Which Minnesota Burger Place Will Take The Crown This Year

The search continues for Minnesota’s Best, and right now, burger lovers across the region have a delicious decision to make.

The Star Tribune’s Minnesota’s Best contest is an annual competition that lets the public recognize their favorite restaurants, shops, and services across the state of Minnesota. From coffee shops and bakeries to breweries and home services, it’s all about celebrating the places Minnesotans love most.

WHO DOESN'T LOVE A GREAT BURGER

When I want to go out for a burger, I want it to be spectacular! Some people swear by a classic burger patty with mayonnaise, and maybe pickles, ketchup, and mustard. Others want a towering creation stacked with bacon, cheese, onions, sauces, and maybe even a fried egg. No matter your style, Central Minnesota and beyond have plenty of spots that know how to do burgers right.

Get our free mobile app

THE 2026 BEST BURGER NOMINEES

The 2026 Best Burger nominees include:

• Brygge Taps & Tastes – Detroit Lakes
• Bogey’s Pub and Golf Simulators – Hastings
• 3 Squares – Maple Grove
• The Commodore Bar & Restaurant – St. Paul
• American Legion Post 47 – Hastings
• Mickey’s Diner By Willy – St. Paul
• Poncho & Lefty’s – Baxter
• Chester’s Kitchen & Bar – Rochester
• Hi-Lo Diner – Minneapolis
• The Blue Oyster – Brainerd

This lineup shows just how wide-ranging the burger scene is across Minnesota. You’ve got classic diners, neighborhood bars, and even an American Legion post all competing for bragging rights.

OTHER STORIES: Vote For Your Favorite Brewery/Distillery In ‘Central MN Best’

YOU MATTER

That’s exactly what makes this contest fun. It’s not decided by critics or a panel of judges. It’s decided by the regulars, the families, the road-trippers, and the burger fanatics who have their go-to order memorized.

VOTING

How long do you have to vote? The voting window is open right now, but it won’t last forever. You can cast your vote once per day through February 25, 2026. Voting closes at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25, so there’s still time to support your favorite burger joint.

PLACE YOUR VOTES EVERY DAY UNTIL THE POLLS CLOSE

Because you can vote daily, fans have the chance to really rally behind their favorite spots. It’s not unusual to see restaurants encouraging their customers to come back and vote each day until the deadline.

Once the voting period ends, the results will be tallied, and the winners in each category will be announced later this year.

BIG CHANGES CAN HAPPEN FOR NOMINEES AND WINNERS

Beyond the bragging rights, being named “Minnesota’s Best” can be a big deal for local restaurants. It often leads to more customers, stronger community support, and a nice boost in visibility. And for smaller or lesser-known places, it can be the recognition that puts them on the map.

For voters, it’s also a chance to show appreciation for the spots that consistently deliver great food and great service.

So whether you’re loyal to a neighborhood bar burger, a retro diner classic, or a gourmet creation with all the toppings, now’s the time to make your voice heard. Just remember: You can vote once a day, every day, through February 25.