More than 63,000 burgers were sold during Burger Week 2025, and the winners were revealed Wednesday morning. Niko’s Bakery & Cafe claimed a narrow victory, as the top three restaurants were separated by less than one point. Meanwhile, Kim’s Diner repeated as the People’s Choice winner, claiming nearly a quarter of the community vote.
Niko’s offered a Smoked Pimento Cretzel Burger, which will remain on the menu this week. A blind tasting from a 14-person judging panel awarded Niko’s a score of 86.28.
Shiloh’s Lounge and Grill placed second place for the second year in a row, this time with a score of 86 points. Rounding out the top five were Windy Hollow Biscuit House, Libertalia Coffee and Bagels, and Kim’s Diner.
Kim’s Diner is the first repeat winner of the German American Bank People’s Choice Award. Selling 3,648 of the Sweet & Spicy Bacon Jammy Burgers, Kim’s also sold the most featured burgers during the event. In the People’s Choice voting, Pizza By The Guy placed second and Libertalia finished third.
A total of 49 businesses competed this year, with organizers reporting that more than 63,105 burgers and nearly 16,000 pounds of beef were sold during the 9-day contest. Last year, just more than 57,000 burgers were sold by 40 participating businesses.
“We can’t say thank you enough to both the restaurants who worked tirelessly to make this event happen and to customers who supported Burger Week. When you take those burger sales and add in people buying other food and drinks, you’ve created an enormous economic impact,” said Dave Kirk of Visit Owensboro, which hosts the event in partnership with the City of Owensboro.
Owensboro Burger Week was made possible by the Kentucky Beef Council, Green River Distilling Company, German American Bank, and Hill View Farms Meats.
Organizers said Owensboro Burger Week will return in early Spring of 2026.
Owensboro Burger Week 2025 – Participating restaurants & burgers
- Beef ‘O’ Brady’s – The Godfather
- Between the Buns Food Truck – The Jewell
- Big Dipper – Crunchy Jalapeño Chili Cheeseburger
- The Brew Bridge – The Philly Beercheesesteak Buger
- Burger Theory – Sweet Chili Shrimp Burger
- The Cottage – The Kurdtucky Burger
- Crowes Nest Food Truck – Asian Persuasion
- Curbside Kitchenette Food Truck – The Black & Blue Burger
- Dee’s Diner – The Glazed & Confused
- Donatos – Donatos Cowzone
- Don Mario – Philly Fiesta Burger
- Drake’s – The Steakhouse Burger
- East Coast Eats Food Truck – The Chico Burger
- El Bracero – The Jala Burger
- Fire Bowl – The Loco Moco
- Firehouse 29 BBQ & More Food Truck – The Dozer
- Frogtown Foods Food Truck – The Bourbon Bullfrog
- Gary’s Drive-In – The Iracane
- Gene’s Health Food – Focaccia Garden Party
- Goodwood – Kickin’ Pimento Burger
- IHOP – Jalapeno Kick
- J’s Good Grub Food Truck – Your Daddy Loves Mrs. Patty Burger
- Jordy’s – Jordy’s Poblana Burger
- Kentucky Legend Cafe at Owensboro Convention Center – The Big Bang
- Kim’s Diner – Sweet & Spicy Bacon Jammy Burger
- Libertalia Coffee & Bagels – The Grippo BBQ Burger
- Lure Seafood & Grille – Calabrian Burger
- Lure Smoke Shack Food Truck – Kostas Burger
- Mellow Mushroom – The Truffle Shuffle
- Mil’s Dairy Drive-In – It’ll Get You Burger
- The Miller House – The Sweet and Smokey
- Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn – Logan’s Jalapeño Burger
- Niko’s Bakery & Cafe – Smoked Pimento Cretzel Burger
- Norman McDonald’s Country Drive-In – Slam Jam Burger
- O’Bryan’s Bar & Grill – OBQ Burger
- O’Charley’s – The L’Ouie Burger
- Old Hickory – Big John
- Ole South BBQ – Bomb Burger
- Opportunity Center of Owensboro – Geppetto’s Spicy Chili Classic
- Owensboro Racing & Gaming – Triple Crown Burger
- Peezo’s Pizza – The Lombardi
- Pizza by the Guy – Mozzerella Melted Madness Burger
- Preservation Station – The Holy Cow Burger
- Real Hacienda – Chile Relleno Burger
- Ritzy’s of Owensboro – Velvet Elvis
- Shiloh’s Lounge & Grill – Ring of Fire Burger
- Windridge Country Club – Chopped Cheese Sandwich
- Windy Hollow Biscuit House – The Sarah’nator
- Wonder Whip – The Pepper Upper Burger
