The List of Best Burgers in Madison, Wisconsin
Here is a short list of our top picks for the best burgers in Madison. Scroll below for more information about each restaurant on the list!
- Mooyah
- Nitty Gritty
- Mr. Brew's Taphouse
- Hop Cat
- Culver's
Photo: Serious Eats
Nothing pairs better with world famous Wisconsin cheese than a burger cooked to perfection, and no one does burgers better in Wisconsin than Madison. Whether you’re in town to catch the homecoming game or emerging from your hometown burrow to grab a delicious burger, here are the best burger joints around town to kickstart your taste buds.
Mooyah
If you’re looking for a burger joint with a lively atmosphere and deliciously juicy burgers this is the restaurant for you. Mooyah strives towards burger perfection, but on the way they also acquired the skills to make excellent fries and shakes. Their signature burgers, like the Double Diablo and the A.1. Cheeseburger, offer original and exciting burger flavor combinations for you to try. Their meat is fresh and their toppings are unique! Their shakes come in a variety of flavors and work as the perfect side of sweetness for the salty fries that come with your burger. Mooyah is your destination for an overall divine burger sensation.
Nitty Gritty
Nitty Gritty was voted one of the best restaurants in Madison for good reason. The burgers are delicious and they have a variety of burgers to choose from. Some of their options include "The Big Gritt" or the "Wisconsinite", both of which are testaments to Wisconsin’s mastery over all things: beef and dairy. Nitty Gritty’s has a signature "Gritty" sauce that adds another level of flavor to their burgers and dippables. You really can’t get enough of it! Along with excellent burgers, Nitty Gritty also has delicious cheese curds, including their unique artichoke cheese curds that appeal to those looking for a whacky combination of foods. If you’re a badger or a university student, you’ll love the college bar feel and their variety of drink deals. Even on packed nights or during a “power hour”, the servers and bartenders do an excellent job of getting to you and taking your orders. So if you're ever in Madison, this is the place to go for great food, and an even better time!
Mr. Brew’s Taphouse
Mr. Brew’s Taphouse has great burgers and beers that are excellent for a night out to watch your favorite sports teams, or just to meet up with some friends. The toppings on their burgers are wild, like Mac and Cheese on their Bacon Mac and Cheese Burger. Nevertheless they invite you to step out of your comfort zone in the best way possible. You’ll fall in love with their sandwiches and keep coming back for more. They also have a gigantic beer selection, ranging from exquisite craft beers to classic drafts that all that pair excellently with their burgers. You get the best of both burgers and beer at Mr. Brew’s Taphouse and you’ll always leave with a smile!
Hop Cat
Hop Cat is your destination to catch a college football game while chowing down on some delicious burgers. Along with the meat, their crack fries are extremely addicting, and you’ll be surprised how quick they go. Being in a college town, Hop Cat also provides a number of drink options that you can enjoy during one of their happy hours. Sports are also a big deal at Hop Cat. Their doors open at 10 a.m. so you can get a head start on catching your favorite games, especially college football. The service is friendly and you’ll never be waiting long for food or drinks. If you find yourself coming back for more, you may want to check out their loyalty program. Scoring points while you eat great burgers and watch your favorite college team is just another bonus when going to Hop Cat!
Culver’s
After a long road trip, nothing excited me more than going out to eat one of Culver's renowned Butterburgers. Their savory burgers are a testament to burger and cheese craft, as they have really mastered the pairing. Not to mention, Culver’s was founded in the cheese capital of the world, which shines through their menu items, especially the cheese curds. Culver’s also has deliciously brewed root beer and a variety of custard selections to give you the best dessert after an already delicious meal. They really go above and beyond to prove Wisconsin as the number one dairy state. Keep that in mind if you're every looking for a bite on your way into Madison, or if you want to visit any of their other locations around the country.
So, whether you're a Wisconsin local or just a hungry tourist, this state has plenty to offer in terms of juicy burgers and top notch cheese. Don't wait to try out one of these Madison spots and have a burger-eating experience you'll never forget!
Written by: Robert Burns
Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram
Author Bio: Robert is a long-time FoodBoss contributor. An adventurous eater with an eagerness to try any and all culinary styles, his favorite dishes include Coconut Curried Shrimp and Cioppino.