Nashville isn’t just Music City—it’s Burger City. Juicy patties, melty cheese, and buns that hold everything together like a culinary hug—these twelve burger joints know how to turn a simple meal into an unforgettable experience. Locals swear by them, and visitors quickly understand why.
If your taste buds are ready for adventure, get ready to explore Nashville one bite at a time. These burgers aren’t just food—they’re memories in the making, the kind that keep people coming back again and again. Pull up a chair, grab a napkin, and prepare for the ultimate burger tour.
The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden
In East Nashville, The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden draws locals with griddle-charred patties and house-made pickles. The signature Pharmacy burger—double patties, American cheese, and garlicky sauce—is consistently juicy. The beer-garden vibe feels like a community backyard party, complete with a long tap list and picnic-table seating.
Families, students, and out-of-towners find reasons to return. Weekend waits move quickly, thanks to the vibrant atmosphere and delicious offerings. The combination of great food and friendly ambiance keeps this place bustling yet comfortable.
Burger Up (12South)
Burger Up in 12South is known for local sourcing and thoughtful toppings. The menu blends classic and seasonal burgers with house pickles, all sourced from nearby purveyors. Its small dining room and friendly staff create a cozy routine for regulars.
Whether it’s a quick lunch or a family stop, the kitchen’s consistency and customizable options make it a favorite. Patrons appreciate the clean, seasoned burgers and the familiarity of the spot. It’s a welcoming environment where locals know what to expect each visit.
M.L. Rose Craft Beer & Burgers
M.L. Rose stands out as a hometown pub with creative burgers and a vast craft-beer selection. Each location, from Sylvan Park to Capitol View, offers comfort-driven burgers and waffle fries. The pubs host trivia nights and specials, drawing both weekend crowds and weeknight locals. Servers often remember regular orders, enhancing the personal touch.
The inventive burgers and reliable neighborhood vibe make M.L. Rose a go-to destination for locals seeking a fun night out with comfort food and drinks.
Dreamburger
Dreamburger has become a pop-up sensation with its thin, lacey-edged smash burgers. Known for its focused menu, the trailer stops at popular spots like Vinyl Tap. Regulars track its schedule for a taste of the perfectly seasoned, hot, greasy burger. The simplicity of the offerings is what makes it a hit: American cheese, pickles, and house Dreamsauce.
For those seeking a no-frills, maximum flavor burger experience, Dreamburger is a must-visit. It’s a taste that remains consistent and satisfying every time.
Grillshack Fries & Burgers
Grillshack is a compact spot known for one-third-pound Bear Creek patties and hand-cut fries. The casual patio creates a social scene where people gather, eat, and return. Their thick-cut, crunchy fries are a local favorite. The burgers, with well-browned crusts and vibrant seasoning, are perfect for a late lunch or a casual beer outing.
Regular customers appreciate the dependable, greasy fix they find here. It’s a neighborhood staple where the food matches the lively outdoor atmosphere.
Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint
Jack Brown’s combines an award-winning burger roster with an extensive craft-beer list. Locations in Germantown and Edgehill offer inventive specialty patties and creative combos. The atmosphere is loud and friendly, designed for regulars who enjoy late-night hours and burger specials.
The kitchen’s bold combinations and the bar’s ever-changing lineup of beers keep frequent visitors excited. It’s a dependable neighborhood hangout where both burger aficionados and beer lovers find new reasons to return again and again.
Cledis Burgers & Beer
Cledis began on Elm Hill Pike, expanding due to its popularity for tidy, well-executed patties. The straightforward builds—fresh beef, melty cheese, crisp toppings—are a hit. Friendly service and a casual patio setup make it family-friendly. With expansion into Bellevue, Cledis reflects steady neighborhood demand.
Loyal diners love the consistent cook times and outdoor seating. It’s a weekend hangout and a weekday lunch spot, where the ambiance and offerings keep customers coming back for more.
Brown’s Diner
Since 1927, Brown’s Diner has been a staple for its simple, unchanged cheeseburgers. The straightforward seasoning and classic American cheese offer a taste of nostalgia. Regulars cherish the familiar booths and servers who know them by name. It’s more than a meal; it’s a ritual for many.
The diner’s rich history adds to its charm, making it a beloved spot for those who appreciate tradition. Brown’s remains a comforting constant amid Nashville’s ever-evolving food scene.
Gabby’s Burgers & Fries
Near Wedgewood-Houston, Gabby’s has built a following with its grass-fed patties and rotating specials. The crisp fries and carefully cooked burgers are consistently praised. Regulars love the personal touch of the small footprint and community vibe.
Whether it’s a lunchtime run or casual dinner, the staff knows patrons and the lineup of seasonal specials. Gabby’s offers a locally sourced burger experience that’s as much about the neighborhood hangout feel as it is about the food.
Joyland Restaurant
Chef Sean Brock’s Joyland merges fast-food nostalgia with thoughtful sourcing. The menu features Bear Creek beef and nods to old-school drive-ins with crustburgers and playful items. Regulars appreciate the crisp fries and dependable patties. Joyland’s upbeat dining room offers a casual spot for brunch or late dinners.
The chef-driven twists and retro feel give locals more reasons to return. It’s a place where the past meets present, creating a delightful, consistent experience for all who visit.
Turkey and the Wolf Icehouse
Channeling New Orleans creativity, Turkey and the Wolf’s Nashville spot offers inventive burgers with bold sauces. The Icehouse setting includes communal seating and a lively energy. Regulars return for the exciting flavor combinations and the joy of a dynamic menu.
The “Mama Tried” burger and other unique options keep patrons intrigued. It’s ideal for groups wanting adventurous, shareable food. The ever-changing offerings mean there’s always something new to try, making each visit a fresh experience.
Dino’s Bar
Dino’s in East Nashville is a legendary dive bar known for straightforward, cheap burgers. The late-night hours cater to locals seeking a reliable, greasy fix after a long day. The single or double-patty cheeseburgers, with their griddled crusts and melted cheese, are crowd-pleasers. Dino’s offers a lively, unpretentious vibe where bartenders remember your order. Regulars appreciate the consistency and the welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place that feels like home, where you can relax and enjoy the simple pleasures.