There is a bit of contention as to who invented the hamburger. 

Some say it was invented in 1880 by Fletcher Davis of Athens, Texas. He served fried ground beef patties on bread with mustard and onions, and later sold his dish at the 1904 World’s Fair. 

In 1885, the Menches brothers claimed to have invented the hamburger. No proof is given.

Then there was Louis Lassen of New Haven, Connecticut. In 1900, he put ground beef between slices of bread. He sold his burgers at his lunch wagon, Louis’ Lunch.

Otto Kuase is said to have invented the hamburger in 1891 by cooking a beef patty in butter and topping it with a fried egg. 

And finally, 15-year-old Charlie Nagreen supposedly sold Hamburg steaks from a stall at an annual fair (no date given).

All that said, the bottomline is sometimes you just want a good burger. I feel you. I stopped eating red meat five years ago, and I missed that comfort more than you could know. The only time I ever drink a Coca-Cola (never Pepsi) is with a burger and fries, as it completes the trifecta of the flavor palate. Prior to cutting out red meat, I ate at most of these places, so they are mostly first person recommendations, and it turns out most people agree with me. Who’da thunk? As the late, great Jackie Gleason used to say, “And away we go”:

Gimme the meats!

Tony’s Grill and Bar — This is the second Tony’s location in the area, and its burger often tops “best of” lists in the Coachella Valley. I went to the original location with a pal, and it was de-licious. The only problem is trying to choose which burger — the options are endless. 

Zin American Bistro — The food here is good, and that includes the burger. This has taken the number one spot as the Best of the Valley a few times as well, and they have a wonderful patio for people watching. Great wines too.

The Heyday — Home of the SmashBurger; the french fries are delicious, and I usually don’t like crinkle cut, but theirs are firm, hot, and tasty. The tunes are always banging and the employees are happy. 10/10, no complaints.  

Billy Reed’s — Enter on both sides, Palm Canyon and Indian Canyon, and a stone’s throw north of Vista Chino. If you’re from the Midwest, you’ll feel right at home at Billy’s. When you get the burger, try their housemade potato chips. Old timers love to stop by and grab them as a snack when they leave.

Smokin’ Burgers — Stick to the beef burgers at this mostly local spot. Good place to watch sports.

1501 Gastropub — They have a juicy angus beef burger called the 1501, and the atmosphere is upscale but relaxing. Terrific spot next to Arrive Palm Springs. 

Eight4Nine — or 849, is located where Palm Springs’ first post office used to live and the name is the address. This restaurant is gorgeous, and owner Willie Rhine is very involved with worthy causes and the arts, locally. It’s one of the places people go for special occasions and it’s not the least bit stuffy. It’s just a beautifully decorated space offering delicious food with indoor and outdoor dining. Save the burger for happy hour at the cheerful bar that greets you upon arrival.  

Bongo Johnny’s — You can read the very loving description of their burgers on their website, but here’s the gist: “Gold Canyon Premium Angus Chuck Burgers using only the finest USDA upper 2/3 Choice beef sourced from a select group of Angus cattle that meet our stringent 10-quality specifications.”  

Tonga Hut — Founded in 1958, Tonga is the oldest tiki bar in Palm Springs. In three more years it will be 70! Along with your tiki cocktail, you have the choice of six different sliders. You’re looking for the Angus beef. The others are pork, spam, and fish.

Veggie burgers  

Some repeat listings here, but those who want veggie only will appreciate me. The rest of you can stop reading if you’d like.

Chef Tanya’s — Big favorite of vegans from everywhere. Located in an industrial area close to Gene Autry and Sunny Dunes, many folks will pass the first Palm Springs exit and shoot for this one so they can stop here before they head to their small boutique hotel.

Tyler’s — Yep, they’ve got a veggie burger, and the place is not only a local and visitor favorite, it has a terrific history. Located in La Plaza, which was designed by architect Harry Williams and included what was Palm Springs’ first stagecoach stop. This eventually became a Greyhound stop, and is now Tyler’s Burger. At least, that’s the story I was told.

Eight4Nine — As it is above, so it is below. Same ambiance and terrific food, and a veggie burger.

The Heyday — Their answer to a veggie burger is portobello mushroom ground up and formed into a patty. It’s a personal favorite.

1501 Gastropub — Skip the meat and get a vegan Beyond Burger. Everything is good here, so I will be going soon to try that burger!

Palm Greens Cafe — The vegan mushroom patty melt and the vegan tempeh reuben are what you’re looking for here. They use all of the finest organic ingredients and have the freshest eggs I’ve ever had. Deep yellow and super tasty. I haven’t yet had the burger here, but your meat eating friend can also get an Angus burger, so everyone wins (except the cow).