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Hamburger America: A State-By-State Guide to 200 Great Burger Joints
The classic guide to America's greatest hamburger eateries returns in a completely updated third edition--featuring 200 establishments where you can find the perfect regional burger and reclaim a precious slice of Americana.
America's foremost hamburger expert George Motz has been back on the road to completely update and expand his classic book, spotlighting the nation's best roadside stands, nostalgic diners, mom-n-pop shops, and college town favorites --capturing their rich histories and one-of-a-kind taste experiences. Whether you're an armchair traveler, a serious connoisseur, or a curious adventurer, Hamburger America will inspire you to get on the road and get back to food that's even more American than apple pie.
"A wonderful book. When you travel across the United States, take this guide along with you." -- Martha Stewart
"A fine overview of the best practitioners of the burger sciences." -- Anthony Bourdain
"Just looking at this book makes me hungry, and reading George's stories will take you on the ultimate American road trip."-- Michael Bloomberg
"George Motz is the Indiana Jones of hamburger archeology."--David Page, creator of Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives
America's foremost hamburger expert George Motz has been back on the road to completely update and expand his classic book, spotlighting the nation's best roadside stands, nostalgic diners, mom-n-pop shops, and college town favorites --capturing their rich histories and one-of-a-kind taste experiences. Whether you're an armchair traveler, a serious connoisseur, or a curious adventurer, Hamburger America will inspire you to get on the road and get back to food that's even more American than apple pie.
"A wonderful book. When you travel across the United States, take this guide along with you." -- Martha Stewart
"A fine overview of the best practitioners of the burger sciences." -- Anthony Bourdain
"Just looking at this book makes me hungry, and reading George's stories will take you on the ultimate American road trip."-- Michael Bloomberg
"George Motz is the Indiana Jones of hamburger archeology."--David Page, creator of Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives
416 pages, Paperback
Published May 29, 2018
83 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
George Motz
12 books19 followersHamburger Expert / Author / Food Photographer / TV Host / Director of The Food Film Festival
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 18, 2020
I was excited to receive this book (3/e, 2018) as a gift. Sorry to say that no one can take this book seriously or as truthful due to glaring errors.
Pg 29 describes In-n-Out Burger's as follows "the Double-Double Animal Style is a pretty straight-forward burger: two thin patties made from fresh-ground beef on a toasted white squishy bun served with two slices of american cheese, crisp iceberg lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of Thousand Island dressing." This statement isn't even remotely true and can be verified on In-n-Out's website: "Animal Style" is a mustard grilled patty with grilled onions and other goodies. I suggest trying the Animal Fries too (order them "well done").
Pp 35-36 describe Pasadena's Pie-n-Burger sandwich. It's not as good as described: the burger is bland, undersalted, with a messy bun, and at $10 not worth the price. Ask for extra napkins to wipe off the counter before sitting.
I've been eating at both these establishments for over 50 years (I live here). The Pie-n-Burger call maybe more a matter of taste but the In-n-Out statement is a matter of fact.
While I'm here, Dick's Drive In (Seattle) is one of the single most disappointing burger experiences to be had. Bland and limp, no flavor, no veggies or ... anything ... it mystifies why this burger is held up as good. My buddy extolled it; maybe I should have ordered the Deluxe version instead.
So do not blindly trust Motz's research / reviews. He's gotten some play on YouTube and Netflix, but as his book notes, he relies on volunteers to check out some of the places the book talks about. It's unclear whether his volunteers and Motz have actually eaten everything written here.
Pg 29 describes In-n-Out Burger's as follows "the Double-Double Animal Style is a pretty straight-forward burger: two thin patties made from fresh-ground beef on a toasted white squishy bun served with two slices of american cheese, crisp iceberg lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of Thousand Island dressing." This statement isn't even remotely true and can be verified on In-n-Out's website: "Animal Style" is a mustard grilled patty with grilled onions and other goodies. I suggest trying the Animal Fries too (order them "well done").
Pp 35-36 describe Pasadena's Pie-n-Burger sandwich. It's not as good as described: the burger is bland, undersalted, with a messy bun, and at $10 not worth the price. Ask for extra napkins to wipe off the counter before sitting.
I've been eating at both these establishments for over 50 years (I live here). The Pie-n-Burger call maybe more a matter of taste but the In-n-Out statement is a matter of fact.
While I'm here, Dick's Drive In (Seattle) is one of the single most disappointing burger experiences to be had. Bland and limp, no flavor, no veggies or ... anything ... it mystifies why this burger is held up as good. My buddy extolled it; maybe I should have ordered the Deluxe version instead.
So do not blindly trust Motz's research / reviews. He's gotten some play on YouTube and Netflix, but as his book notes, he relies on volunteers to check out some of the places the book talks about. It's unclear whether his volunteers and Motz have actually eaten everything written here.
October 26, 2019
I think there’s more bias to anyone that reads this book so they can look for all of the local establishments that represent their state or upbringing. I’ll admit that coming from the Midwest I was hoping to see other establishments that are unique or reflect a specific style. However, there are too many burger joints so I’m sure there will be other editions. That being said, I think this would be a good read as a reference to anyone interested in trying burgees from other states or regions. It gives me reason to head out to California!
March 20, 2021
Some outdated reviews but plenty of good ideas from across the USA to making special burgers!
September 15, 2024
I find it hilarious that one reviewer of the book picks 3 out of 200 establishments that had errors in the review and then dismissed the book out of hand. Sorry, buddy, that's not how it works.
I use this book as a sort of pilgrimage guide for burger lovers. If I find myself out on the road I check the book to see if I can take a detour to take in any of these places, and I've not been disappointed yet.
While I can't claim, as the reviewer I mentioned above did, to have eaten at any of the places for 50+ years, I've enjoyed every single one of the places that I've visited in half a dozen states, and the ones I wasn't able to visit were usually due to errors of opening times sometimes on the book, sometimes in Google Maps, and sometimes even in the cast-in-metal opening times posted on the front of the building (I'm looking at you Dotty Dumpling's Dowry in Madison, which is not, contrary to their own permanent signage, open on Tuesdays).
If nothing else, the book is a reminder of what we lost as Americans when we decided to choose chains over local businesses. Support these practitioners of the burger arts. :-)
I use this book as a sort of pilgrimage guide for burger lovers. If I find myself out on the road I check the book to see if I can take a detour to take in any of these places, and I've not been disappointed yet.
While I can't claim, as the reviewer I mentioned above did, to have eaten at any of the places for 50+ years, I've enjoyed every single one of the places that I've visited in half a dozen states, and the ones I wasn't able to visit were usually due to errors of opening times sometimes on the book, sometimes in Google Maps, and sometimes even in the cast-in-metal opening times posted on the front of the building (I'm looking at you Dotty Dumpling's Dowry in Madison, which is not, contrary to their own permanent signage, open on Tuesdays).
If nothing else, the book is a reminder of what we lost as Americans when we decided to choose chains over local businesses. Support these practitioners of the burger arts. :-)
Read
June 7, 2022I really wonder how many of these fine little joints survived the pandemic. Sorry for the late update as I as well am a survivor. Shout out to all who read my reviews. Yes I am still here and I will survive. This book really does a fine job of showcasing those little hidden treasures that should be explored if you are in the area of one of these little joints. Just stop in and shout out a howdy to the folks working there and let them know you appreciate what they are doing. Till than see you all in my next review!
April 3, 2025
Recently, I visited a McDonald's. I sat at a table and ordered via an app on my phone. Someone shouted out my table number, and I collected it. A modern McDonald's is simply a carbohydrate and meat dispenser. It lacks culture, charm or any reason to connect emotionally with it.
George Motz whisks you away with accounts of his journeys to America's best burger joints. These joints are full of character, charm, and history. They are run by lovely, hard-working families who have a passion for making burgers.
Sounds much better than a lukewarm Big Mac.
George Motz whisks you away with accounts of his journeys to America's best burger joints. These joints are full of character, charm, and history. They are run by lovely, hard-working families who have a passion for making burgers.
Sounds much better than a lukewarm Big Mac.
July 26, 2021
You'd think reading descriptions of 200 burger places would be repetitive, and it's mostly not! Motz gives a little history lesson for most of the entries so it's not just a greasy description on each page.
As a pedant, I must note that this needed another run through by a copy editor, as there are a number of missing or repeated words.
Otherwise, I have definitely added some spots to my bucket list. I try not to eat too much red meat, so I make it count when I do.
As a pedant, I must note that this needed another run through by a copy editor, as there are a number of missing or repeated words.
Otherwise, I have definitely added some spots to my bucket list. I try not to eat too much red meat, so I make it count when I do.
January 5, 2021
It’s a book about burgers, what more could you want? I love to travel so this will definitely be a recurring resource I’ll be checking every time I’m in a new state.
April 18, 2021
Excellent book. The places I've been trying are all amazing. George Motz knows his burgers.
January 17, 2022
If I was on the road all the time, I would keep a copy of this in my car.
May 2, 2024
The descriptions of all these legendary joints is mouthwatering. This book made me want to jump in my car and take a burger road trip across America.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
May 26, 2025
Enjoyed reading about all the different burger places around the country. Will definitely use it on future road trips to see if I'm in the vicinity of any of these featured places!
May 12, 2021
What a fabulous resource for all things hamburger. George's information and history is top-notch and all of the burgers in this book are worth exploring. Although I haven't made them all, I think eventually, they will all be explored -- and eaten.
July 9, 2023
What's not to love about a State by State look at food and the best place that State has to offer.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews