When you think of classic American food, burgers are right at the top of the list. The Midwest has been home to some of the country’s most legendary burger joints for decades, many of them family-owned diners that have been flipping patties since before your grandparents were born. From butter-soaked Wisconsin creations to cheese-stuffed Minneapolis masterpieces, these ten diners prove that sometimes the best things in life are simple, delicious, and served on a bun.
1. Solly’s Grille — Glendale, Wisconsin
Picture this: a perfectly seared burger patty crowned with a thick slab of real butter that melts into every bite. That’s what you get at Solly’s, where butter burgers have been the star since 1936.
Milwaukee locals have sworn by this method for generations, and in 2022, the James Beard Foundation agreed by giving Solly’s an America’s Classics Award. The griddle stays hot all day, turning out juicy patties with crispy edges that soak up all that golden butter.
Walking into Solly’s feels like stepping back in time. The walls are covered with old photos and newspaper clippings celebrating their famous creation, and the staff treats every customer like family.
2. Thurman Café — Columbus, Ohio
Ever seen a burger so massive it needs two hands and a game plan? The Thurmanator at Thurman Café is exactly that kind of beast. Two beef patties, double bacon, and a towering stack of toppings make this Columbus icon a true challenge…