Nothing hits the spot more than a good burger, and our readers agree! We recently asked our readers where they go to get the best burger in the Southeast, and they answered the call! From classic burger joints to upscale eateries, we’ve got the inside scoop on where to find the best burgers across the Southeast.
We know that everyone’s taste buds are different. Did your favorite burger make the list? Check out our full article where we break down all of the best burgers in the U.S.
1. Florida: Blue Dot Barbecue
It’s a no-frills, all-flavors type of experience when you visit Blue Dot Barbecue. This cash-only joint has been serving the Pensacola community with some of the best burgers and barbecue since 1946, and it’s worth a trip across state lines for. The secret to this amazing burger at Blue Dot Barbecue lies in its simplicity: quality ingredients and minimal toppings. The classic burger comes dressed with mustard, onions, and tomatoes, but you can certainly get saucy and top yours with their deliciously tangy barbecue sauce.
2. Kentucky: Mussel & Burger Bar
When you want one of the best burgers in Louisville, head over to Mussel & Burger Bar. This isn’t your typical burger joint; it puts a gourmet twist on a classic American dish. Some of the burgers you’ll find on the menu include the Spanish Blue (bleu cheese, mixed greens, fig marmalade with sweet potato fries and a smoked pineapple dipping sauce) and the C.E.O. (gruyere cheese, truffle aioli, caramelized onions, mixed greens, oven-roasted tomatoes, and steak truffle fries). Even the more traditional burgers have a unique spin, like the Good Ole Bacon Burger, which comes on a pretzel bun.
3. North Carolina: Al’s Burger Shack
Not only is Al’s Burger Shack regarded as one of the best burgers in North Carolina, but it might just be the best burger in America. These 100% Angus ground chuck burgers are hand-pattied, individually seasoned to perfection, and cooked to order every time. Top yours with the popular bacon-onion jam or roasted garlic aioli, and be sure to pair it with one of the famous frozen custard shakes made with frozen custard from local creameries. Burgers and milkshakes are better together.
4. Georgia: Willie’s Famous Burgers & Fries
Willie’s Famous Burgers & Fries has been serving some of the best burgers in Georgia since 1991. The family-run restaurant has held the title of Best Burger in North Georgia for 15 years and shows no signs of relinquishing it anytime soon. Burger lovers will rejoice in any one of the 15 specialty burgers here, ranging from a surf & turf ( burger patty topped with a catfish fillet) to Texas Roadhouse (topped with bacon and BBQ sauce).
5. South Carolina: Smashley’s Burger Bar
Everyone loves a good smash burger, but Smashley’s Burger Bar takes smashburgers to entirely new heights. The OG Smashley Burger features aged cheddar, caramelized onions (carmies), house-made pickles, and their famous burger sauce. It’s easily one of the best smash burgers in South Carolina, but it’s certainly not the only smash burger on the menu. From bleu cheese and bacon to vegan-friendly options, there’s truly a burger for all taste buds here.
6. Virginia: Viking Burger
When a place calls itself Viking Burger, you know you’re going to get a massive burger. Located in Newport News, this local burger joint leans into the Viking theme with plenty of Viking-themed menu items. The Viking Burger is your traditional burger with their special Viking sauce. Still, you may be inspired to delve into an Odin burger (double patties), a Thor burger (cheeseburger with grilled onions), or the Ragnar (stacked with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles). Save room for dessert because they have fried Oreos on the menu!
7. Alabama: Butch Cassidy’s Cafe
Ask anyone in Mobile where to get the best burger, and they’ll point you to Butch Cassidy’s Cafe. This culinary staple has been a local favorite since 1993, and like a fine wine, it’s just gotten better (and more popular) every year. The cafe offers a number of different burgers to sink your teeth into, but the Butch Burger is by far the most popular. Cooked to order and loaded with bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, mustard, mayo, and four pickles, this is easily one of the best burgers in Alabama.
8. West Virginia: Farmer’s Daughter
Located in Capon Bridge, West Virginia, Farmer’s Daughter does things the old-fashioned way. Lunch is served Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., and of course, the house burger is the star of the show. The burger is simple, and its simplicity is what keeps customers coming back every week: dry-aged beef, American cheese, pickled red onions, lettuce, and Duke’s mayonnaise. The Farmer’s Daughter also offers an assortment of sausages, and there’s a butcher on-site as well as a small selection of local grocery items. Pick up some steaks cut to order, some local preserves, and a pack of beers to take home after you’ve enjoyed the burger!
9. Mississippi: Stamps Super Burgers
Sitting pretty in Jackson, Stamps Super Burgers is a no-brainer for travelers through Mississippi. This locally owned eatery has been serving some of the best burgers in the state since 1986, and we can’t get enough. While many burger joints across the country stick with a six or eight-ounce patty, Stamps delivers an 11-ounce patty of fresh ground beef. The signature Stamps Burger is a classic, but if you’re really hungry, you can double it up with two patties for 22 ounces of awesome. Don’t forget about their famous hand-cut lemon pepper fries—they’re the perfect pairing to these beastly burgers.
10. Tennessee: The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden
This hidden gem in East Nashville has a passion for making everything from scratch, and you can taste the difference. The burgers at The Pharmacy are made from fresh, locally sourced beef, and those signature buns? Well, those are made just for The Pharmacy by Frothy Monkey Bakery. Pair your burger with any one of the 10+ housemade sauces, and then wash it down with one of their handmade sodas. That’s right, folks. A handmade soda, using 100% pure cane sugar. No caffeine, no preservatives, no artificial colors, and no corn syrup. Just quality ingredients.
If your favorite burger didn’t make the list, nominate it! Let this list inspire you to try new restaurants. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite burger joint! It might even inspire you to plan a burger-themed road trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.…