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As if we needed a better excuse to grab a greasy napkin, sink our teeth into a juicy burger and call it summer, May is National Hamburger Month, which celebrates an official day May 28. In Arkansas, we don’t just grill burgers; we stack them, sauce them, smash them, and serve them with pride at the same places our dads and grandads took us to eat as kids!Â
Whether you’re kicking off Memorial Day weekend, road-tripping across the state, or just need a midweek burger fix, these burger joints deliver big flavor, local love and a lot of beefy goodness. A backyard grilled burger is my favorite summer food, and I’m so thankful to live in Arkansas right now!Â
A Quick Bite of Hamburger History
The hamburger’s origins are a bit messy (just like the best burgers). While many countries have a version of seasoned ground meat, the modern hamburger, as we know it, featuring a ground beef patty between two buns, is a distinctly American creation. The name comes from Hamburg, Germany, where beef from Hamburg cows was minced and served raw or cooked in patties (gotta love those European roots!).
However, it wasn’t until the early 1900s that the hamburger began appearing in American diners and fairs. One of the earliest claims to fame is the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, where a beef patty was first served on a bun for easy handling. From there, it gained popularity, especially after WWII, when drive-ins and diners made burgers the go-to American meal.
Today, burgers have become global and gourmet, but in Arkansas, we still love a burger cooked right over a grill and served with a side of “here ya go, honey” and sliced garden veggies.
Arkansas Hamburger Royalty
Local classics, regional favorites and mouthwatering must-tries. However you enjoy your burger, the Natural State delivers.
Hugo’s | Fayetteville
An underground icon, literally. Tucked away in a basement off the Fayetteville square, Hugo’s has been flipping burgers since 1977 and is practically a Razorback rite of passage. Hugo’s exudes character with its dim lighting, checkered floors and hand-chalked menus, Hugo’s exudes character. The burgers are thick, juicy, and served with a side of nostalgia and house fries.
Local Favorite: Bleu Moon Burger and local craft beer
David’s Burgers | Central Arkansas
David’s Burgers is a rite of passage in Central Arkansas. Inspired by the founder’s father, David Alan Bubbus, a master butcher, the chain honors that legacy with freshly ground chuck made in-house daily. Step inside, and you’re greeted by retro vibes, friendly service, and a complimentary handful of fries while you wait. The atmosphere is fast-casual, but the attention to quality makes it stand out.
Local Favorite: The Single Combo, including unlimited fries and a refillable soda. Request grilled onions and pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
Feltner Brothers | FayettevilleÂ
Feltner Brothers adds a modern twist to the classic burger joint. Located near the university, it is a popular spot for students and locals alike. The menu features burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches, all prepared with a focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavors. It is clean, casual, and always a favorite after a Razorbacks game.
Local Favorite: The Ozark Burger – American cheese, grilled onions and house sauce.
Feltner’s Whatta-Burger | Russellville
Don’t let the name confuse you; this isn’t a Texas chain. Feltner’s Whatta-Burger is an Arkansas original that has been slinging legendary burgers since 1967. The classic walk-up window, wrapped-paper burgers and old-school charm have earned it generations of loyal fans. It’s quick, quirky and a must-stop if you’re anywhere near I-40.
Local Favorite: The Double Whatta-Cheese – don’t forget to add a shakeÂ
Flying Burger & Seafood | Magnolia, El Dorado, Camden, Caddo Valley, Texarkana
Flying Burger & Seafood has quickly become a regional favorite. Don’t let the seafood in the name fool you; the burgers are a bigger draw than the fish. Made fresh to order with hand-patted beef and served on buttery buns, these burgers hold their own beside the catfish and shrimp. It’s fast-casual, high-quality and road-trip-ready.
Local Favorite: Flying Cheeseburger with seasoned fries
CJ’s butcher Boy Burgers | Russellville & Fayetteville
CJ’s takes the “butcher” part seriously. Every burger starts with a freshly ground chuck seasoned, hand-pattied and perfectly grilled. The vibe is a classic diner with a red-and-white color scheme, but the flavor is anything but ordinary.
Local Favorite: Classic Cheeseburger with legendary Fry Sauce
Big Orange | Little Rock & Rogers
Big Orange is the place if you want your burger with a side of sophistication. Known for its gourmet twists and locally upscale burger bar expertly pairs inventive flavor combinations with a sleek, modern design. Whether you’re vegan, international or traditional, there’s something on the menu for everyone.
Local Favorite: White Truffle & Pecorino Burger – add sweet potato fries with the curry ketchup!
Hamburger Station | Paragould
Hamburger Station is the spot you hear about from a local who “knows where the good stuff is.” It’s simple, unpretentious and consistently delicious. A longtime favorite in Paragould, this little diner is full of flavor and community pride.
Local Favorite: Classic Cheeseburger with tots and cherry lemonade
Patrick’s Burgers | Fort Smith, Alma, & Springdale
Patrick’s is a local favorite for those craving a good, old-school griddle burger done right. With locations in Springdale, Fort Smith and Alma, this spot focuses on no-fuss, flavor-packed burgers, seasoned fries and fast service. It’s the kind of place you take Dad when he comes to town!
Local Favorite: Double Cheeseburger with Fries
Johnny B’s Grill | El Dorado
This small-town gem offers big-time flavor. Johnny B’s is a community favorite recognized for its friendly service, generous portions and classic diner atmosphere. While the menu extends beyond burgers, don’t let that distract you—this is still a beef-lover’s destination.
Local Favorite: Bacon Cheeseburger Basket – don’t be afraid to add grilled onions.
Olde Tyme Burger Shoppe | Texarkana
If you walk into a burger joint and see a circle of older men sitting around solving the world’s problems, that’s a good sign. Olde Tyme Burger is exactly that kind of place! Known for its throwback diner vibe, friendly staff, and burgers done the right way, it’s a staple for locals and visitors alike.
Local Favorite: Old Tyme Cheeseburger with onion rings and a fountain drink.
And lest you think we’ve skipped some classic dives, stick around this summer; we’ve got an Arkansas Dairy Bar story headed your way!
Local Flavor Boosters: Arkansas-Made Burger Condiments
Are you looking to upgrade your backyard burger bash? Discover these Arkansas-made condiments that add major flavor to any cookout:
- Petit Jean Meats Bacon | Morrilton
- Arkansas ketchup Co. | Little Rock
- Stubby’s BBQ Sauce | Hot Springs
- McClard’s Sauce | Hot Springs
- Monk Sauce | Subiaco
- Mundi Sauce | Eureka Springs
- Kindle Spice Sauce | Fayetteville
- Truth Sauce | Little Rock
- House of Webster – pickles and relish | Rogers
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer in Arkansas, and there’s no better way to kick it off than with a burger in hand. Whether you’re grilling at home or hitting the road in search of the state’s best patties, this is your sign to chase the flavor, share a meal, and celebrate the greasy greatness of a classic hamburger. This sounds like a summer challenge. Can you find Arkansas’s best burger?!?
Cover image was used with permission from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.Â
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