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

Looking for a famous burger place in Atlanta can mean a lot of things: old-school diners, chef-driven restaurants, late-night spots, or local chains with a loyal following. Atlanta has all of these, spread across neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, Old Fourth Ward, Westside, and Decatur.

Below is a practical guide to some of the best-known, widely loved burger spots in Atlanta, plus tips on how to choose the right place for your taste, schedule, and budget.

What Makes a Burger “Famous” in Atlanta?

In Atlanta, a burger place usually earns a reputation for:

• Signature burgers (special sauces, unique toppings, or custom blends of beef)
• Consistency (locals know it will taste the same every visit)
• Local roots (started in or closely tied to Atlanta)
• Neighborhood identity (a go-to hangout near where people live or work)

When people ask about a famous burger place in Atlanta, they’re often looking for one of a few kinds of spots:

• A classic Atlanta institution
• A hip, chef-driven restaurant that happens to serve an outstanding burger
• A fast, casual place that locals trust
• A late-night burger near nightlife or venues

Quick Overview: Well-Known Burger Spots in Atlanta

Below is a simplified snapshot of some widely recognized burger destinations around Atlanta. This is not a ranking—just a starting point for different styles and neighborhoods.

Use this table to match what you’re in the mood for—then read on for more detail and local context.

Classic & Iconic Burger Places in Atlanta

The Varsity (Downtown Atlanta)

Style: Classic fast-food burgers, chili dogs, old-school drive-in atmosphere.

Why it’s famous in Atlanta:

• Known as one of the largest drive-in restaurants of its kind.
• A long-time stop for Georgia Tech students, workers downtown, and visitors.
• People go for the experience as much as the burger.

What to expect:

• Simple burgers with a nostalgic fast-food feel.
• A large, bustling space, busy especially around game days and events.
• Counter-style ordering; the staff is known for calling out, “What’ll ya have?”

Good for you if:

• You want a classic Atlanta landmark rather than a gourmet burger.
• You’re already near Downtown, Georgia Tech, State Farm Arena, or the Georgia Aquarium and need something quick.

Local Chains & Casual Spots with a Strong Following

Grindhouse Killer Burgers

Style: Fast-casual, build-your-own burgers, fun and slightly edgy vibe.

Why locals know it:

• Multiple locations across the Atlanta area, often close to busy commercial corridors and universities.
• Known for customization: pick your patty, bun, toppings, and sauce.
• Combines a relaxed atmosphere with burgers that feel a step above typical fast food.

Typical experience:

• Order at the counter or bar, then grab a seat.
• Options for beef, turkey, veggie, and sometimes more specialty patties.
• Often paired with fries, onion rings, or milkshakes.

Best for:

• Groups where some want classic burgers and others want creative combinations.
• People who live or work in town and want a reliable, quick burger.

Farm Burger (Decatur, Buckhead & Surrounding Area)

Style: Casual, farm-to-table–influenced burger spot with grass-fed beef emphasis.

Why it’s notable in Atlanta:

• Known for grass-fed beef and a menu that often reflects seasonal or local ingredients.
• Popular with residents in Decatur, Buckhead, and nearby neighborhoods who want something a bit more ingredient-conscious.

What you’ll find:

• Burgers with house-made toppings, pickles, and sauces.
• Options like veggie or non-beef patties.
• Often a comfortable, family-friendly setting.

Good for:

• People who care about sourcing and quality of ingredients.
• Families and groups in Decatur or Buckhead looking for a casual meal.

Chef-Driven & Gastropub-Style Burgers

Vortex Bar & Grill (Little Five Points & Midtown)

Style: Bar-and-grill, bold burgers, adults-only environment.

Why it stands out:

• Known around Atlanta for big, creative burgers with lots of toppings.
• Decor and attitude are intentionally edgy; the Little Five Points location is especially distinctive.
• Often mentioned when people ask for a “serious burger” in town.

What to know before you go:

• 21+ only (no minors), since it operates as a bar.
• Burgers can be large, indulgent, and rich, with options that go beyond a simple cheeseburger.
• Very much a neighborhood hangout for folks in Little Five Points and in-town areas.

Best for:

• Adults looking for a lively bar atmosphere and a heavy, memorable burger.
• Visitors who want a “this is very Atlanta” experience in a creative, alternative neighborhood.

Higher-End Burgers at Atlanta Restaurants

Some of Atlanta’s chef-focused restaurants also serve burgers that have developed strong reputations, often available at the bar or on limited menus. While names and menu items can change, you’ll often find:

• House-ground beef blends
• Artisanal buns, local cheeses, and specialty condiments
• Smaller menus with a lot of focus on flavor

These are good choices if you want a burger but are also interested in cocktails, small plates, or a more refined atmosphere.

Neighborhood & Late-Night Burger Spots

Atlanta’s in-town neighborhoods each have their own go-to burger places, often attached to bars or small restaurants. These spots can be great if you’re nearby and don’t want to drive across town.

Common patterns by area:

• Midtown & Old Fourth Ward

  • Burgers near the BeltLine, Piedmont Park, and nightclub corridors.
  • Many bar-and-grill type spots serve burgers late into the evening.

• West Midtown / Westside

  • Trendy restaurants and breweries; burgers that pair well with beer.
  • Often popular with people working in creative offices nearby or visiting Westside Provisions District.

• Decatur

  • A compact downtown area with walkable burger and pub options.
  • Good if you’re coming from Emory, Agnes Scott, or nearby neighborhoods.

If you’re out late, it’s common to find burgers on menus at sports bars, music venues with food, and neighborhood pubs, especially on weekends.

How to Choose the Right Famous Burger Place in Atlanta

When you’re deciding where to go, it helps to think through a few quick questions:

1. What style of burger do you want?

• Classic fast-food style → Places like The Varsity and other simple-griddle spots.
• Build-your-own with lots of toppings → Fast-casual options like Grindhouse-style concepts.
• Upscale or chef-driven → Gastropubs and higher-end restaurants with signature burgers.

2. What kind of atmosphere fits your outing?

• Family-friendly: Look for casual, counter-service or sit-down spots in Decatur, Buckhead, or suburban centers.
• Bar vibe / adults-only: In-town neighborhoods like Little Five Points, Midtown, West Midtown often have bar-forward burger places.
• Tourist-friendly: Downtown and areas near major attractions will be more convenient.

3. Where are you starting from?

Atlanta traffic can be slow, especially at rush hour. If you:

• Live in Atlanta: Consider your home neighborhood and what’s within a 10–20 minute drive or a short MARTA ride.
• Are visiting without a car: Look for burger places near MARTA rail stations (Midtown, Arts Center, Five Points, Peachtree Center, Decatur) or in walkable districts around your hotel.
• Are going to a game or show: Downtown and Midtown will likely be the most practical.

4. Dietary needs and preferences

Many well-known Atlanta burger spots now offer:

• Turkey, chicken, or veggie burgers
• Options to skip the bun or use a lettuce wrap
• Simple swaps like no cheese or sauce on the side

If you have specific dietary needs, it can be helpful to:

• Check the current menu before heading out.
• Call ahead during slower times to ask about ingredient lists and preparation.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Famous Burger Places in Atlanta

• Plan around peak times: Lunch hours and weekend evenings can be busy, especially in Midtown, West Midtown, and Decatur.
• Parking:
  • Downtown and Midtown often rely on paid decks, street parking, or rideshare.
  • Neighborhood spots may have small lots that fill quickly.
• Game days and events: If there’s a big event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or Georgia Tech, expect more traffic and longer waits at nearby burger places.
• Group outings:
  • If you have a big group, call ahead to see if they accept large parties or to check typical wait times.
  • Casual spots with counter service usually handle walk-ins more flexibly.

Using Atlanta’s Layout to Your Advantage

Atlanta is spread out, so it helps to think in clusters:

• Downtown / Georgia Tech / Georgia State area

  • Good for visitors staying near conference centers, arenas, or tourist attractions.

• Midtown / Piedmont Park / Arts Center

  • Walkable pockets with plenty of restaurants and bar-style burger options.

• Little Five Points / Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward

  • Great if you want a more alternative, artsy, or BeltLine-focused outing along with your burger.

• West Midtown

  • Trendy, industrial-chic area; ideal if you’re exploring breweries or design shops.

• Decatur

  • Smaller, more relaxed downtown feel; easy to walk between burger spots, coffee shops, and bars.

Choosing a famous burger place often goes hand in hand with picking which part of Atlanta you want to explore.

If you’re searching for a famous burger place in Atlanta, you have plenty of options—whether you want a beloved local chain, a historic landmark, or a chef-driven burger in a trendy neighborhood. Matching your choice to your preferred style, atmosphere, and part of town will help you get the most out of Atlanta’s burger scene.