Lexington has no shortage of great burgers. Whether you're after a perfectly simple cheeseburger, an over-the-top specialty creation, or the kind of smash burger you can't stop thinking about, there's something here for everyone.

I'm definitely not claiming these are the only great burgers in town (Lexington burger lovers have opinions 😂), but these are the ones I find myself recommending over and over—and happily ordering again myself.

With Burger Week here, consider this your unofficial burger guide.

1. county club

My pick for: The best burger in Lexington

If I had to choose one favorite burger in town, this is probably it. County Club somehow manages to keep things simple while absolutely nailing every detail. Perfectly cooked beef, great bun, just enough toppings, and incredible consistency. I've honestly never had a bad meal here.

Order: Whatever the monthly burger special is.

2. bella cafe & grille

My pick for: The classic cheeseburger

Sometimes you don't need bacon jam or fried onions—you just want a really great cheeseburger. Bella Cafe's burger is exactly that. It's juicy, straightforward, and consistently delicious. Plus, with multiple Lexington locations, it's one of the easiest recommendations to make.

Order: The classic cheeseburger.

3. son of a burger

My pick for: Best smash burger (and fries!)

If you're craving a true smash burger, Son of a Burger deserves to be on your list. The crispy edges, melty cheese, and soft bun make for one of my favorite burgers in town. And while we're talking about it...their fries might actually be my favorite in Lexington.

Order: Don't skip the fries.

4. sidebar grill

My pick for: Downtown lunch

Sidebar has been a downtown Lexington staple forever, and for good reason.

Back when I worked downtown, this was one of my regular lunch spots. Their burgers are consistently great, and the rotating specials keep things interesting.

Order: Whatever the burger special is that day.

5. east end tap & table

My pick for: Burger Sliders

East End has become one of my favorite spots. Their regular burger is excellent, but every now and then they'll run smash burger sliders as a special—and if you see them, don't hesitate.

Order: Smash sliders (when available).

6. timmy two time's

My pick for: Hidden gem

This one flies under the radar. Jhan actually discovered Timmy Two Time's before they officially opened and insisted we try it. I'm glad he did. It's a bit of a drive depending on where you live, but absolutely worth it if you're exploring beyond downtown.

Order: The Regular Burger

7. carson's

My pick for: Big, juicy burger

Sometimes you want a burger that's stacked high and impossible to eat neatly.

That's Carson's. Their So-Cal Burger is my personal favorite, and it's one I end up craving more often than I'd like to admit.

Order: The So-Cal.

8. jack brown's

My pick for: Fun burger night

Jack Brown's doesn't believe in boring burgers. Their menu is full of creative combinations that and it's definitely worth a visit. Bonus points for the fried Oreos.

Order: Burger with Mac n' Cheese (save room for fried oreos).

honorable mentions

There are honestly several places that could've made this list.

A few that deserve some love:

• Shamrock's

• Stella's

• DV8 Kitchen

• Smithtown Seafood

• Sawyer's

  
  

(And for those who know...RIP Favor. 😢)

what's your favorite burger in lexington?

This list is based entirely on burgers I'd happily order again—not necessarily the fanciest or trendiest places. So now I want to hear from you.

Who did I leave off the list?

Drop your favorite burger spot in the comments.