11 Must-Try Burgers in Birmingham
We set out to find the best burgers in Birmingham, and we found them everywhere — from elegant French bistros to hole-in-the-wall hidden gems. Here’s our updated list! Image: Facebook / Back Forty Beer Company
Updated April 2026 by Katie Leigh Matthews
If we learned one thing during our search for the best burgers in town, it’s that the Birmingham restaurant scene really knows how to dress up a patty. From classic to creative, we’ve chewed our way through Magic City’s best burger joints to curate a list of must-try bites.
Chez Fonfon | Hamburger Fonfon
Neighborhood: Five Points South
More Info: fonfonbham.com
From local fine dining legend Chef Frank Stitt comes “Alabama’s most celebrated burger” — the Hamburger Fonfon. This isn’t your hole-in-the-wall hidden-gem burger (We’ll get to those!); rather, it’s a culinary masterpiece, fit for the upscale French bistro it calls home and worthy of a special occasion.
The Hamburger Fonfon features in-house ground beef and a made-from-scratch brioche bun, toasted to perfection on the grill, but what really takes this burger to the next level is the Comté cheese straight from the French Alps. It’s finished with grilled onions and pickles and served with Chez Fonfon’s pommes frites, providing the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy.
Back Forty Beer Co. | Back40 Cheeseburger
Neighborhood: Avondale
More Info: backfortybeer.com
If there were ever a perfect pair, it would have to be burgers and beer. Back Forty Beer Co. offers as many as 25 beers on tap to complement its gourmet pub food menu, including a hearty cheeseburger you won’t want to miss.
The Back40 Cheeseburger has two patties, American cheese, dill pickles, aioli, and onions for a well-rounded, satisfying burger with all the essentials. Vegetarians, don’t fret — Back Forty also serves a delicious Impossible Burger. Whichever you choose, enjoy your meal with an ice-cold brew in Back Forty’s expansive beer garden.
Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint | The Greg Brady
Neighborhood: Lakeview District
More Info: jackbrownsjoint.com
Jack Brown’s offers a different Wagyu burger special each day, including options like a burger topped with chipotle pimento cheese, one with an egg sunny-side up, and even one with peanut butter.
Our must-try burger at Jack Brown’s is the Greg Brady. Consider this the ultimate comfort food — a burger topped with house-made mac n’ cheese and Martin’s BBQ potato chips. Jack Brown’s also has the latest hours on our list, staying open until midnight Sunday through Wednesday and until 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
J & J Grocery and Deli | Double Bacon Cheeseburger
Neighborhood: Bessemer
More Info: jandjgrocerydeli.com
The accolades keep on coming for this hole-in-the-wall burger joint. J & J’s has been voted the best burger in Jefferson County and ranks at number 22 on “burgers in Alabama to try before you die,” according to the convenience store-turned-burger joint’s humble signage. They are only open until 2 p.m., so plan to hit this bucket-list burger spot for lunch. It was also recently named the best hole-in-the-wall burger joint in Alabama by Tasting Table.
On your first visit, you might be welcomed with a celebratory “First-timer!” call-out, but you’ll soon be treated like family. You really can’t go wrong with any of J & J’s burgers, but the double bacon cheeseburger is nothing short of divine.
HERO Diner | Original HERO Cheeseburger
Neighborhoods: Chelsea, Downtown, Homewood, Hoover, & Trussville
More Info: eatathero.com
At HERO, it all started with their signature two-day process for brioche-style dough. Used in their doughnuts and buns, this dough has paved the way for award-winning burgers.
That’s just one of the reasons why the HERO Cheeseburger is on our must-try list. It’s got all the classics — American cheese, onions, and pickles, but it’s the pillowy buns and zesty “Cracked Sauce” that set this burger apart.
The Standard | Double Bacon Cheeseburger
Neighborhoods: Pizitz Food Hall & Vestavia Hills
More Info: standardbhm.com
With a classic diner feel, The Standard serves hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and fries in a fun and lively atmosphere. A lengthy list of add-ons, including fried egg, pimento cheese, pickled jalapeños, and more, offers a chance for you to get as creative as you’d like. This friendly spot also features a delectable black bean veggie burger.
We recommend starting with the Double Bacon Cheeseburger, topped with American cheese, “Standard Sauce,” lettuce, tomato, and pickles — an impressive classic with just the right fixings.
SAW’s Juke Joint | Carolina Burger
Neighborhood: Crestline
More Info: sawsbbq.com
Founded by North Carolina-born Chef Mike Wilson, SAW’s has a long history of smoking meat and crafting sauces. The “upscale dive” features Carolina-style smoked pulled pork, chicken, and ribs, and there’s always live bluesy jazz to set the vibe.
SAW’s also happens to have one of the best burgers in Birmingham, unsurprisingly called the Carolina Burger. This cheeseburger is topped with mustard, onions, pickles, chili, and slaw for peak Southern comfort. Choose from sides like baked potatoes, beans, deviled eggs, macaroni and cheese, cole slaw, and don’t forget the banana pudding.
Mudtown Eat & Drink | The Big Green Pimp
Neighborhood: Cahaba Heights
More Info: mudtownalabama.com
Nestled in Cahaba Heights is Mudtown, a cozy eatery that’s been a neighborhood mainstay for 20 years. It’s known for its inventive burgers and also prides itself on its Lowcountry- and Cajun-inspired dishes, along with a refreshing cocktail menu.
As for our burger rec, don’t let the name put you off. Mudtown’s Big Green Pimp comes topped with bacon and a fried green tomato and is smothered in Mudtown’s own Aunt Claire’s Jalapeño Pimento Cheese and pepper jelly. It’s crunchy, ooey-gooey, and truly one-of-a-kind.
Whiskey Foxtrot | The Foxtrot Burger
Neighborhoods: Homewood & Hoover
More Info: whiskeyfoxtrotbham.com
Whiskey Foxtrot was born from the dream of two brothers — Ben and Zac Williams — to open the kind of burger dive they had grown up wishing for in their hometown. Their dreams were realized in Hoover and Homewood, where Whiskey Foxtrot serves mouth-watering Wagyu burgers made simple with premium ingredients and house-made sauces.
The Foxtrot burger tops two American Wagyu beef patties with caramelized onions, pickles, and cheese. The finishing touch is the Foxtrot sauce, which also makes the perfect accompaniment to fries.
Porch | Porch Burger
Neighborhood: Crestline Village
More Info: porchmb.com
Porch might be one of Mountain Brook’s best-kept secrets. Its cozy and welcoming vibe, frequent live music, and gorgeous patio pair perfectly with some of the best burgers in town.
The Porch Burger comes with double smashed patties, grilled red onions, American cheese, house pickles, and Porch’s burger sauce. It’s a staple on the menu, but always check the chalkboard and see if Porch’s featured burger tickles your fancy! Either way, you can’t go wrong.
Paramount | The Paramount Burger
Neighborhoods: Downtown & Homewood
More Info: paramountbirmingham.com
With a restaurant, bar, and arcade, Paramount is a whole vibe that’s perfect for a date or family night. Play Skee Ball, Pac-Man, Mario Kart, or go old school with the impressive pinball selection while enjoying one of the best burgers around.
We wouldn’t steer you away from any of the burgers on Paramount’s menu, but you gotta try the namesake. The Paramount Burger is a beast. It starts with two beef patties topped with a fried egg and corned beef. Then come the cheeses — mozzarella, American, and a smashed risotto ball for an extra crunch. Finally, the burger is drizzled with garlicky mayo and Barrio hot sauce.
Hungry yet? Grab your crew and head to one of these drool-worthy spots!
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Kate Feinberg
Kate Feinberg is a professional writer based in Nashville. She has more than 14 years of freelance writing experience covering travel, wellness, and lifestyle. A certified meditation teacher, RYT-200 yoga instructor, and integrative nutrition health coach, she brings a strong wellness perspective to her work. Kate is also a marathon runner and the creator of a plant-based food blog, Chef Kate F, where she shares nourishing recipes and mindful living tips. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her on the golf course, exploring new destinations, or combining both with golf-focused travel. She enjoys lake life on Percy Priest Lake.