When Chris “Mac” McKenzie opened Mac’s Local Eats in 2017, he started with a 4-foot flat top and single fryer in a tiny 300-square-foot space, bringing his whole-animal philosophy to life. 🍔
This mom-and-pop burger joint has grown into one of St. Louis’s most beloved smash burger destinations, now operating from a larger Oakland Avenue location where loyalists happily wait in line for burgers made from dry-aged whole cows.
How Mac’s Local Eats won St. Louis’ hearts
Mac’s captured St. Louis through an uncompromising commitment to whole animal sourcing from local pasture-raised farms — using every part including expensive steak cuts that get dry-aged for 28 days to concentrate flavor.
The restaurant’s dedication to working only with farmers who are true stewards of the Earth and allow animals to engage in natural behaviors resonated with conscious consumers seeking ethical dining options.
Their innovative approach to making almost every component from scratch in-house — from boudin to chili to condiments — proved that a small St. Louis burger joint could compete with big chains on flavor while maintaining integrity.
By perfecting the smash burger technique with minimal fat that creates crispier, crunchier edges (the coveted “meat skirt”), then toasting buns with lard, Mac created an umami bomb that wannabes have yet to copy.
The restaurant’s embrace of St. Louis culture through Red Hot Riplets fry seasoning and Provel cheese demonstrated pride in local brands while elevating burger joint classics. 🌶️
Their special 3-meat blend of brisket, beef short rib, and pork belly in half-pound patties set a new standard for what St. Louis smash burgers could be.
Food Highlights
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Gooey Garlic Burger: The fan-favorite features two patties, two slices of Provel, two slices of American cheese, garlic aioli, with the bun finished in garlic oil and sea salt — consistently called the best burger in St. Louis that has customers ordering it every single visit. 🧄
- Little Italy: Topped with peppers, garlic aioli, and Provel, this burger brings Italian-American flavors to the smash burger format — guests recommend adding a fried egg for extra richness.
- Pork Burgers: Made from the same whole-animal philosophy applied to pork, these tender, loaded patties offer an alternative to beef at this St. Louis burger joint.
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Double Pimento Burger: The crowd-pleasing double patty topped with house-made pimento cheese served on the perfectly toasted bun makes this a solid selection that pairs perfectly with Rip fries.
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Classic Burger: The straightforward option that lets the quality of the dry-aged whole animal grind shine through with lacy-edged patties that taste as beefy as they look.
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Louie Burger: A local favorite that showcases Mac’s creative approach to St. Louis burger culture with unique toppings that complement the rich beef. 🍺
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Dirty Sancho: This bold creation delivers Southwestern-inspired flavors at this St. Louis burger joint with spicy elements that kick things up a notch.
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Veggie Burger: The plant-based option ensures non-meat eaters can enjoy Mac’s signature smash burger technique and house-made buns. 🌱
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Doughnut Burger: Available on Sundays only, this special creation puts burgers between doughnuts for an over-the-top sweet and savory experience — guests recommend adding bacon.
- Southside Mac: This signature creation with 1000 island sauce became so popular that it earned its own dedicated following, delivering classic burger joint flavors elevated by dry-aged beef.
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Red Hot Riplet Fries: The signature Rip fries coated with Old Vienna Red Hot Riplets seasoning have achieved cult status — super crispy and perfect with cheese sauce for dipping.
- Boudin Balls: The house-made Cajun specialty featuring rice, pork, and spices rolled and fried demonstrates the whole-animal utilization philosophy.
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Smash Burger Tacos: Creative taco format using the same quality beef showcases Mac’s willingness to experiment beyond traditional burger presentations. 🌮
Atmosphere
The casual counter-service setup on Oakland Avenue creates a laid-back St. Louis burger joint vibe where you order at the counter, grab a number, and they bring food to your table.
Board games available while waiting make this family-friendly spot perfect for all ages, though the efficient kitchen keeps wait times surprisingly short even during busy periods.
The clean, modern space features plenty of seating and a full bar with beer on tap, including local craft selections that pair beautifully with the St. Louis burgers.
Food arrives on paper-lined aluminum trays with self-serve utensils, napkins, and condiments from a separate bar, creating the authentic mom-and-pop burger joint experience that keeps lines forming daily. 🎵
Bottom Line
Visit for the dry-aged whole-animal burgers that St. Louis Magazine calls some of the city’s best, the ethical sourcing from local pasture-raised farms, the legendary Gooey Garlic burger that inspires obsessive loyalty, the signature Red Hot Riplets fries celebrating St. Louis culture, and the scratch-made everything philosophy in this true mom-and-pop burger joint. ✨
Address:
5656 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110
📞 (314) 393-7713
🕔 Open Wed-Thu 11 AM–8 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM–9 PM, Sun 11 AM–8 PM (closed Mon-Tue)