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12 cheeseburgers in Louisiana that are worth driving out of your way for

12 cheeseburgers in Louisiana that are worth driving out of your way for

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Cheeseburgers in Louisiana aren’t just food—they’re roadside legends waiting to be devoured.

From crispy edges to melty cheese blankets, these 12 spots serve burgers that make any drive feel like a pilgrimage. Each patty has a story, and every bun carries a local twist you won’t find anywhere else.

Some hide in small towns where neon signs flicker just right, drawing you in like a secret signal. Others sit on bustling streets, flipping patties with precision and pride, serving bites that linger in memory long after the last fry is gone.

Planning a day trip? Let your taste buds lead.

From smoky chargrills to playful toppings, these cheeseburgers reward the curious and hungry alike. Louisiana proves that sometimes the best destinations aren’t famous landmarks—they’re the juicy, savory stops along the way that leave you smiling, satisfied, and plotting your next bite.

Bub’s NOLA — New Orleans, LA

Bub's NOLA — New Orleans, LA
© Bub’s NOLA

Bub’s nails the sweet spot between neighborhood hangout and serious burger craft. The cheeseburger arrives with a lacy edge from a hard smash, then that glossy American melt you crave.

Expect a soft bun, house sauce with tang and pepper, and pickles that snap like a cymbal. You taste smoke, then beef, then a bright punch of acid that keeps each bite moving.

Order a double if you can handle it, because the patties are thin, crisp, and deeply seasoned. Fries lean golden and salty, perfect for dragging through leftover sauce.

Grab a stool near the action and watch the flattop ballet while your burger sears. It is casual, friendly, and quick, yet still feels like a treat.

The balance of fat and char sets this burger apart when you are comparing New Orleans heavy hitters. That buttery bun steams against the lava-hot patty, locking in aroma.

Onions are lightly sweated so they do not bully the beef. Every detail shows intention without turning fussy.

Prices are fair, and service is upbeat even on busy nights. You will leave full without feeling weighed down.

Park nearby, stroll Banks Street, then circle back for shakes. Bub’s makes detours feel smart, not indulgent.

Original Slap Burger — New Orleans, LA

Original Slap Burger — New Orleans, LA
© Original Slap Burger

Original Slap Burger does not whisper flavor, it throws it right at you. The cheeseburger lands with a tight sear, gooey cheese, and a signature sauce that tilts smoky-tangy.

The bun is plush, slightly sweet, and toasted enough to stand up to the drip. You catch mustard, pepper, and a little heat that keeps things lively.

Order a single to test the waters, then upgrade to the double if you love bold beef. Toppings feel intentional, not piled high just to brag.

Lettuce crunches, tomato tastes like tomato, and onions hit a mellow sizzle. Fries are crisp spears made for dipping into extra sauce.

What makes the drive worth it is the consistency. Patties hit the plancha and come off with the same caramelized edge every time.

The staff moves with rhythm, calling orders, stacking buns, and sealing in heat. Your burger arrives hot enough to fog your glasses.

Grab a booth or take it to go and wander the neighborhood. You will taste attention to detail in every bite.

It feels classic but distinctly New Orleans. When friends ask where to find a sure-thing cheeseburger, send them here.

Port of Call — New Orleans, LA

Port of Call — New Orleans, LA
© Port of Call

Port of Call is a legend for a reason. The cheeseburger is thick, juicy, and unabashedly old school, built to be eaten with two hands and a pile of napkins.

Cheese drapes over the sides, sealing in beefy juices. Instead of fries, you get the famous baked potato, loaded with butter, sour cream, and chives.

The patty tastes like it came off a backyard grill dialed to eleven. You hear the sizzle as it lands, then the room goes quiet for that first bite.

The bun is simple and soft, a background singer that lets the beef solo. Salt and char harmonize just right.

Sit at the bar and enjoy the nautical vibe, or cozy into a booth under low light. The burger arrives piping hot, the potato steaming like a tiny volcano.

Dress it how you like, then go slow and savor. This is not fast food, it is destination dining.

Expect a crowd, because locals and visitors converge here with the same mission. The wait feels like part of the ritual.

One bite and the drive makes perfect sense. Port of Call reminds you why classics stay classic.

Judice Inn — Lafayette, LA

Judice Inn — Lafayette, LA
© Judice Inn

Judice Inn tastes like Lafayette history wrapped in wax paper. The cheeseburger keeps it simple and perfect, with a thin patty, American cheese, onions, and that tangy house sauce.

The bun is toasted just enough to add crunch without scratching the roof of your mouth. Every bite pops with nostalgia and balance.

This is the kind of place where you order two and do not regret it. The patties carry a griddle-kissed edge that stays crisp to the last bite.

Onions are shaved thin so they meld into the sauce, not dominate it. You get texture, salt, and just the right drip.

No frills here, and that is the beauty. Service is quick, seating is straightforward, and the focus never strays from the burger.

Pair with a cold drink and a bag of chips, then settle into the rhythm. Locals mixed with travelers tell you you are in the right spot.

Prices are friendly, and parking is easy enough. You will leave thinking about the second burger you almost ordered.

Next time, double up without hesitation. Judice Inn is a must for your Acadiana burger circuit.

Angelle’s old fashioned hamburgers — Breaux Bridge, LA

Angelle's old fashioned hamburgers — Breaux Bridge, LA
© Angelle’s old fashioned hamburgers

Angelle’s delivers the kind of cheeseburger you picture when someone says old fashioned. A hand-pressed patty meets a soft bun, yellow cheese melts, and classic toppings snap with freshness.

Mustard, pickles, and onions do the heavy lifting, adding brightness without clutter. The result is clean, comforting, and proudly simple.

You taste the griddle as much as the beef, a flavor built over countless lunches. The bun is warmed until slightly steamy, hugging every edge.

Order a side of fries or onion rings if you like crunch alongside. Service is friendly, with locals drifting in and out on first-name terms.

The menu sticks to what it does best, and that confidence shows. Nothing feels overbuilt, yet nothing feels lazy.

Salt is tuned right, cheese stretches, and the finish is satisfying without being heavy. You will probably plan your next visit before you leave.

Breaux Bridge makes a perfect detour, and Angelle’s is the reward at the end. Park, wander the shops, then circle back for another round.

Bring cash just in case. This is timeless burger joy, delivered without pretense.

Riverside Patty — Baton Rouge, LA

Riverside Patty — Baton Rouge, LA
© Riverside Patty

Riverside Patty feels like a lunchtime ritual waiting to happen. The cheeseburger rides a toasty seeded bun with American cheese draped neatly.

A house sauce gives tang and a dab of sweetness, while shredded lettuce and tomato keep it cool. The patty is hand-formed and kissed with flat-top char.

Order a combo and watch the kitchen run like a metronome. Fries roll out golden and steady, perfect for a shake-and-salt finish.

Service is friendly and quick, even when the line snakes toward the door. You can be in and out without sacrificing quality.

What makes this a worth-the-drive stop is the unmistakable griddle flavor. It is that seasoned steel taste that says you are home.

The burger keeps structure from first bite to last, never soggy. Each topping has a role, no wasted moves.

Prices are approachable, and the parking lot turnover is brisk. Grab a booth, catch up with a friend, or eat solo with a book.

You will leave satisfied and already planning the next excuse to return. Riverside Patty is a Baton Rouge standby that delivers.

Wagyulicious Burgers and Brews — Baton Rouge, LA

Wagyulicious Burgers and Brews — Baton Rouge, LA
© Wagyulicious Burgers and Brews

Wagyulicious amps things up with rich, buttery beef that stays tender even at a deep sear. The cheeseburger showcases wagyu character without overwhelming the palate.

Cheese melts evenly, flowing into caramelized onions and a soft brioche bun. You get that plush bite followed by a satisfying beefy echo.

The menu lets you tweak toppings but the classic build works best for balance. Add-ons like smoked bacon or jalapenos bring punch without stealing the show.

Pair with a house beer or something crisp and citrusy to cut through richness. Service is patient and happy to guide newcomers.

What sets this apart is how clean it eats for a richer grind. Patties carry flavor to the edges, with just enough char for contrast.

The bun compresses gently and springs back, never gummy. Each bite stays composed from start to finish.

It is a destination burger for anyone who loves premium beef. Prices reflect quality and still feel fair for the experience.

Set aside time to linger and enjoy the room. Wagyulicious makes heavy sound elegant and worth the drive.

Burger Plus — Baton Rouge, LA

Burger Plus — Baton Rouge, LA
© Burger Plus

Burger Plus leans classic fast-casual, but the cheeseburger quality jumps higher than you expect. Doubles are the move, with thin patties smashed hard for crispy edges.

American cheese fuses the stack, and pickles bring a welcome snap. The bun stays soft while toasted enough to handle the juices.

You can build it your way, but the ketchup-mustard-onion trio sings. Curly fries add fun and crunch that suits the old-school vibe.

Milkshakes are thick and honest, turning lunch into a mini celebration. Service is quick, friendly, and focused on the basics done right.

What pulls you back is the consistent sear and seasoning. Every bite tastes like someone cares about the griddle.

The burger never gets soggy or collapses mid-meal. Portions are generous without feeling like a dare.

Prices are wallet-friendly, so bring friends and sample the menu. It works for after-game eats or a casual date.

You will leave smiling and maybe a little saucy. Burger Plus proves simple can be special when execution is tight.

The Crawfish Hole — Livonia, LA

The Crawfish Hole — Livonia, LA
© The Crawfish Hole

The Crawfish Hole surprises with a burger that hits Cajun notes without getting gimmicky. The cheeseburger carries a gentle kick from house seasoning, layered on a juicy patty.

Cheese melts into the spice, mellowing heat while boosting richness. A butter-toasted bun gives crunch and a little sweetness.

The vibe is laid back, perfect after a day exploring rural highways. Fries come dusted with seasoning that matches the burger, tying the plate together.

Order at the counter, grab a seat, and listen to locals trade stories. It feels like you stumbled into a neighborhood even if you drove an hour.

The heat level sits friendly, building slowly rather than blasting. Pickles and onions keep things bright so the spice does not dominate.

You get balance, warmth, and that back-porch satisfaction. The burger holds shape and eats neat enough for the ride home.

Value is strong and portions are generous. Add a cold drink and breathe for a bit before hitting the road.

You will think about that seasoning long after the last bite. The Crawfish Hole earns its place on a cross-Louisiana burger run.

Big J’s Side Porch — Clinton, LA

Big J’s Side Porch — Clinton, LA
© Big J’s Side Porch

Big J’s Side Porch serves a cheeseburger with backyard character and a touch of smoke. The patty is thicker, with a juicy interior and a sturdy sear.

Cheese blankets the top, melting into a toasty bun that grabs every drip. You taste pepper and a whisper of barbecue from the grill.

This is a porch-sit kind of meal, best enjoyed at an outdoor table with shade. Fries or onion rings provide crunch that matches the burger’s heft.

Service is personal, and portions do not skimp. It feels like visiting a friend who knows their way around a hot griddle.

What stands out is the meatiness without fatigue. The burger stays balanced thanks to fresh tomato, crisp lettuce, and a zesty sauce.

Each bite remains neat and flavorful to the finish. You will want a nap, but in the best way.

Clinton makes a lovely detour, especially on sunny weekends. Bring company, share sides, and settle in for an unhurried lunch.

Prices are fair and the welcome is warm. Big J’s turns a simple cheeseburger into a small-town highlight.

Curbside Burgers — Baton Rouge, LA

Curbside Burgers — Baton Rouge, LA
© Curbside Burgers

Curbside makes a cheeseburger that snaps and sighs in the same bite. The patty gets a hard smash, edges frilly and caramelized, with American draped like a silk sheet.

The bun is soft, toasted just enough, and the house smoky mayo watches the salt like a lifeguard. Add onions, pickles, and that little crunch of shredded lettuce, and you are locked in.

You choose a single or double, but the double is the move when hunger walks in loud. Fries are skin-on and salty, perfect for sopping up drips.

Sit outside under lights, listen to chatter, and let the paper wrap go transparent.

The Company Burger — New Orleans, LA

The Company Burger — New Orleans, LA
© The Company Burger

The Company Burger is a study in control, two patties seared until the edges flirt with crisp, then fused by a slice of American. The bun is tender and slightly sweet, toasted so it resists collapse.

House pickles pop with salt and vinegar. Mayo keeps things glossy, and thin red onion adds lift so every bite feels tuned.

The single is polite, the double says you drove here on purpose. Order a side of fried pickles, dip them, and do not apologize.

Sit where the griddle hiss becomes soundtrack, unwrap the paper, and chase that last cheesy corner.