Davenport might seem like just another Midwestern river town at first glance, but its burger scene tells a different story. Beyond the familiar fast-food chains, you’ll find patties smoked over hickory, grass-fed beef stacked with local cheddar, and brioche buns toasted to perfection. With so many options, we’ve sifted through the sizzle to bring you the absolute best.
Draft Day Sports Lounge
$ | (563) 328-8028 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a breakfast spot in Davenport, you can usually find plenty of options with open tables—except at Draft Day Sports Lounge. This sports bar is one of the most popular morning destinations in the area, and during weekend breakfast hours, you’ll almost certainly have to wait for a seat. But be patient, because the breakfast here is solid and offers something different from typical diner fare.
Everyone seems to be ordering the biscuits and gravy, and while they’re definitely satisfying, our regular choice is a plate of French toast with a side of hash browns and an omelet. This hearty breakfast spread comes with fluffy pancakes and crispy hash browns that soak up the syrup perfectly with each bite.
Big JJ Fish & Chicken
$ | (563) 322-2222 | WEBSITE
Big JJ Fish & Chicken isn’t just a Davenport fry joint, it’s a restaurant every local needs to try at least once. The menu consists mostly of made-to-order fried classics, which means you should be prepared for lots of crunch and lots of flavor. Mix in heartier options (the 3-piece catfish platter with cornmeal breading, French fries, and a biscuit) with the lighter ones (the delicious white fish walleye sandwich, crispy fried okra) for the most balanced experience.
They also run a swift takeout service—ideal for family meals at home or when dinner keeps getting interrupted by your kids asking you to ‘come back ASAP.’
Steel Plow Burger Company
$ | (563) 424-6640 | WEBSITE
While Davenport’s dining scene offers plenty of options, the burger landscape can feel predictable—dominated by chain spots and fast-food joints. Steel Plow Burger Company is a welcome departure from all of that. The bright, casual burger joint feels like a modern diner you’d find in a revitalized industrial space. Everyone is digging into burgers and sharing plates of sweet potato fries or tater tots.
We gravitate toward the signature section though, where you’ll find standout items like the popular Mr. Anderson Burgers, the praised taco burger, and amazing shakes that could double as dessert. They’ve maintained their commitment to quality with a straightforward menu and the lively energy of a neighborhood gathering spot.
Double D Diner
$ | (563) 424-0038 | WEBSITE
Double D Diner is exactly what the west side of Davenport needs. Located in a cozy neighborhood spot, the friendly, bustling establishment serves up all the classics: a $12 chicken fried steak that’s a must-try, fresh burgers that never see a freezer, and biscuits and gravy that are hard to find anywhere else. It’s run by a super nice staff, who you’ll see cheerfully chatting with regulars as they plate up breakfast burritos and pour coffee.
We prefer to come for brunch—it’s an easy, satisfying meal that begins with those famous biscuits and gravy and ends with a perfectly cooked burger. Or a second helping of chicken fried steak, if you’re anything like us.
Front Street Pub & Eatery
$ | (563) 322-1569 | WEBSITE
You’ll find everything from satisfying poutine to fish and chips to burgers on the menu at this casual spot on Front Street, but what they’re known for is their house brews. So much so, in fact, it’s painted along the side of the outdoor space: “Front Streets Weiz Guy Hefeweizen since 2020.” The beer itself is pretty straightforward. You won’t find any fancy infusions or barrel-aged options here, but instead a simple lineup of crisp lagers and ales.
The Cherry Bomb Blonde here is particularly refreshing—ask for a sampler to try them all.
McDonald’s
$ | (563) 823-0840 | WEBSITE
Tucked along a busy Davenport thoroughfare, this familiar fast-food spot delivers exactly what you’d expect: quick, satisfying meals that hit particularly well during a hectic day. The Quarter Pounder with Cheese is juicy and properly assembled, and the Big Mac (available all day) comes with that special sauce and two beef patties. But what you should be focusing on here are the fries.
Although we have no idea what exactly keeps them so perfectly golden and crisp when fresh (the kitchen simply follows the corporate recipe), we do know that a hot, salty batch floods our senses with so much simple pleasure it might psychologically be a necessity. Just be prepared for the occasional wait if you hit the drive-thru during peak hours—the line can stretch right past the order screen, creating a bit of chaos.
But when everything clicks, especially with the friendly staff who genuinely seem to care, it’s a reliably decent stop for under ten bucks.
Five Guys
$ | (563) 232-1729 | WEBSITE
Five Guys, a burger joint right in Davenport, is where you’ll find us any time life becomes overwhelming and we need a reliable comfort fix. The straightforward menu is filled with satisfying options like juicy hamburgers with fresh toppings, crispy fries, and creamy milkshakes. But when you’re in a true moment of craving, try the classic cheeseburger.
The perfectly grilled patty with melted cheese is pure simple pleasure, and if some of your friends require similar satisfaction, the clean and welcoming space is great for a casual group meal.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
$ | (563) 445-8646 | WEBSITE
If you come to Applebee’s Grill + Bar, a lively restaurant in Davenport, and order a salad or some chicken tenders, you’ll have a perfectly fine meal. But to have a great meal, go for the classic burger, a juicy, well-seasoned patty that you don’t often find outside of specialty burger joints. It comes topped with crisp lettuce and ripe tomato, giving it a fresh, yet hearty flavor, along with a generous side of golden fries.
Definitely ask for Tara or Tyler as your server as well, who are attentive and eager to ensure you have everything you need, checking on orders even during busy times.
Grubeez 2014
$ | (563) 323-1404 | WEBSITE
Grubeez 2014 is like many burger joints in Davenport: the portions are generous, the booths can fit a family of four comfortably, and the menu is basically a quick read (this one being straightforward and focused). But within that simple menu are some delicious options that set this friendly, casual-looking spot apart, like perfectly cooked burgers, tender ribeye steaks, and crispy chicken tenders.
Everything here arrives hot and fast, including juicy burgers with all the fixings, crunchy salads topped with those same tenders, and fried taco fillings wrapped in warm tortillas on Tuesdays. The staff here are experts at keeping things moving, so put your trust in them when you’re in a hurry.
Portillo’s Davenport
$ | (563) 823-9500 | WEBSITE
We’re going to be blunt here: This is the best Italian beef north of Chicago. Even though some days the bun can be a little soggy, the juicy roast beef, generous giardiniera, and savory au jus never let us down. Our go-to is the sausage combo with peppers (all the grilled sausage, sweet peppers, and onions) with an added Italian beef on top. It’s the ideal meal to eat in your car alone on lunch hour—the nostalgic, order-at-the-counter diner doesn’t have much in the way of fancy seating.
Checkers
$ | (563) 322-1367 | WEBSITE
Though Checkers has been a staple in Davenport for years, a visit to its original location is still a worthwhile stop. The straightforward, no-frills dining area has simple tables and functional seating—making it a great spot for a quick meal on the go—and the burgers are still among the best deals in town. We love the juicy, satisfying classic cheeseburger, crispy chicken bites, and thick, creamy chocolate shake—a great combo for said quick dining.
Also, don’t overlook the sweet tea: it’s refreshing, not too sweet, and will disappear within minutes of hitting the counter.