Best Burgers in Atlanta, GA: Where to Go and What to Order

Atlanta takes burgers seriously. From old-school griddled patties to over-the-top creations stacked with Southern ingredients, you can find a standout burger in almost every part of the city. Whether you live here, just moved to town, or are visiting for a weekend, knowing where to start can be overwhelming.

This guide walks through some of the best burgers in Atlanta, GA, broken down by style and neighborhood, with practical tips on what to order and when to go.

What Makes a “Best Burger” in Atlanta?

In Atlanta, the burgers locals talk about tend to have a few things in common:

• Quality beef (or a great plant-based alternative)
• Consistent cooking (pink and juicy when you want it, with a good crust)
• Thoughtful toppings that complement, not bury, the patty
• Fresh bread that holds up but doesn’t dominate
• Reasonable price-to-quality ratio

You’ll find:

• Classic diner-style smashburgers
• Gourmet, chef-driven versions
• Neighborhood bar burgers
• Creative spins with global flavors
• Strong vegetarian and vegan burger options

Quick Snapshot: Popular Burger Spots by Area

Names and exact lineups change over time, but this reflects how burger culture clusters around the city.

Classic Atlanta Burger Experience

Old-School and Diner-Style Burgers

If you’re looking for burgers that feel nostalgic—thin patty, melted American cheese, soft bun, and a pile of fries—Atlanta has plenty of options.

Typical features of a solid diner-style Atlanta burger:

• Smash patties cooked on a flat-top grill
• Simple toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, mayo, mustard, ketchup
• Combo meals with fries and a drink
• Often available late, especially near campuses and nightlife strips

You’ll find these near:

• Downtown / Georgia State University area
• Midtown, especially along Peachtree Street and near major hotels
• College-adjacent corridors like around Georgia Tech and Emory

📝 Tip: When in doubt, order the “house burger” or “classic cheeseburger” at local diners and grills. In many Atlanta spots, that’s the item the kitchen has perfected over years.

Chef-Driven and Gourmet Burgers

For many locals, the best burgers in Atlanta come out of chef-led kitchens that treat burgers with the same respect as steaks or entrees.

What to expect from a gourmet burger in Atlanta:

• Higher-quality beef blends (often brisket, chuck, and short rib)
• Artisan buns like brioche or potato rolls
• House-made toppings: pickles, sauces, pimento cheese, bacon jam
• Optional upgrade sides: truffle fries, sweet potato fries, or specialty tots

These are common in:

• West Midtown – a hub for modern, chef-focused restaurants
• Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward – along BeltLine-adjacent streets
• Buckhead – especially around Peachtree Road and within hotel restaurants

🍽️ Ordering tip: Many of these restaurants cook burgers medium by default. If you prefer more or less doneness, say so clearly (e.g., “medium-well, just a little pink” or “medium-rare, warm red center”).

Neighborhood Bar Burgers Around Atlanta

Atlanta’s neighborhood bars and taverns are often where locals quietly find their absolute favorite burgers.

Common traits of a good bar burger in Atlanta:

• Half-pound patties or stacked doubles
• Solid beer selection to pair with your burger
• Big TVs showing Atlanta sports (Braves, Falcons, Hawks, United)
• Daily specials like burger nights with discounted combos

Bar burger strongholds include:

• Virginia-Highland – walkable, cozy bar-heavy neighborhood
• East Atlanta Village (EAV) – more eclectic, late-night environment
• Grant Park / Summerhill – growing with newer pubs and gastropubs
• Brookhaven / Chamblee – suburb-adjacent spots popular with families

If you’re not sure what to order:

• Try the bar’s “signature” or “house” burger
• Look for burgers that showcase local ingredients (e.g., Georgia cheeses or regional sauces)

Best Burgers for Different Diets and Preferences

Plant-Based and Vegan Burgers

Atlanta has developed a solid reputation for plant-based comfort food, and burgers are part of that.

You’ll often find:

• Beyond or Impossible patties at mainstream restaurants across the city
• Fully vegan burger joints and cafes, especially in:
  • West End / Westview
  • East Atlanta
  • Downtown and Midtown

Expect toppings such as:

• Vegan cheese and mayo
• House-made veggie patties (black bean, lentil, chickpea)
• Fresh toppings and whole-grain or vegan buns

🌱 Ordering tip: Double-check whether the bun, cheese, and sauces are vegan if that matters to you. Some places offer vegan patties but standard dairy cheese and buttered buns by default.

Gluten-Conscious and Other Dietary Needs

Atlanta burger spots increasingly accommodate special requests:

• Gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps
• Option to substitute turkey, chicken, or veggie patties
• Side swaps: salad instead of fries, or grilled vegetables

Call ahead or check menus if you have strict dietary needs; many Atlanta kitchens are familiar with customizing burger orders.

Where to Find Burgers Near Key Atlanta Landmarks

If you’re visiting and want a burger near where you already are, here’s how to think about it:

Near Downtown & Tourist Attractions

Landmarks: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Centennial Olympic Park

What you’ll find:

• Sports bars with loaded burgers and large portions
• Chain restaurants mixed with a few local spots
• Quick-service burger counters, especially in and around:
  • CNN Center / Centennial Olympic Park Drive
  • Marietta Street NW corridor

This area is ideal if you want something walkable before or after an event.

Near the BeltLine (Eastside Trail)

Landmarks: Inman Park, Ponce City Market, Old Fourth Ward

Common burger options:

• Upscale food halls with craft burgers
• Restaurants specializing in Southern comfort food, often featuring a signature burger
• Bars with patios overlooking the BeltLine, popular for burgers + beer

🚶 Local tip: BeltLine-adjacent spots can get crowded on nice weekends. Expect a wait during peak brunch and early dinner hours.

Near Atlanta’s Major Colleges

• Georgia Tech (Midtown)
• Georgia State University (Downtown)
• Emory University (Druid Hills)

Around these areas, you’ll see:

• Budget-friendly burgers at diners and quick-service joints
• Late-night burger spots catering to students
• Mix of national chains and smaller local kitchens

When to Go: Timing, Crowds, and Deals

Burger spots around Atlanta can feel very different depending on the time and day.

Lunch vs. Dinner

• Weekday lunch: Easier to get a seat at most sit-down burger places, especially in Midtown, Buckhead, and West Midtown.
• Evenings: Expect more of a wait at:
  • BeltLine-area restaurants
  • West Midtown hot spots
  • Neighborhood bars on trivia or game nights

Game Days and Events

On Falcons, Hawks, United, or Braves game days, sports bars and burger joints near stadiums and major routes fill up quickly.

If you’re trying to avoid long waits:

• Go earlier than you think—often before 5:30 p.m.
• Look for burger places just outside the immediate stadium or arena area

Happy Hour and Daily Specials

Many local bars and grills offer:

• Burger-and-beer combos
• Discounted “Burger Tuesday” or “Burger Wednesday” nights
• Lunch specials with a burger, side, and drink at a set price

If budget matters, it’s worth checking for these deals, especially in Midtown, Virginia-Highland, and East Atlanta.

How to Evaluate a Burger Spot in Atlanta

When you’re comparing options—or scrolling through menus—keep an eye on:

1. Patty Type and Size

   • Smash vs. thick patty
   • Single vs. double
   • Blend or source of beef, if listed

2. Bread

   • Brioche, potato roll, sesame bun, or gluten-free
   • Griddled vs. untoasted

3. Cheese Choices

   • American for classic melt
   • Cheddar, Swiss, blue, pepper jack, or house-made pimento for more flavor

4. Signature Sauces

   • House “special sauce”
   • Chipotle mayo, garlic aioli, barbecue-style sauces

5. Sides

   • Standard fries vs. hand-cut or specialty fries
   • Tots, onion rings, or loaded fry options

6. Portion Size vs. Price

   • Some chef-driven burgers cost more but use premium ingredients
   • Bar burgers may be huge and shareable

Family-Friendly vs. Late-Night Burger Spots

Atlanta’s burger scene works for very different crowds. It helps to match the spot to your plans.

Family-Friendly Options

Look for:

• Casual dining rooms with booths and kids’ menus
• Flexible seating and noise-tolerant atmospheres
• Locations in or near:
  • Suburban corridors like Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, and Decatur
  • Mixed-use developments and shopping centers

Signs a place is family-friendly:

• High chairs available
• Children’s portions or “junior” burgers listed
• Plenty of non-burger options (salads, chicken fingers, etc.)

Late-Night Burger Options

For night owls, Atlanta offers:

• Bars and pubs serving burgers until kitchen close
• Food halls or markets with extended weekend hours
• Burgers available at music venues and nightlife districts like:
  • Edgewood Avenue
  • East Atlanta Village
  • Sections of Midtown

🍔 Tip: Kitchens often close earlier than the bar itself. If you’re arriving after 10 p.m., it’s worth calling ahead to make sure the grill is still running.

Practical Tips for Getting the Best Burger Experience in Atlanta

• Check parking or transit options. Areas like Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, and West Midtown can be tight on parking during peak times. MARTA or rideshares can be easier.
• Plan for traffic. Evening rush hour on the Connector (I‑75/85) and GA‑400 can affect how far you’re willing to drive for a burger.
• Consider reservations. Some chef-driven restaurants that are known for burgers accept reservations, especially in Buckhead and West Midtown.
• Share sides. Atlanta portions can be generous—splitting fries or tater tots is common and often still plenty for two.
• Ask about off-menu options. Some local joints will do:
  • Patty melts
  • “Animal-style” or loaded toppings
  • Bun substitutes like Texas toast or lettuce wraps

How to Choose Your “Best Burger in Atlanta”

The “best burger” depends on what you’re after:

• Want a classic, no-frills burger? Look for long-running diners, drive-ins, and counter-service grills.
• Prefer a gourmet, chef-crafted burger? Focus on West Midtown, Buckhead, or BeltLine-adjacent restaurants.
• Craving a pub-style burger with a game on TV? Explore neighborhood bars in Virginia-Highland, Grant Park, or East Atlanta.
• Need a plant-based or vegan burger? Check out vegan cafes and modern burger spots in West End, Midtown, and East Atlanta.

If you’re in Atlanta for a short time, one good approach is:

1. Pick a neighborhood you want to explore (BeltLine, Midtown, West Midtown, or East Atlanta Village).
2. Choose a burger spot that matches your vibe (family-friendly, bar, or upscale).
3. Order the house or signature burger on your first visit—that’s usually what made the place popular.

From there, you’ll get a feel for the style you like best and can start building your own personal list of best burgers in Atlanta, GA with confidence.