Tennessee is home to some of the most satisfying burgers you will ever sink your teeth into. From Memphis to Gatlinburg, the state’s burger scene is packed with spots that skip the gimmicks and let great ingredients do the talking.
Whether you are a local or just passing through, these places prove that a well-made burger does not need a fancy menu to leave a lasting impression. Pack your appetite, because this list is about to make you very hungry.
Dyer’s Burgers – Memphis, Tennessee
Since 1912, Dyer’s has been frying burgers in the same century-old grease, and yes, that is actually the secret. The cast-iron cooking method gives every patty a deeply savory crust that no modern technique can replicate.
Memphis locals treat this place like a landmark, and for good reason.
The burgers are simple, affordable, and packed with old-school flavor. If you want to taste history with every bite, Dyer’s is your spot.
Stock & Barrel – Knoxville, Tennessee
Right in the heart of Market Square, Stock and Barrel brings craft burgers and Tennessee whiskey together under one roof. The menu keeps things focused, which means every item on it gets serious attention.
Their 100% Black Angus beef patties are ground fresh daily, and you can taste the difference immediately.
Pair your burger with a local brew and enjoy the lively downtown Knoxville atmosphere. It is casual, cool, and consistently delicious.
Burger Republic – Nashville, Tennessee
Burger Republic earns its name by taking the humble burger seriously. Located in Nashville, this spot offers creative combinations without going overboard on unnecessary toppings.
The smash-style patties develop a beautiful crust that locks in all the juicy flavor you want in every single bite.
Fries here are crispy and well-seasoned, making them the perfect sidekick. Whether you build your own or go with a house specialty, you are walking out satisfied every time.
Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint Germantown – Nashville, Tennessee
Jack Brown’s has a cult following across the South, and the Germantown Nashville location keeps that reputation burning strong. The menu is refreshingly short, which is always a great sign when it comes to burger joints.
They focus on doing a few things exceptionally well rather than stretching thin across dozens of options.
The smash burgers are bold, saucy, and undeniably craveable. Grab a cold beer from their rotating tap list and settle in for a great meal.
Litton’s – Knoxville, Tennessee
Litton’s has been a Knoxville staple since 1946, and three generations of the same family have kept the quality rock solid. The burgers here are hand-formed, generous in size, and cooked to order with real care.
Nothing about this place feels rushed, and that patience shows up on the plate.
Their homemade desserts are legendary too, so save room after your burger. Litton’s is the kind of neighborhood spot every city wishes it had.
Gabby’s Burgers & Fries – Nashville, Tennessee
Gabby’s is small in size but enormous in personality. Tucked into a cheerful little spot in Nashville, this burger shack has won over the city one patty at a time.
The beef is fresh, the buns are perfectly toasted, and the whole setup feels like a backyard cookout done right.
Lines can get long, but regulars will tell you the wait is always worth it. Few places in Nashville deliver this much joy in such a simple package.
Burger Up – Nashville, Tennessee
Burger Up made its mark in Nashville by committing to locally sourced, high-quality ingredients long before it was trendy. Every burger on the menu feels thoughtfully crafted, from the seasoning on the patty to the freshness of the produce.
The result is a burger that tastes clean, vibrant, and genuinely satisfying.
The menu rotates with the seasons, so there is always something new to try. It is proof that simple and sustainable can absolutely mean outstanding.
The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden – Nashville, Tennessee
Walking into The Pharmacy feels like stepping into an old-fashioned soda fountain with a seriously good burger menu attached. The atmosphere alone is worth the trip, but the food makes sure you keep coming back.
Their burgers are made with quality beef and served with handcrafted sodas that complete the whole nostalgic experience.
The beer garden out back is one of Nashville’s best outdoor dining spots. Everything here, from the vibe to the food, feels genuinely special.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar – Chattanooga, Tennessee
Bad Daddy’s brings big, bold flavors to Chattanooga with a menu that loves to push the creative limits of what a burger can be. The portions are generous, the ingredients are fresh, and the combinations are anything but boring.
From classic builds to adventurous specials, there is always something exciting to order.
The bar program is solid too, making this a great spot for a full dinner out. Bad Daddy’s earns its reputation one stacked patty at a time.
Emmy Squared Pizza: The Gulch – Nashville, Tennessee
Emmy Squared is best known for its Detroit-style pizza, but the burgers here quietly steal the spotlight on a regular basis. The Le Big Matt burger has earned a devoted fan base in Nashville for its perfectly smashed patty, special sauce, and pillowy bun.
It is the kind of burger that surprises you with how much you enjoy it.
The Gulch location has a cool, energetic vibe that makes the meal even better. Order the burger once and it will become your new go-to.
Drake’s Cool Springs – Franklin, Tennessee
Drake’s in Cool Springs delivers reliable, crowd-pleasing burgers in a lively, social atmosphere that keeps Franklin locals coming back regularly. The menu hits that sweet spot between approachable and impressive, with burgers that feel familiar but taste noticeably better than average.
Fresh ingredients and consistent cooking make all the difference here.
The full bar and energetic dining room make Drake’s a great spot for groups. It is the kind of place where everyone at the table ends up happy with their order.
Hugh-Baby’s. – Nashville, Tennessee
Hugh-Baby’s was created by the same team behind the legendary Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, so expectations were sky-high from day one. Thankfully, it delivered.
The burgers here are inspired by classic drive-in style smash burgers, with thin, crispy-edged patties and simple, spot-on toppings that hit every flavor note perfectly.
The throwback aesthetic adds a fun layer to the whole experience. Hugh-Baby’s proves that the classics never really go out of style when they are executed this well.
Red’s Hot Chicken – Nashville, Tennessee
Red’s Hot Chicken flips the script by putting Nashville hot chicken at the center of the burger conversation, and it absolutely works. The fried chicken patties are boldly seasoned, shatteringly crispy, and layered with just enough heat to keep things interesting without overwhelming your taste buds.
It is a burger experience built for spice lovers.
The house slaw adds a cool, creamy contrast that ties everything together beautifully. Red’s is a must-visit for anyone craving something fiery and unforgettable.
TENNESSEE JED’S Craft Sandwiches – Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Nestled in the mountain town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee Jed’s is the kind of hidden gem that rewards anyone willing to seek it out. The craft sandwiches here are made with real care, using quality ingredients that make every bite feel intentional.
The burger options carry that same dedication to flavor and freshness that defines the whole menu.
After a day of exploring the Smokies, nothing hits quite like a well-built burger from a place that truly cares. Tennessee Jed’s earns every bit of its loyal fanbase.