Where to Find the Best Smash Burger in Atlanta

Atlanta has a serious burger game, and over the last few years smash burgers have gone from trend to staple. Whether you live ITP, commute in from the suburbs, or are just in town for the weekend, you can find a thin, crispy, griddled patty that hits exactly right.

This guide walks through where to get the best smash burger in Atlanta, what makes each spot stand out, and how to choose the right place based on your neighborhood, schedule, and budget.

What Makes a Great Smash Burger?

Before picking a spot, it helps to know what you’re actually looking for. In Atlanta, the best smash burgers usually have:

• Thin, smashed patties seared on a flat-top for a crisp edge
• High-fat beef blend for flavor and juiciness
• Simple build: usually American cheese, pickles, onions, and a soft bun
• Well-seasoned griddle that adds that classic burger-joint flavor
• Fast, casual vibe that fits a quick lunch, late-night bite, or pre-game meal

If you prefer thick, medium-rare gastropub burgers, you’ll still find them in Atlanta—but this list focuses on the classic, crispy-edged smash style.

Quick-Glance: Notable Smash Burger Spots in Atlanta

*Some locations and burger-focused concepts shift over time; it’s smart to confirm current menus.

Grindhouse Killer Burgers: Reliable Smash Style Around Town

Best for: Consistent smash burgers, casual meetups, and people hopping around the BeltLine or stadiums.

Grindhouse has become one of Atlanta’s go-to spots when people want that thin-patty, nicely-seared burger without overthinking it. Most locations let you choose your patty, toppings, and “style,” but the classic double with American cheese and basic toppings closely mimics a traditional smash burger.

Common Atlanta-area locations include:

• Grindhouse Killer Burgers – Memorial Drive
  701 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
• Grindhouse Killer Burgers – Piedmont
  1842 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
• Grindhouse Killer Burgers – Georgia Tech area (Tech Square)

What to know if you’re local or visiting:

• Parking & access: The Memorial and Piedmont locations generally offer easier parking than some Intown hot spots.
• Diet preferences: You can usually swap in turkey or veggie patties if someone in your group doesn’t eat beef.
• Timing tip: These locations work well before or after events at State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or along the BeltLine.

NFA Burger: Gas Station Smash Icon in Dunwoody

Best for: Northside residents, low-key lunches, and people who like “hidden gem” spots.

NFA Burger operates inside a Chevron station in Dunwoody and is frequently mentioned by Atlanta burger fans when the topic of smash burgers comes up.

• Address:
  NFA Burger
  5465 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd
  Dunwoody, GA 30338
  (Inside the Chevron)

Why people seek it out:

• Classic smash approach: Thin patties, American cheese, pickles, grilled onions, and a soft bun.
• Simple menu: The focus is squarely on doing a few things very well.
• Neighborhood feel: It’s small, casual, and feels like a local secret even though it’s widely known.

If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying around Perimeter Center, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, or north-side hotels near I‑285, this is one of the most convenient smash-style stops.

Fred’s Meat & Bread: Smash Burgers in Krog Street Market

Best for: Tourists, BeltLine walkers, and groups that can’t agree on one cuisine.

Fred’s Meat & Bread is located inside Krog Street Market, a popular food hall in Inman Park just off the BeltLine Eastside Trail.

• Address:
  Fred’s Meat & Bread
  99 Krog St NE
  Atlanta, GA 30307
  (Inside Krog Street Market)

Why it’s a strong smash burger choice:

• Food hall perk: Everyone in your group can get what they want, while you zero in on a smash-style burger.
• Flat-top sear: Patties are cooked on a hot griddle with that crisp edge that smash burger fans expect.
• Easy for visitors: Close to the BeltLine, Inman Park, and Edgewood nightlife, and an easy rideshare from downtown or Midtown.

Tip for Atlanta residents: Krog Street Market can get packed on weekends and evenings. If you want shorter lines, try going earlier on weekdays or mid-afternoon.

The General Muir & Related Burger Concepts

Best for: Eastside and Emory/Decatur diners who want an upgraded burger with smash-style thin patties.

The General Muir is best known as a modern Jewish deli and restaurant, but its burger—especially when offered in a more burger-focused setting or on the regular menu—leans into the thin, griddled patty style.

• Main restaurant address:
  The General Muir (Emory Point)
  1540 Avenue Pl, Suite B-230
  Atlanta, GA 30329

What stands out:

• Quality ingredients: Higher-end beef, well-made buns, and thoughtful toppings.
• Comfortable dine-in option: Good if you want a sit-down meal instead of a quick counter-service experience.
• Proximity: Convenient for people in Emory, Toco Hills, North Decatur, and Virginia-Highland areas.

If you’re comparing smash burger options near Emory or Decatur, this one is worth considering, especially when you want something a step up from fast casual.

The Vortex: Creative Smash-Style Burgers in a Bar Setting

Best for: Adults (21+ only), late-night burgers, and people exploring Little Five Points or Midtown.

The Vortex is technically more of a bar and burger joint than a pure smash burger shop, but many of its burgers are cooked on a flat-top griddle with thin patties and a hard sear that smash fans enjoy.

Two main Atlanta locations:

1. The Vortex – Little Five Points
   438 Moreland Ave NE
   Atlanta, GA 30307

2. The Vortex – Midtown
   878 Peachtree St NE
   Atlanta, GA 30309

Things to keep in mind:

• 21+ only: No minors are allowed, even with adults.
• Creative options: You’ll find classic builds alongside fully loaded, over-the-top burgers.
• Neighborhoods:
  • Little Five Points location is ideal if you’re checking out shops and music venues in the area.
  • Midtown location works well for people staying near Peachtree Street, MARTA rail, or the Midtown business district.

If your idea of the best smash burger includes beer, loud music, and a bar atmosphere, The Vortex fits that version of “best” for many locals.

Classic Atlanta “Chef Burgers” with Smash Elements

Some of Atlanta’s well-known chef-driven spots serve burgers that aren’t marketed specifically as “smash burgers” but still feature thin, griddled patties and have a similar feel.

Two often-discussed examples:

Holeman and Finch Burger (Midtown and Related Concepts)

The burger associated with Holeman and Finch / H&F Burger concepts helped shape Atlanta’s burger reputation. It typically features:

• Two thin beef patties
• American cheese
• House-made bun
• Simple, well-seasoned build

You’ll often find versions of this burger in Midtown-adjacent locations or at larger venues around Atlanta depending on current operations. It’s especially appealing for people who want a classic, tightly constructed burger with chef-level attention to detail.

Other Restaurant Burgers Around Town

Many neighborhood restaurants and bars in Atlanta now offer a “smash-style” or “thin-patty” burger option, including spots in:

• West Midtown / Westside
• Old Fourth Ward & Edgewood
• Grant Park & Summerhill
• Decatur Square

These can be worth trying if you’re already at those restaurants for other menu items and want a smash-style burger without making a special trip.

How to Choose the Best Smash Burger Spot for You in Atlanta

Since “best” depends on your priorities, use these quick filters to narrow things down:

1. Location & Traffic

Atlanta traffic can turn a quick burger run into a long drive. Consider:

• ITP vs OTP:
  • If you’re inside the Perimeter and near the BeltLine, Grindhouse, Fred’s Meat & Bread, and The Vortex are often easier.
  • If you’re in North Atlanta suburbs (Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Chamblee), NFA Burger is a strong, close-by option.
• MARTA access: Midtown and Downtown-adjacent spots are easier to reach if you’re relying on rail or rideshare.

2. Atmosphere

Think about where you’ll feel comfortable:

• Food hall / casual crowd: Fred’s at Krog Street Market
• Gas station counter, no-frills: NFA Burger
• Casual counter-service restaurant: Grindhouse locations
• Sit-down restaurant: The General Muir, chef-driven concepts
• Bar setting, 21+: The Vortex

3. Group Type

• With kids or mixed ages: Look at Grindhouse, Fred’s, or The General Muir.
• Adults-only night out: The Vortex or a chef-driven spot with a strong burger reputation.
• Out-of-town visitors: Krog Street Market or BeltLine-adjacent spots make it easy to combine food with sightseeing.

4. Customization & Dietary Needs

If your group includes people with different preferences:

• More customization: Grindhouse tends to be flexible with toppings and patties.
• Simple, focused menu: NFA Burger keeps choices tight.
• Higher-end ingredients or special requests: The General Muir and similar restaurants may better fit.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Smash Burgers in Atlanta

• Plan around peak times: Popular burger spots around the BeltLine, Krog Street Market, and Midtown can be very busy on weekend evenings.
• Parking awareness: Some Intown locations rely on paid decks, street parking, or shared lots. Have a backup option if a lot is full.
• Check hours and menus: Concepts in Atlanta sometimes change hours, menu focus, or even locations; a quick check before you go helps avoid surprises.
• Walk it off nearby: Many of the best smash burger spots are near walkable areas—BeltLine trails, Inman Park, Midtown, or Little Five Points—so you can stretch your legs afterward.

If your goal is a classic, crispy-edged, no-nonsense smash burger, places like NFA Burger, Grindhouse Killer Burgers, and Fred’s Meat & Bread are among the most commonly mentioned by Atlanta burger fans, with other restaurant burgers adding their own spin. Using the neighborhood, vibe, and group filters above should help you find the version of the best smash burger in Atlanta that fits your specific plans.