IF THE TWENTY-FIRST Century has given us anything so far, it’s really good burgers. Rising above the sludge of pink-slime mediocracy, a new class of handheld meals has evolved, propelled alongside a more complete understanding of what makes for good nutrition. (Basically: Lean protein, tons of vegetables, minimal processing.)

Which means that what makes a burger the “Best” in America today is deliciousness, of course, but also nutritiousness. We scoured burger menus from across the country, and found seven burgers that deserved a crown.

Food styling by Michelle Gatton/Hello Artists.

Sal Vaglica is a writer focused on home improvement, architecture, and travel. He’s been a staffer at This Old House magazine, Serious Eats, and Men’s Journal, and has bylines at places ranging from Saveur to Fine Homebuilding and the Wall Street Journal.