These Iconic Tennessee Burger Spots Are Serving Double Cheeseburgers That Locals Line Up For
I’m going to be honest: sometimes a fancy gourmet meal just doesn’t cut it. What I really crave is the perfect, greasy, messy, classic diner burger. For years, I’ve been driving all over Tennessee, chasing down rumors of great cheeseburgers. Recently, I found the holy grail-a few unassuming spots where the sizzle of the griddle is music, and the double cheeseburger is a work of art. Forget the tourist traps; these are the iconic local joints where the line out the door confirms you’ve arrived at the right place. We are diving deep into the state’s best-kept burger secrets.
1. Dyer’s Burgers – Memphis
Grease becomes legendary when it has been used since 1912, and that is exactly what makes this Memphis institution so wildly popular. Dyer’s cooks their burgers in grease that gets strained and reused daily, creating a flavor profile you simply cannot replicate anywhere else.
Locals swear by the unique cooking method that transforms ordinary beef into something memorable. Each patty soaks up over a century of flavor history, making every bite taste like edible tradition. The cheese melts perfectly over the thin patties, creating that classic diner-style experience.
Downtown Memphis gets busy, but the line moves surprisingly fast here.
You will find tourists and lifelong Memphians standing side by side, all craving that one-of-a-kind burger. The atmosphere feels authentically old-school without trying too hard to be retro or trendy.
2. Dixie Queen – Memphis
Neon signs and classic drive-in vibes make this Memphis spot feel like a time machine to the 1950s. Dixie Queen has been serving up no-nonsense burgers since 1956, and they have perfected the art of the double cheeseburger over those decades.
Nothing fancy happens here, just honest food made the way burgers should be. The meat gets seasoned just right, and the buns stay soft while holding everything together without falling apart. Pickles, onions, and mustard complete the classic flavor combination that keeps customers coming back weekly.
Old-school ordering through a window adds to the authentic experience. Families have been coming here for generations, creating memories over burgers and milkshakes. The prices remain reasonable, proving you do not need to spend a fortune for quality comfort food.
3. Magnolia & May – Memphis (East Memphis)
Upscale meets comfort food at this East Memphis gem where burgers get treated like culinary art. Magnolia & May elevates the double cheeseburger experience with premium beef, locally sourced ingredients, and creative topping combinations.
Craft drinks selection pairs beautifully with their burger menu, making this spot perfect for a casual date night or dinner with friends. The atmosphere feels modern and welcoming without being pretentious or stuffy. Service stays friendly and knowledgeable, with staff who genuinely care about your dining experience.
I remember bringing my cousin here last summer, and she could not stop raving about how the burger tasted restaurant-fancy while still feeling satisfying and hearty. Prices run slightly higher than typical burger joints, but the quality justifies every dollar spent.
4. The Pharmacy Burger Parlor – Nashville
Creative burger combinations meet old-timey pharmacy decor at this Nashville favorite that takes its beef seriously. The Pharmacy grinds their meat fresh daily and offers double cheeseburgers with inventive topping options that go way beyond basic lettuce and tomato.
Each burger gets built with care, and you can taste the difference fresh ingredients make. The cheese selection includes options beyond standard American, letting you customize your experience. Buns come toasted just enough to add texture without becoming crunchy or overdone.
East Nashville locals treat this place like their neighborhood hangout, and the welcoming atmosphere makes newcomers feel right at home. The extensive drink list means you will find the perfect beverage pairing.
5. Dreamburger (Burgers & Dreams) – Nashville
Smash burgers done right create those crispy, caramelized edges that burger enthusiasts dream about at night. Dreamburger specializes in this technique, pressing their patties onto a hot griddle until the edges get delightfully crunchy while the center stays juicy.
Simple ingredients shine when prepared with this much skill and attention to detail. The buns arrive soft and slightly sweet, complementing the savory beef without competing for attention. Toppings stay traditional, letting the quality of the meat and cooking method take center stage completely.
Lines form quickly during lunch and dinner rushes, but the kitchen works efficiently to keep things moving. The casual counter-service setup keeps prices reasonable while maintaining excellent food quality.
6. Burger Up – Nashville
Sustainability meets seriously good burgers at this Nashville mini-chain that sources grass-fed beef from local farms. Burger Up proves that ethical eating does not mean sacrificing flavor, with double cheeseburgers that taste rich and satisfying.
Cheese options include everything from sharp cheddar to creamy brie, letting you build your perfect burger experience. Fresh vegetables and house-made condiments add layers of flavor without overwhelming the excellent beef. The buns come from local bakeries, soft enough to compress but sturdy enough to handle the juicy patties.
My friend who usually avoids chain-style restaurants made an exception here and ended up going back three times in one week. Multiple Nashville locations make this spot convenient no matter which neighborhood you are exploring.
7. Pal’s Sudden Service – Kingsport / Northeast Tennessee
Lightning-fast service meets consistently delicious burgers at this regional treasure that Northeast Tennessee residents fiercely defend. Pal’s trains their employees to work with impressive speed and accuracy, getting your double cheeseburger to you hot and fresh in under a minute.
Architecture alone makes this place memorable, with bold colors and space-age designs that look like something from a 1960s cartoon. Everything gets made to order despite the incredible speed, ensuring quality never suffers for efficiency. The thin patties stack beautifully, creating ideal beef-to-cheese ratios in every bite taken.
Locals feel genuinely protective of this chain, considering it one of the region’s best-kept secrets. Prices stay remarkably low, making this spot perfect for feeding families without breaking the bank.
8. Burger Barn – Jackson
Small-town charm radiates from this Jackson institution where everybody seems to know your name and your usual order. Burger Barn keeps things wonderfully simple, focusing on classic double cheeseburgers made with quality beef and fresh toppings.
Cheese melts beautifully over the hot patties, creating those satisfying cheese pulls that make burger photos irresistible. The atmosphere feels comfortable and unpretentious, like eating at a friend’s backyard cookout every single time. Portions run generous, ensuring you leave feeling satisfied and happy about your meal choice.
West Tennessee folks drive from surrounding towns specifically to grab burgers here on weekends. The staff treats customers like family, remembering regulars and making newcomers feel instantly welcome.
9. Karin’s Kustard & Hamburgers – Smyrna
Frozen custard and burgers make the perfect pairing at this Smyrna spot that does both exceptionally well. Karin’s serves up double cheeseburgers with that classic diner-style preparation, featuring thin patties cooked on a flat-top griddle until the edges crisp up nicely.
The casual walk-up ordering system keeps things relaxed and family-friendly for all ages. Picnic tables provide outdoor seating where you can enjoy your meal on nice days. The custard selection offers the perfect sweet finish after your savory burger, making this a complete dining experience.
Last spring, I watched a little kid convince his parents to stop here by promising he would eat all his vegetables at dinner. Smart kid knew a good burger when he saw one.
10. Litton’s Market & Restaurant – Knoxville
Country cooking meets burger perfection at this Knoxville landmark that has been feeding locals since 1946. Litton’s started as a market and evolved into a full restaurant, but the double cheeseburger remains one of their most popular menu items.
Breakfast draws huge crowds, but lunch and dinner burger service deserves equal attention and praise. The portions lean generous, reflecting Southern hospitality and the belief that nobody should leave hungry. Prices stay reasonable despite the quality and quantity you receive on every plate served.
The casual atmosphere welcomes everyone from construction workers to business professionals looking for honest food. Knoxville natives bring out-of-town guests here to show them what real Tennessee cooking tastes like.
11. Stock & Barrel – Knoxville (Market Square)
Bourbon selection and burgers combine beautifully at this Market Square hotspot that elevates casual dining to an art form. Stock & Barrel offers double cheeseburgers with premium beef and creative topping combinations that push beyond traditional burger boundaries.
Cheese choices include options like aged cheddar and blue cheese, catering to more adventurous palates seeking bold flavors. The modern industrial decor creates a hip atmosphere without feeling exclusive or intimidating to anyone.
Downtown Knoxville visitors and locals alike pack this place during peak hours, creating a lively energy that enhances the dining experience. The extensive bourbon list gives whiskey lovers plenty to explore alongside their burgers.
12. Jack Brown’s Burger Joint – Multiple Tennessee Locations (Memphis / Chattanooga / Nashville Area)
Craft drinks meets creative burgers at this expanding chain that started in Virginia and conquered Tennessee hearts quickly. Jack Brown’s offers double cheeseburgers with inventive topping combinations that sound wild but taste absolutely incredible together.
The Greg Brady burger, for example, adds peanut butter to the mix, creating a sweet and savory combination that skeptics end up loving.Patties come cooked to order, staying juicy and flavorful under whatever creative toppings you choose from the menu.
Multiple Tennessee locations mean you can experience these burgers whether you are in Memphis, Chattanooga, or the Nashville area. The casual vibe welcomes burger enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds without pretension.