This North Carolina Burger Joint Serves Stacked Patties Locals Say Are The Best In The State
The first time I bit into a double-stacked burger at Zack’s, I knew my burger standards would never be the same.
Tucked away in Charlotte, this unassuming joint has become a North Carolina legend for its towering, juicy creations.
Locals line up daily for these masterpieces, and after multiple visits (all for research, I promise), I’m sharing why these stacked patties have earned their reputation as the state’s finest.
Two Patty Power: Why Zack’s Double Stack Rules Charlotte
I’ve eaten burgers across 37 states, but nothing compares to the gravity-defying architecture of Zack’s signature double stack. The secret? They smash each patty thin on a sizzling griddle that’s been seasoning burgers since 1989, creating those irresistible crispy edges while keeping the inside perfectly juicy.
The beef itself deserves its own fan club – locally sourced from a farm just outside Asheville and ground fresh every morning. No freezers in sight! Each patty gets a sprinkle of their house seasoning blend (rumor has it there’s a hint of coffee in there).
When doubled up, these thin patties create the perfect meat-to-bun ratio that thick, single-patty burgers simply can’t match. As Grandma used to say, “Sometimes more is just right.”
Stacked Satisfaction: Locals Swear By Zack’s Layered Burger Bliss
“You haven’t really lived in Charlotte until you’ve had a Zack’s burger,” my neighbor told me on moving day. He wasn’t exaggerating! The loyal following this joint has cultivated since opening in 1975 borders on religious devotion. Every Saturday, you’ll find the same faces in line – from construction workers to bank executives.
What keeps them coming back isn’t just the food but the community. Owner Ray (Zack’s son) knows most customers by name and often remembers their orders. During my third visit, he greeted me with “another double with extra pickles, right?”
The walls are plastered with local sports memorabilia and faded photos of patrons who’ve conquered the infamous Triple Stack Challenge. Forget fancy farm-to-table spots – this is where Charlotte’s heart beats.
Classic Double Decker Delight — The Zack’s Special You Can’t Beat
Holy cow! The first time I ordered the Zack’s Special, the server winked and said, “Hope you brought your appetite.” Two perfectly seasoned beef patties arrive stacked with melted American cheese oozing between them like lava from a delicious meat volcano. Unlike those sad fast-food imposters, these patties extend well beyond the bun’s edge.
The toppings game here is strong but never complicated. Crisp lettuce, thick-cut tomato, thinly sliced onions, and their house-made pickle chips provide the perfect crunch contrast. The mayo-based secret sauce (which I’ve tried and failed to recreate six times) ties everything together.
Pro tip: Ask for your bun “diner style” – they’ll butter and toast it on the same griddle where the meat cooks, infusing it with decades of flavor.
Double The Patties, Double The Flavor: Zack’s Goes Old-School, Still Tops The Charts
Forget fancy aiolis and pretentious toppings! Zack’s throwback approach proves that sometimes grandpa really did know best. Their double-stacked masterpiece follows the same recipe that founder Zachary Wilson scribbled on a napkin back in 1975, refusing to change with food fads.
The magic happens on a flat-top grill that hasn’t been replaced since Reagan was president. Each morning at 5 AM, third-generation grill master Tommy hand-forms patties from a blend of chuck, brisket, and short rib. “The grill remembers,” he told me with a wink when I asked about their cooking method.
While other burger joints chase Instagram fame with rainbow buns and gold flakes, Zack’s keeps proving that quality ingredients and time-honored techniques create flavors no filter can enhance.
Charlotte’s Double Burger Legend: Inside The Zack’s Special Experience
Last summer during a thunderstorm, I watched the power go out at Zack’s. Did they close? Heck no! The staff lit candles, and everyone kept right on eating those famous double stacks by flashlight. That’s dedication you can’t fake.
What makes the experience special goes beyond the burger itself. The symphony of sizzling beef, servers shouting orders in diner lingo, and the satisfying squish when you press down on that towering creation – it’s burger theater at its finest. The plastic baskets lined with checkered paper may be nothing fancy, but they’ve caught the drippings of countless happy meals.
My favorite spot is the corner booth with the wobbly table. From there, you can watch three generations of Charlotte residents bonding over what might be the last honest burger in America.