10 Must-Try Burgers in Atlanta
From classic diner patties to upscale steakhouse stacks, Atlanta has you covered when it comes to great burgers. Whittling down a list was no easy feat, but if you're looking for the best burgers in Atlanta, this is the place to start.
Craving a burger? This ridiculously tasty list is for you. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic diner burger that evokes nostalgia or an upscale steakhouse iteration that wows, we’ve got you covered. From crispy smashed patties to innovative creations, there’s a burger in Atlanta for everyone! While it was exceedingly difficult to narrow our list, we think these particular burgers represent the Atlanta burger scene well. In no particular order, here are 10 of the best burgers in Atlanta to add to your must-try list.
The Vortex Bar & Grill
Midtown: 878 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 • (404) 875-1667
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to midnight
Little Five Points: 438 Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 • (404) 688-1828
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Nationally recognized as Atlanta’s most famous burger spot, The Vortex Bar & Grill has served up burgers and beer since 1992. Order their original classic cheeseburger, or test the waters with something bold from their signature menu, like the “Fat Elvis” with peanut butter, bacon, and fried plantains.
NFA Burger
Inside the Chevron, 5465 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338 • (404) 666-2874
Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
The most buzzed-about burger in Atlanta can be found inside a Dunwoody gas station. Though many native Atlantans would describe Dunwoody as “out of the way,” we promise that the burger at NFA is worth the drive. The perfectly caramelized beef patty comes on a potato roll with American cheese, yellow mustard, pickles, and their signature sweet and spicy “sassy sauce.” NFA also sells tater tots, fries with “sassy seasoning,” hot dogs, sausages, and surprisingly, Belgian liege waffles.
The Companion
2316 Marietta Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 • (404) 228-1632
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Located on the Northwest side of Atlanta, The Companion delivers creative, technique-driven comfort food such as wings, fries, and burgers. Though all three of their $13 burger options are worth ordering, we recommend “The Steinbeck,” which includes double-stacked, crispy-thin patties, pickled jalapeños, bacon, and housemade pimento cheese.
Village Burger
Dunwoody: 1426 Dunwoody Village Pkwy, Dunwoody, GA 30338 • (770) 522-1600
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Johns Creek: 3005 Old Alabama Rd #220, Johns Creek, GA 30022 • (770) 676-9942
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Lawrenceville: 137 S Perry St Suite B, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 • (678) 373-1223
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Tucker: 2329 Main St, Tucker, GA 30084 • (678) 395-7405
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
If you find yourself in Dunwoody, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, or Tucker, head to Village Burger to satisfy your burger craving. The friendly neighborhood restaurant offers a variety of protein options, such as beef, turkey, and a housemade black bean veggie burger. Did we mention you can also snag a frozen custard for dessert?
H&F Burger
675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 • (678) 235-2682
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The famous “H&F” burger began as a special created by chef Linton Hopkins at Atlanta’s gastropub Holeman and Finch, with only 24 prepared nightly after 10 p.m. The coveted entrée consists of a griddled double cheeseburger, topped with red onion and housemade pickles, served on a freshly baked butter-toasted bun with housemade ketchup and mustard on the side. Now, this iconic burger is available all day at H&F Burger at Ponce City Market.
Fred’s Meat & Bread
99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 • (404) 688-3733
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m
Located in Krog Street Market, Fred’s Meat & Bread is the brainchild of Chef Todd Ginsberg of The General Muir, Yalla, and West Egg. He channeled his childhood when coming up with the old-school burger and sandwich counter concept. Though everything is delicious, the bacon cheeseburger with bread and butter pickles is a can’t-miss, especially when enjoyed with a vintage soda.
Grindhouse Killer Burgers
On Piedmont: 1842 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 • (404) 254-2273
Hours: Monday and Wednesday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; closed Tuesday
On Memorial: 701 Memorial Dr. SE, Atlanta, GA 30316 • (404) 228-3722
Hours: Monday and Wednesday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; closed Tuesday
Downtown Decatur: 433 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030 • (404) 400-0509
Hours: Monday and Wednesday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; closed Tuesday
Brookhaven: 2565 Apple Valley Rd NE, Brookhaven, GA 30319 • (470) 355-2745
Hours: Monday and Wednesday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; closed Tuesday
An Atlanta classic, Grindhouse Killer Burgers served its first customer in 2009 inside the Sweet Auburn Curb Market in downtown Atlanta. Now, Grindhouse can be found in multiple locations, including Athens, downtown Decatur, and the Atlanta-Hartsfield International Airport. Everything is great, but take our word for it and order an “Apache Style” burger with pepper jack cheese, green chiles, lettuce, grilled onions, and tortilla strips.
Little’s Food Store
198 Carroll St SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 • (404) 963-7012
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m
Opened in 1929 by the Little family, Little’s Food Store is a neighborhood grocery and grill in the heart of Atlanta’s historic Cabbagetown neighborhood. Their burgers are made from a prime-cut beef blend that’s ground in-house and dressed up with your choice of fresh toppings and Boar’s Head cheese. Choose their hand-cut fries or vegan sweet n’ spicy slaw for a side.
Marcel
1170 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318 • (404) 665-4555
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Marcel is a steakhouse and bar by notable restaurateur Ford Fry, known for concepts such as Little Rey, The Optimist, and Superica. Though Marcel is home to some of the best steaks money can buy, their burger has quickly become the talk of the town. Their decadent dry-aged reserve patty is cooked in butter and bone marrow and dripping in au jus. Yes, please.
Muss & Turner’s
1675 Cumberland Pkwy SE Suite 309, Smyrna, GA 30080 • (770) 434-1114
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Deli by day and bistro by night, Muss & Turner’s has been slinging burgers since 2005. Their signature version has roasted poblano peppers, melted cheddar, red onion, and cilantro aioli. It’s simultaneously salty, fatty, and spicy.
You’re ready for your very own Atlanta burger crawl! Enjoy.
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Anne Henley Walker
Anne Henley is a University of Georgia graduate (Go Dawgs!) currently based in Atlanta. She's perpetually on the hunt for her new favorite restaurant.