Finding the Best Burger Restaurants in Atlanta, GA

Atlanta takes burgers seriously. From classic flat-tops at neighborhood spots to chef-driven creations in bustling intown districts, burger restaurants in Atlanta, GA offer something for just about every taste and budget.

Whether you live in the city, commute in for work, or are visiting for a few days, this guide walks through how to navigate Atlanta’s burger scene: what styles you’ll find, which neighborhoods to check out, what to expect on menus, and practical tips for getting the best experience.

How Atlanta’s Burger Scene Is Different

Atlanta’s burger culture reflects the city itself: diverse, casual, and neighborhood-focused.

You’ll notice a few patterns:

• Mix of old-school and new-school
  Classic diners and grills sit next to modern “better burger” concepts and chef-owned restaurants.

• Neighborhood identity matters
  A burger spot in Midtown often feels different from one in East Atlanta or the Westside—menus, crowd, and prices can all shift by area.

• Beef is still king, but options are broad
  It’s easy to find turkey burgers, chicken sandwiches, veggie and vegan burgers, and even plant-based patties at many Atlanta restaurants.

• Bars that double as burger destinations
  Many of the city’s best burgers come from places that are technically bars or pubs rather than traditional restaurants.

Popular Neighborhoods for Burger Restaurants in Atlanta, GA

You can find a burger just about anywhere in metro Atlanta, but some areas have especially strong options.

Midtown & Downtown

If you’re working or staying near Peachtree Street, Georgia State University, or Centennial Olympic Park, you’ll have access to:

• Fast-casual burger chains and local spots catering to office workers and tourists.
• Sports bars with burger-heavy menus close to State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
• Late-night burger options near major hotels and MARTA stations.

This area is convenient if you:

• Don’t have a car and rely on MARTA rail or walking
• Need a quick burger between meetings or events
• Want somewhere within walking distance of major attractions

Virginia-Highland, Inman Park & Poncey-Highland

These intown neighborhoods east of Midtown are known for their walkable strips of restaurants and bars:

• Cozy pubs and corner restaurants where burgers share menu space with wings, salads, and local beers.
• Places with patios, good for groups and casual nights out.
• Spots near the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, popular with locals on evenings and weekends.

This is a strong area if you want:

• A burger plus a relaxed, neighborhood atmosphere
• Easy access from Ponce City Market or BeltLine bike/walking paths

West Midtown & Upper Westside

West of Georgia Tech, this area has grown into a restaurant-heavy district:

• Modern American restaurants that serve gourmet burgers alongside more upscale dishes.
• Casual eateries in refurbished warehouses and mixed-use developments.
• Plenty of parking compared with denser intown neighborhoods.

This area tends to appeal to:

• People looking for creative toppings and chef-curated burgers
• Groups wanting both burgers and non-burger options at the same place

Old Fourth Ward, Edgewood & East Atlanta Village

On the east side, these neighborhoods blend nightlife with good food:

• Burger-focused options inside bars and music venues.
• Late-night kitchens that still serve burgers after many traditional spots close.
• A mix of classic, no-frills burgers and more inventive takes.

This is a useful area to target if:

• You’re planning a night out and want good food nearby
• You care more about flavor and value than fancy décor

Buckhead & Surrounding Northside Areas

Buckhead and nearby neighborhoods (like Lindbergh and the Lenox/Phipps area) offer:

• Upscale burger restaurants in shopping and business districts.
• Hotel restaurants with solid burger menus.
• Casual options near Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza that work well for families and shoppers.

Choose this area if you:

• Are staying at a Buckhead hotel
• Want a burger before or after shopping
• Prefer areas with plentiful parking and larger dining rooms

Common Types of Burger Restaurants in Atlanta

When searching for burger restaurants in Atlanta, GA, you’ll see a few main categories. Understanding these can help you pick the right spot for the occasion.

1. Classic Diners & Old-School Grills

These are the places that keep things simple:

• Thin, griddled patties cooked on a flat-top
• American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
• Fries, onion rings, and maybe milkshakes or soft-serve

Typical features:

• Counter seating or basic booths
• Quick service, low to moderate prices
• A mix of longtime locals and nearby workers

Best for:
Straightforward, nostalgic burgers without long wait times or complex menus.

2. Gourmet & Chef-Driven Burger Spots

These restaurants often focus heavily on ingredients and creativity:

• House-ground beef or specialty blends
• Unique toppings (aiolis, specialty cheeses, bacon variations, grilled onions, pickled veggies)
• Brioche or potato buns, sometimes local bakery partnerships

You’ll usually find:

• Higher prices than fast food but more focus on quality
• Expanded drink menus, including local beer or cocktails
• Dining rooms or patios suitable for date nights or small groups

Best for:
When you want a “burger as a main event” experience, not just a quick bite.

3. Sports Bars & Pubs

In Atlanta, many bars proudly feature a signature burger:

• Burgers often come in hearty portions, good for game days.
• Menus usually have wings, nachos, and other bar-style snacks alongside burgers.
• Multiple TVs, especially around college and pro sports seasons.

Consider this style when:

• You’re watching a Falcons, Hawks, Braves, United, or college game
• You have a mixed group who wants both drinks and substantial food

4. Fast-Casual & Quick-Service Burger Chains

Throughout metro Atlanta, you’ll find:

• Build-your-own burger concepts with counter ordering.
• Some locations inside malls, shopping centers, and near office towers.
• A mix of national brands and smaller local chains.

Good for:

• Lunch breaks from downtown offices or Atlanta Tech Village
• Families who want something familiar and fast
• Travelers who prefer predictable menus near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Burger Styles You’ll Commonly Find in Atlanta

Local burger restaurants in Atlanta reflect a wide variety of approaches. When browsing menus, you’ll often see these styles:

Smash Burgers vs. Thicker Patties

• Smash burgers

  • Thin patties pressed onto a hot griddle
  • Crispy edges, strong sear
  • Often served as doubles or triples

• Thick or pub-style burgers

  • Taller patties cooked to order (often medium or medium-well)
  • More room for toppings
  • Heavier, sit-down meal feel

Atlanta restaurants offer both; it’s worth deciding which you’re in the mood for.

Beef Alternatives & Dietary Preferences

Many Atlanta burger spots now include:

• Turkey burgers
• Grilled or fried chicken sandwiches as a burger alternative
• Veggie or black bean burgers
• Plant-based patties (such as soy- or pea-based) at some restaurants
• Lettuce wraps or bun substitutions for fewer refined carbs

If you follow a vegetarian, vegan, or low-carb approach, scanning the menu online before you go is often helpful—especially in more traditional diners that may have fewer alternatives.

Toppings & Add-Ons

Common Atlanta burger toppings include:

• Cheeses: American, cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, pimento cheese
• Sauces: house “burger sauce,” barbecue sauce, mayo-based spreads
• Extras: bacon, fried egg, grilled mushrooms, caramelized onions, jalapeños
• Southern touches: fried green tomato, pimento cheese, coleslaw at some spots

Side options typically include:

• Regular or seasoned fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Onion rings
• Tater tots
• Occasionally small side salads or slaw

Price Ranges: What to Expect in Atlanta

Pricing varies by neighborhood and style, but you can use these rough ranges:

Sales tax and optional tip are not included in those amounts. Areas like Buckhead, West Midtown, and Midtown can be on the higher end of these ranges.

Practical Tips for Choosing a Burger Restaurant in Atlanta

Use these factors to narrow your options:

1. Location & Transportation

Atlanta traffic can be heavy, so proximity matters.

• Intown residents (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Grant Park, West End) may prefer nearby restaurants reachable by MARTA, scooters, bikes, or on foot.
• Suburban residents around Sandy Springs, Decatur, Smyrna, or Tucker might look for spots near major roads like I‑285, GA‑400, or I‑85.
• Visitors staying downtown or near the airport may want burger restaurants close to Peachtree Center, Five Points, or College Park MARTA stations.

If you plan to drive, check for:

• On-site parking or nearby decks
• Whether the restaurant sits in a busy entertainment district where parking fills quickly (for example, near Battery Atlanta, Ponce City Market, or Atlantic Station)

2. Dine-In, Takeout, or Delivery

Most Atlanta burger restaurants now offer at least one of the following:

• Dine-in: Good if you want fresh, hot fries and burgers straight from the kitchen.
• Carryout: Useful when commuting home through corridors like Peachtree Road, Memorial Drive, or Northside Drive.
• Delivery: Often available through major apps; fees and delivery zones vary by neighborhood.

If you’re ordering from a busy area (like Edgewood on a weekend night), it can be smart to:

• Order earlier than peak dinner hours
• Confirm pickup times if you’re trying to coordinate with a game or event

3. Group-Friendly vs. Quick Solo Meal

Think about who you’re eating with:

• Family outings: Look for places with kids’ menus, high chairs, and space for strollers, often more common in suburban shopping centers and malls.
• Coworker lunches: Midtown and Downtown fast-casual spots work well with limited time.
• Friends or date nights: West Midtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Buckhead have many restaurants with patios, bars, and fuller menus.

4. Dietary Needs & Preferences

Before you go, it can help to check whether a restaurant offers:

• Gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps
• Dairy-free cheese alternatives
• Clearly labeled vegetarian or vegan burgers
• Allergen information (for nuts, soy, etc.)

Many Atlanta restaurants list basic dietary details on their printed menus or websites, but staff can usually answer specific questions if you ask in person.

When to Expect Crowds at Burger Restaurants in Atlanta

Timing can strongly affect your wait, especially in popular intown neighborhoods.

You’ll often see:

• Weekday lunch rush (11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.)
  • Heavy around office districts (Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead).
• Weeknight dinner (6:00–8:00 p.m.)
  • Busy near popular corridors like Highland Avenue, Marietta Street, and around major malls.
• Weekend evenings (6:00–9:30 p.m.)
  • Peak times in nightlife areas such as Edgewood, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and West Midtown.
• Game days or big events
  • Restaurants near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Truist Park, and college campuses can fill up before and after events.

If you want to avoid a long wait:

• Try early lunches (before noon) or early dinners (before 6 p.m.).
• Visit popular spots on weeknights instead of Fridays or Saturdays.
• Consider calling ahead to check approximate wait times, if the restaurant accepts calls.

Takeout & Delivery Tips Specific to Atlanta

Because of Atlanta’s size and traffic, a few local details matter:

• Distance can affect food quality
  Burgers and fries can steam in their containers, so closer restaurants usually travel better. Choosing a burger restaurant within a 10–15 minute drive often helps.

• High-rise deliveries
  In areas like Midtown, Buckhead, and parts of Downtown, delivery drivers may need extra time to navigate parking decks and elevators.

• Weather considerations
  Heavy rain or summer thunderstorms, common in Atlanta, can slow both restaurant kitchens and drivers.

If crispy fries matter to you, consider:

• Picking up your order yourself when possible.
• Eating at the restaurant, especially if you’re already nearby.

How to Use Local Resources to Find Burger Restaurants in Atlanta, GA

In addition to asking friends and coworkers, you can use several local tools:

• Maps and review platforms
  Search for terms like “burger restaurant near me,” then filter by distance, price range, and rating.

• Local media and food coverage
  Atlanta-based newspapers, magazines, and neighborhood blogs often publish burger roundups and guides by area.

• Neighborhood social media groups
  Many communities in Atlanta, such as Kirkwood, Grant Park, Decatur, and Brookhaven, have online groups where residents share restaurant recommendations and recent experiences.

When evaluating options, look for:

• Recent reviews that mention service speed, cook temperature, and consistency
• Photos of burgers to see portion sizes and styles
• Notes on parking, noise level, and kid-friendliness, if those factors matter to you

Planning a Burger Stop Around Other Atlanta Activities

If you’re organizing a day around the city, it can be convenient to pair burger restaurants with major attractions:

• Near Downtown / Centennial Olympic Park
  Good if you’re visiting the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, or the Center for Civil and Human Rights.

• Near Midtown & Piedmont Park
  Handy if you’re attending events at Atlanta Symphony Hall, visiting High Museum of Art, or spending time in Piedmont Park.

• Near Ponce City Market & BeltLine
  Ideal for a walk or bike ride on the Eastside Trail, with multiple burger-friendly spots in the broader area.

• Near Truist Park & Battery Atlanta
  Convenient if you’re going to an Atlanta Braves game or shows at the ballpark’s venues.

• Near college campuses
  Areas around Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Emory University, and Morehouse/Spelman/Clark Atlanta often have budget-conscious burger choices popular with students.

Quick Checklist Before You Go

To get the best burger experience in Atlanta, it helps to confirm:

• Location: Is it close enough to avoid frustrating traffic for the time of day?
• Parking / Transit: Will you drive, walk, bike, or use MARTA or rideshare?
• Style: Are you in the mood for classic, gourmet, bar-style, or fast-casual?
• Dietary fit: Do they offer options that match your needs (veggie, gluten-conscious, etc.)?
• Timing: Are you heading there during a likely rush (lunch, weekend dinner, game day)?
• Service type: Dine-in, takeout, delivery, or a mix—and what works best for you that day?

Answering those questions first makes it much easier to choose from the many burger restaurants in Atlanta, GA and enjoy the city’s wide range of options, whether you’re a longtime local or just in town for a short stay.