What do you think makes a good burger? Is it the juicy, flavorful patty, cooked to perfection with just the right amount of sear? Or is it the topping selection that is thoughtfully pieced together to enhance the overall flavor? Whatever type of burger you are craving, Benton is a growing food scene with several restaurants competing for the best burger in the area. Try them all and then decide for yourself which burger takes the number one spot for you!
The Burger Shack
107 S Market St, Benton, AR 72015
The Burger Shack is a family-owned gem that boasts the burger with the biggest flavor punch - The Jalapeno Jack Burger. This burger was made for the spice lovers with a mouth-watering patty, seasoned and grilled to perfection, topped with pepper jack cheese, bacon, mayo, onion, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles. Order it with a side of Jalapeno Poppers and you’ll need an extra large cup of their freshly brewed sweet tea to cleanse your palette.
If spice isn’t your cup of tea, they also have flavorful options like the Bacon Swiss Burger or an Open-Face Chilli Cheeseburger. Not only is the food excellent, but customers rave about the quality of service and the fun, nostalgic atmosphere. The Burger Shack is a laid-back diner atmosphere with black-and-white checkered floors and the classic red booth style seating.
Make plans to go at lunch though because the Burger Shack is only open Monday-Friday for breakfast and lunch. Check out their Facebook page to see what else they are cooking up!
Rib Crib
1600 Military Rd, Benton, AR
Don’t forget your appetite for this one. This locally owned restaurant serves up more than ribs, they are also known around town for their Pig Sooie Burger Special. It’s a single patty burger topped with an onion ring, American & pepperjack cheese, bacon, bbq sauce and most importantly pulled pork!
All of their meat is smoked on-site daily, giving the meat a true Smoke Ring. This pinkish color on the outer edges of smoked meats is a tell-tell sign the meat has been truly smoked and not simply had flavor added to it, such as liquid smoke. The Rib Crib also offers classic sides like Mac & Cheese, green beans, onion rings and even fried okra. Plan your next visit to the Rib Crib and see where the Pig Sooie Burger ranks on your list!
Revival Restaurant & Beer Garden
226 W. South St., Benton, AR
Ready to upgrade your burger game? Try something new and sink your teeth into Revival’s Craft Mushroom Swiss Burger. This half-pound burger is crafted from a flavorful short-rib brisket, chuck tri-blend, then topped with sauteed mushrooms, melted swiss cheese, caramelized onions and mayo, all served on a buttery potato bun. It’s easy to find the perfect brew to compliment your meal as Revival boasts one of the largest beer selections in town.
Visit on the weekend and enjoy your meal outside on the spacious outdoor patio where live music sets the tone and the vibes are always a solid 10/10. Give this trendy twist on a classic a try and let us know what you think! Check out their website here for all details and a live music schedule.
Riverside Grocery and Catering
4444 Highway 5, Benton, AR
This community staple is on the outskirts of Benton, right beside the Saline River. You know the food is going to hit the spot when you drive up to a gas station, a restaurant and a catering service all in one location. Try their classic Riverside Hamburger or make it a double, with meat ground fresh daily, hand-pattied and grilled to perfection.
Hearty southern sides like hushpuppies, coleslaw, potato salad and fried potatoes are always fresh, filling and full of flavor. After your meal, warm up your vocal cords and join in on karaoke night, or kick back with a cold drink on the spacious outdoor patio overlooking the river. This burger earned its place on the list not just for its flavor, but for the down-home atmosphere that comes with every bite.
Hosting a cookout soon? Riverside also has a butcher’s counter with the best, most affordable cuts in the county. Pick up your selection of steaks, pork chops or ground beef - all cut fresh by local butchers and grill up your own hand-crafted burger at home. Check out Riverside’s Facebook page for all of the details.
Purple Cow
20220 I-30, Benton, AR
New to town, this 50’s inspired family-friendly dining is already a beloved spot for kids of all ages - even the young at heart! Coming in at spot number five is the Rodeo Burger. This juicy, hand-pressed pattie is stacked high with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, honey mustard BBQ sauce and golden onion rings. Feeling extra hungry? You can double—or even triple—the meat for a monster-sized meal.
But this restaurant offers more than just a great burger. It’s about the experience: the retro atmosphere, the laughter, and of course, the famous purple ice cream. Have you tried the Rodeo Burger yet? Tell us where it ranks on your favorite burgers list. Check out the Purple Cow’s website here to see all of their delicious selections.
Is your stomach rumbling yet? Whether you're passing through Benton and needing a yummy bite to eat or you’re a local looking to try something new, save this list for the next time you’re craving a juicy burger in Benton!
