Atlanta's Burger Quest: A Guide to the 10 Best Cheeseburgers in the City
If you're on a quest for the perfect patty, here is a guide to ten of the best and most acclaimed cheeseburgers in Atlanta.
1. The "H&F" Burger at H&F Burger
- The Burger: The legendary H&F Burger originated as a limited, late-night offering at Holeman & Finch Public House and gained such fame that it led to the establishment of its own dedicated restaurants. This iconic double-stack cheeseburger features two house-ground patties, American cheese, red onion, and house-made pickles, all on a fresh-baked, buttered brioche bun.
- The Vibe: Now available at multiple locations, including Ponce City Market, it offers a consistent and delicious taste of Atlanta burger history in a casual setting.
2. The Burger at The General Muir
- The Burger: This acclaimed modern Jewish deli serves an incredible double-stack cheeseburger that consistently ranks among the city's best. It features two perfectly seared patties, American cheese, onions, pickles, and a special schmear on a fresh, toasted bun.
- The Vibe: A bright, clean, and stylish deli atmosphere in the Emory Point development. It's perfect for a high-quality lunch or brunch.
3. The Dirty South at Grindhouse Killer Burgers
- The Burger: For a more creative and indulgent burger, Grindhouse Killer Burgers is a go-to. Their "Dirty South" burger comes topped with pimento cheese, fried pickles, slaw, and brisket chili.
- The Vibe: A fun, energetic, and casual spot with multiple locations, often featuring a "grindhouse" movie theme and a lively bar scene.
4. The Gringo Burger at Fred's Meat & Bread
- The Burger: Located in the bustling Krog Street Market, Fred's Meat & Bread is a sandwich counter that takes its burgers as seriously as its acclaimed cheesesteaks. The "Gringo Burger" is a simple masterpiece featuring two patties, American cheese, pickles, and mayo on a toasted bun.
- The Vibe: A popular and busy food hall stall where you can watch the magic happen on the griddle.
5. The Burger at Little's Food Store
- The Burger: For an authentic, no-frills, neighborhood corner store experience, nothing beats the burger at Little's Food Store in Cabbagetown. This is a classic, old-school griddled burger that locals swear by. It's simple, delicious, and full of character.
- The Vibe: A true local gem. It's a convenience store with a grill in the back, serving up one of the city's most beloved burgers.
6. The "Biltong Burger" at Biltong Bar
- The Burger: Located inside Ponce City Market, Biltong Bar offers a unique South African-inspired culinary experience, and their burger is no exception. They often feature a burger topped with their signature biltong (a type of dried, cured meat), offering a unique, savory flavor profile.
- The Vibe: A stylish, intimate bar and restaurant with a focus on craft cocktails and South African street food.
7. The "Double Cheeseburger" at Ticonderoga Club
- The Burger: Nestled in Krog Street Market, Ticonderoga Club is a critically acclaimed tavern with a fantastic cocktail program and an equally impressive "Double Cheeseburger." Known for its perfect execution and high-quality ingredients, it's a sophisticated take on the classic.
- The Vibe: A cozy, colonial-tavern-inspired setting that feels both historic and modern.
8. The "OK-Classic" at OK-YAKI
- The Burger: While primarily an Osaka-style street food spot, OK-YAKI in East Atlanta Village serves a highly regarded and unique "OK-Classic" smash burger, often featuring special sauces and toppings that reflect its Japanese culinary influence.
- The Vibe: A fun, casual, and energetic spot perfect for exploring unique flavor combinations.
9. The Burger at Emmy Squared Pizza
- The Burger: Famous for their Detroit-style pizza, Emmy Squared also has a secret weapon: their "Le Big Matt" burger. This double-stack burger features two patties, American cheese, pickles, and their signature "Sammy Sauce" on a pretzel bun.
- The Vibe: A trendy, popular restaurant with locations in several Atlanta neighborhoods.
10. The Burger at Miller Union
- The Burger: For an upscale, fine-dining burger experience, Miller Union is a top choice. While only available on their lunch menu, this burger is crafted with the same attention to detail and high-quality, farm-to-table ingredients as the rest of their acclaimed Southern-inspired dishes.
- The Vibe: A sophisticated yet comfortable restaurant located in the Westside neighborhood.
Atlanta's cheeseburger scene is a testament to the city's culinary diversity, offering a delicious array of options. From the iconic H&F Burger and the deli perfection of The General Muir to the neighborhood charm of Little's and the gourmet creations at spots like Ticonderoga Club, there is a world-class burger for every taste and occasion. This list is just the beginning of a flavorful journey through one of America's best burger cities.