Best Burgers in Massachusetts

15 Best Burgers in Massachusetts (2025) – Local Favorites

When it comes to comfort food, nothing hits the spot quite like a perfectly grilled burger. And if you’re in Massachusetts, you’re in for a serious treat. Whether you’re craving a juicy, classic cheeseburger or something more gourmet with local twists (hello, maple bacon!), these burger joints have earned their reputation one bite at a time. After many road trips, bites, and “burger coma” afternoons, I’ve rounded up the 15 best burgers in Massachusetts for 2025—from Boston to the Berkshires. These are local favorites that stand out for flavor, consistency, and the kind of vibe that keeps you coming back.

1. Boston Burger Company – Boston, MA

If you’re serious about burgers, this place should be your pilgrimage. Boston Burger Company is known for pushing boundaries with massive, creative burgers that are just as Instagrammable as they are delicious.

  • Must-try: The Hot Mess – a burger stacked with sweet potato fries, bacon, American cheese, pickles, jalapeños, red onion, and house-made BBQ sauce. It’s a flavor explosion.
  • Don’t skip the sides—their loaded fries and frappes (that’s a milkshake for non-New Englanders) are legendary.
  • Location: 1100 Boylston St, Boston, MA
  • Visit Boston Burger Company

2. Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage – Cambridge, MA

Located right across from Harvard Yard, Mr. Bartley’s has been flipping burgers since 1960—and it’s not just a college hangout. This spot is iconic, with a rotating menu of burgers named after celebrities and politicians.

  • Must-try: The Tom Brady – a classic cheeseburger with guacamole, bacon, and spicy honey mustard. Like the man himself: bold and consistent.
  • They also serve regional craft sodas and homemade lemonade, perfect for a sunny afternoon.
  • Location: 1246 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA

3. Local Burger – Northampton, MA

Tucked away in the Pioneer Valley, Local Burger is a gem that lives up to its name—sourcing ingredients locally whenever possible. Their burgers are simple, fresh, and packed with flavor.

  • Must-try: The Local Burger with Maple Bacon – a nod to New England’s sweet side, paired with sharp cheddar and sautéed onions.
  • They even offer portobello mushroom “burgers” and vegan patties, making it a hit with both carnivores and plant-based eaters.
  • Location: 16 Main St, Northampton, MA
  • Visit Local Burger

4. Tasty Burger – Multiple Locations (Boston & beyond)

Known as the “backyard burger for the modern world,” Tasty Burger has made a name for itself with no-fuss, consistently great burgers. Think Shake Shack, but with a Boston soul.

  • Must-try: The Spicy Jalapeño Burger – a straightforward but fiery option topped with crispy jalapeños and chipotle sauce.
  • Grab a classic root beer float or one of their boozy shakes if you’re hitting up their Fenway location.
  • Location: 1301 Boylston St, Boston, MA (and others)
  • Visit Tasty Burger

5. Wild Willy’s Burgers – Worcester, MA

A hidden gem in Central Massachusetts, Wild Willy’s delivers big on flavor without trying too hard. Their burgers are made from hormone-free, grass-fed beef, and the difference is undeniable.

  • Must-try: The Bubba BBQ Burger – loaded with crispy onion rings, tangy BBQ sauce, and Vermont cheddar.
  • You’ll also want to order their hand-cut fries or beer-battered onion rings—arguably the best in the state.
  • Location: 317 West Boylston St, Worcester, MA
  • Visit Wild Willy’s

6. The Fix Burger Bar – Worcester & Marlborough, MA

When it comes to custom-built burgers, The Fix is a dream come true. You get to build your own burger from scratch, choosing from a long list of buns, patties (beef, lamb, bison, and veggie), cheeses, and toppings.

  • Must-try: The Fix Burger – a fan favorite with house bacon-onion jam, Vermont cheddar, and arugula on a brioche bun.
  • For the brave: try adding a fried egg and truffle aioli—it elevates the whole thing to gourmet status.
  • Location: 166 Shrewsbury St, Worcester, MA
  • Visit The Fix Burger Bar

7. A&B Burgers – Beverly, MA

Up on the North Shore, A&B Burgers brings an upscale twist to American comfort food. Their beef is locally sourced, and the kitchen leans on bold, unexpected flavors to shake things up.

  • Must-try: The A&B Classic – featuring grass-fed beef, smoked gouda, and chipotle aioli on a toasted potato bun.
  • Their short rib & brisket blend is ground in-house, giving each patty a rich, savory profile that melts in your mouth.
  • Location: 206 Cabot St, Beverly, MA
  • Visit A&B Burgers

8. Craigie on Main – Cambridge, MA

Okay, this one is a little fancy—but worth every penny. Craigie on Main is a renowned fine-dining spot, and their off-menu burger is the stuff of Boston legend. It’s only served in limited quantities each night.

  • Must-try: The Craigie Burger – grass-fed beef, bone marrow, house-made ketchup, cheddar, and a sesame bun. Only 18 are made per evening!
  • Pair it with a glass of wine or one of their farm-to-glass cocktails for the full upscale-burger experience.
  • Location: 853 Main St, Cambridge, MA
  • Visit Craigie on Main

9. Lee's Burger Place – Waltham, MA

Tucked away in Waltham’s Moody Street food scene, Lee’s serves no-frills, mouthwatering burgers with a focus on fresh ground beef and toasted buns. It’s a beloved hole-in-the-wall joint with a loyal following.

  • Must-try: The Cheeseburger Deluxe – fresh beef patty, melted American cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato, and pickles on a butter-toasted bun.
  • Burgers come out fast, juicy, and perfectly seasoned every time.
  • Location: 870 Main St, Waltham, MA

10. The Knack – Orleans & Hyannis, MA (Cape Cod)

Down on the Cape, The Knack is redefining fast-casual burgers with a coastal twist. They blend fresh-ground brisket and chuck for rich flavor and serve it up with pickled onions and house-made sauces.

  • Must-try: The Bacon Double Cheeseburger – with American cheese, grilled onions, pickles, and “Knack Sauce” on a toasted potato roll.
  • Bonus: They also serve incredible lobster rolls, making it a one-stop shop for summer cravings.
  • Location: 5 Route 6A, Orleans, MA & 1120 Iyannough Rd, Hyannis, MA
  • Visit The Knack

11. Backyard Betty's – South Boston, MA

Step into a retro-chic diner with a twist—Backyard Betty’s offers comfort food done right, including some of the best burgers in the Boston area. With campfire-style interiors and cocktails on tap, it’s a local favorite for after-work hangouts and weekend brunch.

  • Must-try: The Betty Burger – 6 oz Angus beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and Betty’s special sauce.
  • Add candied bacon or swap in a veggie patty—tons of customization here.
  • Location: 170 W Broadway, Boston, MA

12. White Hut – Amherst & Holyoke, MA

Founded in 1939, White Hut is a Western Mass legend that recently reopened with modern touches while preserving its retro charm. They’re known for thin, juicy burgers and old-school milkshakes.

  • Must-try: Double Cheeseburger with Grilled Onions – their most famous order, always served fast and fresh.
  • Don’t skip the hand-spun milkshakes or crispy crinkle-cut fries.
  • Locations: 546 Amherst Rd, Amherst, MA & 825 Memorial Dr, Chicopee, MA
  • Visit White Hut

13. Wild Willy’s Burgers – Worcester, MA

A small New England chain with a big burger following, Wild Willy’s offers hand-formed patties made from fresh Black Angus beef and cooked to your preference. Every burger is flame-grilled to give it that backyard BBQ flavor.

  • Must-try: The Bubba – chili, cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and mustard.
  • They also offer bison and veggie options for more adventurous eaters.
  • Location: 317 West Boylston St, Worcester, MA
  • Visit Wild Willy’s Burgers

14. The Rail Trail Flatbread Co. – Hudson, MA

While known for artisanal flatbreads, The Rail Trail also serves up a house-ground burger blend that’s stolen the spotlight among locals. It’s juicy, flavorful, and served on a brioche bun with creative toppings.

  • Must-try: R.T. Burger – sharp cheddar, house-made pickles, garlic aioli, and crisp lettuce on a local brioche bun.
  • They grind their own blend in-house daily for that ultra-fresh taste.
  • Location: 33 Main St, Hudson, MA
  • Visit Rail Trail Flatbread Co.

15. The Blue Ox – Lynn, MA

Fine dining meets burger perfection at The Blue Ox, a hidden gem on the North Shore. Their Sin Burger has won Boston Magazine’s Battle of the Burger multiple times—and for good reason.

  • Must-try: Sin Burger – Niman Ranch chuck, applewood-smoked bacon, Swiss cheese, truffle aioli, and fried onions on a toasted bun.
  • It’s so popular, people drive from Boston just to get a taste.
  • Location: 191 Oxford St N, Lynn, MA
  • Visit The Blue Ox

Quick FAQ – Best Burgers in Massachusetts

Where can I get the best burger in Massachusetts?
Top spots include Boston Burger Company, The Blue Ox in Lynn, and Tasty Burger near Fenway.

 

What’s the most popular burger in Boston?
The Mac Attack from Boston Burger Company and the Sin Burger from The Blue Ox are local legends.

 

Are there good burgers outside Boston?
Yes! Try The Knack (Cape Cod), Wild Willy’s (Worcester), or White Hut (Holyoke/Amherst).

 

Do these places offer veggie or vegan burgers?
Many do—look for Beyond patties or house-made veggie options at spots like The Fix and Wild Willy’s.

 

Can I get gluten-free burger buns?
Yes, most burger joints offer gluten-free buns or lettuce wrap options. Just ask when ordering.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a local or just passing through Massachusetts in 2025, these burger spots deserve a detour. Each one brings something special to the table—be it heritage, flavor innovation, local ingredients, or just downright good vibes.

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