What Makes a Utah Burger a Utah Burger
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Time to read 6 min
A Burger Born in the Beehive State
Utah’s dining culture has always had a soft spot for drive-ins, family joints, and burgers you don’t just eat — you live. The phrase Utah burger isn’t just about ingredients; it’s about identity. When we talk about the best burger in Utah, we’re nodding to more than flavor — we’re talking about the Utah burger tradition itself, a piece of local heritage that’s been passed down for generations.
Hires Big H has been part of that Utah burger story since the beginning. Don Hale founded the original drive-in in 1959, serving burgers, fries, and frosted mugs of root beer. In many ways, his vision helped shape what Utahns expect from a true Utah burger — quality, consistency, and a sense of belonging. (Fun fact: our famous root beer identity ties directly into that history.)
Understanding what makes a Utah burger means looking beyond the patty. It’s a tradition born from neighborhood stops, family meals, and a community that demands its flavors stay real — a reflection of Utah’s pride in doing things the right way, one handcrafted burger at a time.
Celebrates the blend of local beef, fry sauce, and community tradition.
Explores how Utah’s immigrant-burger culture shaped unique flavors.
Details the craft behind a true Utah burger: fresh beef, soft buns, crisp veggies, signature sauce.
Connects the dish to Hires Big H’s legacy and root beer tradition.
What Sets a Utah Burger Apart
Let’s be honest — anyone can slap a burger together. But the Utah burger? That’s something you feel in every bite. At Hires, we believe this identity comes from the sum of its parts:
Beef, grounded locally: Fresh, never frozen, and ground in-house every day in all our Utah Burgers.
Buns that hold the stack: Soft, slightly toasted, and baked locally.
Crunch that counts: Lettuce, tomato, onions prepped fresh with regional sourcing when possible.
Signature sauce: Utah favorite fry sauce — creamy, tangy, and part of the flavor DNA.
Crafted to order: No premade patties or cold sitting — each Utah burger is built fresh.
These are the elements that elevate a burger into something people call “Utah's Burger.” The combination of handcrafted technique and local flavor makes each bite a story, not just a meal. Try Utah's Burger today!
The Cultural Flavor Behind the Burger
Utah’s burger culture owes a lot to immigrant families, especially Greek restaurateurs, who fused tradition and innovation to shape the local menu. One example: the famous pastrami burger, popularized through Greek-owned chains like Crown, Apollo, and Astro in Utah. The Salt Lake Tribune explored this Utah Burger history in depth in How Greek Immigrants Launched Utah’s Burger Craze. That fusion of flavor and cultural pride is integral to the idea of a Utah burger.
These community-rooted burger spots aren’t just about food — they’re gathering places, conversation hubs, and parts of everyday life. When you order a Utah burger, you’re tapping into decades of identity, not just a menu item.
Why It Still Matters Today
Even as national chains pop up, the Utah burger remains a benchmark of authenticity. Newcomers often hear the phrase “get a Utah burger” — and what they get is something with soul. It’s a burger that doesn’t chase trends; it honors craft. When folks come home, the first stop? Hires Big H, no question.
We offer an experience: the smell of our famous Big H Utah Burger, the heft of the frosted root beer mug, the snap of fresh veggies. It’s not novelty — it’s nostalgia made present. And when people ask about our menu beyond Utah Burgers, we invite them to try our Hires Root Beer Extract, which brings the taste home with you.
A Utah Original, Through and Through
Step behind the counter and you’ll find familiar faces and the best Utah Burger around. Many teammates have grown up with us, welcoming new families, remembering orders, and keeping the heartbeat steady. That continuity is part of why guests trust us with their Utah burger nights — they know the best burger in Utah will taste the way they remember.
There’s something special about pointing to the sign and telling your kids, “Your grandparents came here after ballgames.” The Utah burger tradition is more than a meal — it’s a story you pass down, one bite at a time.
Hires Big H isn’t just a burger joint; it’s a Utah burger landmark. The frosted mugs, the checkered floors, the trays that clip to your window — not throwbacks, just traditions that never needed changing. We’re proud to serve the best burger in Utah, crafted with the same care that’s defined the Utah burger experience for more than six decades.
Here’s why Hires Big H remains a local landmark:
The Best Utah Burger: A timeless classic, made with fresh, quality ingredients for generations.
We’ll be here when you’re ready — same care, same craft, same community — because the Utah burger isn’t just food. It’s loyalty, legacy, and a little bit of love in every bite.
If you’ve never tried a true Utah burger, start here.
Come Taste What Utah’s Been Talking About
Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, pull in, roll down the window, and order the classic. Bring the whole crew or sneak a solo lunch — either way, you’ll understand why people say Hires Big H serves the best Utah burger and has for generations.
Plan your visit, pick your favorite, and make your own memory at any of our three iconic locations:
Downtown Salt Lake City: The original Hires Big H — where the Utah burger tradition began.
Ft. Union / Midvale: A convenient spot for families and coworkers to grab a true Utah burger classic.
Downtown Daybreak: Our newest location, serving the same legendary Utah burger near The Ballpark at America First Square.
Because the Utah burger isn’t just made here — it’s lived here. Every visit adds another story to a tradition that’s been bringing people together across generations.
Emma Hart
Emma grew up in Salt Lake City with a root beer float in one hand and fry sauce on the other. Born in 2000, she’s watched the city grow while holding onto the classics — like a perfectly grilled Hires burger that still tastes like home.
Now a writer for Hires Big H, Emma shares stories about the people, food, and traditions that make Utah feel like home.
Root Beer Extract — A Hires Original
Learn how to make our famous root beer extract at home!
What makes Hires Big H the best burger in Utah?
We hand-grind our beef fresh daily, grill every burger to order, and top it with Utah’s signature fry sauce. It’s local flavor you can taste in every bite.
When did Hires Big H first open?
Don Hale opened the first Hires Big H in 1959, and we’ve been serving up handcrafted burgers and root beer floats ever since.
Where are Hires Big H locations?
You’ll find Hires Big H in Salt Lake City, Midvale, and Daybreak — each with the same retro charm, friendly service, and famous burgers.
Does Hires Big H use local ingredients?
Absolutely. Our buns are baked fresh locally, our beef is Utah-ground, and we source produce from regional partners whenever possible.
Is Hires Big H family-owned?
Yes! Hires has always been family-owned and proud to remain a Utah original for more than six decades.
What’s the secret to Hires fry sauce?
It’s our own house blend — creamy, tangy, and made fresh. The perfect match for our fries (and your burger).
Can I still get the classic root beer at Hires Big H?
You bet. Our frosted mugs and house-brewed root beer are still a staple. You can even buy our Hires Root Beer Extract to make it at home.
Does Hires Big H offer drive-in service?
Yes — we still have the classic drive-in experience at our Salt Lake & Midvale locations, where we bring your meal right to your car, just like the good old days.