Hayley ThomasHunting down the best burger in Nashville is an absolute treat. This city offers an incredible mix of classic drive-in favorites and towering gourmet creations. Sometimes you just need a break from your favorite Italian restaurant to enjoy a juicy, all-American meal.
I constantly search for local joints that push the boundaries of flavor while honoring the basics of a great patty. So I put together this guide to highlight my absolute favorite destinations across town.
How Much Does a Burger Cost in Nashville?
A classic burger meal in Nashville generally runs between $5 and $16, while premium specialty burgers at upscale sit-down venues range from $18 to over $24.
| Dining Type | Price Range |
| Fast Food & Budget | $5 – $10 |
| Casual & Local Spots | $11 – $16 |
| Upscale & Specialized | $18 – $24+ |
1. Fat Bottom Brewing Co.
Website: https://www.fatbottombrewing.com/
Address: 800 44th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209
Contact: Office: 615.709.9516 | Taproom: 615.437.3571
Hours: Mon – Wed: 3 PM – 9 PM | Thurs: 3 PM – 10 PM | Fri: 11 AM – 10 PM | Sat: 10 AM – 10 PM | Sun: 10 AM – 7 PM
Fat Bottom Brewing Co. recently expanded into a massive 33,000-square-foot facility in The Nations. Being East Nashville’s very first brewery, they treat their food as a premium culinary experience rather than an afterthought.
I recently stopped by to taste their chef-driven menu, and you can truly feel this dedication the moment you bite into their high-quality double cheeseburger. Wash your meal down with an affordable Monday entrée special while relaxing in their heated outdoor beer garden.
Sadly, their taproom doesn’t open until 3:00 PM on most weekdays, making an early lunch impossible. They also operate on a walk-in basis, so you can’t guarantee a table online. Still, it is a fantastic option for a casual evening out.
Customer Reviews
I always love coming to this place great beer good food and always something fun going on!! I had the pulled pork sandwich tonight but I wasn’t super impressed I would definitely stick with the burger the next time that I order food. The tater tots and wings that my boyfriend had were delicious.
- Addie Adams | Google Review
The Virgil Burger is the best burger I’ve ever had!! The beer here is amazing too. I haven’t met a single person who doesn’t like at least one of their beers. The staff is lovely as well. Fat Bottom is my favorite place to go in East Nashville!
- Kelley Cothron | Google Review
2. Hard Rock Cafe
Website: https://cafe.hardrock.com/
Address: 100 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201
Contact: 615-742-9900 | [email protected]
Hours: Sun – Thu: 11 AM – 10 PM | Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 12 AM
Looking for an immersive music history vibe? Hard Rock Cafe delivers a visually stunning dining room right on Broadway. This historic landmark spans half a block.
As one of the most popular downtown restaurants, it features over 12,920 square feet of iconic rock memorabilia. They serve a proprietary beef blend for their Steak Burgers. This guarantees a fresh and highly specific flavor profile for guests.
Diners can easily swap their patties for a plant-based Impossible Burger or request a gluten-free bun. You also get 90 minutes of validated parking, which is a rare luxury downtown.
However, you will pay a premium price for these casual meals. Their signature burgers cost much more than those at local independent joints. The 378-seat venue also gets incredibly loud, so skip this spot if you want a quiet conversation.
Customer Reviews
Great food and great service. The Messi Chicken sandwich was delicious and the mushroom Swiss burger was great. The fries were perfectly seasoned and the macaroni and cheese may have been the best I have ever had. The real showstopper was the apple cobbler though! It was cinnamon-y and gooey and topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with caramel. Oh yum!
- Cashea S. | Google Review
It is impossible not to visit a Hard Rock Cafe in every city I go, the food and the show to see all the collections of famous music celebrities are a must. This restaurant in Nashville, is especially cozy, the attention that Super Lex gave us, was great, a super nice girl and always with a big smile for all customers. The Messi Burger, the best I have ever tasted. Without a doubt, I will be back.
- Phelo Partidas | Google Review
3. Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint Germantown
Website: https://www.jackbrownsjoint.com/
Address: 1123 3rd Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208
Contact: 615-928-6774 | [email protected]
Hours: Daily from 11:00 AM – 2 AM
Night owls craving a late bite should look no further than Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint. Their primary focus is uncompromised quality. Every single patty consists of 100% American Wagyu beef sourced from Snake River Farms.
They believe in a strict “served simple” philosophy. The kitchen intentionally ditches traditional toppings like lettuce and tomato so the superior meat stays front and center. You can pair your meal with an option from their massive craft beer list.
This location stays open until 2:00 AM every day. It serves as a highly reliable spot after a long night out.
Unfortunately, they strictly refuse to add lettuce or tomato. They also only offer crinkle-cut or sweet potato fries as sides. If you want a vast menu, this focused approach feels a bit limiting.
Customer Reviews
The burger place was really good. The meat was tender, juicy, and cooked perfectly, which made the burger stand out. Everything tasted fresh and satisfying. Definitely a great spot if you’re craving a good burger.
- Manoj M | Google Review
The burgers here never disappoint! I came on a Friday night and it was crowded but the vibes were just right. I got the Grady and it put me exactly where i needed to be. Who knew bar B Que chips and Mac and cheese was what I needed on a burger. I also got the Jacked up fries and they were DELICIOUS and fresh! The fried Oreos were the icing on the cake. They come out piping hot! I tried their Carmel Apple blonde cider it was ok. Can’t wait to come back on for their Tuesday specialty burger.
- Kayla Chappell | Google Review
4. Burger Republic
Website: http://burgerrepublic.com/
Address: 420 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Contact: 615-915-1943 | [email protected]
Hours: Daily from 11 AM – 10 PM
Craving gourmet flavors right in your own neighborhood? Burger Republic brings its accessible menus to multiple key areas across the city. They lean heavily into regional tastes.
You will find local favorites like Benton’s Bacon and a Jack Daniel’s honey glaze on their signature sandwiches. You can easily wash down your meal with an adult “Spiked Shake.” These famous treats feature fun ingredients like Tennessee moonshine.
They also offer an impressive level of customization. Diners can swap to an all-natural turkey patty or a vegan veggie burger.
Unfortunately, their premium add-ons come with hefty upcharges. These extra fees quickly inflate your final bill.
Certain specialty items and bun choices are also unavailable at specific locations. You might arrive craving a specific dish only to realize they don’t serve it there.
Customer Reviews
The burgers here are absolutely delicious. You can never go wrong with burger. The beef is so good. It’s a traditional classic good American burger. They are huge and juicy and will definitely get you if you are visiting Nashville this is one of my favorite places to eat as a local and it’s easy to access around downtown
- Asia Price | Google Review
This place was absolutely amazing! The atmosphere was great and our waiter was amazing. Food was quick, fresh, and was great quality. The sweet potato tots tasted real and so did the meat. I ordered the Hawaiian burger and it was a perfect blend of sweetness and savory.
- Jada-Mary J. | Google Review
5. The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden
Website: https://thepharmacyburger.com/
Address: 731 Mcferrin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
Contact: 615-712-9517
Hours: Sun – Thu: 11 AM – 9 PM | Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 9:30 PM
Widely considered a trendsetter in the city, The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden exclusively uses locally sourced Tennessee beef for their patties. This helps keep their environmental footprint local.
They also operate as an authentic German wursthaus. You can order house-made sausages and eat them inside a massive outdoor patio.
I recently met some friends here to enjoy the sunny weather, and I loved seeing creative options like the “Missionary” burger topped with pineapple. They even offer completely vegan “Beyond” patties for plant-based eaters.
Sadly, they enforce a strict first-come, first-served policy, so expect a long wait during the dinner rush. You must also bring a card, as they operate as a completely cashless business. Lastly, their kitchen doesn’t allow any substitutions on specialty burgers, meaning picky eaters cannot modify their orders.
Customer Reviews
Killer beer selection. Was impressed at the range it covered and some of the imported options to sip on. They did also have cannabis drinks and non alcoholic beers! Delicious burgers. Didn’t try a shake, but man our bartender was slinging those things.
Solid stop if you’re looking for a burger and appreciate beer culture. Even if you are vegetarian, vegan, or GF, there were plenty of options to serve all.
General pub meets burger joint vibes.
- Cory Love | Google Review
The food was so amazing here and our waitress was very nice and attentive. It was our first time in Nashville and this was a great way to start our trip. I’m definitely going back when we visit again! I had the impossible pharmacy burger and my husband had the bbq burger and was talking about it all day.
- Jasmine | Google Review
