Skip to content
Peachtree TV
Weekdays 9:00 am
Saturday 7:00 pm
Sunday 10:30 am
< All Blogs

Steak Shapiro’s Top Ten Burgers in Atlanta

By Steak Shapiro
January 12, 2021

More often than than not, when someone asks me “What are you in the mood for?”–and I get asked that a lot–it’s hard to envision anything I will enjoy more than a medium rare cheeseburger with the freshest bun and various fresh toppings accompanying them.  I LOVE BURGERS, I crave them, I think of them constantly, they make me happy.  So it is now time to put my own burger list out in the universe……I give you Steak Tips: the Top Ten Burgers That Matter Most in my Life Right Now. These are the spots that immediately jump in my head when I know it is time to get my burger on! Listed below in alphabetical order.

Ann's Snack Bar - Ghetto Burger | Photo: Yelp
Ann’s Snack Bar – Ghetto Burger | Photo: Yelp

Ann’s Snack Bar

While Miss Ann has passed on, the city’s obsession with this burger spot has not even come close to subsiding.  Think about the “Ghetto Burger” they talk about around the globe.  It’s bacon, onion, cheese in a double stack with bacon and it is messy and aggressive and beautiful.  
 
Bocado - Burger
Bocado – Burger

Bocado

When we write the history of great burgers in Atlanta, Bocado will always hold their own chapter. The Westside spot where they understand the simplicity of two deliciously grilled patties with American cheese and pickles is all you need to reach burger nirvana.
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Atlanta Eats (@atlantaeatstv)

Chops

You can indeed look forward to a tedious business lunch when you know the reward is the classic “Club Burger” at iconic Chops in Buckhead.  What do they do great?  The burger blend of chuck, brisket and short rib with Wisconsin Cheddar, drop the mic.
 
Fred's Meat & Bread - Bacon Cheeseburger
Fred’s Meat & Bread – Bacon Cheeseburger

Fred’s Meat and Bread

Chef Todd Ginsberg is truly  “the burger whisperer” with his keen sense of what the ideal burger should look and taste like and at Fred’s he delivers again.  In a place where the cheesesteak steals the headlines the burger takes no back seat.  Double stack, sesame bun, moist and juicy and in the friendly confines of Krog Street Market.
 
H&F Burger - Cheeseburger
H&F Burger – Cheeseburger
 

Holeman and Finch: HF Burger

There is no top burger list in Atlanta that should ever exist without H&F on it.
I don’t care that you can get them many more places than the original concept on Peachtree when only 20 of them came off the grill each night.  it is forever the Hall of Fame burger in Atlanta for the meticulous manner in which chef Linton Hopkins created them.
 
Houston's - Takeout Cheeseburger
Houston’s – Takeout Cheeseburger

Houston’s

There is no finer run restaurant group than the folks at Houston’s and the burger speaks to what they’re all about.
Not a lot of fanfare, just the finest quality beef with the softest bun and a level of consistency that is unrivaled.  
I dare you to walk by the grill while they’re cooking them and not order one yourself.
Grindhouse Killer Burgers
Grindhouse Killer Burgers – Burger
 

Grindhouse Killer Burger

There’s a reason this restaurant has become one of the great burger stories in Atlanta history.  They deserve it.
I hammer the double patty with Swiss cheese and grilled onions along with those perfect crinkle cut fries and know that all is right in the world.
 
Muss and Turner’s – Burger
 

Muss and Turner’s

A trip to Smyrna always makes sense when the destination is Muss and Turner’s and their burger is in play. 
The folks at M&T’s know about great ingredients and their grass fed burger with white cheddar, onions and poblano pepper are living proof of just that. 
 
NFA Burger - Cheeseburger
NFA Burger – Cheeseburger
 

NFA Burger

The hottest burger in our city is coming out of a Chevron gas station in Dunwoody and yes the hype is real.
Owner Billy Kramer researched the hell out of burgers and then delivered a knockout punch with his double and triple cheeseburgers topped with American cheese, pickles, mustard and “sassy” sauce, trust the “burger scientist” here.
 
Burger from One Eared Stag
One Eared Stag – Burger
 

One Eared Stag

When you dub yourself “Meatstick” and were originally only secret menu item than you need to live up to the folklore.  Hell if they do!
Travel to Edgewood Avenue and experience the brioche bun, shaved onion and double stack cheeseburger that will turn around any day that wasn’t going as planned.  
 
The Vortex - Diner Burger | Photo: Facebook/thevortexmidtown
The Vortex – Diner Burger | Photo: Facebook/thevortexmidtown
 

The Vortex

Before there was a hundred great burger spots in Atlanta there was only one, The Vortex.
Folks come from near and far for the insane combinations of specialty burgers or just the standard Vortex burger that is always perfectly cooked along with their signature tater tots to make sure that the stars are indeed still aligned.
 
Ann’s Snack Bar
Bocado
Chops
Fred’s Meat and Bread
Holeman and Finch: HF Burger
Houston’s
Grindhouse Killer Burger
Muss and Turner’s
Ann’s Snack Bar

While Miss Ann has passed on, the city’s obsession with this burger spot has not even come close to subsiding.  Think about the “Ghetto Burger” they talk about around the globe.  It’s bacon, onion, cheese in a double stack with bacon and it is messy and aggressive and beautiful.

  • 1615 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30317
Bocado

When we write the history of great burgers in Atlanta, Bocado will always hold their own chapter. The Westside spot where they understand the simplicity of two deliciously grilled patties with American cheese and pickles is all you need to reach burger nirvana.

  • 887 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Chops
You can indeed look forward to a tedious business lunch when you know the reward is the classic “Club Burger” at iconic Chops in Buckhead.  What do they do great?  The burger blend of chuck, brisket and short rib with Wisconsin Cheddar, drop the mic.
  • 70 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
Fred’s Meat and Bread

Chef Todd Ginsberg is truly  “the burger whisperer” with his keen sense of what the ideal burger should look and taste like and at Fred’s he delivers again.  In a place where the cheesesteak steals the headlines the burger takes no back seat.  Double stack, sesame bun, moist and juicy and in the friendly confines of Krog Street Market.

  • 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Holeman and Finch: HF Burger
There is no top burger list in Atlanta that should ever exist without H&F on it.
I don’t care that you can get them many more places than the original concept on Peachtree when only 20 of them came off the grill each night.  it is forever the Hall of Fame burger in Atlanta for the meticulous manner in which chef Linton Hopkins created them.
  • 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Houston’s
There is no finer run restaurant group than the folks at Houston’s and the burger speaks to what they’re all about.
Not a lot of fanfare, just the finest quality beef with the softest bun and a level of consistency that is unrivaled.
I dare you to walk by the grill while they’re cooking them and not order one yourself.
  • 2166 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
Grindhouse Killer Burger
There’s a reason this restaurant has become one of the great burger stories in Atlanta history.  They deserve it.
I hammer the double patty with Swiss cheese and grilled onions along with those perfect crinkle cut fries and know that all is right in the world.
  • 1842 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Muss and Turner’s
A trip to Smyrna always makes sense when the destination is Muss and Turner’s and their burger is in play.
The folks at M&T’s know about great ingredients and their grass fed burger with white cheddar, onions and poblano pepper are living proof of just that.
  • 1675 Cumberland Pkwy SE Suite 309, Smyrna, GA 30080

Latest Atlanta Eats Video

Featured Blog Posts
Ruby Chow - Interiors | Photo: rubychows.com
7 Atlanta Restaurants Perfect for A Girl’s Night Out

It’s time to eat, ladies! Here are some of our favorite restaurants in and around the perimeter for a girl’s night out! 

Cuban bread and pastries from Buena Gente bakery.
Atlanta’s Best Cuban, Dominican and Puerto Rican Restaurants

Atlanta’s best Cuban, Dominican and Puerto Rican food can be tough to define. The approach to cooking for all three of these come from the same history – a mash up of the native cultures that lived on each island, along with flavors from the colonizers’ native Spain, and the West African traditions of the enslaved who were brought to those Islands by traders.

GAS Food Truck - How High
50 Outstanding Black-Owned Restaurants in Atlanta

One of the things that makes Atlanta a Great American City is our Black history and culture. Dining at locally-owned, minority-owned businesses year-round is a great (and delicious) way to support Atlanta’s fabric.

10 Atlanta Rooftops With Phenomenal Food & Phenomenal Views

For fabulous food and even more fabulous views, seek a fantastic meal and head to higher ground at these Atlanta rooftops.

10 Atlanta Restaurants With The Most Stylish and Chic Interiors

It’s the vibe for me. It’s not only the food, but the stunning decor and interiors that truly set these Atlanta restaurants apart from the rest. Here’s a list of ATL’s most stylish restaurants!

7 Hot, New Restaurants Just Opened in Atlanta

The Atlanta dining scene is heating up with these new additions to the city! The hottest cocktail bar in town, a new Italian spot in West Midtown, and a brand new brunch spot in Sandy Springs are all things to look forward to visiting this month.

Mellow Mushrom - Stone-baked Cheese Pizza | Photo: Facebook/mellowmushroom
Steak Shapiro’s Top 8 Atlanta Pizza Joints

How does Atlanta stack up as a pizza city?  While we are not going to be confused with New York or for that matter Boston or Chicago we do have a lot to be proud of and keep getting better which is why compiling this list was not easy but it is indeed what I am paid to do….I give you then: The Top Eight Pizza Places in Atlanta (with three honorable mention) in alphabetical order of course.

An Insider’s Guide to the Atlanta Beltline’s Best Restaurants & Bars

Summer in Atlanta means leisurely walks on the Beltline and more importantly, amazing food and drinks on the Beltline! Here’s our insider’s guide to the best that the Beltline has to offer, broken down by Eastside and Westside trail spots. 

Kamayan ATL - Kamayan Feast | Photo: kamayanatl.com
Fantastic Filipino Food Around Atlanta

Until recently, you’d be hard-pressed to find even one Filipino joint in Atlanta. But now, quite a few have popped up around town, serving up the flavors and flair of the Philippines. Get ready to dive into some lumpia and sisig–we’re learning all about this unique cuisine that takes the best of culinary influences from Spain, China, and the U.S.A.

Escobar
Your Guide to Atlanta’s Celebrity-Owned Restaurants

They’re bringing the star power, but will the food dazzle your tastebuds too? You decide! Here’s a list of Atlanta’s celebrity owned restaurants, in alphabetical order. 

The Ultimate Guide to Mexican Food in ATL

Is there any food as beloved in America as Mexican food? We think not, and we love all the varieties available, from cheesy Tex-mex goodness, to authentic street tacos on corn tortillas, to authentic birria. Here’s a round-up on the greatest Mexican spots to be found in ATL no matter what kind of flavor you’re in the mood for.

The Garden Room - Interior | Photo: thegardenroomatlanta.com
29 Romantic Restaurants for Date Night in Atlanta

Call us biased, but we think ATL is one of the most romantic (and delicious) cities in the U.S.A.! And we can prove it with these restaurants that truly deliver both gourmet cuisine and romance. Here are our top picks for the top 29 romantic restaurants and places in Atlanta, perfect for you and your boo’s next night out on the town.

Lee's Bakery - Banh Mi & Pho Combo
Buford Highway’s Top Hidden Gems

We’re so lucky as  a city to be able to enjoy all the unique flavors and cuisines from Buford Highway’s hidden gems. Here are some of our favorites that you must try!

Lazy Betty - Soy and Dark Mousse with a Salted Caramel Ice cream | Photo: Andrew Thomas Lee via Facebook/lazybettyatl
10 Fancy Atlanta Restaurants That Are Worth the Splurge

We love a great, cheap eat just as much as anyone but there are also Atlanta restaurants that are absolutely worth the splurge. You might have to open up your wallet a little wider for these meals, but these Atlanta restaurants are totally worth it for your next special occasion or if you’re just feeling fancy!

Cigar Cellar - Cocktail | Photo: Facebook/CigarCellarKennesaw
Atlanta’s Top Cocktail Bars

You can SHAKE UP your weekend plans with a fabulous cocktail at some of Atlanta’s TOP SHELF cocktail bars. We think you’ll find our recommendations to be very NEAT. So take a look at our list and let the drinking be GIN!

7 Underrated Restaurants in Atlanta

In our humble opinion, these Atlanta spots just don’t get the love or crowds that they deserve. Check out these under-the-radar spots for a meal that’ll satisfy your tastebuds today!

Northern China Eatery's Soup Dumplings
Where To Find Atlanta’s Best Dumplings

A dumpling is some truly magical foodstuff, found throughout all different cultures around the world. From Poland’s pierogi, to China’s soup dumplings, to the American South’s chicken and dumplings, we love this food in all its glorious forms. Here are some fantastic ones around town, no matter what style you’re craving.

Chengdu Cold Noodles from Gu's Kitchen.
Steak Shapiro’s Top 7 Favorite Chinese Restaurants in Atlanta

Chinese food, ahh how much do we all love it? A lot! In the Shapiro home it has always been a Sunday night tradition but it goes way deeper than that.  I love it for a business lunch, I love it on Buford Highway when celebrating a birthday,  I love it when folks are in from out of town and I am wanting to show off the culinary diversity of our city.

Restaurant Finder
Search All Restaurants