9 of the Best Burgers in Cincinnati – Hope You’re Hungry!

You have lots of options if you’re looking for the best burgers in Cincinnati. I seriously had trouble narrowing it down to a list of just nine burger spots! From the classic cheeseburger (hello, Quatman’s!) to waygu patties to plant based eats, Cincinnati has some of THE best burgers around.

Burgers in Cincinnati

These local favorite burger restaurants in Cincinnati will help you fill the bellies of your crew. Eat at the restaurant or order for takeout.

Sammy’s Craft Burgers and Beers

Location: 4767 Creek Road, Blue Ash, Ohio 45242

Sammy’s is one of my favorite spots when I’m craving a good burger. It is, without a doubt, worthy of the best burgers in Cincinnati list.

There’s sure to be something you love when you can choose from 18 burgers on their menu plus whatever they have as a special that day. My personal favorite is the Guacamole Burger (guac, chipotle mayo, bacon, pepper jack, field greens, and tomato) with their Bourbon burger taking a close second. Their signature “burger grind” is ground fresh daily and their topping ingredients are always super fresh.

Order online (look for the menu tab on the link above) or call 513-745-9484

Bonus: They now have a food truck too! Here’s where to find them as they serve the folks all around Cincinnati.


Quatman Cafe

Location: Norwood = 2434 Quatman Ave. and Mason = 224 West Main Street

When you’re craving a fantastic old-school cheeseburger, Quatman’s is your place!

The original cafe is a staple in Norwood and they’ve been flipping burgers there since 1966. Served with your choice of lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle as well as local favorite Husman’s Potato Chips or French fries. If you’re looking for the best burgers in Cincinnati, you have to have a Quatman’s burger!

Tip: While you’re ordering, ask about buying some of their burgers raw to take home and stick in the freezer. They sell their raw burgers for a just a few bucks each!

Carryout is available. Online ordering now available. Give them a call at 513-229-0222 (Mason) or 513-731-4370 (Norwood). They are closed on Sundays.


loaded burger on paper wrapper (photo credit to Bard's Burgers and Chili)
photo credit to Bard’s Burgers

Bard’s Burgers and Chili

Location: 3620 Decoursey Ave, Covington, Kentucky 41015

I’m aware that this is not technically Cincinnati but we can’t have a best local burgers post and not include Bard’s Burgers! They call themselves “the dive that’s worth the drive” and I 100% agree!

Carryout is available. Find the extensive burger menu here and then order by phone at (859) 866-6017.
Closed Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays.


Zip’s Cafe

Location: 1036 Delta Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45208

Zip’s is another Cincinnati legend when it comes to burgers and a best burgers in Cincinnati list would be incomplete without them! This burger main stay is another solid, no frills, old school spot for burgers (and try the chili, too!).

Choose from the Zip Burger or the Double Zip Burger. Go Cincinnati German with a Girth Burger (a Zip Burger with a split grilled mettwurst) or indulge in The Train Wreck ( a Zip Burger with ham, grilled mettwurst, and three cheeses!). The Flying Pig is a Zip Burger with shaved ham and two slices of bacon! They also offer a Black Bean Burger and a Turkey Burger.

Carryout is available. Order by phone at 513-871-9876. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.


A cheeseburger and grilled cheese sandwich
A cheeseburger in the middle of a grilled cheese sandwich?! photo credit – Chandler’s Burger Bistro in Delhi

Chandler’s Burger Bistro

Location: Delhi = 6135 Cleves Warsaw Pike, 45233 and Harrison = 10533 Harrison Ave., 45030

When your burgers are made with 100% USDA choice ground chuck from Bridgetown Finer Meats and served on a locally made Servatti’s bun, you know it’s deserving of the best burgers in Cincinnati list!

Choose from 15+ burger combos including The Who-Dey Burger (ghost pepper cheese, Cajun Sriracha blend, lettuce, bacon, and their gouda cheese bites) and The Westsider (grilled pickles and onions, American cheese, tartar sauce and lettuce).

Order takeout burgers by phone at 513-941-0823; menus found here


Gordo’s Bar and Grill

Location: 4328 Montgomery Road, Norwood, Ohio 45212

Gordo’s says they’re a fusion between a nice diner and a sports bar and I think that sums it up perfectly. Located in the heart of Norwood, they’re known for their burgers… and they have lots to choose from.

If you’re willing to go for an unusual burger, here’s one you simply must try – the Jean Robert Burger. Lettuce, grape compote, bleu cheese, goat cheese, and mayo. So good!!!

Order take out burgers by phone: 513-351-1999; burger menu found here


Fifty West Burger Bar

Location: 7605 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, Ohio

Fifty West Burger Bar has a great selection of burgers for you. Start by choosing a single, a double, or a plant-based burger. Then pick your style (how about “The Ohio” with Cincinnati chili, shredded cheese, mustard, and onion?) and add on fries if you’d like. Definitely a solid addition to the best burgers in Cincinnati list!

Order online or in person.

Note: You know it’s good when their site says: “We have been experiencing extremely high demand! If online ordering is not available during open hours we have temporarily disabled it. Please do not call. Check back later or visit us in-person.”


Gas Light Cafe

Location: 6104 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45213

Whether you’re looking for a classic burger or one with all the fixings, Gas Light has you covered. Located in the heart of Pleasant Ridge, this spot ranks on the short list of best burgers for LOTS of people.

Order take out by phone at 513-631-6977; find the menu here (subject to change)


The Turf Club

Location: 4618 Eastern Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45226

Known for their burgers, this spot has a cult following. Try the filet mignon burger or build your own from the GREAT selection of toppings. Come for the burgers and stay for the neon! Under new ownership since 2019 – brothers Tom and Mark Kunkemoeller purchased and rebranded The Turf Club to keep this little gem open for business for many years to come.

Order take out burgers by phone at (513) 533-4222. Menu is here. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

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About the Author
Bridgett Raffenberg
My name is Bridgett Raffenberg and I am the creator of 365Cincinnati. I've been uncovering and sharing all of the best things to do in Cincinnati since 2010. I enjoy exploring new spots, discovering local events, and meeting the people who call Cincinnati home!

14 thoughts on “9 of the Best Burgers in Cincinnati – Hope You’re Hungry!”

  1. Surprised people are mentioned Terry’s and Incline Public House in the comments…well, I’m not surprised, but I’ve eaten 22 different burgers so far in 2021 and those are the 3rd and 2nd worst burgers IMO, respectively. Just my opinon, but Arnold’s, Delwood, and Jack Brown’s are far and away my favorite. Honorable mentions to Arthur’s, Zips, and The Root Beer Stand. I get only American cheese and special sauce (mayo and ketchup if the joint doesn’t have a special fauce) so I can judge them all equally. Sometimes I’ll get onion or caramelized onion, but nothing else that would make the toppings influence my thoughts on the burger.

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