The problem with announcing some place has the world's best hamburger is that it rarely lives up to that kind of hype. Also there are so many factors, such as the bun, if the meat is ground on premises, odd toppings, exceptionally expensive cuts of meat, location, etc. etc. etc.

Seeking the best hamburger is sort of like seeking out the best BBQ, and there are a lot of regional differences, from say the vinegar based vs the tomato based sauce.

However as with life, the joy is in the journey. I always enjoy finding that elusive single location burger place where the owner/operator works and runs the place. A cash-only place also tells you that the burger is so good they don't have to take credit cards in order to stay in business. Limited hours, another plus. Sometimes it is some spice you just can't place, or something that just makes the burger special, be it fried, cooked in onions, or cooked over charcoal. You just need to find a place where someone uses quality meat, takes some pride in their product, and knows how to make a good burger.

Some places like this that I think are good, and you will frequently find a crowd are Hubcap Burgers in Houston - they have a downtown and a location in the Heights. Excellent burger, high quality ingredients. Houston has several really good burger places including Langford's in the Montrose area. Burger Fresh in Conroe is also a contender.

Ann's Snack Shop is also very good, as well as the show that you will see as you wait and wait and wait for your burger. If you ever go, behave yourself, lest you get the ire of the cook, and heaven help you if you cut in line, as you will probably only do this once, and I'll bet if you go you will see someone try this.

Tessaro's in the Pittsburgh area is another must try burger place. Cookout and Char-grill in the RDU area also make a fine quick burger. In Fayetteville Arkansas you can get a great snack shop window burger at Beverly's, a good trendy burger at Burger Life, or a memorable bar burger at Hugo's. All three are exceptional in their own way, and all are different.

For fast food, In and Out is so much better than the normal franchise restaurants, and in the same price point. Five Guys also much better than the normal "casual restaurant" burger. Carl's Jr "$6 burger" although is cheaper than it's name is also a good fast food burger. Again you can make a better burger at home for the cost of these fast food options, but the convenience cost doesn't overshadow the loss of quality food. Mass production and frozen meat do take a toll on the quality of the finished product.

So there are a lot of "best burgers" Sometimes you don't mind waiting for an hour at a little ten seat diner for an excellent burger. However sometimes you only have 30 minutes to get a good burger which limits your choices, although it is possible to go somewhere for a tasty burger.

I'll bet there are some places in your town that make an outstanding burger, you just have to get off the beaten path, and look for the crowds of people that are enjoying that elusive best burger in your hometown. They are out there, but hard to find, as they don't need to advertise and are doing enough business that even the regulars don't share their knowledge of the place, lest they would have to wait longer for their burger.