We love highlighting hard-working burger shops here at Go To Destinations, and we all know there are countless burger spots across Utah to choose from, but today let’s have a look at three stellar spots for your consideration!
Lucky 13
Salt Lake City’s burger paradise slings juicy creations and bold flavors in a high-energy setting.
For over a decade, this 21+ roadhouse bar has earned its title as home to Utah’s best cheeseburgers, drawing crowds with massive portions, creative toppings, and a lively vibe.
Whether you’re craving smoky bacon or fiery peppers, Lucky 13 delivers a flavor-packed experience that’s equal parts messy and memorable.
Food Highlights
- The Celestial Burger: Smoked bacon, grilled onions, cheddar, and barbecue sauce create a sweet-savory masterpiece crowned “out of this world” by regulars.
- Ring of Fire: Not for the faint-hearted, this burger packs roasted jalapeños, habaneros, and cheddar for a spicy kick that lives up to its name.
- Bacon Stinky Cheeseburger: Blue cheese melds with house-smoked bacon for a pungent, crowd-pleasing combo praised for its “perfectly juicy” patty.
- The Nut Butter Burger: A quirky favorite featuring peanut butter and bacon—a salty-sweet twist that surprises first-timers.
- The Pigpen: Double pork power with bacon, ham, and two cheeses, dubbed “heaven for meat lovers” in reviews.
Atmosphere
Think sports bar meets rock-and-roll hangout: neon beer signs, TVs blasting games, and a buzzing patio with fire pits.
The dim lighting and black decor give it a dive-bar edge, while friendly staff and oversized booths keep the mood welcoming.
Don’t miss the vintage jukebox or the cheeky tractor out front!
Why It’s One of the Best in Utah
Lucky 13 doesn’t just make burgers—it crafts experiences. From daily-smoked bacon to locally sourced beef, quality ingredients shine.
The $1,000 food challenge (devour two mega-burgers in an hour) adds bragging rights, while Utah’s iconic fry sauce elevates every crispy side.
Address: 135 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Milt’s Stop & Eat
Moab’s retro burger haven, Milt’s Stop & Eat, slings some of Utah’s juiciest, messiest, and most satisfying burgers from its 1950s drive-in setup.
Fueling adventurers since 1954, this spot runs on grass-fed beef, hand-cut fries, and milkshakes so thick they double as dessert.
Locals and tourists alike rave about its no-frills charm and bold flavors—earning it nods for “best cheeseburgers in Utah” from die-hard fans.
Food Highlights
- Santa Fe Cheeseburger: Smothered in grilled green chilis, melted cheddar, and chipotle sauce—a smoky, spicy kick for heat seekers.
- Blue-Moon-Bacon Cheeseburger: Crumbled bleu cheese, crispy bacon, and garlic mayo on a buttery brioche bun—rich, tangy, and unapologetically indulgent.
- Chili Cheeseburger: Open-faced glory with beef chili, onions, and gooey cheese—a messy masterpiece loved by regulars.
- Elk Cheeseburger: Lean, locally sourced elk patty with lettuce and tomato—a wild twist on the classic.
- Fried Bacon and Egg Cheeseburger: Breakfast meets lunch with a fried egg, bacon, and melty cheddar—the ultimate post-hiking fuel.
- Western BBQ Brisket Burger: Topped with marinated brisket, BBQ sauce, and crispy onions—a carnivore’s dream.
Atmosphere
Step into a time capsule with vintage Formica counters, neon signs, and picnic tables under a sprawling sycamore tree.
The sizzle of the grill and chatter of hikers swapping trail stories create a lively, unpretentious vibe.
Why It’s One of the Best in Utah
Milt’s nails the basics: quality ingredients, retro charm, and portions that leave no stomach growling.
Their grass-fed beef, house-made sauces, and shakes crafted with local dairy make every bite—and sip—worth the stop.
Address: 356 Millcreek Dr, Moab, UT 84532
Stan’s Burger Shak
Tucked between Utah’s red-rock wonders like Capitol Reef and Goblin Valley, Stan’s Burger Shak has fueled adventurers since 1984 with towering burgers and shakes that defy gravity.
This family-run roadside legend slings 100% beef patties, secret sauces, and frosty treats so thick they come with a spoon instead of a straw.
Forget fancy decor—this is where road-trippers, hikers, and shake enthusiasts unite for messy, satisfying eats.
Food Highlights
- Hanksburger: A quarter-pound classic with lettuce, tomato, and their signature burger sauce—simple, juicy, and exactly what a no-frills burger should be.
- Bacon Cheeseburger: Smoky bacon meets melted cheese and a crispy patty, praised for its balance of salty and savory.
- Double Cheeseburger: For hungry hikers—two patties, double cheese, and a carb-loaded bun that’s “better than Five Guys” (according to East Coast transplants).
- Turkey Avocado Sandwich: A lighter star with multigrain bread, fresh avocado, and seasoned fries on the side.
- Hand-Breaded Onion Rings: Crunchy, golden, and dunkable in house-made tartar sauce.
- Peach Cobbler Milkshake: A creamy monster with real fruit chunks and oatmeal crumbles—spoon required.
Atmosphere
Think retro roadhouse meets desert pit stop. Plastic booths and faux-wood tables fill a no-nonsense dining room decorated with local hiking photos.
Order at the counter, grab a numbered tag, and wait for your feast while road-weary travelers swap canyon tales.
Don’t miss the free Wi-Fi or the shaded picnic tables outside.
Why It’s One of the Best in Utah
Stan’s doesn’t just serve burgers—it delivers a rite of passage for Utah adventurers.
The shakes alone (20+ flavors!) are worth the detour, and their fries—crispy, dusted with magic—are “the best in the state.”
Family-run for 40 years, it’s fast, affordable, and unapologetically greasy. Where else can you snag a buffalo burger or grasshopper mint-Oreo shake after exploring Martian-like landscapes?
Address: 160 S Hwy 95, Hanksville, UT 84734