Idaho restaurant serves one of the ‘50 best burgers in the U.S.’ Nope, not in Boise.

When it comes to websites ranking food in every state across America, it’s wise to be skeptical.

After all, some stranger doing cursory internet research from a faraway computer screen hardly should be considered an expert.

But after spending last week vacationing with friends in North Idaho — and repeatedly cruising past one of the supposed “50 Best Burgers In The United States” without trying one — I’m kicking myself.

Hudson’s Hamburgers, 207 E. Sherman Ave. in Coeur d’Alene, serves the best hamburger in the Gem State, according to Big 7 Travel. The global travel site just released its annual list of the top 50 burgers in the U.S.

You might assume Boise would be home to Idaho’s winner. After all, it’s the largest city in the Gem State. With a vibrant, growing restaurant scene.

Nope. And based on the long lines that deterred us both times we tried to check out Hudson’s, it’s difficult to argue. Founded in 1907, Hudson’s is a local, family-owned institution. It serves simple, cheap burgers in a tiny restaurant with a lunch counter.

Inside a packed Hudson’s, customers patiently wait and salivate. Employees make your patty, grill it while you watch, then serve it with pickles and onions. Cheese if you ordered a cheeseburger. End of story.

You won’t find french fries. Or shakes. Or lettuce on the burgers. In fact, “no french fries, no tomatoes, no mayonnaise, no yellow mustard, no milkshakes, no onion rings, no credit cards, no sesame seed buns, no straws, no bacon,” explains Idaho website enjoycoeurdalene.com.

Big 7 Travel doesn’t seem to be aware of many of these details. Its Hudson’s write-up is utterly basic: “The place offers one of the best hamburgers in town, if not one of the best burgers in the United States,” Big 7 writes. “They serve them hot and fresh and make them the old-fashioned way, on the grill to sear in the juices. The hamburgers have a great taste because of the Hudson’s famous sauce.”

That should be “sauces” — spicy mustard, spicy ketchup or ketchup.

Hungry now? Looking for tasty burger options closer than North Idaho? Big 7 Travel also did a list of “The 7 Best Burgers in Idaho.” Just be aware that it was published in 2019, so it’s not current.

And if you do decide to drive up to Coeur d’Alene from Boise? Expect the trek to take just over seven hours each way — maybe closer to eight if you, um, stop at Taco John’s in Grangeville like I did.

By the way, there was no line at Taco John’s.

This story was originally published August 3, 2021 at 4:00 AM.