Is there anything better than sinking your teeth into a juicy, greasy burger in Columbus? While we boast the best fast food burger with Wendy’s, Columbus is also home to some of the best local burger joints that truly stand out.
This list is scientifically proven to be correct, so if you have any issues with it, take it up with Albert Einstein. (But seriously, if you think we missed one, let us know!)
Without any further ado, in no particular order, here are the best burger restaurants in Columbus.
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
Club 185
185 E Livingston Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
This vintage dive bar in downtown Columbus has a reputation that precedes it — no nonsense allowed! Whether it’s high prices or using pre-made ingredients, Club 185 wants no part of it! Here, you can get a made-from-scratch double cheeseburger for just 6 bucks! And did we mention those 6 dollars are going to get you one of the best tasting burgers you’ve ever had? Like we said, no nonsense.
Gemüt Biergarten
734 Oak St, Columbus, OH 43205
If there’s one food that Germany is known for, it shouldn’t be pretzels, brats, wieners, or schnitzels. The only answer is the Gemüt Burger from Gemüt Biergarten. This burger is equally unique as it is classic, with Ohio beef on a brioche bun with applewood smoked bacon, American cheese, homemade pickles, and sauerkraut smash sauce piled on top. Everyone deserves to taste a burger like this at least once in their lives.
Arch City Tavern
862 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Arch City is nestled right in the heart of the Short North and boasts a large and tasty menu. But the spotlight shines solely on the burgers. Using a house blend of various beefs and cheeses, you’ll be sure to fall in love with one of the 4 unique burgers on the menu. I’m a sucker for their Market Burger, which has a patty of short rib, sirloin, chuck, and brisket with white cheddar cheese, a basted egg, peppered bacon, roasted leek, harissa, and truffled watercress on top. I’m not entirely sure what half of those ingredients are other than the fact that they’re freaking delicious.
Preston’s: A Burger Joint
2973 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
Smash burger aficionados, this is the only place you should be getting a burger in Columbus. This hidden gem of a burger is located in Clintonville, where they offer 4 unique burgers that are sure to satisfy. I will not disclose whether I’ve ordered all 4 in one visit before because that would be embarrassing. But I will say this, all four burgers are incredible. If you’re going to pick one, though, go with the Spicy Boi. Pimento cheese on a burger is an elite move.
The Thurman Cafe
183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206
While several other burger spots are also deserving of being in the top 5, you simply can’t argue against Thurman’s. Their burgers are not only massive, juicy, messy, and delicious, but the variety alone speaks for itself. They have TWENTY-TWO burgers on their menu. That’s, like, a crazy amount of burgers. How can they keep 22 burgers on their menu? Because there’s something for every burger lover here, and if they got rid of one, there’d be a city-wide riot and that wouldn’t be good. So thank you, Thurman’s, for keeping the peace in our city.
Ritzy’s
4615 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214
Ritzy’s is the time machine you didn’t know you needed, transporting you back to 1981 with every bite. This iconic diner, revived in 2018 by the original founder’s sons and a friend, delivers juicy, crispy-edged burgers and the kind of hand-cut shoestring fries that dreams are made of. The cherry on top? Their award-winning ice cream that’ll have you feeling like a kid again. For a fresh twist on a classic, Ritzy’s is your go-to spot.
Street Thyme
If your taste buds had a bucket list, Street Thyme should be right at the top. This rolling paradise of flavor parks itself at local breweries, serving up double burgers that redefine delicious. Imagine biting into the PB&JAE: thick-cut bacon, gooey American cheese, and truck-made jalapeño jelly all nestled in a peanut butter-lined bun. And those buns? Fresher than your morning coffee.
Flavor 91 Bistro
5186 E Main St, Whitehall, OH 43213
Step into Flavor 91 Bistro, where family-owned charm meets Ohio farm goodness. Since 2016, they’ve been on a mission to nourish with the freshest, most delicious meals cooked from scratch. These burgers are so good, it feels like a hug in your mouth thanks in no small part to their non-GMO, non-antibiotic, hormone-free ingredients. Flavor 91 teams up with local farms to bring all-natural, sustainable eats that are as good for you as they taste. Why settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary?
Jetpack’s Burger Truck
2634 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
Jetpack’s Burger Truck is not just a food truck; it’s a space mission on wheels, rocketing deliciousness straight to your stomach. With burgers crafted with out-of-this-world flavors, this is the place where your cravings defy gravity, hence the name. You really can’t go wrong here (unless you don’t go at all)!
Ringside Cafe
19 N Pearl St, Columbus, OH 43215
Ringside Café, a downtown Columbus staple since 1897, offers a cozy atmosphere with stained glass windows, authentic paintings, and a knockout burger. The hefty “Ali” is a crowd-pleaser, while the Smokin’ Joe BBQ Bacon Burger and the Oscar De La Hoya are more unique and off the beaten path. Non-beef options include the popular Portobello Sandwich, chicken sandwiches, and fresh salads. Every sandwich comes with House Kettle chips and a pickle spear on a Kaiser bun, making for a perfect meal.
Pat & Gracie’s
Pat and Gracie’s is where burger dreams come true in Columbus. Whether you’re biting into a Bacon Cheese Burger with its thick-cut bacon and buttery bun or savoring the smoky goodness of the Smokehouse BBQ Burger, each patty is a juicy masterpiece. Their burgers come loaded with all the fixings and some delightful surprises (hello, chimichurri sauce!). And let’s not forget the fries—the trusty sidekick to every burger adventure.
