Maya RichardsonAre you craving a juicy, perfectly seared patty right here in the heart of Ohio? Finding the best burgers in Columbus isn’t just a casual search; it’s a serious mission for local foodies and busy professionals alike.
From classic diners griddling up thin smash styles to modern joints layering thick organic beef with artisanal toppings, the local culinary scene has something incredible to offer.
Whether you want a quick lunch break downtown or a laid-back weekend dinner, sorting through the countless menus can feel overwhelming. So, we grabbed some napkins and hit the streets to narrow down the top local favorites you need to try out.
How much does a burger cost in Columbus?
A basic smash burger usually runs between $6 and $9, while specialty versions with grass-fed beef or heavy add-ons range from $13 to $17, plus a few extra dollars for premium sides.
| Burger Style | Price Range |
| Basic Smash Burger or Classic Cheeseburger | $6 – $9 |
| Specialty Burgers (Grass-fed, Brisket, Bacon) | $13 – $17 |
| Premium Sides (Hand-cut or Duck-fat Fries) | Additional Cost |
1. Smash Buddies
Website: http://sbohio.com/
Address: 460 S Front St.
Contact: +16144567069
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:00 AM-11:00 PM; Friday-Saturday 11:00 AM-12:00 AM
Smash Buddies started out as a humble food truck. But their evolution into a brick-and-mortar shop means you can now get their original smash burgers with even more convenience.
By establishing this permanent home, they can serve hungry crowds much faster during peak hours. This setup ensures you get your hot food quickly without missing a beat.
Their standout feature shines through perfectly crisped patties. They pair these with a secret signature sauce that elevates every single bite.
Importantly, their new location is incredibly easy to access for the busy midday lunch rush. It’s a great spot to grab a classic, fresh-off-the-griddle meal downtown.
On the other hand, their menu focuses heavily on one specific style of thin smash burgers. This might limit choices for diners wanting traditional thick patties.
Customer Reviews
I love these burgers
As my intro says, I’m a burger guy and typically love thick fat medium rare burgers. I’m admitting to skepticism when I arrived and saw those super skinny burgers. The flavor of those skinny crunchy yummy things were ridiculously good!!! Not saying I’m a convert, but I love these burgers just as much as their thicker cousins!!! Tots were scrumptious as well. Dinning area could have been slightly cleaner, but definitely not a reason to not check this place out!! Worth every penny and the service was awesome as a bonus!!
- Gregg Dunham | Google Review
The burger slaps
Best smash burger I’ve ever had!! Not overly greasy and toppings were fresh. Tots were perfectly crispy and salty. We will gladly return. I do beg of the owners to get milkshakes!! The burger would slap with even a basic vanilla milkshake.
- Gina Grace | Google Review
2. Burger Royale
Website: http://www.burgerroyalecolumbus.com/
Address: 1758 N High St
Contact: 614-549-6097
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 11:00 AM-10:00 PM; Thursday-Saturday 11:00 AM-3:00 AM; Sunday 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
Burger Royale delivers a West Coast-style burger joint experience inspired by cinematic themes, relying on traditional cooking methods for maximum flavor.
Their founders bring over 60 years of combined hospitality experience to the table. This expertise really shows in the quality of their fresh-cut fries cooked in rich beef tallow.
The chefs cook fresh, never-frozen beef exactly to order. This careful preparation ensures every hand-pattied hamburger feels like a premium indulgence.
Through this dedication to classic cooking styles, they serve up some of the most flavorful comfort food in town. This high quality makes every late-night visit completely worth it.
Moreover, movie buffs and late-night foodies absolutely love the cool aesthetic at this High Street staple.
However, they run slightly shorter hours on Sundays, so diners must plan weekend cravings accordingly.
Customer Reviews
Favorite burger spot
This just became my favorite burger spot I’ve ever been to. The chef (could be owner I’m not sure) was the friendliest, the burger was old fashioned, OSU basketball was on the TV. Nothing better than sitting at a bar with a cold beer watching your food cook in front of you.
- Ryan Munas | Google Review
Best burger and fries in Ohio
Best burgers and best fries in Ohio. Pulp Fiction vibes, so bring your hunny-bunny and dig in. Legends Jill and Michael dishing out Royales with Cheese and cut-to-order shoestrings fried in beef tallow that are worth the trip. This is some serious gourmet shit!
- Ken Bloebaum | Google Review
3. Bareburger
Website: https://bareburger.com/locations/short-north/
Address: 463 N. High Street
Contact: 614-706-4790
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:30 AM-8:30 PM; Friday-Saturday 11:30 AM-9:30 PM
Bareburger is a sustainable joint that masterfully blends organic, grass-fed meats with an extensive, redesigned plant-based menu. This varied selection solves the dilemma of finding a hearty meal that matches complex dietary preferences.
Diners get to enjoy high-quality meals focused entirely on organic ingredients. They even offer smart protein swaps and all-natural, gluten-free chicken tenders.
Additionally, they feature fun, unique specialty drinks like dirty sodas to wash down dinner.
With them, we found delicious options without sacrificing our food choices. This inclusive variety takes the frustration completely out of dining out.
That said, their ingredients naturally limit standard, basic diner-style options.
Customer Reviews
The best burger and sweet potato fries I’ve ever had
We rarely go out to eat but when we do we love a good grass fed burger and sweet potato fries. We almost didn’t come here because of the reviews but glad we did. This was probably the best burger and sweet potato fries I’ve ever had. Wish I lived here so I could consistently come in for more.
- Jacob Murawski | Google Review
The flavor was epic
Great service! Delicious options. The high quality beef was obvious with every bite. My cheese burger was called the standard but there was nothing standard about it. The flavor was epic! If I get back to Columbus I will definitely be returning to this establishment.
- Ruthi Riley | Google Review
4. Stacked Burger Co
Website: https://stackedburgerco.com/
Address: 1089 Worthington Woods Blvd.
Contact: 614-906-7687
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
Stacked Burger Co is a neighborhood destination run by local brothers, serving up highly creative twists on classic American cheeseburgers.
Diners enjoy unique signature items like the decadent Beer Gut Burger or a savory Beer Braised Brisket option. They also feature a customizable build-your-own choice where you can pile on up to four distinct toppings.
We appreciate that plant-based eaters aren’t left out either. Their kitchen makes a dedicated scratch-made veggie patty that easily rivals the meat options.
By offering these custom builds and unique toppings, they ensure everyone finds exactly what they want. The delicious variety makes the spot a local favorite for comforting meals.
The main drawback for weekend warriors is that the restaurant is completely closed on Sundays.
Customer Reviews
Flavorful, thick, juicy burgers
The best burgers & onion rings I’ve ever had in my life. I’ll stand by that. The burgers are flavorful, thick and juicy. The vibe immaculate. The owner is super nice friendly. I hope he brings this to Louisville,Ky one day. Rave reviews across the board from all 3 of us who ate there today. I’m leaving this review and I haven’t even left yet.
- Amanda Smith | Google Review
Some of the best burgers I’ve had in Columbus
Honestly some of the best burgers I’ve had in Columbus. The patty is smashed and crispy, there’s plenty of sauce without being too messy, the buns are soft but keep their shape. And the fries that come with the burgers are well-seasoned and have a great amount of crunch!
The staff has been extremely welcoming each time I’ve been there and do everything they can to make sure we are happy with our meal. I’ll definitely keep coming back!
- William Kentris | Google Review
5. Burger Theory
Website: http://www.burgertheorycolumbus.com/
Address: 175 East Town Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Contact: 614-242-3911
Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30-10 AM, 5-10:00 PM
Burger Theory offers a casual dining experience highlighting signature house burgers that are stuffed and topped with incredible ingredients.
One of their biggest draws is the half-pound stuffed Boss burger. It’s guaranteed to silence even the loudest stomach rumbles.
Their chefs elevate these classic house options by using a special, rich sauce. Diners can even swap in alternative proteins like house-marinated sirloin if they’re feeling adventurous.
Plus, they offer fun dessert options served in charming mason jars to perfectly round off the meal.
As burger lovers, we’re happy to get a truly rewarding feast after a long week. This satisfying variety keeps the neighborhood coming back for comforting cravings.
Just a heads up: the side options are quite limited, so you shouldn’t expect a massive variety of fries to accompany the main dish.
Customer Reviews
Delicious burgers
I recently visited Burger Theory and their burgers are delicious. Small menu. I had the Classic Double Cheeseburger medium well, no tomatoes, and fries. Nice and modern burger restaurant located inside the Holiday Inn. Comfortable indoor seating with booths and or open tables. Decent size square -like bar located in the middle of the restaurant. Parking lot located walking distance from the restaurant. Maybe free parking for customers. Recommend talking to your server. Friendly staff. Decent prices.
- Miguel Hernandez | Google Review
Juicy burgers
Great burgers… Juicy, not dry like other places. The burger Cooked as requested..I should have requested my wings cooked longer. I like a crunch on mine. Staff courteous and friendly. Will return to try the fish sandwich.
- TQ Diego | Google Review
