The Plazaburger is a double-stack tavern burger from The Plaza Tavern on North Henry Street, topped with the bar's secret sauce, cheese, lettuce and tomato.

The Plazaburger was created at The Plaza Tavern on North Henry Street in 1964, a block off State Street between the Wisconsin State Capitol and the University of Wisconsin Madison. The double-stack burger with the bar's secret sauce became the signature of the tavern's long lunch and dinner trade, and remains the canonical Plazaburger version in 2026. The Plaza Tavern hasn't changed locations since.

Where to eat Plazaburger in Madison

1 editor pick for Plazaburger in Madison, ranked by editorial score. All Madison signature dishes · Plazaburger across every city.

More places near The Plaza Tavern & Grill

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Make it at home

Serves 435 minEasy

Ingredients

  • 600g 80/20 ground beef chuck
  • 4 soft white hamburger buns
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • Iceberg lettuce, shredded
  • Tomato slices
  • Sliced pickles
  • Salt and black pepper
  • 120ml mayonnaise
  • 30ml ketchup
  • 15g sweet pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika

Method

  1. Make the secret sauce: whisk mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, mustard, vinegar and paprika in a small bowl. Chill 30 minutes.
  2. Divide beef into 8 small loose portions; form into thin patties slightly larger than the buns.
  3. Heat a heavy skillet over high heat. Season patties with salt and pepper.
  4. Sear patties in batches for 90 seconds per side. Top each with a slice of cheese during the second flip and cover briefly to melt.
  5. Toast the cut sides of the buns in the pan.
  6. Spread secret sauce on both halves of each bun. Stack two patties on each bottom bun.
  7. Top with shredded lettuce, tomato slices and pickles. Close with the top bun.
  8. Serve immediately with fries on the side.

Editor tip. Two thin patties beat one thick patty; cook hot and fast. Relish-mayo-ketchup-mustard ratio is the key; chill 30 minutes to settle.

Common allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Eggs.