Best Burger Places in Atlanta: Where to Go for a Great Burger

Atlanta takes burgers seriously. Whether you want a classic smashburger, a loaded gourmet stack, or a late-night drive-thru fix, the city has options in almost every neighborhood and price range.

This guide walks through standout burger places in Atlanta, organized by what you might be looking for: neighborhood staples, chef-driven spots, late-night burgers, family-friendly options, and more.

What to Know About Burger Places in Atlanta

Before diving into specific spots, it helps to understand how burger culture in Atlanta generally works:

• Neighborhood-focused: Many of the best burgers are in walkable intown areas like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Midtown, and West Midtown.
• Parking varies: Some places have dedicated lots; others rely on street parking or nearby decks. In denser areas, be prepared to park and walk a block or two.
• Dietary options: It’s increasingly common to find turkey burgers, veggie burgers, and plant-based patties on menus across the city.
• Game-day crowds: On big sports days (especially around Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and college football season), popular burger spots can get busy. Reservations at full-service restaurants are often recommended.
• Takeout and delivery: Many Atlanta burger places offer carryout and app-based delivery, especially in central neighborhoods.

Classic Atlanta Burger Institutions

These are the go-to burger places in Atlanta that locals mention again and again.

The Varsity (Downtown & Midtown area)

Type: Historic fast-food style, counter service
Why it matters to Atlantans:

• Known as one of the city’s most iconic fast-food stops near Georgia Tech.
• Classic chili burgers, onion rings, hot dogs, and orange drinks.
• Large parking lot and easy access off the Downtown Connector area.

Best for:
✅ First-time visitors
✅ Quick, nostalgic Atlanta experience
✅ Groups and families

Grindhouse Killer Burgers (Multiple Locations)

Type: Casual counter service with a bar at many locations

You’ll find Grindhouse locations in areas like Memorial Drive (Edgewood/Grant Park area), Piedmont Avenue (near Midtown), Five Points, and the airport. Common features:

• Customizable burgers with different patties (beef, turkey, veggie, sometimes plant-based options).
• Toppings range from classic to creative, with house sauces and themed builds.
• Often offers a casual, slightly retro atmosphere, sometimes with outdoor seating.

Best for:
✅ Local feel without being too fancy
✅ Groups with mixed dietary preferences
✅ Pre- or post-game eats if you’re near downtown

The Vortex Bar & Grill (Little Five Points & Midtown)

Type: 21+ bar and grill with large burger menu

The Vortex is known for:

• Large, build-heavy burgers with plenty of add-ons like bacon, fried eggs, and specialty cheeses.
• A strictly 21-and-over policy at both locations (no minors, even with parents).
• Loud, lively atmosphere, especially evenings and weekends.

Best for:
✅ Adults’ night out
✅ Burger-and-beer evenings
✅ People who enjoy a bar-like atmosphere with big portions

Chef-Driven & Gourmet Burger Spots

If you’re looking for a burger with a little more finesse, these Atlanta places highlight quality ingredients and chef attention.

Holeman and Finch Public House (West Midtown)

Type: Chef-driven Southern restaurant with a famous burger

Known for a double-stacked cheeseburger that helped kick off Atlanta’s gourmet burger boom, Holeman and Finch typically offers:

• House-ground beef patties, American cheese, and a soft, toasted bun.
• Carefully prepared sides and cocktails in a comfortable, upscale-casual room.
• Popular with food-focused locals, especially evenings.

Best for:
✅ Food lovers who want a “destination” burger
✅ Date nights
✅ Visitors wanting a more refined Atlanta dining experience

Fred’s Meat & Bread (Krog Street Market – Inman Park/Old Fourth Ward)

Type: Counter-service sandwich shop in a food hall

Inside Krog Street Market, Fred’s offers:

• Well-regarded burgers with a focus on good sear, quality meat, and simple toppings.
• Other sandwiches (like cheesesteaks and po’boys) if someone in your group wants something different.
• Shared seating in the food hall, ideal if people want to order from multiple vendors.

Best for:
✅ Exploring the BeltLine and grabbing a burger on the way
✅ Mixed groups that like variety
✅ Casual lunch or early dinner

H&F Burger (Truist Park / Battery Atlanta area – Braves stadium)

Type: Casual burger spot from the Holeman and Finch team

Near Truist Park and within The Battery Atlanta, H&F Burger serves:

• Variations of the well-known H&F double cheeseburger.
• Stadium-friendly format with quick service.
• Convenient location for Atlanta Braves games and events.

Best for:
✅ Pre-game and post-game burgers
✅ Visitors staying near The Battery
✅ People who want the H&F burger flavor in a more casual setting

Neighborhood Burger Favorites Around the City

Many Atlantans rely on local neighborhood burger joints. Here are some areas and what you can typically expect in each:

Midtown & Old Fourth Ward

These central neighborhoods are packed with apartments, offices, and nightlife, so burger places cater to both residents and visitors.

Common features:

• Full-service restaurants with burger-focused menus and drink programs.
• Easy access from MARTA (Midtown and North Avenue stations) or the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.
• Popular weeknight and lunch crowds.

Expect to find:

• Bars and grills with burger sections on the menu.
• Late-night kitchens near busy corners like Peachtree Street, Ponce de Leon Avenue, and Highland Avenue.

Virginia-Highland & Morningside

These intown residential neighborhoods tend to offer:

• Cozier, sit-down restaurants with solid burger options.
• Walkable strips with a mix of patios, pubs, and small eateries.
• Better suited to a relaxed dinner than a fast grab-and-go.

You’ll typically find:

• Classic cheeseburgers with optional upgrades (bacon, avocado, specialty sauces).
• Good options for families, couples, and small groups.

West Midtown & Upper Westside

The Westside has grown into a major dining area, convenient to Georgia Tech, the Westside Provisions District, and new apartment communities.

Local burger trends here:

• Mix of chef restaurants and casual burger bars.
• Plenty of parking decks and surface lots.
• Popular for after-work dinners and weekend brunch-to-dinner days.

Expect:

• Burger-plus-fries combos made with higher-quality beef and house sauces.
• Bars with TVs that attract game-day crowds.

East Atlanta, Edgewood & Kirkwood

On the east side, around East Atlanta Village, Edgewood, and Kirkwood, you’ll usually find:

• More laid-back, pub-style burgers.
• Late-night hours in bar-heavy areas.
• Strong local crowd, especially nights and weekends.

Good for:

• 🍔 Casual, no-frills burgers
• Meeting friends for drinks and a bite
• People staying in short-term rentals on the east side

Fast-Casual & Drive-Thru Burger Options in Atlanta

If you want something quick or more familiar, Atlanta has a broad mix of fast-casual and drive-thru burger places.

Local & Regional Fast-Casual Styles

Across the city—especially in Buckhead, Midtown, Perimeter, and near major shopping centers—you’ll commonly see:

• Build-your-own burger concepts with:
  • Choice of patty: beef, turkey, chicken, veggie, or plant-based
  • Toppings bar: lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, jalapeños, specialty spreads
  • Options for bowl-style or lettuce-wrapped burgers

These places tend to offer:

• Counter ordering with a buzzer system.
• Quick service suitable for office workers and shoppers.
• Kids’ menus and fountain drinks.

Classic Drive-Thru Chains in the Atlanta Area

Metro Atlanta is full of both national and regional drive-thru chains offering burgers. You’ll find:

• Expressway-adjacent locations along I-75/85, GA-400, I-285, and I-20.
• Multiple options near malls, such as Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, Cumberland Mall, and Perimeter Mall.
• Late-night service varying by chain and location.

These are helpful if:

• You’re driving into or out of Atlanta and want something near the interstate.
• You need a quick bite between errands or events.
• You prefer familiar menus and pricing.

Family-Friendly Burger Spots

If you’re visiting Atlanta with kids—or just want a relaxed environment—many burger places cater to families.

Common features of family-friendly burger spots in Atlanta:

• Booths, high chairs, and kids’ menus with smaller burgers or sliders.
• Noise levels that are comfortable for children (not too quiet, not too loud).
• Milkshakes, fries, and simple sides that appeal to younger eaters.

Look for these settings:

• Shopping-center locations in neighborhoods like Buckhead, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Decatur, and West Midtown.
• Burger places near Atlanta attractions such as:
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • Zoo Atlanta
  • Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Many of these areas have parking and walkable streets with multiple casual restaurants, so you can easily compare menus and pick what works best for your group.

Late-Night Burger Options in Atlanta

Atlanta’s nightlife means you can often find burgers well past standard dinner hours, particularly on weekends.

You’re most likely to find late-night burgers:

• Around Edgewood, Old Fourth Ward, Midtown, and Buckhead, where bars and music venues cluster.
• Near Georgia State University and downtown, where student traffic keeps some kitchens open later.
• In drive-thru chains close to major highways and nightlife corridors.

Tips for late-night burger runs:

• ⏰ Check hours in advance, especially on weeknights or Sundays, since closing times can vary.
• 🌧️ If the weather is bad, be prepared for drive-thru lines to be longer in dense areas.
• 🚗 Consider parking safety and lighting; many intown spots have nearby parking decks or monitored lots.

How to Choose the Right Burger Place in Atlanta

With so many choices, it helps to narrow down by what matters most to you: atmosphere, price, location, or dietary needs.

Quick Comparison Guide

Tips for Visiting Burger Places in Atlanta

To make your burger search smoother:

• Plan around traffic: Peak weekday traffic on I‑75/85, GA‑400, and I‑285 can be heavy. If you’re crossing town for a specific burger spot, give yourself extra time.
• Check parking options: Intown neighborhoods might rely on:
  • Metered street parking
  • Shared restaurant lots
  • Mixed-use development decks (keep your ticket for validation if offered)
• Look at menus ahead of time: Many Atlanta burger places post menus online, which helps if you:
  • Have dietary restrictions (gluten concerns, vegetarian, etc.)
  • Want to avoid surprise add-on charges
  • Are planning for a group with different tastes
• Consider game and concert days: If you’re near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Truist Park, or major concert venues, burger spots may be packed before and after events.
• Neighborhood pairing: If you’re exploring:
  • BeltLine / Krog Street Market / Ponce City Market – plan a walk plus a burger.
  • Little Five Points – combine vintage shopping, record stores, and a burger stop.
  • West Midtown – visit home and design shops or galleries, then get a chef-driven burger.

Helpful Local Info & Getting Around

While there isn’t a single government-run “burger directory,” a few local resources can help you reach burger places more easily:

• MARTA Rail & Bus

  • Main rail lines serve Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, Decatur, and the airport, all near areas with burger options.
  • MARTA Customer Service: 404‑848‑5000
  • Headquarters: 2424 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30324

• Atlanta Convention & Visitors Information Desk
  If you’re downtown and unsure where to eat nearby, visitor information desks can often suggest walkable burger options and give neighborhood maps.

  • Commonly found near the Georgia World Congress Center and downtown hotel lobbies.

• City of Atlanta Office of Special Events
  On large event days, streets around burger-heavy neighborhoods can be impacted by festivals or parades. Checking the city’s event calendar can help you avoid surprises:

  • City Hall: 55 Trinity Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main switchboard: 404‑330‑6000 (can connect you to departments that handle event-related road impacts)

Atlanta’s burger scene is broad enough that you can find almost anything: roadside drive-thrus, classic counter-service joints, chef-famous double stacks, and neighborhood pubs with reliable cheeseburgers. Once you know which part of the city you’ll be in—and what kind of experience you want—you’re rarely more than a few minutes away from a satisfying burger place in Atlanta.