Oklahoma Burgers

Top 10 Best Cheeseburgers in Oklahoma

A curated list of great independent cheeseburger spots across Oklahoma — including the state's signature onion-smashed burgers.

Oklahoma's burger scene is one of the most distinctive in the country, thanks in large part to the state's legendary fried onion burger tradition. Born in El Reno in the 1920s, the style became a regional icon by pressing thinly sliced onions directly into the beef as it cooks. This Discovery Matt ranking highlights the best cheeseburger destinations across Oklahoma, from historic Route 66 diners and nearly century-old burger counters to modern Oklahoma City favorites serving premium beef and creative builds.

1
Nic's Grill
Oklahoma City
Nic's Grill takes the top spot as one of Oklahoma's most celebrated burger destinations. This tiny Oklahoma City institution became nationally known for its enormous, juicy burgers, especially its famed onion burger, and was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. It stands out for delivering a no-frills, griddle-heavy cheeseburger experience that feels completely worth the wait.
Known for: Massive onion burgers, old-school griddle cooking, national TV recognition
2
Sid's Diner
El Reno
Sid's Diner is one of the most important burger stops in Oklahoma because it sits at the heart of the state's fried onion burger tradition. The family-run El Reno diner proudly serves the city's famous onion burgers, also known as "Depression burgers," and has become a bucket-list stop for travelers chasing Oklahoma food history. Its mix of heritage, simplicity, and consistency makes it an easy number two.
Known for: El Reno fried onion burgers, Route 66 food history
3
Meers Store & Restaurant
Meers
Meers Store & Restaurant offers one of Oklahoma's most iconic destination burgers. The restaurant is famous for its large Meers burgers made from grass-fed, Meers-raised Longhorn beef, served in a historic former mining-town setting near the Wichita Mountains. It ranks this high because the burger is memorable, the setting is uniquely Oklahoman, and the restaurant has become a road-trip institution.
Known for: Longhorn beef burgers, oversized portions, Wichita Mountains destination
4
Robert's Grill
El Reno
Robert's Grill is one of Oklahoma's most historically significant burger counters, dating back to 1926 and specializing in fried onion burgers and coneys. The tiny fourteen-stool café remains one of the clearest windows into the original El Reno onion burger tradition. It earns a top-four ranking because few cheeseburger spots in the state carry as much culinary history.
Known for: Historic onion burgers, 1926 roots, classic counter-service feel
5
Hank's Hamburgers
Tulsa
Hank's Hamburgers has been a Tulsa landmark since 1949, serving old-fashioned burgers with onions grilled directly into the meat. Its longtime Route 66-area presence and enduring reputation make it one of the city's essential burger stops. Hank's ranks high for delivering a classic Oklahoma burger experience with real staying power.
Known for: Tulsa burger institution, onion-grilled patties, old-school comfort food
6
Patty Wagon
Oklahoma City
Patty Wagon brings a more modern, ingredient-driven cheeseburger experience to Oklahoma City. The restaurant uses 100% fresh, local, grass-fed beef from Oklahoma ranching families, pairs it with hand-cut fries, and maintains a fresh-cooked-to-order approach rather than a fast-food model. It earns its spot as one of the state's best newer-school burger destinations.
Known for: Local grass-fed beef, hand-cut fries, gourmet burger approach
7
Hamburger King
Shawnee
Hamburger King is a Shawnee institution that has been serving burgers since 1927. The restaurant is as famous for its nostalgic experience as it is for the food, including booth-side phone ordering and a diner atmosphere that feels preserved from another era. It belongs on this list because it remains one of Oklahoma's most enduring cheeseburger landmarks.
Known for: Nearly century-old burger tradition, phone-at-the-booth ordering, Shawnee nostalgia
8
Arnold's Old Fashioned Hamburgers
Tulsa
Arnold's Old Fashioned Hamburgers delivers exactly what its name promises: classic, satisfying burgers in a throwback Route 66 setting. The Tulsa restaurant is known for old-fashioned cheeseburgers, fries, onion rings, shakes, and a family-friendly atmosphere that leans hard into burger-joint nostalgia. It earns its rank through consistency and a clearly defined identity.
Known for: Old-fashioned burgers, Route 66 setting, classic sides and shakes
9
Burger Punk
Oklahoma City
Burger Punk gives Oklahoma City a louder, more modern burger personality. The punk-themed burger restaurant and bar operates locations in the Paseo Arts District and Britton District, offering a more creative, contemporary alternative to the state's historic diner-heavy burger tradition. It stands out for pairing serious cheeseburger appeal with a distinctive brand and energetic atmosphere.
Known for: Punk-themed burger concept, modern OKC feel, multiple city locations
10
Eskimo Joe's
Stillwater
Eskimo Joe's rounds out the list as one of Oklahoma's most recognizable restaurant brands and a Stillwater institution. While known broadly for its college-town atmosphere and legendary merchandise, burgers remain a major part of the restaurant's long-running appeal. It closes the ranking as a cheeseburger destination with enormous statewide name recognition.
Known for: Stillwater institution, college-town icon, enduring burger appeal

How this ranking was built

Discovery Matt rankings are curated using a mix of public ratings, review volume, local reputation, historical significance, menu identity, and overall standout appeal within each category. For this Oklahoma cheeseburger list, extra weight was given to restaurants that either define the state's onion burger tradition or have built a truly memorable burger identity of their own.

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