by Jenni Eickelberg
Few foods inspire as much loyalty—and appetite—as the burger. Whether it’s a classic cheeseburger with crisp lettuce and tomato or a bold creation piled high with unexpected toppings, the burger remains a beloved staple that continues to evolve. In this issue, we’re spotlighting a selection of standout burger destinations that showcase the full spectrum of what a burger can be.
The beauty of the burger lies in its versatility. At its core, it’s a simple concept: a patty and a few toppings. But from there, the possibilities are endless. Some chefs lean into tradition, serving up thick, juicy patties cooked to perfection and layered with sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and tangy pickles. Others take a more adventurous route, crafting burgers with unexpected combinations—like peanut butter and jalapeños, fried eggs and hash browns, or even mac and cheese as a topping.
Texture and flavor play a starring role in what makes a burger memorable. A well-seared crust, a tender center, and the right balance of savory, salty, and sweet elements can elevate a burger from good to unforgettable. Some burgers are built for indulgence, stacked high with crispy onion rings, creamy sauces, and double patties. Others are more restrained, letting the quality of the ingredients shine through with minimal fuss. Whether grilled, griddled, or flame-broiled, the cooking method adds its own signature to the final flavor.
And let’s not forget the supporting cast. Toppings have become a playground for creativity. From the familiar crunch of iceberg lettuce and tomato to the richness of caramelized onions, smoked gouda, or blue cheese crumbles, each layer adds depth. Pickled jalapeños, coleslaw, avocado slices, and even potato chips have found their way into the mix, offering texture and surprise in every bite. Sauces range from classic ketchup and mustard to house-made aiolis, spicy ranch, and tangy barbecue glazes.
Vegetarian burgers have also stepped into the spotlight, no longer relegated to the sidelines. These plant-based creations are anything but bland. From hearty black bean patties and roasted mushroom stacks to meatless marvels made with lentils, chickpeas, or soy protein, they offer bold flavors. Toppings like grilled pineapple, spicy slaw, avocado crema, and vegan cheese add layers of complexity that rival any beef-based counterpart.
Each burger featured in this article tells a story—of the chef who created it, the neighborhood it’s served in, and the community that keeps coming back for more. These burgers reflect not just culinary skill, but personality and passion. Whether you’re a purist who swears by ketchup and mustard or a flavor explorer chasing the next big twist, this guide is your passport to the best burgers our city has to offer.
So, loosen your belt, grab a stack of napkins, and prepare to embark on a delicious journey. These burgers aren’t just meals—they’re experiences.
Angel’s Restaurant
1401 E. John St., Appleton
(920) 993-8847
Angel’s Restaurant is a cozy local favorite serving up unforgettable burgers, including its signature Angel Burger. This mouthwatering masterpiece features ground sirloin topped with sautéed mushrooms, green peppers, fried onions, savory ham, and a melty blend of American and Swiss cheese. It’s a bold, satisfying bite that’s perfect for lunch or brunch.
Apple Valley Pancake House
1216 W. Wisconsin Ave., Appleton (920) 574-2222
1022 Main St., Neenah (920) 215-3966
Known for breakfast, Apple Valley Pancake House—located in both Appleton and Neenah—also serves up delicious burgers that are perfect for lunch. Made with juicy USDA Choice beef, every burger is a flavor-packed experience. The Big Papa Burger lives up to its name—a full pound of beef layered with cheddar, pepper jack, lettuce, tomato, and onion on a fresh bun. Other hearty half-pound favorites include the mushroom Swiss and bacon cheeseburger. Big flavor, big satisfaction.
Countryside Bar & Grill
W5302 State 114, Menasha
(920) 989-1155
Just outside of High Cliff State Park, Countryside Bar & Grill brings its unbeatable burgers to the table at wallet-friendly prices. Its standout Dandy Burger features a juicy hamburger topped with fried onions, crispy bacon, Swiss and American cheeses, and Thousand Island dressing—all nestled between slices of golden Texas toast. With the tagline, “Food, Friends, Neighbors,” it’s the perfect spot to enjoy live music or catch a game while savoring a delicious, affordable meal.
Electric City Lanes
136 W. Wisconsin Ave., Kaukauna
(920) 462-4822
Come for the food, stay for the bowling at Electric City Lanes in Kaukauna! Their juicy selection of burgers features a flavorful local ground chuck and brisket blend, served in a clean, family-friendly setting. The Stinging Honey Garlic Burger is a standout—topped with cheese, homemade stinging garlic sauce, and deep-fried jalapeño relish for a pleasantly spicy kick. Electric City Lanes delivers excellent service and unforgettable meals. Don’t overlook this hidden gem.
Garden View Family Restaurant
216 E. College Ave., Appleton
(920) 739-8207
Located in Downtown Appleton, Garden View Family Restaurant celebrates burgers that are bursting with flavor. The Route 66 Burger is a smoky, crunchy dream—crispy onion rings, sharp cheddar, and tangy barbecue sauce atop a juicy patty. The Guacamole Burger is refreshingly rich, layered with creamy guac, crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, bacon, Swiss cheese, onions, and a touch of creamy mayo. It’s a bold, satisfying bite that hits all the right spots.
Hank & Karen’s Pub & Grill
1937 E. John St., Appleton
(920) 731-1265
Hank & Karen’s Pub & Grill is loved for its laid-back sports bar vibe and burger perfection. Its fresh, never frozen third-pound hamburger is grilled to your liking— from rare to well done—and served on a toasted bun. Customize it your way with American, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, and crispy bacon. Juicy, flavorful, and made with care, this homey spot turns a simple burger into a crave-worthy comfort food experience.
Home Burger Bar
205 W. College Ave., Appleton
(920) 364-9484
Home Burger Bar is a playground for burger lovers, where thick, juicy patties meet bold, unexpected flavor combos. Its rotating “Burger of the Month” keeps things fresh, but standouts like the PB & J Burger—layered with crispy bacon and jalapeños—prove that sweet and spicy can be magic. The Luther Burger, served on a glazed doughnut bun, is pure indulgence. Add friendly bartenders and a lively energy, and you’re in burger heaven.
JD’s Drive-In
1939 E. John St., Appleton
(920) 739-6935
Come hungry and leave full without breaking the bank. JD’s Drive-In, Appleton’s old-school favorite since 1968, broils its burgers to juicy perfection using 100% pure beef, bringing a brand-new, bold flavor with every bite. Whether you crave a classic single, a hearty double, or a towering triple, each patty is a sizzling masterpiece. Add melty cheese and crispy bacon or go wild with custom combos. Served hot and generous, these burgers are a retro-inspired feast that keeps families coming back for crave-worthy comfort and unbeatable value.
Lake Park Pub and Grill
N8904 Lake Park Road, Menasha
920-739-1901
Lake Park Pub and Grill in Menasha crafts burgers that are pure indulgence. The Rajun Cajun is a fiery flavor bomb—pepper jack cheese melting over a Cajun-seasoned patty, crowned with crispy Texas toothpicks and drenched in bold hellfire sauce. The King Burger lives up to its name, stacking a juicy beef patty with a bratwurst, then layering on creamy Swiss and American cheese. The patty melt? A golden rye hug around gooey cheese and sweet grilled onions. With its relaxed ambiance and welcoming service, this spot is a burger lover’s paradise.
Mad Apple Burger & Billiard Company
3025 W. College Ave., Appleton
(920) 955-3990
Mad Apple Burger & Billiard Co. in Appleton has a menu filled with wildly inventive burgers that are just as fun as their names. Try The Nut Job, a peanut butter and bacon masterpiece, or the Looney Shrooms ‘N Swiss, loaded with sautéed mushrooms and creamy Swiss. For mac-and-cheese lovers, the Wacky Mac is a gooey, crispy indulgence. With bold flavors and playful twists, Mad Apple turns burger night into a devouring adventure.
Maple Tree Restaurant & Pancake House
2106 S. Oneida St., Appleton
(920) 358-7397
Lunch at Maple Leaf Restaurant & Pancake House is a burger lover’s delight. Its hefty third-pound patties are grilled to perfection and served with delicious sides that round out the meal. The Cowboy Burger brings smoky bacon and tangy barbecue sauce, while the Mushroom Swiss Burger delivers rich, savory flavor. With a casual, family-style atmosphere and a menu built for hearty appetites, this spot satisfies every burger craving.
Mary’s Family Restaurant
2312 N. Richmond St., Appleton
(920) 733-0948
Since 1958, Mary’s Family Restaurant has been serving up homemade comfort—and its burgers are bursting with flavor. Each lean third-pound patty is grilled just the way it’s ordered and tucked into a toasted semmel bun with just the right amount of crunch. The Fox Cities Original Bacon Cheeseburger oozes smoky, melty goodness, while the California Burger layers crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, and Mary’s tangy special sauce for a fresh, crave-worthy bite.
Michiels Bar & Grill
1100 Appleton Road, Menasha
(920) 722-7885
At Michiels Bar & Grill in Menasha, burger lovers are in for a flavorful ride. Its Rodeo Burger is a smoky-sweet masterpiece—stacked with crispy haystack onions, sizzling bacon, melted cheddar, and a bold bourbon barbecue sauce atop a juicy patty. But that’s just one flavor in a lineup of crave-worthy creations, each delivering its own mouthwatering twist. Best enjoyed with a classic old fashioned and the warm glow of supper club nostalgia.
Mill Town Still & Grill
101 Darboy Road, Combined Locks
(920) 788-1112
Nestled along the river in Combined Locks, Mill Town Still & Grill concocts burgers that are bold, flavorful, and unforgettable. The Honey Bourbon Burger is a sweet-and-savory delight—Swiss cheese, crispy bacon, golden onion rings, and a rich honey bourbon glaze. The Milltown Cheesy Brat Burger doubles down with melty cheese and a juicy Johnsonville brat atop an Angus patty. The food is always amazing—fast food prices, but way better. Be sure to try it out!
Rookie’s Sports Bar & Grill
325 N. Appleton St., Appleton
(920) 830-1804
Rookie’s Sports Bar & Grill redefines burger indulgence with its legendary half-pound patties. The Jalapeño Popper Burger is a fiery delight—crispy smashed poppers, smoky bacon, and cool avocado ranch create a crave-worthy flavor explosion. For beer lovers, the namesake burger is a knockout: stacked with bacon, a crunchy onion ring, and drenched in velvety Fat Tire beer cheese sauce. These burgers are bold, messy, and unforgettable. Rookie’s gives its guests a mouthwatering experience that’s as gigantic as its portions. Come hungry, leave happy.
Verbeten’s Bar & Grill
154 E. Third St., Kaukauna
(920) 766-7383
Verbeten’s Bar & Grill has been serving the Fox Valley since 1932! This third-generation, family-friendly spot offers casual dining with surprisingly affordable prices. Its burgers are a local favorite. Most specifically the cheesy, saucy Pizza Burger — which tastes like a slice of heaven on a bun — and the flavorful Turkey Burger, a juicy, satisfying alternative. With friendly, welcoming service, Verbeten’s is all about great food and good times.
Wooden Nickel Sports Bar & Grill
217 E. College Ave., Appleton
(920) 735-0661
At downtown Appleton’s Wooden Nickel Sports Bar & Grill the all-wood interior oozes rustic charm and the Double Play Burger is a flavor-packed kiss on the lips. Double the patties, double the glory: A sizzling third-pound beef patty meets a juicy brat, stacked with molten cheddar and creamy Swiss. Pair it with crispy, golden chippers for the ultimate bite. It’s bold, satisfying, and built for burger lovers who play to win.
This article was originally published in the October 2025 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.
