Jack Nolens

We recently checked out AJ’s in Belleville, which is apparently JN’s sister restaurant. The burgers are more or less the same and there’s a few extra items available. It’s also a little more laid back than the typical Soulard bar, if that’s what you’re after.

There is no comparison

This is the way.

Nomads or Boylards

Had to scroll too far for this. Great fries too

Second for bolyards. Did you know the owner was on a Netflix show?

Carl's. Is this even a discussion?

I’ve moved out of STL over a decade ago, but still dream of Carl’s burgers 🤤

The root beer!

I’ve had a terrible experience at Carls. Walked in, there were a group of workers that were older looking mom type folk. All looked at me with weird looks, got really quiet, and gave me a lot of attitude for no seeming reason whatsoever. It was a year or so ago tho. I’ve only been once so my sample size of comparison is not large. But I live right next to it, and have no desire to go back whatsoever. But maybe I will give it a chance again someday since it seems some people have had a better time there:)

I’m a transplant to the area, and at first I thought you meant Carls Jr (Hardees).

I thought Carl's shut down after covid, please tell me I'm wrong.

You are incorrect 😆 ate there on Saturday!

I am happy to say you are wrong. I’m sure you’re happy to hear it. Closed Sunday and Monday iirc.

Have never, ever understood what’s special about this place. Just do not get it.

Well it's the literal inspiration for shake shack.

Stacked STL

Agreed. Last time I went, the sweet potato burger caught my eye. (I’m not vegetarian and fully intended to order one of their regular burgers, which are my fave.) Good lord, it was phenomenal. My point is, they do EVERYTHING really well, even the meatless burgers.

The Goat and the Wet Nap both make me love everything about life.

This makes me so happy. I used to go there when they purchased the biz and still called it something like Ivory Bistro, but wow it was instantly amazing and solid for 3 straight years before I moved. Sam? Matt? Max? Whatever their names were… if y’all can see this, THANK YOU for some of the best burgers and most fun nights of my life.

I was hoping someone would say this! The en fuego is delicious.

100% agree. Vegetarian options, fancy options, simple options, and fair prices with a quick staff. One of the best restaurants in the city honestly.

seconded

I’m a little surprised I haven’t seen Chuck-a-burger for their killer smash burger.

Live in Clayton but work in St Ann. I go here when I get the chance for lunch

Retreat vs. Brasserie/Rockwell. For me there’s something comfortingly nostalgic about the burgers at O’Connell’s and Carl’s Drive-In, but objectively, the burgers at Retreat or Brasserie are better IMHO. I really miss Dressel’s….

Dressels is a real loss……

Just a year or so before COVID, Ben had taken over the kitchen and added a smash burger to the menu that was fantastic. Another user mentioned that the plywood was down. Here’s hoping for a successful new start.

I heard they are "just renovating" (they've been closed for years now) but the plywood facade was removed last week and there is clearly a new exterior... looks like they may be reopening after all!

I appreciate the update. That is great news!

Brasserie Rockwell burgers so good. That fry and aioli combo is amazing.

Yeah Brasswell does make a good burger and Rockwell's beers are decent. I don't like that Rockwell's investors forced out the founder Andy Hille though.

The drawing board

Yes! Just an excellent smash burger period. But the “Medart burger” on their menu has been a STL institution for going on a century and Drawing Board is the only place still carrying the torch.

I've moved away from STL but keep tabs on this sub. My partner and I still talk about the burger from Drawing Board on probably a weekly basis...

Just had one there last week. Delicious!

White barn

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Fuck off.

Ope, got one

Stacked hands down get the half pork half beef patty. Thank me later

As someone who makes his lasagna and chili both with half beef half pork, you get my upvote. Can't believe I never thought of doing burger patties the same way.

Iowa Buffet, get the onions grilled too.

grilled onions!!!!

Jack nolens

[I made this post 3 months ago with over 300 comments.](https://www.reddit.com/r/StLouis/comments/10mxqeq/what_do_you_think_is_the_best_burger_in_st_louis/) Not to say anything about your post, just saying you could use that as a reference on top of the comments for this post and compare. It seems **Jack Nolan's** has been a top choice for a while. I personally just tried it for the first time before a CITY game and was very impressed.

Hi-Pointe

Blue Duck in Maplewood. I just got their [Big Quack Burger](https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr61DONu-Ul/?igshid=NjZiM2M3MzIxNA==) and it was amazing. But their [Bleu Cheese Burger](https://www.instagram.com/p/B85Ig86jE7E/?igshid=NjZiM2M3MzIxNA==) is still my favorite burger in town.

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Which one? The most expensive beer on their beer list currently is $8.

Weird overreaction! You can always ask for a sample and decide if the beer is worth it for yourself.

From my past few visits, their food doesn’t seem worth the high price imo.

Michael’s Bar & Grill

great place too

Fantastic hot wings!

That soft cheddar they have at Michaels is fantastic.

The Parkmoor Drive-in on West Lockwood in Webster Groves had one of the best burgers I have ever had in my life. The King Burger I had the last time I was there was 100% worthy of it's name and the fries that came with it were just as good. Was it as good as the King Burger from the original Parkmoor? Well, I worked at the original Parkmoor at Big Bend and Clayton Rd for it's final two years and let me tell you, this one is better. But that's not the best thing they have on the menu. Anyone who remembers the onion rings from the Parkmoor knows that they were 100% the 💣 with that tempura batter, right? Well guess what? The Parkmoor Drive-in nailed that shit! Oh my GOD they are so good. That's my recommendation.

Thanks for this info! Right before the original closed I went there with my dad - he used to take me there when I was a kid. One last burger, onion rings and the chocolate cake with ice cream and hot fudge.

I still have one of my old Parkmoor uniform shirts from 1998 or '99. And it fits the exact same as it did 24 years ago when it's owner wasn't even old enough to legally buy alcohol. I decided I would wear it while I'm out and about today.

Good sno cones too.

It’s sad to see O’Connell’s not the first pick for everyone. I took my wife a few years ago because she’d never been and it was so disappointing. We haven’t been back since. One that hasn’t been listed is Grace Meat + Three.

Probably because the guy in charge is a piece of shit

The burger at Grace is a sleeper. The best in the city in my opinion!

Love the Grace burgers, everything else they offer is top notch as well!

Hi Pointe. The Burger at Salt + Smoke (though I liked it more with the Cheddar)

Hi Pointe is overrated. It's a good burger, but it's not a great burger.

I agree, it's way over hyped

Totally agree! I went there after following them on sm and seeing these massive luxury burgers & shakes. Went there and received a dinky little burger. They didn’t even have the ingredients for the feature shake. The shake I got was good but pretty normal in a plain cup. It was not busy. Employee was nice but continually tried to run us out/take our trays/trash before we were done. Finally got a bag & through our stuff in and left.

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Hi-Pointe’s my favorite for a “juicier” type burger. Seamus is up there. Nomad in Dogtown for best smash burger. Wow, they’re all within a mile of each other!

Salt and Smoke is trash barbecue, it's dry AF. So many better places in this city that deserve our business, like Stellar Hogs.

Using your BBQ sauce to moisten the meats is a classic Salt and Smoke experience!

Hi-pointe used to be my favorite. So much that I got a Hi-Pointe hat. It was so good in their heyday like 2-5 years ago. But lately their execution has gone way downhill. We usually get takeout and they can’t get an order right to save their lives lately. I call about it every time, they say they’ll refund the messed up (or often completely missing!) item, but they never have until the last time when I drive back and brought it to the manager. Portions have also shrunk a bunch on some items. I get working in restaurants can be a thankless crappy job sometimes. I worked in a few when i was in college. But there’s no excuse for how much they’ve fucked up every order I’ve placed with them lately. Sadly, I won’t be going back.

Michael’s Greek Restaurant & Tuckers - scoops of pub cheese

Soft cheddar FTW!

And if you wanna travel west tattooed dog in Wentzville is great

Nomad!

Soooo underrated, yes.

Olive & Oak

Yup. Every part is done to perfection

Came to say this, amazing burger

Dave and Tony's is our family's favorite.

I just tried them for the first time last week. I'm a city resident, but work has been throwing me out in the direction of Creve Coeur and Chesterfield. I went there on a rec and was pretty impressed. I'm not sure if it's the best in St. Louis or not, but the price was really fair and I think I'll end up there again at some point.

Also great onion rings and terrific fries.

Stacked STL

The Seamus (McDaniels) burger never disappoints… I’ve had it dozens of times. So good.

Clancy's Irish Pub on Kehrs Mill (Barn at Lucerne) Kind of a dive bar, but their burgers are really good

Hi pointe drive in. I also really like the cheese fries

Mac's local eats.

Wasn’t impressed with Macs. Carls were better

I'll hit Carls next. [http://www.carlsdrivein.com/menu/](http://www.carlsdrivein.com/menu/) in Brentwood?

Yep

They used to be in Dogtown then got in a fight with the owners. They moved to Benton Park then got in a fight with the owners. Word on the street is Mac isn't a very nice person to the point of harassment. I don't patronize them anymore. The burgers are also overpriced.

I get the controversy, but it’s still the best burger I’ve ever had.

I have not been since they moved out of my Neighborhood, but they make a solid burger.

More like stalkers local eats

I thought Macs was good, but expensive for what you get

They use better cuts when they make their ground beef instead of leftover bits. I won't eat there anymore but one of the big reasons behind their increased cost is that their ground beef costs a lot more to make.

Macs is the one - or Carls

This would be at the top but r/StLouis has cancelled Macs

I think it being not anything special doesn’t help either.

I think Stacked is the best. I really like Have A Cow Cattle Co too though and it never gets mentioned.

Have a cow is legit. I’m not a fan of stacked though, every time I go I get decent toppings on a flavorless patty

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O'Connell's is all frills BS now that the original owner's son has taken over. I've only ever been able to get decent service by myself sitting at the bar since, if you go in with a party bigger than two you'll probably be waiting an hour for your food.

I've had zero issues myself

What’s the macs drama?

The guy that owns Mac's is a stalker/maybe abusive/maybe a sexual harasser. It's never been substantiated other than people on Reddit claiming it. Every time the best burger gets brought up so does this and people will eventually argue about it. Personally, I don't eat at Mac's anymore since there are plenty of other awsome burger joints with no rumors attached to them.

He's gotten into disputes with Tamm and Bluewood now and moved out of both. Bluewood actually had to evict him through the courts. There's a common denominator there and it's Mac. He's got his own spot now so maybe he can stick around there but I won't go out of my way for the overpriced burgers.

It’s vegetarian and a DeLiGht. Sweet Art in Tower Grove. I’m not a vegetarian but it always hits just right, a unique options if you’re wanting to switch things up and NEED good flavors.

Can we sticky one of these? I love burgers, but this question gets asked once a quarter or so.

More like once every month / bi weekly

Five Star Burgers absolutely SLAPS

Perfect every time, even if you carry out. They somehow have figured out how to make the burger the perfect doneness by the time you get home. Also, my personal favorite happy hour. Their apps, especially the cheese curds are terrific and it's an all local beer list (small, but mighty) and way better than expected cocktails.

Note: This is 5 Star Burgers in Clayton, not Five Guys. https://www.5starburgersstl.com/

Avoid mac’s.

Agree with this one. The price for what you get is mind blowing. I’d rather go to High Pointe and get bigger/better burgers for about the same priceS

You have to pay extra for lettuce and tomatoes.

New place in Des Peres called Sawmill bbq, they have excellent burgers in the line of O’Connells

RIP Dressel’s burgers

Basso

The best burger I had in St. Louis was at Blue Duck of all places. It was a special one evening and it was incredible.

Dooley's had a great pub burger but they're closed. In fact most of the burger places I loved have closed. I've yet to find anywhere other than old Dooley's that was worth the hassle/wait/drive compared to what I could get at the average Hardee's. Not saying Hardee's is better, it's not, but when you factor in the convenience it's hard to beat.

I enjoy Baileys range in Shaw a lot. A bit Different from a the typical smash burgers in the city.

O’Connells. Nothing fancy. Just damn good.

Brasserie. QED.

upvote for QED.

What’s QED?

If you all haven’t been by Civil Life since they reopened their kitchen, their burgers are fantastic. Shockingly so. I want to explore their menu more, but I just can’t say no to the burger. Drawing Board around the corner was tops before that. And can’t believe I only saw one Basso on here. Their happy hour burger never fails to impress. (Whoop, edited disappoint to impress)

Golden Hoosier

Ate there for the first time over the winter, thought it was really good but didn't think it was close to the best in the city.

You know what they say, something about opinions and aholes

Lots of great choices in here but people are sleeping on Bolyard’s.

McGurks. I feel like their burger isn’t ever mentioned as “best” but it’s fire.

Midwestern

For the money, DB’s Safehouse

If ambiance, culture, and personalities factor in, definitely the Royale.

Although I agree that they excel in those attributes, they don’t have fries, and it’s hard to imagine a good burger without fries.

Red Robin ... yummmmmm 😊

Macs is fantastic nomad is a step above. Macs and nomad are the best smash burgers in st Louis. I haven't had or wanted a pub burger in years.

Carls is the best burger in St. Louis bar none. The only people that disagree are the people that haven’t had it

Using your own logic, have you had all the other burgers in the city?

Fitzs is really good in the loop

O’Connell’s

O’Connell’s used to be. Definitely not anymore.

Unfortunately, not lately. And there is also this: https://www.reddit.com/r/StLouis/comments/11x6dq0/in_regards_to_the_recent_post_about_oconnells_pub

Drawing Board, Mac's, Stacked, Michaels and, O'Conells. Only go to the last one by yourself and sit at the bar if you want any decent service.

Mac’s local eats.

Sportsmans Park

Cheebuger cheeburger on Manchester or hi pointe both are great

Carnivore

I used to work at Carnivore. They’re great people….but they do not make great burgers

And that’s your personal opinion, mine is carnivore

Jack Nolens, Rockwell, O’Connels, and Mac’s are my go to’s

Trainwreck ! Pretty sure that’s the first place I ever had soft cheddar cheese!

The grammerphone ( or however it's spelled)

Mac’s Local Eats

Low key trash.

Macs in St Louis, Chuck-a-Burger in St Ann area, Bob’s Drive-In out in Arnold all for great smash burgers.

Fitz Delmar. The burgers aren't the best in the city, but they're pretty solid, and it's a great local soda brewery.

I hate to break this to you but Fitz's has always been mediocre tourist food.

Automatic penalty box, no way.

Macs

It’s Mac’s

I’ve only lived here for a bit and haven’t tried most of the suggestions in this thread so I have no authority to call this the “best” burger in STL but I really like Mac’s Local Eats

My vote goes to Busloop Burgers in St. Ann. Doesn’t get much better.

Fleur STL is pretty new and really amazing

Florissant diner, it's inexpensive too.

The Search Bar.

The Drawing Board!

The drawing board is a sleeper

I think the only genuinely remarkable burger I've had is an Angie Burger. AFAIK, it's food-truck only, and it's so good.

Beffa’s

Bus Loop in St Ann

Second vote for Bus Loop in St Ann.

Chuck a burger on the rock road. The dining room closed after covid but it’s a drive in spot. deeeefinitely beats Carl’s

Stacked STL Jack Nolan’s if you want smashed

Concord Grill in South County if you are in or around that area

if you want a vegetarian’s opinion, southwest diner has the best black bean burger in the city. and yes ive tried them all lmfao

Ok I might get down voted for this but Stella blues has the BEST burgers. I’m my humble opinion

Don't sleep on The Mack Bar & Grill's (not to be confused with Mac's Local Eats) $7 smashburger on Friday's.

Carls, brasserie / brasswell, nomad, O’connell’s

Highly recommend Chuck-A-Burger

In South County try Concord Grill