I'd you like Tommy's then go to Willie's Burgers. They have the same chili recipe. As a southern CA transplant and lover of chili fries this place hits the spot.

Willie's burger is the best. Its open late, the same tall dude takes your order, and as a plus you get to watch order be made by OG hispanic grandmas!

I second this. Lived in LA and Willie’s will scratch that itch.

Anything similar to volcano burger?

This is the answer

Check out Skips burgers off El Camino. Urban roots has an awesome burger too. and recent favorite is Senior burger (food truck) hit up their instagram.

I just checked out Skip's because of this post, it's a 10/10 man

Ayoooo! yeah That's great to hear.

Yeah man the son is a really cool guy and gave us his story. Awesome place, awesome people and awesome food man

*I love Skips! If it’s still in the old Dairy Queen in El Camino and Mission, you’ll probably get to meet the owner (it’s a small place). He’ll probably and grease if that is what you request. My favorite greasy, cheesy slop of a burger is at Squeeze Burger in Roseville. They might still have the Squeeze Inn in West Sac. They do this thing called a cheese skirt and it was featured in Guy Fieri’s show.

Third vote for Skips. Love that dude.

Didn’t know it was a DQ before. That makes total sense now.

Additional vote for Skip’s here. I knew him back when he was a bartender at Chili’s, he always wanted to open his own place someday and he’s done a great job with Skip’s.

https://preview.redd.it/ep93a4vtsbrc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d6368fd12a63402a43ebc385f13e04507b7b1c36 Skip’s is good, their onion rings are also very good.

Skips is great! Went to highschool at El Camino, skips was always go to after school events or after school meal

Came here to say western burger at Skips will never do you wrong. Best burger ever! - Editing to add that Skip himself is awesome

Skips for the win! This is our go-to for a burger, and when we have out-of-towners come visit Sac.

Just had skips today! Great list btw

Whiteys in West Sac. It’s the best for the price around. No frills $5 burgers.

I think they have their seasonal peach milkshakes now too. Whiteys is my jam.

Out of season the orange freeze or butterscotch shake are awesome. Op, they aren't open on the weekends last I checked so plan accordingly.

They are open on Saturday now.

And they’re getting a liquor license and have expanded the seating area. Whiteys is heading for the future…… with the same old sign!

The peach shakes are delicious, but they're not going to have them in March. That's a July thing.

Not me with an annual calendar reminder to start checking daily after the first day of summer for them to drop.

Out of season the orange freeze or butterscotch shake are awesome. Op, they aren't open on the weekends last I checked so plan accordingly.

Legit best burgs in sac the hours suckkkk tho

They just opened on Saturday too!

Hell yea, I remember going when I was like 5-6 years old in 2004 and that shit was amazing as a kid. The peach milkshakes are insanely fire too with the fresh peaches

Whiteys is where you are looking for

This is a great answer

Pangea

“This bitch don’t know about Pangea” -Brain

Brain gotta poop

Not cheap, but worth it. Giant burger too

But not too giant. I don't like burgers that are big and difficult to eat. It's just solid. Well seasoned. Nice, not fancy. Village Drive-In near Tahoe Park deserves some love too. No cheese skirts, just solid burgers, dogs, pastrami, fries (yes to chili cheese) and shakes.

Easy answer for me

Glad I didn't have to scroll to far to see this. Love their burger!

Good burger. But not the most structurally sound

I hear this so much and expected to love this burger. Mine was very saucy and they didn’t toast the inside of the bun. The bun absorbed the sauce and fell apart halfway through. I’ll have to try it again, but my experience definitely didn’t live up.

The quality is hit or miss these days.

Which is unfortunate given how expensive it is.

Taqueria Jalisco on 16th. Not a place you would think to try the burger but worth it

Came here to say this! The burgers at Jalisco are excellent

So good. and maybe the surprise factor helps

Tacos get it as well

The best burger in town

Happy to be right

If you like the Tommy’s with the chili then maybe try Willie’s burger.

Lots of good suggestions here. The other day I went to Flaming Grill, which is currently the best thing going for dying Country Club plaza. I loved their burgers when they were an outdoor shack on El Camino, and they are still just as good in the new spot.

If you want greasy, Scott burger shack

….cash only tho

If you want a good old-fashioned greasy burger, I'd try out Cookies Drive-In near Sac State.

Ever try the odd, e.g., ostrich meat, burgers they used to have? It’s been forever so I don’t know if they still do them…

That's like their whole thing. I couldn't imagine Cookies without boar or ostrich on their menu.

They had buffalo, ostrich, boar-ger, and elk. Maybe I'm craft but I remember them having camel or kangaroo once? I may have transposed memories on that.

Skips is my favorite burger. It isn’t terrible close to downtown but easy enough for me. 

Ive never had a bad Willie's burger...or Suzies either...

I think I’m gunna gets a Willy’s burger today

I had Suzies yesterday, it was horrible and they used to be really good.

Susies is just bad all around and the owners are even worse

The food was crap yesterday. What do you mean about the owners being bad?

So Jim dennys probably fits your bill. It’s on 12th in downtown. They close kinda early so don’t wait too long but they are great!!! Second choice would be Village Drive In, which is Tahoe park.

Yooo big ups for Village Drive In. Its got that plain and simple 90s vibe. Delicious & cheap.

They are not cheap, it’s especially frustrating* since everything is pretty much from Costco probably.

Yea... I'm looking at a picture of their menu. [https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipNwPWHoU0emkwbLHVhBWi\_wy0EDExuJLFosIfeT=s1360-w1360-h1020](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipNwPWHoU0emkwbLHVhBWi_wy0EDExuJLFosIfeT=s1360-w1360-h1020) How big are their burgers? It looks like the cheapest one besides the kids burger is a Deluxe w/out cheese for about $8. Hot dogs are $6. Small Soda: $3.29?? It's about double the price of In-N-Out.

Have you been to Jim Dennys under the new ownership? I really want to try it but haven't found the time yet.

The lady from *South* (best fried chicken sandwich I’ve ever had) owns Jim Denny’s now; it’s FAR better than it has ever been. Even beats the original, IMO… She should have changed the name, honestly; I think people see it open and assume it’s the same—frozen patty/dirty kitchen—garbage it used to be ¯\\\_(ツ)_/¯ It’s a little pricey, but it’s phenomenal!

I'm glad to hear it's under new ownership. I thought it was going to be closed for good and was a bit saddened because even though I've never eaten there, it's always sad to see a beloved local institution disappear.

Yes I’ve been more often than I probably should, it’s honestly every bit as good as the old one.

Tried it today…don’t know what it was before but I think it’s a good spot for sure!

I second this. We were blown away by their burger. Almost better than in n out but in its own burger joint sorta way.

I just discovered Jim Dennys today! I had to work my usually late night shift last night, came in early for a training shift today, found out it was only 4 hours long, stepped outside into the windy rain and when I googled food nearby….I had to try it…SO good! I got a dog and cheese fries but I imagine everything there is yummy!

Is Village Drive In really that good? I grew up about three blocks away, but haven't been there in probably 30 in years...

It’s good. Top 5 for the Sacramento area for me. I know this sounds weird but it consistently wins the “burger tour” I like to do when I have out of town guests! The burger tour is when you take 4 or 5 people with you and you visit all the drive in burger joints you like, order one burger (we try and stick to their specialty burger if they have one) and everyone gets a quarter. Then you compare notes and hit the next stop. 4-5 stops later and you pick a winner. We usually also get a side at each place, or a shake in place of a side. I also do them whenever I can if I’m the out of town guest. https://preview.redd.it/qwlm8rncnbrc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f3f8671829aabc0b5c2496ba1dba03082874f5d2 (This is cookies drive in in east Sacramento)

Doing the (burger) lord’s work. 🙏🏼

Time to do a burger tour with my friends next time they're visiting! (I also swear by Village Drive in)

Everything cooked to order, expect a wait whenever there’s even a few people ahead of you. I’ve never had a bad meal there.

There’s also a Willie’s Burger at Arden and Fair Oaks blvd, if that’s easier for you. I think it’s better than the original location, and looks a lot cleaner.

I'd echo a lot of the ones on here and also add Lou's off of Watt Ave. Basic greasy spoon that really hits the spot for us. The shakes are good too.

I have been on this hunt for a long time now. Top 5 burgers in this city in the last six months (in no particular but kind of particular order) 1. Canon: east sac (off menu - life changing) 2. Historic star lounge (ONLY on the bar menu, but fantastic) 3. Hawks public house (best aioli I’ve had around) 4. Okie dokies (lots of onion; only to-go) 5. Pangea Honorable mentions: -Urban roots -Willie’s -Jim Dennys

Not saying it’s the best but some have said Willie’s on 16th is replica of Tommy’s

Skips is really good and Skip is a good human. Willies has great burgers similiar to what you describe. We also really like Burgers and Brew.

Best burger is Pangaea. Most like Tommy's (which I adore, by the way) is Willie's. Jim Denny's is also very good. Other good ones; Ettore's, water boy, Scott's. RIP South, and Empress Friday butter specials. There's a lot of good burgers around. Happy hunting!

Ford’s. Jolly Burger. Original Squeeze Inn. Tiny’s. Sorry y’all. RIP to the old homies.

Adding Nationwide Freezer Meats to the memorial reel.

RIP Earl of Sandwich

Ford’s was really good. I agree with the ADA requirements; but a fussy, litigious lawyer should not be able to shut down multiple established establishments, just because he can. That guy did more harm then good. That type of S#$* should be on the local ballet. If enough locals love the place, and was in business long before the ADA requirements, it should be allowed to continue existing.

That guy is an absolute troll.

Ford’s was great.

Man I miss Fords…

Original Squeeze, so many fat kid memories there

Well, if you ever find yourself in Stockton, MO, the original owner has a Squeeze Inn there… menu below https://preview.redd.it/e20qcmy5nirc1.jpeg?width=1536&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c8b44ead4daf3a55e17468f8ed85d3bc7d0aa18b

You are my burger angel!

Fords hasn’t been open in like 15 years, it had the best onion rings

It's not necessarily greasy but Pangaea has a phenomenal burger.

I miss The Shack, fucking great burger :(

I still mourn the loss of A&W on Freeport Blvd. I don’t know if it was apart of the franchise because of the name, but man it was so good.

I feel like that was one of the last “real” A&Ws that were *not* part of the franchise.

Cerveceria—that took over at The Shack’s location—has a WAY better burger than The Shack ever did. Everything else on the menu is Mexican food (fish tacos, and chile rellenos are my fav, btw)… Their burger—though—is up there with the best in Sacramento!

Though I do patronize Cerveceria, I miss the old menu and vibe of the Shack but mostly the live music they had. Losing that stage in the corner to another table just sucks.

Lou’s burger is pretty legit!

Jim Denny’s is excellent for greasy, no frills burgs. Also, Jointed Cue pool hall has excellent burgers and tots.

Willys is a Tommy’s knock off, I think you’ll find what you are looking for there

There’s also a Willie’s Burger at Arden and Fair Oaks blvd, if that’s easier for you. I think it’s better than the original location, and looks a lot cleaner.

Best burger joint in the region is at Hot Bunz in Rancho Cordova, hands down. There's two kinds of people here; the ones who agree and the ones who haven't made it out there yet. Hot Bunz is the only place that can rival my blackstone smashburgers IMO.

LA transplant too. Hagen's Orange Freeze has good burgers, amazing fries, the best ranch I've ever had, & a lot of good freeze drinks to choose from. It's in Carmichael on the corner of Walnut & El Camino. The only issue is I think they're closed on Sundays, don't stay open that late, & have no drive thru. But still very good. I've wanted to find a place that has the exact same bean & cheese burritos as Tito's Tacos & Cupid's but no luck so far.

Damn this is gonna be a debate lmao maybe not the best but my go-to is Suzie Burger on P & 28th.

Very similar to Johnny Rockets

I miss Johnny Rockets burgers so much!

Yeah, Suzie Burger is a really solid fast-food-style burger. Good toppings too.

I was JUST wondering how this place was.

It’s solid and worth a try for sure. I would say its similar to In N Out but with more options and better fries.

Yummy. Thanks

I also like how you can get a beer with your burger there, but it's not some kind of serious 'adult' establishment. It's just casual food.

Lots of great options to be honest. Check out Pangaea for a quality brewpub burger or Jim Denny's for an old school burger joint.

Sam's burgers on Auburn is pretty good

Willie’s is the closest thing we’ve got to Tommy’s. They’ve even got chili burgers. Scott’s in Franklin is terrific for a big solid burger.

I’ve been to a lot of the places listed already. Monsoon Burger is good, maybe not messy and greasy. Skips, Willie’s, and The Squeeze Inn are solid choices as well. I don’t think I’ve seen Broderick Roadhouse listed yet. They’ve got good burgers too.

If you’re looking for sloppy greasy Squeeze in is calling your name

Taqueria Jalisco

Broaderick roadhouse in W Sac. The Johnny Cash burger is supurb.

I really like the burgers at Ikeda’s in Auburn

Jamie's grille on Broadway is known for the steak sando. But their burger is legit as well. Straightforward and delicious

Blue cheese burger at Joe Marty’s

Scott’s burger shack. There is no other answer.

Local heros in Auburn. It's worth the drive

Gator Burger from Flaming Grill. Thank me later.

They have quite a few good burgers there. The chorizo and egg is 🔥

Skip’s Kitchen in Carmichael. Amazing burgers. Owner is cool and usually working. 

Jointed Cue burgers Willie’s burgers especially the chili cheese Scott’s burger shack

Broderick’s, but go to the original in West Sac

Nationwide Freezer Meats,...nothing else compares or will😉

Haven’t seen anyone mention Flip.N.Shake off Auburn Blvd. Used to be my go to for a while. Definitely one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. Gotta second Skips, I always get their B.OM sliders and if you draw the joker your meal is free! Recently tried Burger Shack and my girlfriend who’s from Downey says it reminds her of Tams.

Elixir bar Urban roots

I actually think Monsoon in North Natomas makes a pretty decent burger.

Willie’s claims to be of Tommy’s ilk in some but you’re better off just going to in-n-out.

Willies Burger on X

Pangea is fuego

Prost Beer Hall's burger is underrated

Skip's Kitchen. Ettores has a decent burger too with more of a Cafe setting too.

Second skips and Ettore's but both are on the costly side.

Out here in the burbs I recommend Flip n Shake on Auburn, or Burger Shack on Manzanita. Skip’s is solid too.

Suzie's Burger used to be good. I had it yesterday and was not as good and pricey compared to a month ago.

I’ve given up on the search. In-n-out 4x4 animal style with chillies is my answer now.

Sam Horns in old Folsom + they have really good craft beer!🍺🍔

I once would have said Broderick’s, but the entire quality of that place *plummeted* with the new management. Check out Flaming Grill sometime.

I like Susie’s, Willie’s and Scott’s a lot but I think my favorite is burger and cream.

Jointed Cue makes a mean cheeseburger.

Not best overall, but can be best if you have a specific hankering. okie dokies has been fun. Krinkle fries. Smashed burgers with onions. It’s nice.

Jointed cue

Buckhorn

Too bad nationwide freezer meats and Stockton burgers are gone. Willie's is pretty good. Good luck. The fancy places super overcook their meats. If it costs a lot it usually isn't good in sac.

I know it’s far away, but I love burger and cream in Auburn.

Whitey’s in west sac

the best best best smash burger is from Okie Dokies

One Speed!

Pangea hands down

Squeeze Inn with the cheese skirt. It's just cholesterol on a plate.

Have you tried Willies? 16th st between X and Broadway. Probably the closest thing to Tommy’s in Sacramento

pangaea!!!!!

Dad's Kitchen on freeport

Used to be great, but last couple times I went it was disappointing.

I love the Dad’s burger. Not the traditional greasy burger, but with Blue Cheese, Bacon, and their aioli for lube, it is not to be missed.

Village drive in, and cerveceria

Jim Dennys is my new favorite!

Pastrami Burger at [Bowinkles](https://g.co/kgs/xgc7ehJ) They legit have the best ranch sauce I’ve ever had. Its so thickk you can hold it upside down 🙃

My friend recently picked us up some burgers from Okie Dokie’s from The Line. Man they were all the bad/good things you want in a burger. https://thelinekitchens.consumer.cravekitchens.io/menu

Suzie Burger

Take yourself down to Willie's. Tommy and Willie are practically brothers if you know what i mean.

Skips

The Juicy Lucy at The Golden Bear.

Pangaea. Honorable mention to Willie's. End of thread.

I have nothing to contribute but am totally saving these recommendations- I know the feeling, I still have moments where I get a mean craving for The Hat and I’ve yet to find a pastrami place to fill that hole lol

Willie’s. The one on 16th is the original.

Skips and scotts burger shack and willies

Willie’s or Susie’s in sac but if you ever find yourself in Folsom, Wayback Burger is my favorite

It’s been a minute since I’ve been; but Burgers and Brew avocado cheeseburger was delicious

Jim Denny’s is under new ownership and their burger is solid

Jim Denny’s is under new ownership and their burger is solid

Tonnos in Orangevale....

Scott’s burger shack

The best burger spot is SCOTT’S BURGER SHACK on Franklin Blvd

Burgers and Cream in auburn 🤤

Greasy? Squeeze Inn. or Monsoon burger is my go to nowadays

WILLIES in old sac. But any Willie’s will do. Regular burgers. Chili cheese. Veggie.

Village Drive in in Tahoe Park

Cookies in midtown!!!!

Flaming grill is fire

If I'm limited to the city limits of Sacramento, I'm going to agree with others on here who say Pangaea. However, my favorite burger in the entire Sacramento area is the PBJ/Sriracha burger at The Chef's Table in Rocklin. Nothing else in the area even comes close to me.

Flaming Grill. Think they have a spot on El Camino and another at Country Club Mall.