Bite Into These Connecticut Burgers

Ted’s Restaurant, Meriden: The steamed cheeseburger is a hyper-regional style, found only in Meriden and a few surrounding towns. Ground beef is pressed into small metal trays and cooked in a steam cabinet, instead of the more traditional grill or broiler preparation. Blocks of cheese also get the steam treatment, producing a gooey, melty texture to pour over the beef patty. 

Ted's is the oldest of Connecticut's steamed cheeseburger joints, around since 1959, but burger lovers who enjoy the style also love K. LaMay's in Meriden (owner Kevin LaMay is a Ted's alum) and American Steamed Cheeseburgers in nearby Wallingford. 

Shady Glen, Manchester: This retro-style diner, a central Connecticut favorite since 1948,  is famous for the "Bernice Original" burger, with four slices of cheese. The cheese pieces are placed on the patty so that the edges overlap and touch the hot flattop grill, melting and crisping up to form "wings" around the circle of meat. Shady Glen is also well-known for its homemade ice cream.

Louis Lunch, New Haven: This burger spot has the historical clout, but it stands out for a few other reasons - the burgers are cooked in a cast-iron vertical broiler that dates back to 1898, and served on toast instead of hamburger buns. The only acceptable and approved toppings, according to house rules, are cheese, onion, and tomato. No ketchup allowed!

Max Burger, West Hartford (and coming soon, Avon): The gastropub concept from Max Hospitality offers classic and gourmet options, with specialties like the Blackjack (a blackened patty with caramelized onion, fire-roasted poblano pepper, pepperjack cheese, guacamole) and the Alpine Umami, with Gruyere cheese, caramelized onion, arugula, wild mushrooms, and black garlic aioli.

Plan B Burger Bar, Glastonbury, Milford and Simsbury: The B stands for burgers, beer, and bourbon at this group of gastropubs, where the beef is fresh and ground in-house daily. Try the Philly steak burger, topped with sliced steak, mushrooms, caramelized onions and cheese sauce; or one of its smashburgers, topped with fried eggs, pulled pork, or pepperjack cheese and jalapeños.

Wood-n-Tap, 10 statewide locations: At this time-honored casual favorite, enjoy full-sized classic burgers with fries or Parmesan tater tots - or share a plate of Bar Bites, the eatery's signature miniature sliders available with beef or bison meat. 

Artisanal Burger Company, Manchester: Build your own burger at this family-friendly restaurant and sports bar, or try one of its indulgent innovations like the Double Trouble (two beef patties, two cheeses, and bacon on two grilled-cheese sandwich "buns.")

Goldburgers, Newington: Goldburgers is the epitome of a neighborhood burger joint, with fresh, high-quality burgers, sandwiches, sides, and rotating creative specials. Check out its specialty options like the Blue and Gold, with blue cheese crumbles and crispy onion straws, or the MacPatty, topped with a fried square of mac and cheese, nacho cheese, pepperjack cheese and jalapeños.

Lake Zoar Drive-In, Monroe: The burgers at this cherished drive-in are handmade daily - fresh,  never frozen - and available in junior, regular, and double sizes. 

Harry's Drive-In, Colchester: It's a sure sign of coming spring when Harry's, a 106-year-old drive-in, opens for the season in March. Classic burgers are available as 4-ounce singles or 8-ounce "stackers" with your choice of add-on toppings. 

Prime BGR, New Haven: This city spot was featured on Food Network's "Best Bite In Town" in 2024 for its Belgian Bierhaus burger, crafted with a black pepper-seasoned patty, a stew made with vegetables, red wine, and Belgian beer; whipped Brie and tobacco onions on a toasted pretzel roll. 

Jack Rabbit's, Old Saybrook: This shoreline hangout for "burgers, wings, and things" is especially known for its burgers and hot dogs, with gourmet items like the Pepe Le Pew (a burger topped with grilled apples, bacon and Brie) and the Cowboy, with refried beans, Jack cheese, avocado and jalapeños.

Flipside Burgers & Bar, Fairfield and Milford: If you like your burgers creative, this is the place! Check out Flipside's Burrata Burger, with arugula, roasted red peppers, pesto and a garlic parmesan bun; and the Chip and Dip burger, with Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, French onion dip and housemade potato chips. 

Engine Room, Mystic: The gastropub, by the owners of James Beard nominee Oyster Club, specializes in burgers with local and/or grass-fed beef. Check out the Mushroom Mae, a Connecticut-centric creation topped with Mystic-based Seacoast Mushrooms and Melinda Mae cheese from Mystic Cheese Co., produced in Groton. 

Little Pub, multiple locations: Little Pub packs big flavors, with creative burgers like the fiery Habanero Jack (pepper jack, smoked bacon, jalapeños, caramelized onions, habanero aioli), the Six Napkin with bacon, smoked Gouda, frizzled onions and BBQ sauce; and the Ventura Highway with bacon, guacamole, and Gorgonzola. 

Haywire Burger Bar, Westbrook: Enjoy a mix of classic and innovative burgers at this beloved shoreline spot, with memorable creations like the Aloha with ham, provolone, and grilled pineapple and the Figgy Jammin, with bacon, blue cheese, caramelized onions, fig preserves, and balsamic glaze.