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We may stray, but eventually Americans always come back to our first true culinary love: the burger. Something about a hamburger's beautiful simplicity -- blatantly straightforward and real -- taps into a place deep inside an American's heart. Maybe it represents our collective nostalgia for the joys of childhood, or our dreams of an uncomplicated nation that we imagine used to exist. Whatever. It's the best damn sandwich on the planet. We scoured the country for our 10 favorites -- the heroic burgers that are juicy and hearty and wonderful no matter when you happen to order them. And while we concentrated on larger metro areas, including a barbecue beater in Kansas City and some heavy metal meat in Chicago, we also had to hit an amazing ramshackle Oklahoma joint in the middle of nowhere. Fair warning: It may be hazardous to your health to read this on an empty stomach.

Ann's Snack Bar
Atlanta, GA

Christian's Tailgate Grill & Bar
Houston, TX

Dyer's Burgers
Memphis, TN

The Hungry Cat
Hollywood, CA

Kuma's Corner
Chicago, IL

The Meers Store & Restaurant
Meers, OK

Shake Shack
New York, NY

Solly's Grill
Glendale, WI

Tessaro's
Pittsburgh, PA

Town Topic
Kansas City, MO