Napa Valley's Best Burgers

My absolute favorite spot in the valley. The head chef, a French Laundry alum, crafts exactly how a classic burger should taste. Everything about this burger is perfectly executed—from the custom blend patty to the house-made pickles and special sauce. If I could only eat one burger in Napa for the rest of my life, this would be it. The simplicity is deceptive; it's a masterpiece of burger craftsmanship.

This solid pub-like burger comes with Gruyère, bacon, remoulade, gem lettuce, and Manhattan pickle—already an exceptional combination. But adding the bone marrow and duck egg takes it to the next level, creating one of the most indulgent burger experiences in the valley. The underground bar setting adds to the experience, making this a perfect spot to escape the wine-tasting crowds.

A classic smash burger with grilled onions that hits all the right notes. It's a smaller burger, so definitely opt for the double patty for the perfect meat-to-bun ratio. The crispy edges of the smashed patty create an amazing texture contrast with the soft bun, and those caramelized onions bring everything together. One of the most satisfying casual burgers in Napa.

This massive burger, almost hard to eat, is a hidden gem that used to be served at Thomas Keller's TAK Room in NY (now closed). They only serve it between 11pm-12pm at Bouchon or at the bar at Ad Hoc, making it something of a secret menu item for those in the know. The size is intimidating, but the quality is unmistakably Keller-level. Worth seeking out during that narrow service window if you're a serious burger enthusiast.

This mobile burger joint offers lots of creative variations, but my favorite is their signature "Our Way Burger" that is anchored by a savory bacon-onion jam that brings an incredible depth of flavor. Their brisket-chuck patties balance flavor and juiciness in every bite. The rotating lineup of creative offerings—like a surprisingly satisfying Frito Pie Burger—keeps things interesting, but I find myself coming back to the "Our Way" time and again.

A great burger at a great price that includes their signature giant cheese skirt—a crispy disc of cheese that extends well beyond the burger and adds incredible texture. I highly recommend eating it there because the cheese skirt gets weird when you get it to go. A unique burger experience that delivers excellent value and a fun, casual atmosphere.

Solid but didn't blow me away, and it's a little overpriced for what you get. The duck fat fries that come with it are overrated too, in my opinion. That said, it's still a quality burger in a great downtown setting, and their wine selection is outstanding. If you're already there for wine, it's worth ordering—just don't make a special trip just for the burger.

A good burger but not particularly memorable among Napa's offerings. However, if you want to get fancy, their kimchi burger is pretty insane and my favorite on their menu—it includes gochujang, kimchi, and a fried egg for an explosion of flavors. Gott's is reliable and consistent, which counts for something, but there are more exciting burger options in the valley.

A solid burger, but you have to order it at the bar, which can be inconvenient. It also arrives deconstructed, which gets minus points in my book—I'm here to eat a burger, not assemble one. The quality of ingredients is excellent, as you'd expect from Angele, but the presentation and experience don't match up to the valley's best burger offerings.

Everybody says this is the best burger in Napa. It's very good but not the best in my opintion. The burger at Charter Oak benefits from their signature hearth cooking, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor that sets it apart. While not the focal point of their menu, it's a solid choice that showcases their commitment to elemental cooking techniques.