Best Burgers in Boise
Boise pairs decades-old drive-ins on the Bench and State Street with a newer smash burger scene downtown and in BoDo, plus plenty of Idaho potatoes on the side.
Where to Eat
How to eat burgers in Boise
Boise has a burger scene built on drive-ins. Some of its best-known spots have been serving burgers, fries and shakes for decades, and Idaho's potato reputation means the sides often get as much attention as the patty. In recent years, a wave of smash burger counters has joined them, from a roadside-style stand on the Bench to a food hall counter downtown.
A few areas are worth knowing. Downtown and BoDo, the walkable district around 8th Street, have restaurants and the Warehouse Food Hall. The North End is a historic residential neighborhood that runs up toward the foothills and Bogus Basin Road. The Boise Bench sits on the plateau south of downtown and is home to long-running drive-ins, and State Street runs northwest from downtown with classic burger stops along the way. Garden City, just northwest of downtown, and Meridian, to the west, round out the metro area and have a few spots of their own. Every spot below appears in the cards above, and you can browse more cities in our restaurant directory.
Most of the city is easy to get around by car, and many of these places are a short drive from each other, so a two- or three-stop burger crawl is very doable in an afternoon.
Best burgers in Boise by style
Classic drive-ins
Big Bun Drive-In has served burgers on the Bench for more than 70 years and opened a second location in Garden City in 2025; get the tots. Westside Drive In on State Street is known for fries and shakes, and Hawkins Pac-Out in the North End is a favorite for burgers, breakfast burritos and tots. Bad Boy Burgers on Vista Avenue is another no-frills stand. For more in this style, see our best classic burgers page.
Smash burgers
Wyld Child opened on the Bench in 2022 and quickly became one of the city's favorite burger stops, with griddle burgers, a roadside-style patio and a falafel burger for vegetarians. Downtown, Totally Smashed in the Warehouse Food Hall serves flavorful smash burgers with lots of add-ons; try the Spicy Smash. Read smash burger vs. regular burger or browse our best smash burgers picks.
Local favorites and sit-down burgers
Big Jud's on Protest Road is a longtime Boise burger name with a second location in Meridian. Burger Belly on Broadway is handy near Boise State, and Boise Fry Company pairs burgers with fries that share top billing. For a full-service meal downtown, Fork on 8th Street has a burger that ranks among the area's highest rated.
Local burger traditions
Boise's burger tradition is the drive-in: a short menu, a griddle, and a big order of fries or tots. Big Bun and Westside are two of the best places to see it, and their longevity says a lot about how much locals value them.
Potatoes are the other tradition. Idaho is famous for them, and you will notice Boise burger spots taking sides seriously, from Big Bun's tater tots to the fry-focused menu at Boise Fry Company. If you want to make your own burger night at home, our guide to grilling burgers and how to make juicy burgers cover the basics.
Tips for visiting
- Group stops by area. Wyld Child, Big Bun and Big Jud's are all on or near the Bench, while Totally Smashed and Fork are downtown.
- Use the food hall for groups. The Warehouse Food Hall lets everyone order from a different vendor and eat together.
- Expect lines at popular spots. Hawkins Pac-Out and Wyld Child can get busy at peak times.
- Order the tots or fries. In Boise, the side is half the point.
- Cooking at home? Our burger temperature and doneness guide covers the USDA-recommended 160°F for ground beef.
Browse by style
Want just one kind of burger? See our shortlists of the best classic burger joints, cheap burgers in Boise.
FAQ
What is the best burger in Boise?
For a modern smash burger, Wyld Child is the local favorite, with Totally Smashed a strong downtown option. For a classic drive-in burger, go to Big Bun or Westside Drive In.
Where can I find a cheap burger in Boise?
Big Bun Drive-In, Westside Drive In, Bad Boy Burgers and Hawkins Pac-Out are casual spots that keep things simple and affordable.
Where can I get a burger in downtown Boise?
Totally Smashed in the Warehouse Food Hall, Boise Fry Company on Capitol Boulevard and Fork on 8th Street are all downtown.
Where should I go for burgers and tots?
Big Bun Drive-In and Hawkins Pac-Out are both known for their tater tots.