Who doesn’t love good old fashioned burger? While it is easy to discount a burger as “boring,” in and around McCall you will find they are anything but. Seemingly endless combinations of meat, bun, toppings and accompanying sides make this family favorite an easy go-to meal.

At Cougar Dave’s in Donnelly, The Cowboy is our go-to burger. Topped with bacon, barbeque sauce, smoked cheddar and onion rings, this dish is both burger and side in one. But don’t let that stop you from ordering a side of garlic or truffle fries. (find Cougar Dave’s on Facebook)

If you have just finished a mountain bike ride or ski run at Tamarack, there’s no better place to satisfy your burger craving than Triple B Diner, located at the Resort. Our favorite choice is the Bacon Bleu Burger- a blend of short rib and brisket with a potato bun, bacon, bleu cheese, Triple B Sauce, lettuce, tomato, sauteed onions, and pickles. All burgers come in single and double sizes with french fries and a soda, but we recommend grabbing one of their featured brews as well! (https://tamarackidaho.com/dining/menus/triple-b-diner)

For more great pub fare, try Salmon River Brewery’s Black-N-Blue Elk Burger. This third pound elk patty is topped with gorgonzola crumbles, grilled onions, bacon, lettuce, tomato and spicy aioli. Served up with a side of Salmon River’s signature rosemary fries, this burger is oh-so-satisfying. Enjoy with a hand-crafted local brew on the patio or check out the taproom and rooftop deck. (salmonriverbrewery.com)

While most know My Father’s Place as having the best milkshakes around, their burgers are also a pretty big deal. While the Smokejumper and Baconeer are delicious, we have to go with the Nut Burger as our favorite. Add sautéed mushrooms and onions to this perfectly spiced vegetarian option, add a side of sweet potato fries, and we promise you won’t be disappointed. (https://www.myfathersplacemccall.com/)

Smoky’s at Brundage Mountain Resort is the place to be after a day on the mountain. With cold beers on tap, a full bar to mix delicious summer cocktails and pub fare like the Brundage Burger to pair with apps or fries, you can’t go wrong. (brundage.com)

Named for the small mining town that existed in the 1880s where the restaurant now sits, Lardo Grill and Saloon is the local gathering place. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, cold beer and comfort food menu, Lardos is also a fabulous place to get your burger fix. From the Double Shot to the Sockeye Salmon Burger to the Guacamole Burger, Lardos has twelve different combinations sure to satisfy! (https://www.lardogrillandsaloon.com/)

Need a burger after a day of off-road adventuring? The Baum Shelter in Warren, Idaho is the perfect stop! Open seven days a week and in the middle of some of the best riding around, stop in for one of “Aunt Margaret’s Famous Burgers.” Stick to a traditional option like the Old-Fashioned or spice things up with the Jalapeño Burger. (baumsheltertoo.com)

Frenchie’s on Third is a great place to find yourself for lunch or dinner any day of the week. Located right in town, Frenchie’s is a go-to burger spot and their Cubano Burger, with swiss, smoked ham, house pickles, and creamy maple mustard is exactly the kind of unique but comforting fare you can expect out of a McCall burger. (https://frenchiesonthird.squarespace.com/)

Taking out your clubs to enjoy the mountain sunshine? Fueling up before or after your golf game has never been easier than at Banyans on the Green, located at the McCall Golf Course. Pair your Mushroom Swiss burger with one of their comforting appetizers like mozzarella sticks or potato skins and your meal will be a guaranteed hole-in-one. (https://www.banyansonthegreen.com/)

Growlers Pizza Grill doesn’t just do pizza and calzones, they’ve got amazing staple burgers and classic appetizers like hot wings, chili cheese fries, sweet potato tots, and onion rings for a family-friendly meal everyone is sure to enjoy. (https://growlerspizza.com/)

Burgers at The Intersection BBQ, Bar & Grill are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Between their Smokestack Burger with pulled pork, their Beefstack Burger with brisket, their Pastrami Bomb with house-grilled Pastrami and their Bacon Bleu, its impossible to get your order wrong at this rustic BBQ joint in New Meadows. (Find the Intersection on Facebook)

If you’re looking for something a little more elevated, check out The Cutwater at Shore Lodge for specialties like their Idaho Bison Burger. Topped with arugula, caramelized onions, huckleberry jam, and white cheddar, this burger is sure to tickle your tastebuds and give you a true taste of Idaho. (http://thecutwatermccall.com/)