8 Iconic Burger Restaurants In Tennessee Where You Can Dine For Less Than $15
Tennessee knows how to do comfort food right, and nowhere is that more obvious than in its burger scene.
From Memphis to Nashville, these iconic spots serve up mouthwatering patties that won’t empty your wallet.
I’ve spent years hunting down the best burgers across the Volunteer State, and I can tell you that amazing flavor doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
Whether you’re craving a classic cheeseburger or something with a twist, these eight restaurants prove that delicious dining can happen for under fifteen bucks.
1. Gabby’s Burgers & Fries – Nashville
Last summer, I stumbled into Gabby’s after a long day exploring Music City, and honestly, it changed my entire perspective on what a neighborhood burger joint can be. This place doesn’t mess around with fancy ingredients or complicated menus.
Instead, they focus on doing the basics brilliantly—juicy patties cooked to perfection, fresh buns that don’t fall apart, and fries so crispy they could wake the neighbors. The atmosphere feels like your favorite uncle’s backyard cookout, minus the awkward family conversations.
Prices here are shockingly reasonable, with most combo meals landing well under the fifteen-dollar mark. The staff treats you like family, remembering your order if you visit more than once. Honestly, Gabby’s proves that sometimes the simplest approach creates the most memorable meals.
2. Jiffy Burger – Manchester
Speed meets quality at this Manchester institution that’s been flipping burgers since 1960. Walking through those doors feels like stepping into a time machine, complete with vintage decor and that unmistakable smell of grilled onions.
The name isn’t just clever—these folks really do serve your meal in a jiffy, which is perfect when you’re starving after visiting nearby Bonnaroo or just passing through on a road trip. Their secret weapon? A cooking technique passed down through generations that locks in flavor while keeping everything incredibly tender.
I’ve watched truckers, families, and college students all crowd into this tiny spot, united by their love of affordable, no-nonsense burgers. The menu stays simple, the portions stay generous, and the prices stay stuck somewhere in the past (in the best way possible).
3. Dyer’s Burgers – Memphis
Here’s something wild: Dyer’s has been cooking their burgers in the same grease since 1912. Before you get squeaky, let me explain—they filter and replenish it constantly, creating a cooking medium that’s basically liquid flavor gold.
This Memphis landmark on Beale Street serves deep-fried burgers that taste unlike anything else you’ve ever experienced. The patties come out impossibly juicy with edges that crackle when you bite down. My first visit left grease stains on my shirt and zero regrets in my heart.
The place buzzes with energy, especially during evening hours when blues music drifts in from neighboring venues. For under fifteen bucks, you get a burger, fries, and a genuine taste of Memphis culinary history that tourists and locals alike can’t resist.
4. Litton’s Market & Restaurant – Knoxville
Litton’s operates on a brilliant premise: why not combine a butcher shop with a restaurant so your burger goes from meat case to grill in record time? This Knoxville gem has mastered the farm-to-table concept without any of the pretentiousness that usually comes with it.
The burgers here taste noticeably fresher because, well, they are. You can literally watch them grind the beef in the market section before it becomes your lunch. I once asked the owner about his meat sourcing, and he just pointed to local farms on a map hanging by the register.
Beyond burgers, they offer incredible sides made from scratch daily. Everything stays affordable because they cut out the middleman. Eating here feels wholesome in a way that’s hard to find anymore, like visiting your grandparents’ farm during harvest season.
5. Zarzour’s Cafe – Chattanooga
Plot twist: one of Chattanooga’s best burger spots comes from a family with Middle Eastern roots who somehow figured out how to make American classics even better. Zarzour’s has operated since 1964, blending cultures in the most delicious way possible.
Their burgers come with an option to add Mediterranean-spiced seasonings that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. I’m talking cumin, garlic, and herbs that transform a regular patty into something extraordinary without overwhelming the beef flavor.
The cafe maintains that old-school charm where the owner’s grandkids might take your order, and regulars have their favorite booths claimed like territorial cats. Prices remain stuck in a more generous era, with complete meals easily fitting under your fifteen-dollar budget. This place represents everything beautiful about immigrant families enriching American food culture.
6. Sloppy Hog Burger Joint – Sevierville
Fair warning: you’ll need extra napkins, possibly a bib, and maybe a shower after tackling burgers at this Sevierville spot near the Smoky Mountains. The name doesn’t lie—these creations are gloriously, unapologetically messy.
I watched a grown man cry tears of joy (or maybe barbecue sauce?) after finishing their signature burger piled high with pulled pork, bacon, and enough toppings to violate several laws of physics. They embrace excess in the best way, proving that more really can be more when done right.
Despite the generous portions, prices stay shockingly low, making this a favorite among tourists visiting nearby Gatlinburg who want real food instead of overpriced theme park fare. The staff has a sense of humor about the chaos they serve, and the whole experience feels like a delicious adventure rather than just a meal.
7. Brothers Burger Joint – Berry Hill
Berry Hill’s Brothers Burger Joint operates on the philosophy that creativity and affordability can absolutely coexist. These guys experiment with flavor combinations that sound questionable on paper but taste absolutely brilliant on your plate.
Ever tried a burger topped with mac and cheese, fried pickles, and a special sauce that tastes like heaven got liquefied? I hadn’t either until my first visit, which turned into weekly visits because I couldn’t stop thinking about it. They rotate specials constantly, so the menu never gets boring.
The brothers who run the place clearly love what they do, and that enthusiasm translates directly into food quality. Despite using premium ingredients and creative recipes, they keep prices accessible because they’d rather have packed tables than empty seats. This spot proves that innovation doesn’t require a fancy price tag.
8. Cledis Burgers & Garden – Nashville
Combining burgers with a garden sounds like someone finally figured out what heaven’s food court should look like. Cledis brings European drink garden vibes to Nashville while keeping the menu refreshingly American and budget-friendly.
Their outdoor space becomes magical at sunset when string lights flicker on and the city noise fades into background ambiance. I’ve spent countless evenings here with friends, stretching a fifteen-dollar budget into hours of entertainment with a solid burger and affordable local brews.
The burger menu stays focused rather than overwhelming, with each option carefully crafted to pair well with their drink selection. Staff members actually know their stuff, offering pairing suggestions without being snobby about it. This place masters the art of casual sophistication—looking cooler than it costs and tasting better than it looks.