Until recently, this roadside eatery didn't have an address. People relied on word-of-mouth directions to head an hour north of Mobile for one thing: the burger. The seven-ounce chuck patty is nothing fancy, just plain delicious. At first bite, a secret ketchup-mayo sauce drips down the side.
21711 Hwy. 43, Wagarville; 251-246-9396

Patties and toppings usually get all the attention, but at this dive bar, the buns push the burgers over the top: The famously light rolls, baked on-site daily, taste like a cross between ciabatta and sourdough — and they never crumble. But fans say the fresh-beef patties are darned tasty too.
1737 E. Dimond Blvd., Anchorage; 907-349-4142

The menu warns diners this burger may cause temporary blindness or loss of hearing. We found no reported cases, but beware: The Angus patty includes two ounces of habanero pepper (60 times hotter than a jalapeño). The burger is grilled over pecan wood.
3313 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale; carlsbadtavern.com

This jumbo burger, once shipped to the White House during the Clinton years, is a smoky, garlicky, 16-ounce stack of flavor held together by a 7-inch-wide bun made with olive oil. The Hubcap comes with loads of toppings and a challenge: Eat two and the owner picks up the tab for the second.
1401 W. 3rd St., Little Rock; cothams.com