Columbus takes its burgers seriously. Local media run burger brackets, readers argue about their favorites every year, and the city has a strong mix of old taverns, modern smash burger shops and neighborhood bars. Many of the best options sit along North High Street, which runs from downtown through the Short North, the University District and Clintonville.

A few neighborhoods are worth knowing. Downtown has some of the city's oldest bars. German Village and the Brewery District, just south of downtown, have brick streets, neighborhood taverns and newer burger shops. The Short North is the arts and nightlife district north of downtown, the University District surrounds Ohio State, and Clintonville is a residential neighborhood farther north with several burger favorites. Every spot below is on the cards above, and you can browse more cities in our restaurant directory.

Best burgers in Columbus by style

Smash burgers

Preston's: A Burger Joint in Clintonville is the name you will hear most often, with thin, crispy patties and well-loved fries. Smash Buddies in the Brewery District has become a favorite on recent Yelp and local lists, and its All American is a good first order. If you are new to the style, read smash burger vs. regular burger or browse our best smash burgers picks.

Historic taverns and bar burgers

Ringside Cafe dates to 1897 and hides in an alley off Broad Street downtown, serving boxing-named burgers like the Jack Dempsey and the Buster Douglas. Club 185 in German Village is a lively neighborhood bar known for its Double 185 Burger. Press Grill in the Short North keeps things simple with the Press Burger, and Johnnie's Tavern on the West Side is a classic neighborhood tavern known for its Super Burger. For more spots like these, see our best classic burgers page.

Casual and cheap

Ritzy's in Clintonville serves classic burgers like The Ritz. Burger Royale near Ohio State started as a food truck and now serves burgers like the Royale with Cheese and the gyro-topped Apollo, with duck fat fries on the side.

Big and stacked

Stacked Burger Co. on the Far North Side near Worthington tops recent Yelp lists with its Stack Burger. It is worth the drive if you are staying north of downtown. For more ideas on what to pile on a burger, see our guide to burger toppings.

Local burger traditions

Columbus does not have a single regional burger style the way some cities do. Instead, its tradition is the neighborhood tavern burger: a solid patty, simple toppings and a cold drink in a bar that has served the same block for years. Ringside Cafe, Club 185 and Johnnie's Tavern all carry on that habit.

The city is also a big fan of a good burger debate. Local outlets and readers regularly rank their favorites, and names like Preston's, Ringside Cafe and Smash Buddies come up again and again. To understand the styles people are arguing about, read our guide to American burger styles.

Tips for visiting

Follow North High Street. Press Grill, Burger Royale, Preston's and Ritzy's are all on High Street, which makes an easy burger crawl from the Short North to Clintonville.
Pair German Village and the Brewery District. Club 185 and Smash Buddies are close to each other south of downtown.
Plan around Ohio State games. The University District and the Short North get very busy on football Saturdays.
Check hours before you go, especially at bars and smaller burger shops.
Cooking at home? The USDA recommends 160°F for ground beef. Our burger doneness guide has the details.

Browse by style

Want just one kind of burger? See our shortlists of the best classic burger joints, cheap burgers in Columbus.

FAQ

What is the best burger in Columbus?

Preston's: A Burger Joint and Ringside Cafe show up on nearly every local list. For a modern smash burger, also try Smash Buddies, and for a big burger, try Stacked Burger Co.

Where can I find a cheap burger in Columbus?

Ritzy's, Burger Royale, Press Grill and Club 185 are casual, affordable choices.

Where can I get a burger in German Village?

Club 185 is in German Village, and Smash Buddies is just west in the Brewery District.

Where should I eat a burger near Ohio State?

Burger Royale is on North High Street near campus, and Preston's and Ritzy's are a short drive north in Clintonville.