Here's the Beef
Charlotte has its fair share of obvious choices for burger restaurants. Want to go wild with toppings on an à la carte burger? Then get in line at Big Daddy's or start filling out the forms at The Counter. Looking for something cheap but tasty? Look no further than one of the city's fifteen Five Guys outposts. Or you could always go with the old favorite, The Penguin. However, there are a few hidden gems around town; spots you might not hit hoping for juicy beef, flavorful toppings, and fresh buns -- but they've got 'em. Bring your appetite, ignore those other tempting menu options, and get ready to find your new favorite burger place.
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Crêpe Cellar Burger $8.50Sure, you could get one of the light and flavorful crêpes. But if you miss the burger at Crêpe Cellar, you’re missing one of the NoDa restaurant’s best offerings. Topped with rich Gruyère cheese, crispy onion straws, and savory garlic aioli, this burger is an assault of flavors—and washes down nicely with one of the pub’s many brews. 3116 N. Davidson St., 704-910-6543 |
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Jerk Burger $6.95If you haven’t made it to the new Lebowski’s Grill & Pub in Dilworth yet, you’re missing out on some seriously good burgers (the menu offers seven). The Jerk Burger, a tangy cheeseburger stuffed with pineapple-pepper salsa, “jerkiyaki" sauce, and pepper Jack cheese, is one of the most creative—and delicious—burger combinations we’ve ever come across. 1524 East Blvd., 704-370-1177 |
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Lulu Burger $9Didn’t expect to find a juicy cheeseburger in a restaurant with white tablecloths and duck confit on the menu? Meet the Lulu Burger at Lulu in Plaza Midwood. Complete with pimento cheese, fried green tomato, and sweet jalepeño relish, this gourmet burger stakes its claim as a sophisticated standout. 1911 Central Ave., 704-376-2242 |
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The Ole Hickory Burger $6Chances are that if you’ve made the trip to Jim and Nicks in south Charlotte, you’re there for the BBQ. But in case you’ve tired of pork, the restaurant’s Ole Hickory Burger is an equally tasty—and filling—option. For an extra creamy kick, order it with the pimento cheese. 13840 Steele Creek Rd., 705-930-2290 |
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Baucom’s Best Farms Ultimate Burger $9Maybe it’s the thick, all-natural grass-fed beef. Or maybe it’s the silky Gruyère cheese that’s been soaked in Guinness. Or it could be the slightly sweet applewood smoked bacon. Whatever it is, there’s no question that the burger at Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge’s Gallery Restaurant is one of the best in town. 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., 704-248-4100 |
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Classic Burger $6Tucked away in Myers Park, Mueller’s Sandwich Company is tiny and no-frills, but the burger just might be the best in Charlotte. Prepare to use both hands and grab some extra napkins for this giant burger—it’s messy, as any great one should be. 119-A Huntley Pl., 704-940-6880 |
