The Midwest's Best Burgers

Roquette Burger Bistro, Charlevoix, Michigan With its Bacon Jam Burger, this lunch-only cafe tops a lean-yet-flavorful patty made of locally sourced beef and bison with a slab of Brie, a smear of bacon-onion compote and a thatch of peppery arugula ($10). So in one bite, you get smoky-sweet-peppery-creamy perfection inspired by the farms that surround this popular tourist town. See Midwest Living's review. (231) 237-9016

Scotty's Lakehouse, Fishers, Indiana Meat, eggs and produce from nearby farms flavor 15 specialty burgers ($12-$13.50 each) at this family-friendly spot on Indianapolis' northeast side. The No. 9 boasts sauteed red onions, local baby Swiss, Scholars Inn Bakehouse sourdough and chipotle-Thousand Island dressing. Wash it down with a Hoosier-made brew, and finish it off with the Lemonheads that come with your check. (317) 577-2900; scottyslakehouse.com

Stack'd Burger Bar, Milwaukee Pack breath mints or order a crème de menthe-spiked grasshopper shake if you're trying the German Stack: a beer-brat patty stuffed with jalapeños and blue cheese, topped with tangy sauerkraut and stone-ground mustard, and served on a chewy pretzel roll ($10). Skip the fries in this Third Ward restaurant in favor of Harry's Fried Potent Pickle Coins, a salty, greasy revelation dunked in spicy ranch dip. See Midwest Living's review. (414) 273-7800; stackedbar.com

The Thurman Cafe, Columbus, Ohio Try to think of the two-hour wait for a table in German Village as time to work up your appetite for the $9.99 three-quarter-pound Thurman Burger, known for its sliced ham, sauteed mushrooms and onions, mozzarella and American cheeses, banana peppers and mayo. See Midwest Living's review. (614) 443-1570; thethurmancafe.com

Pictured: Fans of Roquette Burger Bistro follow the little cafe on Facebook to find out what's sprouting on local farms (and how that'll top the day's burgers).