14 Virginia Burger Spots Locals Say Never Let Them Down
Virginia has a burger scene that keeps locals loyal, with spots that deliver consistently satisfying bites every time.
From juicy patties to perfectly toasted buns and inventive toppings, these restaurants know how to hit every craving just right.
Whether you’re after classic flavors or bold, unexpected combinations, each burger is crafted with care.
Dining here feels like a guaranteed win, proving that some meals become favorites not just for taste, but for reliability too.
1. Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint (Harrisonburg)
Born from two childhood friends’ dream, this Harrisonburg hotspot turns simplicity into an art form. Their Wagyu beef patties sizzle on the grill while craft beers flow freely from the taps.
College students and locals alike flock here for the Greg Brady burger topped with mac and cheese and potato chips.
The laid-back atmosphere and walls decorated with quirky memorabilia make every visit feel like a party with old friends.
2. Citizen Burger Bar (Charlottesville)
Sustainability champions serve up local goodness between two buns at this Charlottesville favorite.
Every ingredient, from the grass-fed beef to the house-made pickles, comes with a pedigree and purpose.
Students celebrate exam victories with The Executive, a decadent creation featuring black truffle aioli and foie gras.
The restaurant’s industrial-chic setting with exposed brick and pendant lighting creates the perfect backdrop for savoring these ethical indulgences while sipping on Virginia craft beers.
3. Burger Bach (Richmond)
Kiwi influence meets Virginia hospitality in this New Zealand-inspired gastropub.
The name “Bach” (pronounced “batch”) refers to modest beach houses where Kiwis escape for relaxation, exactly the vibe you’ll find here.
Free-range beef and lamb shipped from New Zealand create flavor profiles unlike any other Richmond burger spot.
Adventurous eaters gravitate toward the Wellington burger with blueberry chipotle BBQ sauce. Health-conscious burger lovers appreciate their gluten-free buns and fresh-cut kumara (sweet potato) fries.
4. Beauvine Burger Concept (Richmond)
Creativity runs wild at this Richmond burger laboratory where classic Americana meets culinary innovation.
Chefs craft everything in-house, from the freshly ground beef blends to the tangy special sauce that’s earned its own fan club.
Locals rave about the Beauvine burger with its perfect char and melty cheese.
The restaurant’s bright, modern space with colorful murals provides a cheerful backdrop for indulging in their famous boozy milkshakes, the ideal sweet companion to their savory masterpieces.
5. Cobra Burger (Richmond)
From pop-up sensation to brick-and-mortar success story, Cobra Burger embodies Richmond’s entrepreneurial spirit.
These smash burgers feature locally-sourced beef smashed thin on a scorching griddle for maximum caramelization and crispy edges.
Their signature Cobra sauce adds a tangy kick that perfectly complements the rich, beefy flavor. Lines form early for their weekend-only special burgers that sell out faster than you can say “medium rare.”
The minimalist space lets the food take center stage, with the open kitchen providing dinner and a show.
6. Holy Cow Del Ray (Alexandria)
Philanthropy meets phenomenal flavor at this Alexandria gem where each burger purchase triggers a donation to local charities.
The community-minded approach extends to their sourcing, with local farms providing the foundation for their juicy creations.
Families gather around tables to customize burgers from an extensive topping bar. The bright, airy space with cow-themed decor keeps the mood light and fun.
Their signature Holy Cow burger with bacon jam has converted even the most dedicated veggie-lovers into occasional beef enthusiasts.
7. MELT Gourmet Cheeseburgers (Leesburg)
Husband-and-wife team Steven and Debbie Hancotte turned their culinary dreams into reality with this Leesburg institution.
Their 10-ounce hand-formed patties have earned national recognition, including being named one of the top burgers in America.
The secret lies in their proprietary beef blend and cooking technique that locks in juices. Suburbanites drive miles for specialties like the Bacon & Blue with caramelized onions.
The cozy, unpretentious setting with checkerboard floors creates a nostalgic backdrop for these modern flavor explosions.
8. Social Burger (Vienna)
Small in size but mighty in flavor, this Vienna neighborhood spot proves that quality trumps quantity.
Owner Denise Lee personally selects the freshest ingredients, creating relationships with local farmers to ensure every component shines.
Regulars swear by the Social Burger with its secret sauce and perfectly melted American cheese. The compact space buzzes with conversation as neighbors catch up over craft sodas and hand-cut fries.
Despite the limited seating, locals willingly wait for a taste of these meticulously crafted handheld masterpieces.
9. The White Spot (Charlottesville)
University of Virginia students have been fueling late-night study sessions with Gus Burgers since 1953.
This no-frills diner on The Corner serves up nostalgia alongside their famous egg-topped burgers that somehow taste even better after midnight.
Alumni make pilgrimages back just to sit at the counter and watch cooks press patties on the decades-old griddle.
The walls, covered with UVA memorabilia, tell stories of countless celebrations and commiserations. Their grilled donuts make the perfect sweet finale to a classic American burger experience.
10. Texas Tavern (Roanoke)
“We seat 1000 people, 10 at a time” boasts this tiny Roanoke landmark that’s been operating 24/7 since 1930.
The Cheesy Western, a quirky burger topped with egg and relish, has sustained night shift workers, travelers, and late-night revelers for generations.
Counter service only and cash only are the rules at this time capsule where prices seem frozen in time.
Regulars speak the unique lingo, ordering their burgers “with” (onions) and knowing not to ask for ketchup. The sassy waitstaff and close quarters create an atmosphere as memorable as the burgers themselves.
11. The Original Burger Bar (Bristol)
Country music history and burger perfection converge at this Bristol institution where Hank Williams allegedly ate his last meal.
The no-nonsense approach to burgers, hand-formed patties cooked on a well-seasoned griddle, has remained unchanged since 1942.
Diners perch on red vinyl stools, watching their lunch sizzle mere feet away. The Burger Bar’s famous Whiteway Burger comes with a slice of nostalgia that no modern restaurant can replicate.
Music pilgrims and burger enthusiasts alike find common ground in this historic spot straddling the Virginia-Tennessee line.
12. Repeal Bourbon & Burgers (Virginia Beach)
Prohibition-era vibes meet modern culinary techniques at this stylish Virginia Beach eatery.
Bourbon infusions appear throughout the menu, from the glazes on the burgers to the extensive bar program featuring over 100 varieties of America’s native spirit.
Beach-goers clean up for evening outings to savor the Bootlegger Burger with bourbon-caramelized onions.
The sophisticated speakeasy atmosphere with leather booths and vintage photographs sets the stage for elevated comfort food.
Their house-made bourbon BBQ sauce has inspired many failed attempts at home replication.
13. 80/20 Burger Bar (Norfolk)
Science meets culinary art at this Norfolk establishment named for the ideal fat-to-lean ratio in a perfect burger patty.
Local farm partnerships ensure the freshest ingredients make their way onto each plate, often harvested the same morning they’re served.
Navy personnel and locals bond over creative offerings like the Fig & Pig topped with fig jam and pork belly. The industrial-cool space with exposed ducts and brick walls buzzes with conversation.
Their rotating selection of Virginia craft beers provides the ideal accompaniment to these thoughtfully constructed burgers.
14. Lager Heads (Virginia Beach)
Beach vibes and burger perfection collide at this oceanfront favorite where salty air somehow makes everything taste better.
Just steps from the boardwalk, hungry surfers and tourists refuel with half-pound behemoths topped with unexpected combinations.
The Black & Blue burger with blackening spice and blue cheese has a cult following among locals. Outdoor seating provides prime people-watching opportunities along the bustling boardwalk.
Despite the tourist-heavy location, the quality has never wavered, making this a rare spot embraced by visitors and year-round residents alike.