Johnson's Drive-in, an out-of-the-way burger worth the trip

Why it matters: This state is full of upscale, gourmet burgers and an increasing number of national burger chains. But the local joints – among them: Johnson's and Brooks' Sandwich House — hold a special place in our collective hearts and stomachs.

Between the lines: Johnston's has been around since 1946, using the same high-quality grain-fed beef and Velveeta cheese for decades. It's an unpretentious, cash-only place with a loyal customer base that routinely lines up for its juicy burgers.

• "If you strive to put out a quality product, you don't have to worry about competition," owner Claxton Johnson told Our State Magazine in 2010.

Details: Johnson's is located at 1520 E. 11th St. It's open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-2pm, or whenever they run out of food.