Here Are Atlanta’s Best Burgers

Whether you’re craving a double-patty smash with melted cheese, a simple nostalgic bite reminiscent of childhood favorites, or even a vegetarian option, Atlanta’s got an amazing selection. Loosen your belt and let’s get into it.

In this latest refresh, we’ve revamped our write-ups to include even more relevant information for diners. This includes a rough range of pricing for each destination, ranging from $ for quick, inexpensive meals with dishes largely under $10 to $$$$ for places where entrees exceed $30.

New to the map: a croissant wagyu burger from Brush Sushi, known more for the bun than the patty. The burger joints are listed geographically from north to south.

We’re picky when it comes to good burgers — nay, great burgers. This is the ultimate list of the best of the best burger joints in Atlanta, including the place that inspired the burger in the movie The Menu.

Whether you’re craving a double-patty smash with melted cheese, a simple nostalgic bite reminiscent of childhood favorites, or even a vegetarian option, Atlanta’s got an amazing selection. Loosen your belt and let’s get into it.

In this latest refresh, we’ve revamped our write-ups to include even more relevant information for diners. This includes a rough range of pricing for each destination, ranging from $ for quick, inexpensive meals with dishes largely under $10 to $$$$ for places where entrees exceed $30. New to the map: a croissant wagyu burger from Brush Sushi, known more for the bun than the patty.

The burger joints are listed geographically from north to south.

NFA Burger

Open For: Lunch & Dinner (Closed Sunday & Mondays) Price Range: $

Short for “Not Fooling Around”, NFA Burger excels with a no-nonsense approach to a classic smash burger. Owner Billy Kramer uses a high-fat ground beef ratio to achieve an almost “lacy” burger that can magically be crispy and juicy cohesively.

His classic offers two patties, melted American cheese, pickles, mustard, and a signature “sassy sauce,” all sandwiched between a soft potato bun — just don’t ask for ketchup on the bun. Fans can find his restaurant charmingly located inside a Chevron gas station in Dunwoody and Avalon in Alpharetta.

Best For: no-nonsense, smash burger hidden in a gas station

Brush Sushi

Open for: Brunch, lunch, and dinner Price range: $$

Brush Sushi recently launched a double-patty American wagyu burger in a flaky croissant bun with caramelized onions for brunch and lunch. Co-owner and pastry chef ChingYao Wang is known for her laminated croissants and highly detailed desserts, and now she’s showcasing her baking chops on an indulgent burger.

Also, try the croissant wagyu hot dog with a caviar add-on. Best for: A croissant wagyu burger with a side of sushi

Holeman and Finch

Open for: Lunch and dinner Price range: $$

As long as Linton and Gina Hopkins continue to offer iterations of this iconic smash burger in Atlanta, it will almost always find a spot on a best burger list. What originally started as a limited, late-night offering has since grown with H&F Burger restaurants in Ponce City Market as well as Truist Park and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Their namesake gastropub, Holeman & Finch, serves arguably the best version of this burger made from griddled beef patties using a blend of fresh brisket and chuck topped with American cheese, red onions, pickles, and house-made ketchup sandwiched between a butter-toasted pan de mie bun.

Best for: Atlanta’s original fancy smash burger

Houston’s

Open for: Lunch and dinner Price Range: $$

Houston’s is a classic in Atlanta and a comforting staple within the foodie community. The cheeseburger here is crafted with a thick, juicy patty made from freshly ground chuck and brisket, layered generously with melted cheddar, crisp iceberg lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions, on a freshly baked, toasted sesame seed bun.

Described as a “proper restaurant burger,” this one’s for those tired of smash burger offerings found all over the city who want something traditional, comforting, and nostalgic. Best for: Both casual and fancy, an old-school thick patty cheeseburger Owens and Co.

Open for: Burger on Thursdays only until sold out Price range: $$

A limited Once a Week, or OAW Burger, is offered only on Thursdays until sold out at Owens and Co. (previously Owens and Hull). It’s made with 8 ounces of fresh ground beef from Creekstone Farms, rolled in brisket rub, and smoked to perfection for two hours. Afterwards, it’s seared off on a flat top and finished with American cheese, house-made pickles, smoked onion jam, and a special burger sauce.

They cook these to a gorgeous medium-rare (it’d be a crime to order it any other way). The team limits them weekly based on the trimmings leftover from the barbecue.

Best for: Texas-style smoked burger

The General Muir and Fred’s Meat and Bread

Open for: Lunch and dinner Price range: $$

Michelin-recommended General Muir has been serving owner and chef Todd Ginsberg’s iconic Double Stack Burger for many years in Atlanta, and locals can grab an iteration on the go at Krog Street Market’s Fred’s Meat and Bread. Beyond Atlanta, chef John Benhase, who consulted on the film The Menu, recently revealed that the burger in the movie was inspired by his experiences as a sous-chef at the General Muir and described how the approach to crafting a burger at the restaurant profoundly influenced his understanding and appreciation of the dish. Needless to say, for those seeking a burger that embodies craftsmanship and deliciousness, the Double Stack is a must-try.

Best for: Hollywood’s famous double stack at a Jewish deli

The Deer and The Dove

Open for: Dinner (closed Mondays)

Price range: $$ to $$$$ (with foie gras and truffles) Chef Terry Koval elevates the classic American burger into a culinary experience at Michelin-recognized Deer and the Dove.

The D&D Grilled Burger ($31) features a thick Bear Creek Farms dry-aged beef patty, thyme mayo, truffle cheese, seasonal mushrooms, caramelized onions, and bordelaise sauce on a freshly made bun. For those who want to treat themselves even further, add Hudson Valley foie gras (+$24) and shaved truffles (market price) to the burger.

This is the one to get if you want to go all out on your burger adventure — one that can add up to about $70 for a single burger with all the luxurious fixin’s. Best for: a treat yo’self burger

Smiley’s Burger Club

Open for: Lunch and dinner (Closed Monday and Tuesday)

Price range: $ Located in a tiny shack in Decatur, Smiley’s has quickly gained accolades and followers for its signature double smash cheeseburger ($12) that features two griddled patties, American cheese, house-made pickles, and a tangy Big Mac-inspired sauce on an Engleman’s potato bun.

Smiley’s is the perfect place to dine outdoors on their patio, which provides a cozy, inviting atmosphere to enjoy their delicious burgers. Best for: A fun smash burger with impossibly crispy edges

Evergreen Butcher + Baker

Open for: Burger only available 1 p.m. on Sundays only until sold out Price range: $$

This one’s an extremely limited offering from Kirkwood’s Evergreen Butcher + Baker. Die-hard burger fans are known to line up starting at 12:30 p.m. in hopes of getting their hands (and bellies) on one of Emma and Sean Schacke’s exclusive burgers.

If you’re lucky, be prepared to be treated to an amazing double stack made with freshly ground beef patties, housemade pickles, grilled onions, American cheese, garlic aioli, all nestled within a freshly baked, long-fermented sesame seed bun. The combo of quality ingredients and meticulous preparation results in a mind-blowing burger that’s totally worth the time invested to get one.

Best for: Gourmet burger with exclusivity and bragging rights

Little's Food Store

Open for: Lunch and dinner Price range: $

A throwback to the lunch counter burgers of yore, Little’s in Cabbagetown keeps it simple and classic with a half-pound, double-stack topped with grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, and American cheese. All burgers come with fries.

Grab a seat on the adjacent outdoor patio here, or take the burger to go and sit in the sun at the neighborhood park in Cabbagetown. Best for: Casual burger from a neighborhood deli and grocery store

Jerry’s Gourmet Burgers

Open for: Lunch and dinner (Closed Sunday to Tuesday)

Price range: $ If you’re willing to make the one-hour drive outside of the city to this burger spot, you’ll be treated to one of the best roadside burgers in Georgia. Located in a small trailer in Villa Roca (it’s technically within metro Atlanta), Jerry’s Gourmet Burgers is a no-frills burger joint that offers delicious 1/4 and 1/2 pound cheeseburgers made with a mix of freshly ground sirloin tip and beef brisket. “Cooked to order” means you can expect to wait upwards of half an hour for your order, but trust us, it’s worth every minute.

Owner Jerry Ihsan aims for perfection in simplicity, and he nails it with his passion and commitment to the humble burger. Best for: Made-to-order roadside burger

The Earl

Open for: Lunch and dinner (late night)

Price range: $ This veggie burger deserves a spot on this list.

The meatless option from everyone’s favorite dive bar and music venue, the Earl, features a grilled in-house black bean patty seasoned with smoky spices and just the right amount of heat. They serve it between a toasted sesame seed bun and top it with pepper jack cheese, salsa verde, sour cream, lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles. Even fans of The Earl’s classic burger (which deserves an honorable mention) comment on how phenomenal their black bean one is.

It’s the perfect spot to grab a late-night burger and catch some live music. Best for: Dive bar veggie burger with live music