I’m going to be honest: sometimes a fancy gourmet meal just doesn’t cut it. What I really crave is the perfect, greasy, messy, classic diner burger. For years, I’ve been driving all over Tennessee, chasing down rumors of great cheeseburgers. Recently, I found the holy grail-a few unassuming spots where the sizzle of the griddle is music, and the double cheeseburger is a work of art. Forget the tourist traps; these are the iconic local joints where the line out the door confirms you’ve arrived at the right place. We are diving deep into the state’s best-kept burger secrets.
1. Dyer’s Burgers – Memphis
Grease becomes legendary when it has been used since 1912, and that is exactly what makes this Memphis institution so wildly popular. Dyer’s cooks their burgers in grease that gets strained and reused daily, creating a flavor profile you simply cannot replicate anywhere else.
Locals swear by the unique cooking method that transforms ordinary beef into something memorable. Each patty soaks up over a century of flavor history, making every bite taste like edible tradition. The cheese melts perfectly over the thin patties, creating that classic diner-style experience.
Downtown Memphis gets busy, but the line moves surprisingly fast here…