty of other burger destinations to explore.