Some things only improve with age, and a truly satisfying burger is certainly one of them. Whether you prefer something classic and straightforward or enjoy a more creative twist, the local burger scene in and around Nashville offers plenty of tempting options for every palate.
Let’s get to it.
Brave Idiot
At Brave Idiot in East Nashville you’ll find a sturdy following thanks to its well executed smash-style burgers. The thin patties crisp at the edges and come from Bear Creek Farms beef. If you prefer a plant-based burger, the Impossible patty is handled with as much care as the beef. Buns come in the traditional variety but you’ll also spot jumbo tortillas or even potato pierogi shells.
The Crunchsmash demands attention with its two smash patties, house pimento cheese and a handful of salt-and-vinegar chips, all topped with a zingy Reaper-ranch sauce. Special editions rotate regularly, showcasing falafel burgers or Nashville-hot onion stacks. Sides include tangy house pickles, and you can score a discount by sharing a cat photo at the counter. For adult beverages, pop next door into No Quarter bar.
The setting is relaxed and a bit gritty, with picnic tables under string lights. Ordering is straightforward at the walk-up window and lines move fast. Family-friendly spice levels help keep everyone happy. If you want personality alongside your burger, Brave Idiot fits the bill.
Dreamburger
The folks at Dreamburger in East Nashville keep things simple and focused. Their small menu centers on burgers made from Black Angus beef smashed into two thin patties with crispy edges. American cheese melts between the layers, and sweet onions cook right into the crust. A stack of dill pickles and a swipe of house-made Dreamsauce bring tang and creaminess, all tucked inside a toasted bun. Hand-cut fries arrive alongside, lightly seasoned so the beef stays center stage.
This independent food truck sits outside Vinyl Tap, where you can grab a craft beer while you wait. It’s entirely walk-up service, so there’s no need to hunt for outdoor tables. The vibe is casual and family-friendly, with locals lining up through the evening thanks to its neighborly atmosphere and zero corporate feel. They stay open past midnight on weekends, making it a go-to spot after a show or a night out.
With national rankings and local praise, this is a place where a classic burger shines. If you appreciate a straightforward build done right, Dreamburger delivers every time.
BAD LUCK BURGER CLUB
Bad Luck Burger Club has quickly become a local legend among burger lovers in Nashville. The independent food truck specializes in true smashburgers featuring ultra-thin, super-crispy beef patties stacked two per bun. Each order comes dripping with classic American cheese and a drizzle of Lucky Sauce on a soft, locally baked potato bun. The menu keeps choices focused while still packing in creative twists—check out the Heckin’ Jalapeño with fresh jalapeños, fried onions and chipotle mayo or the Island Boi topped with pineapple, bacon and teriyaki glaze. Purists can stick with The Lil Guy or even go for a grilled cheese option.
The atmosphere is all about relaxed, walk-up service whether you catch them outside Honeytree Meadery in East Nashville or at a brewery pop-up on weekend afternoons. Picnic tables fill up fast and lines move at a steady pace. They only offer beef burgers, so vegetarians will need to look elsewhere. But if you’re after a top-tier smashburger and some of the city’s best tater tots, Bad Luck Burger Club has you covered.
Gabby’s Burgers & Fries
At Gabby’s Burgers & Fries just south of downtown Nashville, everything starts with simple ingredients treated well. The 100% grass-fed, pasture-raised beef patties press thin on a sizzling griddle, creating crisp, caramelized edges and juicy centers. You’ll find a classic veggie burger, gluten-free buns and a playful “secret menu” named for regulars. Fresh-baked buns from a local bakery cradle options like the Seamus Burger topped with American cheese or the monthly special, often finished with house-made pimento cheese and crispy bacon.
Service here is walk-up counter style in a casual, no-frills dining room stocked with picnic tables. The menu stays focused on burgers, hand-cut fries—including sweet potato—and creamy milkshakes. Gabby’s never feels rushed or crowded. A chalkboard menu, independent spirit and friendly staff add genuine neighborhood charm. The restaurant is closed Sundays, so plan accordingly, but any other day you’ll find a spot to linger. If you care about sourcing and want an honest burger done right, Gabby’s delivers.
Baam Burger
Baam Burger at The Arcade in downtown Nashville keeps its menu small and precise. The counter-service spot highlights twice-smashed beef patties that stay juicy inside soft buns. The signature BAAM Burger comes piled with beef bacon, caramelized onions and house-made Baam Sauce. Beyond beef, you’ll find hand-breaded chicken and a plant-based patty—each one treated with equal care to maintain consistent quality.
Sides here go beyond the basics with hand-cut fries, beer-battered onion rings and one-of-a-kind Sweet Potato Waffles. Milkshakes earn their own spotlight in flavors like the Crazy Cinderella. Seating is available in the shared food hall area, and there’s a dedicated pick-up window for easy grab-and-go orders. Baam Burger stays open late every night except Sundays, catering to late-night and after-hours burger cravings. The menu also features halal meats and family-friendly options like a classic grilled cheese. On Tuesdays you’ll get free ice cream with any combo, a small perk that keeps locals coming back.
Grillshack Fries and Burgers – East Nashville
At Grillshack Fries and Burgers in East Nashville, simplicity is the star. The Grillshack Burger features a 100% grass-fed beef patty from Bear Creek Farms. It’s pressed flat on the griddle to develop crispy edges, then nestled into a locally baked roll from Charpier’s Bakery. Seasoning is kept straightforward so the quality ingredients truly stand out.
On the side, you’ll find thick, hand-cut fries tossed in a house Cajun blend. Classic picnic tables invite you to linger while sipping Yazoo beer on tap. Don’t expect freezer fries, mass-produced buns, or a lengthy cocktail list here—just burgers, wings, and fries served out of a colorful shack by locals who care.
This family-run spot is dog-friendly, eco-minded with compostable packaging, and perfect for takeout or a casual stop with friends. If you appreciate honest, no-frills food that celebrates each component, Grillshack is the burger haven you’ll want to visit next.
Cledis Burgers & Beer Garden
When you walk into Cledis Burgers & Beer Garden, you’re met with a menu that balances classic smash burgers and inventive twists. Each beef patty is griddled thin to develop crunchy edges and juicy centers. Crowd-pleasers like the Oklahoma Smash come loaded with grilled onions and American cheese. For something unexpected, try the bourbon strawberry jam burger or the tangy goat cheese creation topped with candied jalapeños.
Sides keep the fun going. Choose truffle fries, sweet potato tots, or loaded fries draped in Hatch green chili queso. Beer enthusiasts will appreciate 24 rotating taps featuring local and regional breweries. Retro decor and a lively, fast-casual vibe make it easy to feel at home.
In the spacious beer garden out back, you’ll find fire pits and live music on select nights. Well-behaved dogs are welcome here, and monthly community meals feed Nashvillians in need. For a neighborly meal that pairs creativity with comfort, Cledis delivers every time.
Brown’s Diner
Brown’s Diner sticks to its roots with thick, juicy cheeseburgers and genuine diner spirit. This family-run establishment serves six-ounce Certified Angus Beef patties cooked classic style. They come on soft, squishy rolls from Charpier’s Bakery and deliver exactly what you expect.
The Brown’s 1927 Cheeseburger is a menu mainstay. If you crave extra flavor, Lynn’s Pimento Cheeseburger adds house-made spicy pimento cheese, bacon, and grilled onions with Duke’s mayo. Papa Steve’s Chili Cheeseburger stacks chili, double cheese, and an onion ring for a heartier option.
Sides include hand-cut fries, hushpuppies, and coleslaw. Vintage trolley-car decor and a relaxed dive-bar atmosphere complete the experience. A full bar keeps happy hour lively, with classics and the famous Bushwacker cocktail on offer. As Nashville’s oldest diner and dive bar, Brown’s delivers more than a meal—you’re tasting local tradition. No reservations required. Just swing by and settle in.
Brothers Burger Joint
Tucked in Berry Hill, Brothers Burger Joint thrives on chef-inspired burgers and fresh, regional ingredients. Their premium locally sourced Angus beef comes smashed for crispy edges, then topped with choices like pesto, house-made spicy sauces, or tangy blue cheese. Each day, buns arrive from nearby bakeries to ensure the perfect texture.
You’ll find a plant-based veggie burger and rotating daily specials, plus sides such as jambalaya and hand-cut fries. Milkshakes, local craft beers, and a full bar round out the menu. The vibe is casual and welcoming—part neighborhood pub, part burger haven. Families and dog owners feel right at home in the fenced courtyard, and there’s even a kids menu.
Brothers began as a food truck, and you can still taste that spirit of community. Their commitment to Nashville shines in every detail, from sourcing to service. When you’re looking for an elevated burger experience with genuine local flair, Brothers Burger Joint is a must-stop.
