Where to Go for the Best Burgers
in Columbus, Ohio
No, a good burger isn’t easy to find, but with this list of the best burgers in Columbus, you can now have a fantastic experience whether you are looking for a gourmet burger or a classic hamburger.
This iconic food is enjoyed in various forms and styles worldwide, with countless variations and toppings, with everything for different tastes and cultural preferences.
Still, not every burger is worth your time and money. You want perfectly cooked meat, fresh toppings, perfectly seasoned sauces, and more.
We’ll start with the Thurman Cafe, which is legendary in Central Ohio for its burgers.
The Thurman Cafe
No wonder The Thurman Cafe is often quite busy; it is known for serving some of the best burgers in Columbus. The portions are huge, but the prices are more than fair for what you’re getting. If you’re looking for an experience that isn’t for the faint of heart, complete with perfectly cooked meat, juicy and flavorful, and perfectly fresh toppings, this is the place for you.
Some of the favorites include The Thurman Burger, their head honcho burger overloaded with ham, sautéed onions and mushrooms, mozzarella and American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, banana peppers, and mayo with chips and a pickle spear, The Johnny Burger, a bleu cheese burger with loads of bacon, horseradish cheese, and a splash of tequila cooked in and served with a shot of 1800 tequila, and The Jason Burger, their famous 12 oz. burger topped with fried egg, bacon, Genoa salami, cole slaw, fries, tomato, mayo, and mozzarella cheese served with more fries and a pickle spear.
Address: 183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206 • (614) 443-1570
Photo Credit: The Thurman Cafe
Preston’s: A Burger Joint
Look around Preston’s: A Burget Joint, and you will see nothing but happy faces chowing down on perfectly cooked burgers. It’s hard to go wrong there, but we recommend the Spicy Boi (sambal jam, Pimento cheese, shaved onion, and house pickle), the Pastrami Bacon Burger (special Sauce, American cheese, shaved onion, iceberg, and house pickle), or even the Classic (special Sauce, American cheese, shaved onion, iceberg, and house pickle).
They also happen to have some of the best chicken wings in Columbus. While they are not a dedicated gluten-free facility, they take pride in making everyone feel as safe as possible with a dedicated prep space, a dedicated fryer, a dedicated grill — and a very educated team who is passionate about feeding you.
Address: 2973 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202 • (614) 400-1675
Photo Credit: Preston’s: A Burger Joint
Flip Side Easton
Whether you want bison meat or a vegetarian patty, Flip Side Easton has you covered. The entire staff is dedicated to providing you with a great experience, so you might end up with more than one server, all of them friendly and attentive. The kitchen only uses Ohio-raised premium grass-fed beef, chef-prepared mid to mid-well allowing for the perfect combination of texture, flavor, and center temperature. You can get a gluten-free bun for an extra charge.
You might have seen their Chili Pepper Burger on the Cooking Channel’s show Unique Eats, which comes loaded with pickled jalapeno, pepper jack cheese, crispy chili onion rings, sriracha, and smoked chili ketchup. Some other favorites include the Brunch Burger with American cheese, bacon, Yukon gold hash browns, cage-free, sunny side up egg, and bourbon maple syrup, and the Bison Burger topped with melted Boursin cheese and marinated portobello mushrooms. And plant-based patrons will definitely enjoy the Impossible Burger, a unique nut-free and dairy-free burger topped with avocado, sprouts, arugula, red pepper vinaigrette, and your choice of optional cheese.
Address: 3945 Easton Station, Columbus, OH 43219 • (614) 472-3547
Photo Credit: Flip Side Easton
Pat and Gracie’s
Pat and Gracie’s isn’t a very well-kept secret, as hundreds of Columbus locals have already given it a 5-star rating for serving some of the best burgers in Columbus. Still, the wait is somehow never very long there, and the food comes out hot and delicious every time. All burgers start with two fresh, never frozen, 3-ounce certified Angus beef patties, hand-patted and smash-cooked on a griddle, with chicken breast or Impossible Burger as substitutes if desired.
If you’re not sure what to order, you can’t go wrong with The Chimi Burger (two smashed-cooked patties topped with Monterey Jack cheese, avocado, caramelized onions, bacon, and house-made chimichurri sauce on a butter-toasted bun) and the P&G Patty Melt, two smash-cooked patties, toasted sourdough bread, Swiss cheese, forest mushroom ragout, house dill pickles, chophouse aioli served with your choice of side. Don’t forget to get some House-made Tots on the side made with freshly grated russet potatoes, onion, salt, and pepper and fried to a golden brown and served with homemade garlic aioli.
Address: 138 Graceland Blvd, Columbus, OH 43214 • (614) 987-5147
Photo Credit: Pat and Gracie’s
Johnnie’s Tavern
Don’t be fooled by the fact that Johnnie’s Tavern doesn’t have a website or even social media accounts. This hole-in-the-wall is well-known by burger connoisseurs for serving excellent burgers that require no condiments to shine.
Their Cheeseburger is likely to be one of the best you’ll ever have, and they offer many side options like fries, onions rings, tots, broccoli cheese bites, and more. The wait can get pretty long as Johnnie’s Tavern is popular, and the staff can get pretty busy, so we definitely recommend getting there early!
Address: 3503 Trabue Rd, Columbus, OH 43204 • (614) 488-0110
Photo Credit: Johnnie’s Tavern on DoorDash
Ted’s Montana Grill
The owners of Ted’s Montana Grill imagined a restaurant where friends and family could sit down for classic American dishes based on important ingredients like simplicity, honesty, and authenticity. Known for its burgers and chops made from bison, this place is a must-try that never disappoints. Choose freshly ground Great Range® premium bison, Angus beef, or all-natural grilled chicken breast with fresh-cut fries or your choice of side.
Ted’s Montana Grill offers everything from simple but delectable burgers to more elaborate ones like the Canyon Creek with cheddar, bacon, jalapeño, raspberry jam, and a fried egg or the Avalon with gruyère, blue cheese, bacon-caramelized onions, roasted garlic, aioli, and baby arugula. They also offer a House-Made Veggie Burger, which is vegan and comes with lettuce, tomato, and roasted garlic aioli on a cracked wheat bun. Look no further for some of the best burgers in Columbus!
Address: 191 W Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215 • (614) 227-0013
4169 Worth Avenue, Columbus, OH 43219 • 614-337-1457
Photo Credit: Ted’s Montana Grill
Ringside Café
If eating excellent burgers named after boxers sounds like a fun time (and it is!), head over to Ringside Café. This little tavern is homey and quaint, and the wait is rarely too long. Many consider it the best place to get a burger in Columbus by far, and its offerings are appropriately divided between Welterweights, Lightweights, and Heavyweights. All the burgers are made with 100% Angus beef.
The Ali is a three-quarter pounder and is ready to take on its next opponent, but the Smokin Joe BBQ Bacon Burger and the Latin-tinged Oscar De La Hoya are also becoming house favorites. They also have excellent sandwiches that come with House Kettle chips and a pickle spear and are served on a Kaiser bun.
Address: 19 N Pearl St, Columbus, OH 43215 • (614) 228-7464
Photo Credit: Ringside Café
Bareburger
Bareburger is a casual, eco-minded regional chain that serves some of the best burgers in Columbus (and organic, too!) using beef, bison, and more alongside tasty sides. Close to the North Market and parking garage and with a menu full of vegan, gluten-free, and other options, it is a solid choice for groups with different dietary preferences.
All their red meats are 4 oz patties cooked to medium doneness for a perfect sear with a pink center for a juicy burger. You can order them medium-well too. For the buns, you can choose from brioche, sprout, gluten-free, and keto.
The menu boasts fantastic options like the Sweet Bison Blues featuring all-natural bison, uncured bacon, blue cheese, caramelized onion, bacon jam, and Meyer lemon honey, the Southern Chix loaded with Nashville hot buttermilk-fried nae chicken, pickled green tomato, organic lettuce, and buttermilk ranch, or the Elkasaurus with grass-fed elk, uncured bacon, Colby, wild mushroom, caramelized onion, and smoke sauce.
Address: 463 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215 • (614) 706-4790
Photo Credit: Bareburger
Burger Theory Columbus
Burger Theory Columbus prides itself on serving delicious burgers, fantastic Mason jar desserts, and more. You will love their Philly (grilled peppers, onions, mushrooms, Jack cheese, KGB sauce), the Farm Fresh (portobello mushroom, grilled onions, roasted red peppers, lettuce, goat cheese, and roasted garlic mayo), and the Boss, featuring not one but two burgers stuffed with bacon, onion, sharp Cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, lettuce, and KGB sauce.
And don’t forget their desserts! S’mores, Carrot Cake, Key Lime Pie, and Brownie Sunday served in Mason jars are the treats you didn’t know you needed, but you’ll undoubtedly be going back for seconds!
Address: 175 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215 • (614) 242-3911
Photo Credit: Burger Theory Columbus
Royal Burger
Royal may be a food truck, but it serves some of the best burgers in Columbus, hands down, alongside its other menu options like onion rings, cheese sticks, and fried mushrooms. The fries come out hot, well seasoned, and are perfect with the Double Cheeseburger or Philly Cheese Steak. The flavor of their (halal) meat comes out perfectly with every order, and the burgers are generously sized – if you aren’t one to finish your meal at restaurants, you will easily be able to split one with a friend.
Address: 3823 Sullivant Ave, Columbus, OH 43228 • (614) 208-2021
Photo Credit: Royal Burger
Hadley’s Bar + Kitchen
Great for brunch, a quick lunch, or a leisurely dinner with cocktails, Hadley’s Bar + Kitchen also happens to serve some of the best burgers and fries around. Juicy, saucy, and fresh, they are well worth all the five-star reviews online. Every ingredient used speaks to their vision, and the menu came from a desire to add flare to the usual downtown burger. You will taste their passion with every bite!
Hadley’s Dinner Burger is made from top-choice Ohio beef, American cheese, house-brined pickles, and Dijonnaise on a brioche bun and is classic. But if you’re in the mood for something different, try the Mango Jefa Burger, loaded with a double patty, lettuce, red onion, Swiss cheese, and Sauce Boss Bang Mango Jefa Hot Sauce all on a brioche bun. And for plant-based customers, Hadley’s Vegan Burger is sure to please with Beyond Meat, LTO, house pickle, American “cheese”, and special sauce on a soft roll.
Address: 260 S 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215 • (614) 222-3022
Photo Credit: Hadley’s Bar + Kitchen
Flavor 91 Bistro
Flavor 91 Bistro is the place to be for farm-to-table, all-natural, locally sourced burgers. And with plenty of parking, vegan and vegetarian options, exclusively grass-fed meat, and staff welcoming of everyone, including kids, it doesn’t really get any better than this.
All burgers are served with hand-cut seasoned or sweet potato fries, but you can substitute them for a cup of soup or side salad for an additional cost. One of their favorites is the Flavor Burger, made with a hand-crafted 4.5 oz grass-fed beef patty, Ethiopian-style seasoning, pepper jack cheese, spicy flavor sauce, shredded iceberg lettuce, tomato, and red onion. Or, try the Lamb Good Burger, which comes loaded with fresh lamb infused with oregano, grilled and topped with creamy goat cheese, sweet fire-roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, spinach, and tomato.
If you’re plant-based, you will love the Portabella Burger (herb-marinated and grilled portabella mushroom topped with spinach, tomato, and onion) and the Black Bean Burger (house-made black bean burger topped with an avocado puree, spinach, tomato, and onion.
Address: 5186 E Main St, Whitehall, OH 43213 • (614) 845-8840
Photo Credit: Flavor 91 Bistro
Village Coney
Yes, Village Coney is known for its delicious hot dogs. However, they also make incredible burgers that are hands down some of the most affordable on this list. Try the 1/3 Pound Hamburger (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, mustard, ketchup, mayo) or the Chili Cheeseburger (Coney sauce, cheddar, onion, mustard, mayo), each for under $6 at the time of this writing. Don’t skip the tots and onion rings!
Address: 418 E Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43206 • (614) 445-9633
Photo Credit: Village Coney
Matt and Tony’s Kitchen x Tavern
Matt and Tony’s Kitchen x Tavern is a kid-friendly, dog-friendly spot that makes some of the best-tasting food in downtown Columbus, including burgers that are filling, original, and come with delicious hot fries or other options like their incredible mozzarella sticks.
They serve some of the best burgers in Columbus, including the Chimi Burger (two smashed cooked patties topped with Monterey Jack cheese, avocado, caramelized onions, and chimichurri sauce on a butter-toasted bun, the Bacon Cheese Burger (two smash-cooked patties topped with American cheese, smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, and homemade B&B pickles and Gracie Sauce on a butter-toasted bun served with hand-cut fries), and the Pimento Cheese Melt (two 3-ounce Angus beef patties topped with pimento cheese spread, bacon, tomato, and bread and butter pickles served on buttered sourdough bread).
Address: 340 E Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215 • (614) 914-8484
Photo Credit: Matt and Tony’s Kitchen x Tavern
FishBurger
The home of America’s favorite salmon burger, FishBurger is where you want to go for cooked-to-order, hot, well-seasoned burgers and fries that include uncommon options (few of the spots on this list can say they offer a fish burger!).
The Fish Burger is made from fresh salmon, skinned and ground in-house that is seasoned and fried to perfection with spring mix, tomato, onion, pickle, and drip sauce on a brioche bun. Do you prefer white fish? The OG Tilapia Fish Sandwich is a tasty mix of tilapia fillets tossed in their special blend of seasonings and fried to perfection, served on a toasted hoagie with banana peppers and your choice of house tartar or drip sauce.
Because FishBurger primarily relies on frying as their cooking method, we highly recommend eating on-site rather than getting take out, even if the wait tends to be a little long during lunch and dinner time.
Address: 1808 E Livingston Ave, Columbus, OH 43205 • (614) 670-8650
Photo Credit: FishBurger
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