10 Tennessee Burger Chains That Locals Swear Serve Beef Worth The Trip
Ever had a burger craving hit you so hard it felt like a siren call? Cruising Tennessee’s backroads, I’ve often found myself pulling over, compelled by an irresistible urge for a perfectly seared, juicy patty nestled in a toasted bun. It’s a feeling I know well!
My personal odyssey for the Volunteer State’s ultimate beef has led me to countless hidden gems. Forget those flimsy, forgettable fast-food flops. We’re talking about the kind of culinary masterpieces that have locals literally lining up.
Join me as we uncover 10 Tennessee burger chains that swear they serve beef absolutely worth the trip.
1. Krystal
Chattanooga gave birth to something magical back in 1932, and Tennesseans have been hooked ever since. Krystal sliders are tiny, square, and steamed with onions until they practically melt in your mouth. You cannot eat just one, which is why locals order them by the sack.
My grandmother used to take me to Krystal after church every Sunday, and I would demolish six sliders before we even left the parking lot. The beef is thin but flavorful, and those steamed onions add a sweet tang that hits different.
Generations of Tennessee families have grown up on these little beauties. Krystal remains a Southern institution that refuses to fade away, no matter how many fancy burger joints pop up around town.
2. Huey’s
Memphis knows good food, and Huey’s has been proving that since 1970 with burgers that drip with flavor. The patties are thick, hand-formed, and cooked to juicy perfection every single time.
Locals swear by the classic cheeseburger, which comes dressed with crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and tangy pickles. Walking into any Huey’s location feels like entering a neighborhood pub where everyone knows your name.
The atmosphere buzzes with conversation, laughter, and the sizzle of beef hitting the grill. People shoot toothpicks into the ceiling, a quirky tradition that makes every visit memorable. Huey’s proves that sometimes the simplest approach creates the most satisfying burger experience in all of Tennessee.
3. Cledis Burgers
Nashville food trucks can become legends, and Cledis took that journey from wheels to brick-and-mortar success. Smash burgers get their name from the technique of pressing beef flat against a screaming-hot griddle, creating those crispy, caramelized edges everyone craves.
Cledis perfected this art form and built a loyal following that demanded permanent locations. The beef gets smashed thin, seasoned simply, and topped with American cheese that melts into every crevice. Each bite delivers maximum beef-to-bun ratio with textures that range from crispy to tender.
Cold drinks pairs perfectly with these burgers, and Cledis offers plenty of local brews. What started as a humble food truck now represents Nashville burger culture at its finest and most delicious.
4. The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Garden
East Nashville hides a converted pharmacy that now serves some of the city’s most creative burgers. Hand-smashed patties form the foundation, but house-made toppings elevate everything to cult status. The menu changes with the seasons, so locals return again and again to try new flavor combinations.
Last summer, I tried their peach burger with bacon jam, and it changed my entire perspective on what belongs between two buns. The garden out back creates the perfect setting for enjoying these masterpieces under string lights.
Every ingredient gets sourced thoughtfully, from local farms whenever possible. The Pharmacy proves that Nashville can compete with any city when it comes to inventive, delicious, and memorable burger creations worth bragging about.
5. Burger Up
Nashville’s Burger Up took the fast-casual concept and added a thoughtful twist that locals appreciate deeply. Regional ingredients shine here, with options like Tennessee lamb burgers and bison patties alongside classic beef.
The flavor combinations feel sophisticated without being pretentious or overwhelming. Grass-fed beef makes a noticeable difference in taste and texture, offering a cleaner flavor profile that lets quality shine through. Sweet potato fries come perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.
The atmosphere strikes a balance between casual comfort and modern style. Burger Up represents the evolution of Tennessee burger culture, where quality ingredients meet creative thinking and traditional Southern hospitality in every single bite.
6. Dreamburger
Chasing down a food truck might sound like work, but Nashville locals gladly hunt for Dreamburger’s neon glow. Smash burgers here earn their dreamy reputation through perfect execution and quality beef that tastes clean and beefy.
The truck parks at different locations throughout the week, creating a treasure hunt for burger lovers. Simple toppings let the beef take center stage, with American cheese, pickles, and special sauce doing just enough support work.
The patties develop those signature lacy, crispy edges that crunch satisfyingly with every bite. Lines form quickly once the truck opens, so smart locals arrive early. Dreamburger proves that mobility does not mean compromising on quality or flavor when passion drives the operation forward.
7. Five Guys
Consistency matters when you want a reliable burger, and Five Guys delivers that promise across Tennessee locations. Made-to-order means your burger hits the grill only after you place your order, ensuring maximum freshness.
The topping bar offers fifteen free options, so customization reaches nearly infinite possibilities. Peanuts sit in bins near the entrance, free for munching while you wait for your order to arrive hot and fresh. The fries come hand-cut and cooked in peanut oil, creating a flavor and texture that keeps people coming back.
Two patties standard means you get plenty of beef in every burger. Five Guys might be a chain, but Tennessee locals trust it for burgers that never disappoint on busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
8. Cook Out
Southern comfort food meets fast-casual convenience at Cook Out, where trays rule the menu and value rules the price point. Grilled burgers come hot off the flames with that char-grilled flavor Tennesseans crave deeply. The tray system lets you combine a burger with two sides and a drink for less money than most value meals.
My college friends and I practically lived off Cook Out during finals week, rotating through different milkshake flavors each visit. Over forty shake options mean you could try a new one every time and still not finish the list.
The portions fill you up without emptying your wallet. Cook Out understands that Tennessee locals want quality beef, generous portions, and prices that make sense for everyday eating and late-night cravings.
9. Whataburger
Texas pride crossed state lines, and Tennessee welcomed Whataburger with open arms and empty stomachs. The signature burger comes big, bold, and stacked with fresh vegetables that crunch with every bite. Orange and white stripes mark these locations, creating instant recognition for burger seekers.
Customization reaches new heights here, with options to add jalapenos, bacon, or grilled onions to your heart’s content. The beef patties are never frozen, always fresh, and cooked to order throughout the day and night.
Twenty-four-hour availability means you can satisfy burger cravings whenever they strike hardest. Whataburger may have Texas roots, but Tennessee locations have earned local loyalty through consistent quality and flavors worth the wait.
10. Culver’s
Midwest hospitality arrived in Tennessee through Culver’s, bringing ButterBurgers that live up to their rich, indulgent name. Butter-toasted buns add a golden, crispy texture that transforms every bite into something special. Fresh, never frozen beef gets cooked to order, ensuring juicy results every single time.
The butter element might sound like overkill, but it creates a flavor foundation that balances perfectly with tangy pickles and onions.
Frozen custard provides the ideal dessert finish, smooth and creamy in ways regular ice cream cannot match. Blue and white buildings dot Tennessee now, offering reliable quality.
Culver’s proves that regional chains can cross borders successfully when they bring genuine quality and flavors that speak for themselves clearly.