Let’s get one thing straight—Omaha doesn’t just do burgers; it’s where you’ll find the best burgers in Omaha. It’s the beef capital of the Midwest, home to smash hits and sloppy masterpieces, where chefs play with brisket, bacon, and burnt ends like they're brushstrokes on a greasy canvas. From old-school taverns to Wagyu-fueled experiments, we’ve tried them all—some twice, just to be sure.
These aren’t just burgers. These are Omaha burgers. And this list? It’s built from the ground up—chewed, digested, argued over, and written by locals who actually know the difference between “good” and “get-in-the-car-now.” No fluff. No tourist traps. Just the best burgers in Omaha.
All American Burger
Locations: Aksarben Village (1911 S 67th St) & Downtown Omaha (1421 Farnam St)
We knew about this one before the first burger even hit the grill. Omaha Food Magazine sat down with owner Alex Harrington nearly 9 months before opening to talk shop—menu concepts, neighborhood dynamics, and the viability of a smashburger joint downtown. Our verdict then? It would work. Today, it’s one of the hottest burger spots in Omaha.
All American Burger is unapologetically simple: thin, crispy-edged smash patties, fresh toppings, killer sauce, and no fluff. The All-American Smash and The Unit (a towering, meat-loaded behemoth) are fast becoming local icons. And with locations in Aksarben Village and downtown Omaha—just a 7-minute walk from our office at 1402 Jones Street—it’s dangerously convenient.
Harrington, who also runs several Pickleman’s locations, knew what he was doing: this isn’t a gimmick; it’s a tribute to the kind of burger you crave after a long day. It’s beefy Americana, served fast, hot, and without apology.
Block 16
Location: 1611 Farnam St, Omaha, NE
Alton Brown didn’t call Block 16’s Croque Garçon burger his favorite in America for nothing. Just a 3-minute walk from our office, this downtown gem isn’t a burger joint—it’s a flavor lab.
Chef-owners Paul and Jessica Urban channel fine-dining experience into sloppy, indulgent greatness. Burgers come stacked with truffle mayo, over-easy eggs, or even slabs of deep-fried lasagna. Their Block Burger is simplicity mastered, while the daily specials might include hot chicken & mac burritos or confit duck-loaded fries. No one does fun with flavor like Block 16.
Charred Burger + Bar
Locations:
- 1150 Sterling Ridge Dr #107, Omaha
- La Vista: 819 Tara Plz
- Elkhorn: 2615 N 204th St
Wagyu gets thrown around a lot in food circles—but at Charred, the difference is real. Every burger here is made from high-quality Wagyu beef, cooked medium, served juicy, and given space to shine.
From the Classic with garlic aioli to the Wildfire with jalapeño aioli and habanero relish, Charred proves you don’t need bells and whistles when you’ve got killer beef. Bonus? You can build a slider trio if you’re feeling indecisive—or just greedy.
Dinker’s Bar & Grill
Location: 2368 S 29th St, Omaha, NE
Dinker’s has no hostess, no waiter, no frills. It also has no equal when it comes to nostalgia-fueled, griddle-seared beef. This cash-only dive has been flipping burgers since 1965, and its 7-ounce patties still hold up as some of the best in town.
The Triple Decker is legendary. The Patty Melt? An art form. No Instagram nonsense here—just juicy, seasoned meat on a grilled Rotella’s bun, served how it’s always been. If you want a beer, go to the bar. If you want a burger, go to Dinker’s.
Hyde’s Slydes
Locations:
- 16859 Q Street, Omaha
- Inside the Grover Inn: 3505 S 42nd St
We’ve featured Hydes multiple times before, and for good reason: they make damn good burgers. What started as a food truck evolved into a brick-and-mortar beast that doesn’t cut corners. Chef Nick Hyde—who literally grew up studying the Food Network—brings passion and creative fire to every patty.
Signature smashburgers like The Rosenblatt or Ranch Bowl are juicy, crispy, and crave-worthy. Don’t skip the loaded fries either—they’re practically a meal. From food truck to cornerstone, Hyde’s Slydes is a story of hustle with delicious results.
Jackson Street Tavern
Location: 1125 Jackson St, Omaha, NE
Roughly 250 steps from Omaha Food Magazine HQ, this spot is a no-brainer lunch pick. Jackson Street Tavern quietly serves one of the most satisfying burgers in the Old Market, dressed in elevated simplicity and always perfectly cooked.
While known for its globally inspired entrees and artisan flair, the burger flies under the radar—and that’s just how locals like it. Soft buns, quality beef, and a touch of house-made aioli make it a sleeper hit.
Jams
Locations:
- 7814 Dodge St
- 1101 Harney St
With locations in both Midtown and the Old Market, Jams delivers an eclectic menu that manages to surprise every time. Their chuck-and-brisket burger blend makes for one of the most flavorful bites in the city. Paired with addictive fries and a lively dining room, it's a standout in both vibe and taste.
Service has its ups and downs, but the food? Consistently excellent. Our pick: the Jams Burger with a strong beer pairing—and a backup napkin or two. Definitely one of the best burgers in Omaha.
Porky Butts BBQ – Blane Burger
Location: 15475 Ruggles St, Omaha, NE
You don’t expect to find one of Omaha’s best burgers at a championship BBQ joint—but that’s exactly where you’ll find the Blane Burger, and when it hits the menu, don’t miss it.
It’s a ½ lb of American Wagyu, American cheese, and the most outrageous topping options this side of the Mississippi. Add brisket, sausage, turkey, ham, or burnt ends. Go big or go get in line again.
This one’s named for 5X world champ pitmaster Blane Hunter himself. It’s messy. It’s meaty. It’s magnificent.
Stella’s Bar & Grill
Location: 106 Galvin Rd S, Bellevue, NE
Sixteen years running as Omaha’s Best Burger, Stella’s doesn’t mess around. Hand-pressed patties served on wax paper, fresh-cut fries, and a cult following to match. No tricks, no towering monstrosities—just beautifully seasoned beef on a lightly toasted bun.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Attempt the Stellanator Challenge—a skyscraper of six patties, six slices of cheese, and a full plate of sides. We’ve tried. We’ve failed. You probably will too. But we dare you.
Sully’s GastroPub
Location: 860 Terry Dr, Papillion, NE
Sully’s doesn’t yell for attention—it earns it. With an unassuming pub vibe and an unshakable reputation for high-quality burgers, it’s quietly become a go-to for locals in Papillion. Their Smashburger is the stuff of legends, cooked to perfection, dripping with cheese, and always paired with golden, seasoned fries.
No gimmicks—just one of the best burgers in Omaha, worth every mile.
Omaha’s Best Burgers: The Final Bite
There are lists. And then there are rankings made with purpose. We walked these neighborhoods. We tasted every patty. We wiped grease off our notepads and asked: is this one better than the last?
Omaha isn’t short on burger joints—but only a few really hit the mark. From inventive specials to no-frills classics, from wagyu royalty to roadside dives, these are the best burgers in the city.
And if we missed one of the best burgers in Omaha, tell us where to go—we’re always hungry.
