May isn’t just the gateway to summer—it's also National Hamburger Month, a chance to celebrate one of the most iconic foods in American cuisine. Most people with mouths know that all burgers are not created equal, and restaurants across the country still compete to get the trio of patty, sauce and toppings just right.
As a mecca of delicious meals, Boise is packed with diners, drive-ins, food trucks and bars that put their own spin on the classic combination. If you’re planning to join the celebration, you’ll want to plan ahead so you don’t get in a pickle. Brought to you by Family Time Vacation Rentals, your go-to for cozy stays in the area, this blog is your ultimate guide to hamburger bliss in Boise, Idaho.
Follow along as we flip through the hottest burger joints in the city, from hidden gems to beloved staples. Be sure to tighten your napkin, loosen your belt, and get ready to discover the burgers that make Boise, well, Boise.
State Street: 1929 W. State Street, Boise, ID 83702
Park Center: 1113 Park Center Blvd., Boise, ID 83706
One of Boise’s most beloved burger joints, Westside Drive-In has been sizzlin’ at State Street since 1957. Westside is most famous for its finger steaks and ice cream potato, but you can’t pass up on their classic burger combos. Try the Famous Daddy-O, a thick pile of two beef patties, two ham slices, four pieces of crispy bacon and two types of cheese, for $17.99. They also have vegan and vegetarian options available.
Now under new ownership and in 2 Boise locations, the nostalgic 50’s-era drive-in has been featured on Food Network’s ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’ twice and was recently voted the state’s favorite burger joint by the Idaho Statesman.
1289 South Protest Road Boise, ID 83706
Another city staple, Big Jud’s is a great spot for those with a giant taste for burgers. Their world-famous 1- and 2-pound burgers are topped with the works and served with fresh-cut fries and a drink. If you’re really hungry, try the Man Vs. Food Burger: a jaw-dropping stack of two 1-pound patties, ten pieces of bacon, two layers of mushrooms, two layers of blue cheese crumbles, Swiss cheese, mayonnaise, tomato, and lettuce. (If you finish it off in 30 minutes you’ll get a spot on the Wall of Fame.) They also have signature combinations for under $10 that explode with big Boise flavor.
246 N 8th Street Boise, ID 83702
Bittercreek may be known for its craft beer, but the burgers are nothing to sneeze at. Their handmade burgers are all ground in-house with 100% grass-fed beef and served on a fresh brioche bun. The Huntsman is a fan-favorite and topped with double gloucester cheddar, stilton blue cheese, pickle, lettuce, onion, apple wood smoked bacon, and saloon sauce. If you’re feeling sassy, the Spicy Lamb Burger turns up the heat with lava lakes grass-fed lamb, feta, jalapeño, crispy onion, lettuce, and saloon sauce. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the classic Bittercreek Burger - just be sure to add cheese and bacon for the best taste in every bite. Wash it all down with a local craft brew from the rotating tap.
5816 West Overland Road Boise, ID 83709
Big Bun has been a Boise treasure since 1954, and its quality burgers and classic drive-in style still draws a crowd. Their patties are made from farm-raised beef that is locally-sourced, never frozen, and fed a natural, 100% vegetarian diet. The made-to-order burgers range from classic bacon and cheese to creative combos like pastrami and swiss, huckleberry pepper jelly with bacon and bleu cheese, or a garden burger topped with scratch-made sauce. They also have a full vegan menu with everything from burgers to ice cream. Top it off with one of their handspun milkshakes, available in over 50 flavors.
1079 Broadway Ave, Boise, ID 83706
Burger Belly proves that hamburgers don’t have to be fancy to be packed full of flavor. This small eatery near the BSU campus offers fresh, no-frills burgers made from the finest ingredients and served with crispy fries and a handspun milkshake. Most of their combos are under $10, and they also have a “secret menu” with signature toppings like grilled onions, ghost peppers, hashbrowns and a fried egg.
From classic cheeseburgers that melt in your mouth to innovative creations that push the culinary envelope, Boise’s burger scene is truly bun-in-a-million.
But let’s not forget, every delicious adventure needs a cozy home base. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay to savor every bite the city has to offer, Family Time Vacation Rentals has the perfect spot for you. Browse our collection of
area vacation rentalsto find your ideal retreat—a place where you can kick back, relax, and maybe even dream about tomorrow’s burger destination. Here’s to good eats and cozy retreats!