Burgers That Still Have ATL in a Chokehold đ National Burger Day Edition
Some things never change, & my obsession with a good Atlanta burger is one of them.
The kind with crispy edges.
The kind that drips down your wrist⌠drip, drip.
The kind you think about again three days later.
In honor of National Burger Day (May 28th), Iâm revisiting the burgers that still hit â from neighborhood staples to pop-ups worth chasing across town.
These stacked patties are all worth it!
Written May 27th, 2025
Updated May 08, 2026
My Faves
đ The Westwood (Westview)
New kid on the block, but giving neighborhood staple energy. The menu stays approachable price-wise (which we LOVE in this economy), while still bringing thoughtful touches, like the Coca-Cola onions that absolutely deserve their own shoutout.
Low prices, good burgers, strong patio vibes, & the kind of spot that feels built for locals to keep coming back to.
đ Smileyâs Burger Club(Decatur)
From pop-up to brick & mortar, Smileyâs still has me in a chokehold. Thereâs a reason theyâve taken home the crown during Atlanta Burger Week two years in a row. Go aheadâ sink your teeth into greatness.
đ Littleâs Food Store (Cabbagetown)
Neighborhood dive energy with no-frills burgers that just hit. Itâs the kind of place locals keep close to the chestâand honestly, I respect it.
đ Che Butter Jonez(La Vista Road Moving | Last Day 06/30/2026)
The lamb burger? Fire. Hands down. While I miss the OG SWATS location being close to home, you can still catch the crew, Bae Butter & Malik in Brookhaven⌠because âI COOK BETTER THAN YOUR MUVAâ still rings true.
PRO TIP: Donât sleep on the chopped cheese.
đ Ganji (Pop-Up)
I didnât get a chance to try the burger at Minhwa Spirits (residency), but Ganjiâs take on a burger lives in my head rent-free. The kimchi relish & Ganji sauce pack a flavor punch thatâs bold, balanced, & wildly underrated. Kimchi lovers, this oneâs for you.
OTHER NOTABLE BURGERS
1. Fredâs Meat & Bread (Krog Street Market)
Still elite. Their cheeseburger is classic in the best way, & the garlic fries? Dangerous.
2. Evergreen Butcher & Baker (Kirkwood)
Atlantaâs Sunday secret you didnât know you needed. ShhhâŚ
This burger pop-up is a foodie must-do! With fresh, top-tier ingredients, perfectly seared patties, & house-baked buns. Evergreen is serving up one of ATLâs most unforgettable burger experiences⌠but ONLY on Sundays.
PRO TIP: Come early & act right. Letâs keep this gem thriving by showing love + respect to everyone in line.
3. đ NFA Burger (Dunwoody)
Lives rent-free in my taste memory. Crispy-edged, juicy smashburgers + tots served from a gas station⌠yes, really & somehow, it just works. Worth the drive.
PRO TIP: A second location just opened at Avalon in Alpharetta.
4. Thicc Burgers (Pop-up)
Living up to the name. Thicc, juicy, messy goodness. You can also try in at Lore on Edgewood Ave in Old Fourth Ward.
5. Joseâs Birria (Pop-up)
Birria smashburger? Yes please.
6. The Vortex (Little 5 Points & Midtown)
Youâre not a true ATL burger explorer until youâve tackled a Vortex burger. Come hungry, stay for the chaos.
PRO TIP: Hit the Little Five location, itâs got the vibe, plus thereâs stand-up comedy next door.
6. Fox Bros BBQ (multiple locations)
Not just for BBQ, their burger melts into your soul. Thank me later.
7. Holeman & Finch (HF)
The OG âyou had to be thereâ burger spot.
8. Slutty Vegan (Edgewood Ave)
Whether youâre vegan or not, this burger brings the flavor & the fun. The hype is realâ & deserved.
9. Pattyâs & Franks (Chattahoochee Foodworks food hall)
A newer fave on the scene, but definitely one to watch.
10. Sad Boy Burger Shop (Pop-up)
The name might be emo, but the flavor isnât sad. Keep an eye on them.
Pour One Out for the Homies
If these ever come out of retirement, add them to your list ASAP (Instagram handles)
đ´How Crispy (RIP)
Okay yesss, it was a chicken spot. But if you know the special smashburger theyâve been dropping? Youâre already in line.
đ´ @the_bookhousepub Still lives in my heart (RIP)
đ´ Hero Doughtnuts & Buns (RIP)
Yes, the burgers slap just as hard as the doughnuts. No notes.
đ´ @smoke.and.honey (Pop Up)
đ´ @poundtownsmashburgers (Pop Up)
Final Bite
Atlanta doesnât really do boring burgers.
Some are smashy.
Some are stacked.
Some are served out of gas stations, food halls, or random parking lots with folding tables.
& honestly? Thatâs part of the charm.