Best Burgers in Kansas City
Kansas City pairs decades-old burger diners with a fast-growing smash burger scene, from the Crossroads and River Market to Brookside and the Northland.
Where to Eat
How to eat burgers in Kansas City
Kansas City is famous for barbecue, but it has a deep burger history of its own. Some of its best-loved spots are old diners that have been griddling thin patties for decades, and a newer wave of smash burger shops has brought crispy, lacy-edged burgers to the Crossroads, Brookside and the Northland. Between the two, you can eat very well without ever ordering burnt ends.
A few areas are worth knowing. The Crossroads Arts District, just south of downtown, has both a historic diner and a newer smash burger shop within a short walk. The River Market, north of downtown along the streetcar line, mixes the City Market with casual counters. Westport and the Country Club Plaza are the classic places for a night out or a family meal, Brookside is a walkable neighborhood farther south, and North Kansas City sits just across the Missouri River. Every spot below appears on the cards above, and you can browse more cities in our restaurant directory.
Best burgers in Kansas City by style
Old-school diners
Town Topic Hamburgers has been part of Kansas City since 1937, and its Crossroads counters still serve thin, griddled patties to a mix of regulars and visitors. Winstead's Steakburgers near the Country Club Plaza is the other nostalgic name, with steakburgers in a diner that opened in 1940. If you like this style, our best classic burgers page has more around the country.
Smash burgers
Kansas City's smash burger scene has grown fast. Cosmo Burger started as a pop-up in a Waldo bar and now has a full shop in the East Crossroads, with house pickles, tots and milkshakes. Disco Burger went from a River Market kiosk to a Brookside location in 2026, serving lacy West Coast-style patties and crinkle-cut fries. The Campground in the West Bottoms serves just one burger, a double smash with American cheese, pickles, red onion and aioli. In the Northland, Tay's Burger Shack in North Kansas City chars its patties hard and offers sizes up to a full pound. Not sure which style you prefer? Read smash burger vs. regular burger or browse our best smash burgers picks.
Big bar burgers
Westport Flea Market Bar & Grill is the place for a thick bar burger. Its Flea Market Burger is a 10-ounce patty, and the condiment bar lets you dress it yourself. It is a natural first stop before a night in Westport.
Butcher-quality burgers
Pigwich in the River Market is a sandwich counter first, but its dry-aged beef burgers, including the Pig Mac, have earned a following. It is a good pick if you want something a little more chef-driven without leaving a casual setting. For more in this lane, see our best gourmet burgers page.
Local burger traditions
The steakburger is Kansas City's closest thing to a signature burger, and Winstead's has built its name on it for generations: a thin patty cooked on a hot griddle and served simply. Town Topic's griddled patties come from the same era of small, quick hamburger counters, and both still feel like a trip back in time.
The new generation of smash burger shops is in many ways a return to that idea: thin patties, high heat and simple toppings. If you want to try the style at home, our guide to American burger styles explains how smash burgers, steakburgers and thicker pub burgers differ.
Tips for visiting
- Group stops by area. Town Topic and Cosmo Burger are both in the Crossroads, while Pigwich and Disco Burger's original kiosk are in the River Market.
- Use the streetcar. It runs between the River Market, downtown and the Crossroads, which makes a burger crawl easy without a car.
- Check hours before you go. Several spots on this list keep limited or changing schedules, and some open only in the evening.
- Ask about doubles. At smash burger spots, a second patty adds more crispy edges, which is the whole point of the style.
- Cook 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 smash burgers, classic burger joints, cheap burgers in Kansas City.
FAQ
What is the best burger in Kansas City?
It depends on what you like. For history, go to Town Topic or Winstead's. For a modern smash burger, Cosmo Burger, Disco Burger and The Campground are strong choices. For a thick bar burger, try Westport Flea Market.
Where can I find a cheap burger in Kansas City?
Town Topic, Winstead's and Tay's Burger Shack are classic counter-style spots that keep things simple and affordable. Cosmo Burger and Disco Burger are casual too.
What is a Kansas City steakburger?
It is the house burger at Winstead's, a thin beef patty cooked on a griddle and served simply on a soft bun. Winstead's near the Country Club Plaza is the best-known place to try one.
Where should I eat a burger near the Country Club Plaza or Westport?
Winstead's is right by the Plaza, and Westport Flea Market Bar & Grill is a short drive away in Westport.