Shige's Saimin Stand in Hawaii Named Best Cheeseburger in the U.S.; Now Californians know

The ranking included 20 cheeseburgers from across the country, with three restaurants in Southern California also making the cutPhoto byAdam BartoszewiczonUnsplash

A humble restaurant nestled in a small strip mall on Oahu has claimed the top spot in Yelp's new ranking of the best cheeseburgers in the U.S. Shige's Saimin Stand, located in Wahiawa, about 20 miles northwest of Honolulu, earned the prestigious No. 1 spot in a list curated by Yelp elites.

Known for its unassuming atmosphere, Shige’s Saimin Stand is celebrated not only for its saimin but now also for its standout cheeseburger, which Yelp described as "the best burger on the planet," according to some user reviews. It was the only restaurant in Hawaii to make the list.

The ranking included 20 cheeseburgers from across the country, with three restaurants in Southern California also making the cut, though none from the Bay Area were featured.

Shige’s rise to burger fame highlights how small, local spots can compete with the best, even in the highly competitive world of cheeseburgers.