Wichita has serious burger DNA—old‑school diners, drive‑ins, and bar‑and‑grill spots that have been quietly perfecting their patties for decades. These five places are the ones locals bring up whenever “best burger in town” comes up.
1. Dempsey’s Burger Pub
Dempsey’s feels like a classic neighborhood burger bar with a crafty twist. It’s cozy, usually packed, and has a solid tap list to match its stacked burgers.
They go big on toppings: the Hot Hawaiian (with grilled pineapple and spicy toppings), the PB & Bacon, and their mac‑and‑cheese‑topped burgers all have obsessed fans. Patties are juicy and thick, buns are toasted and slightly sweet, and the truffle fries and sweet potato fries are must‑order sides. It’s a “splurge” burger place in the best way.
2. Ty’s Diner
Ty’s is the opposite vibe: tiny, old‑school, and very much a local secret if you’re not from Wichita. It’s a counter‑and‑booth kind of spot where the flat‑top looks like it’s been seasoning burgers for decades.
The burgers are classic smashed patties—thin, crispy on the edges, and full of that griddled flavor you only get from a well‑worn grill. Toppings are simple: American cheese, pickles, onions, mustard, maybe bacon if you want to go wild. It’s fast, cheap, and exactly what a diner burger should taste like.
3. Bomber Burger
Bomber Burger is legendary—partly for the massive burgers, partly for the very “colorful” atmosphere. This place leans hard into rough‑around‑the‑edges charm, but people swear by the food.
Burgers here are huge, char‑grilled, and unapologetically messy. The double‑cheeseburger is a monster, and there’s no skimping on cheese or toppings. Think backyard cookout meets biker bar. If you like a flame‑kissed patty and don’t mind a little chaos, this is your spot.
4. Sport Burger
Sport Burger is a tiny drive‑in with a cult following. It’s cash‑only, there’s usually a line, and the menu is almost entirely burgers and classic sides.
The cheeseburger is the star—thin patties cooked on a griddle, with melted cheese, onions, pickles, and that old‑school drive‑in flavor that just hits differently. Onion rings and crinkle‑cut fries are textbook perfect, and everything comes wrapped in paper, ready to demolish in your car.
5. Fizz Burgers & Bottles
Fizz is more of a polished, modern burger spot—bright interior, lots of local beers and bottled sodas, and a menu that balances classic and creative.
The Steakhouse Burger (blue cheese, grilled onions, bacon, steak sauce) and the Fizz Burger (their house special with sauce and toppings) are big crowd‑pleasers. The patties are thick and juicy, buns are toasted brioche, and you can get everything from truffle fries to sweet potato tots on the side. It’s the kind of place you’d take friends from out of town to show off Wichita’s burger game.
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