Best Burger Joints in Utah County: Salt Lake City Area Restaurants

For Utah County, Utah, residents there are a few local area restaurants that are famous for their great tasting American cuisine. These little "ma and pa" burger joints have withstood the comings and goings of many national and local chains and are still around to offer great tasting food to all who walk through their doors. These little restaurants are basically local landmarks, known and beloved by all. Here is the rundown on my three local favorites:

The Purple Turtle, located on State Street in Pleasant Grove, Utah: The Purple Turtle has been in business for decades and is located in a bright purple building right at the heart of Pleasant Grove, Utah. The Purple Turtle offers the best in hamburgers, french fries, tater gems, and thick, towering milk shakes. Though priced higher than the neighboring national chains like Wendy's, McDonald's, or Arctic Circle, the food is cooked fresh to order and the taste and quality far exceeds the national fast food chains. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and reminiscent of the good ol' days. Favorite menu items include the Mile High Burger, an order of tater gems with homemade fry sauce for dipping, and a large grasshopper shake that towers above the rim to top it off.

Taco Amigo, located on State Street in Pleasant Grove, Utah: Taco Amigo has been around nearly as long as the Purple Turtle and offers a similar atmosphere. Taco Amigo offers basic American burgers and fries but also includes Mexican food menu items including tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. Another unique menu favorite is a "glacier," which is soft-serve vanilla ice cream floating in your choice of a flavored slushy drink. Admittedly the hands-down favorite menu item to pick up is a large order of french fries with a unique, homemade fry sauce for dipping.

JCW's, located on State Street in American Fork, Utah: These two "Burger Brothers" opened shop in American Fork, Utah, in the late 1990's and have been going strong ever since, even recently expanding into neighboring Salt Lake County. Offering large burgers, unique chicken and fish sandwich creations, thick home style french fries, and some of the largest, best-tasting milk shakes in the State, JCW's is definitely my favorite stop for a burger and fry fix! The staff has always been friendly and excellent, the restaurant clean and welcoming, and the food delivered hot, fresh, and fast. My favorite menu pick is actually the cheeseburger kid's meal: a full-size flame-broiled burger topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and your choice of ketchup, mayo, and mustard and onions; a fair amount of large, home-style french fries, and a small drink that can be upgraded to one of their many excellent milk shakes.

So, the next time you find yourself in Utah County craving a hamburger, french fries, or just a nice, thick milk shake, check out the Purple Turtle, Taco Amigo, or JCW's and you won't be disappointed!