These spots are bringing the beef, from smashburgers and classics to loaded creations stacked with flavor.
Broadway Oyster Bar
You might not expect one of the city’s best burgers to come from a place known for oysters and Cajun fare, but Broadway Oyster Bar delivers. Its 8-ounce Angus beef patty is juicy and generously sized, served on a garlic butter-griddled bun that adds rich flavor in every bite. The classic toppings of lettuce, tomato and red onion let the beef take center stage, while your choice of cheese adds the finishing touch. Pair it with a side of fries, but make them the Cajun-spiced version if you know what’s good. Crispy with just the right amount of seasoning, they’re slightly sweet with a gentle kick of heat, making them the perfect complement to an already satisfying burger.
736 S. Broadway, St. Louis, broadwayoysterbar.com
Carnivore
At Carnivore, the burgers start with a hefty half-pound of prime beef cooked to order and served on a soft, flavorful bun from Pete’s Italian Bakery. You can customize your build with toppings like crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled onions, then choose from seasoned fries or another side to round out the plate. Simple, high-quality ingredients and attention to detail make this a standout spot for a classic, no-nonsense burger done right.
5257 Shaw Ave., Suite 100, St. Louis, 314.449.6328, carnivore-stl.com
Collina Eatery
Collina Eatery keeps things classic with a fresh beef patty grilled to order and tucked into a soft sesame seed bun, but the real game-changer is the option to add Red Hot Riplets bacon. The St. Louis favorite brings a spicy, smoky crunch to the burger, giving every bite an extra kick of local flavor. Served with a side of fries, this is a no-frills burger that proves the classics don’t need much tweaking, just a few well-chosen upgrades.
2130 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, collinaeatery.com
D’s Place
D’s Place has built a loyal following thanks to its lineup of smashburgers, where crispy, caramelized edges meet juicy beef in every bite. First-timers can’t go wrong with the OG Smashburger, a classic topped with your choice of cheese plus lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles. Regulars, however, know the Frisco Melt is the move. A fan favorite, it stacks two smash patties on buttery Texas toast with American and Swiss cheese, grilled onions and the house Frisco sauce for an indulgent spin on a diner classic. Looking for something with a little more punch? The Black & Blue layers blackened seasoning with tangy blue cheese crumbles. Be sure to ask about the rotating Burger of the Month, which has featured creative specials like a pizza burger, cheese curd smashburger, D’sMac and a cowboy burger.
900 Barton St., St. Louis, dsplacestl.com
Gastro Pit
Gastro Pit on the Hill puts a bold spin on the classic burger with a lineup of flavorful smashed creations served on buttery brioche buns. Turn up the heat with the Diablo Burger featuring ghost pepper mayo and pepper jack cheese, savor the Sweet Bacon Jam Burger with cheddar and bourbon-bacon jam, or enjoy the Southwest Burger topped with Provel cheese, avocado, sweet jalapeño jam, pickled onions, and fresh pico de gallo.
4948 Southwest Ave., St. Louis, gastropit-stl.com
Kingside Diner
With three locations throughout the St. Louis area, Kingside Diner keeps it simple with a classic smash burger done right. Each burger features two juicy patties topped with fresh lettuce and tomato on a toasted bun, creating a timeless favorite. Guests can customize every bite with a variety of add-ons, including American, cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese, bacon, avocado, a fried egg, caramelized onions, or an extra patty for an even heartier burger experience.
Multiple locations, kingsidediner.com
Marconi Mercato
Marconi Mercato on the Hill serves a lineup of burgers that blends classic favorites with Italian-inspired flavors. Choose the Classic Burger with fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle, or try The Hill Burger topped with Sicilian caponata, mascarpone mayonnaise, and mild giardiniera. The Bishop Burger features a grilled bison patty on a pretzel bun with savory onion jam, while the signature Marconi Burger adds crispy pork belly and rich saffron aioli for a bold finish.
2030 Marconi Ave., St. Louis, marconimercato.com
The Key
The Key Burger & Boogie celebrates the art of the smash burger with an extensive menu built on fresh, locally sourced, pasture-centric beef served on Fazio’s bread. Guests can customize their own burger from an extensive list of add-ons or choose signature favorites like The Breakaway, The Hat Trick, Magic Mushroom, Jerk Burger, Chimi Burger, and Wake Up! Loaded with premium cheeses, house-made sauces, fresh toppings, and creative flavor combinations, every burger delivers a satisfying twist on a timeless classic with plenty of options to make it your own.
3225 Olive St., St. Louis, thekeystl.com
The Parkmoor Drive-In
There are many ways to dress a Parkmoor burger, but it all starts the same way: simply seasoned with salt and smashed on a rippin’ hot flat top for crispy, savory edges. This family-owned St. Louis staple uses locally grown beef and locally baked buns, with patties ground and hand-shaped daily. The signature Kingburger stacks two patties with gooey American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, caramelized onions and secret recipe Parkmoor sauce. Other options include smash burgers topped with bacon, sautéed mushrooms and Swiss, blue cheese or a veggie patty, plus the newest addition, the Texas 2 Step with pepper jack, bacon, grilled onions, onion rings and BBQ sauce. Every burger comes with fries or house-made chips, or upgrade to the onion rings.
220 W. Lockwood Ave. Suite 100, Webster Groves, theparkmoor.com
The Train Shed
Looking for the ultimate burger experience in downtown St. Louis? Head over to The Train Shed at Union Station! Our menu is packed with bold flavors, featuring everything from classic, crispy-edged smash burgers to unique, hearty creations like our fan-favorite brat burger paired with sharp German mustard. Unwind in a cozy booth, enjoy a creative cocktail, and dive into a burger that hits the spot every single time.
201 S. 18th St., St. Louis, trainshed-stl.com
This article appears in August 2026.