7 Georgia Burger Chains That Locals Swear Are Worth The Drive
Everybody knows the big names when road-tripping through the South. But true flavor hounds know that the best meals aren’t found under golden arches-they’re in the hidden, fiercely defended regional spots.
Georgia, a state renowned for its culinary scene, holds a secret weapon: unique burger chains that skip the franchise playbook in favor of genuine, unforgettable quality. We’ve talked to the locals, sampled the menus, and mapped out the seven essential Georgia burger chains that absolutely demand a detour.
Forget the fast food, it’s time to taste what real Southern flavor feels like.
1. NFA Burger – The Gas Station Sensation
Hidden inside a Dunwoody Chevron station sits one of Georgia’s most celebrated burger spots. The crispy-edged smash burgers here have gained such fame that even Food & Business Insider have featured this unlikely culinary destination.
Owner Billy Kramer perfected his technique through years of experimentation, creating patties with that coveted lacy edge that burger aficionados dream about. The simplicity of the menu allows each ingredient to shine.
My brother-in-law once drove 45 minutes just for a quick NFA lunch and claimed it was completely worth the trip. The combination of premium beef, melty American cheese, and house-made pickles creates burger magic that transcends its humble gas station setting.
2. The Vortex Bar & Grill – Atlanta’s Burger Institution
Recognizable by its skull-shaped entrance, The Vortex has been an Atlanta fixture since 1992. This adults-only establishment serves towering burger creations that require jaw unhinging and strategic attack planning.
The restaurant’s irreverent atmosphere matches its over-the-top menu offerings. Favorites include the Coronary Bypass series featuring patties stacked between grilled cheese sandwiches instead of buns.
The Vortex maintains strict 21+ entry rules, creating an atmosphere where adults can enjoy great food without interruption. Their half-pound patties are hand-formed daily and grilled to order, creating the foundation for some of Atlanta’s most memorable burger experiences that locals recommend to anyone seeking authentic Georgia eats.
3. The Grill – Hawkinsville’s Hidden Treasure
Small-town charm meets big-time flavor at The Grill in Hawkinsville. This unassuming local favorite proves that sometimes the best burgers come from the places least expected.
The burgers here feature hand-formed patties cooked on a well-seasoned flat-top grill that’s been in service for decades. Locals say the secret lies in the grill itself, which has absorbed flavors from thousands of burgers past.
I stumbled upon The Grill during a road trip through central Georgia last summer. The sweet elderly couple running the register told me they’ve used the same burger recipe for 40 years. That consistency and dedication to craft explains why The Grill has earned recognition as one of Georgia’s best burger destinations despite its out-of-the-way location.
4. Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar – Gourmet Creations in Chamblee
Bad Daddy’s elevates the burger experience with chef-driven creations that push flavor boundaries. Their Chamblee location has become a destination for burger enthusiasts seeking something beyond the ordinary.
The menu features premium ingredients like buttermilk-fried bacon, homemade mozzarella, and house-made sauces. Their signature Bad Daddy’s Burger combines a custom-ground beef blend with horseradish mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickles and their famous bacon on a brioche bun.
The restaurant’s build-your-own option offers over 60 toppings, allowing for nearly endless combinations. Georgia locals particularly praise the bacon cheeseburger, claiming it delivers the perfect balance of savory, smoky and rich flavors that make the drive to Chamblee worthwhile for burger lovers throughout the Atlanta metro area.
5. Stockyard Burgers & Bones – Marietta’s Meat Masters
Stockyard takes the farm-to-table approach seriously with locally-sourced beef transformed into juicy, flavorful patties. Their locations in Marietta and Vinings have become beloved gathering spots for burger enthusiasts.
The blue cheese burger with caramelized onions represents their commitment to balanced flavor profiles. Each burger features a custom blend of chuck, brisket, and short rib, creating a rich beefy flavor that stands up to creative topping combinations.
The restaurant’s rustic-modern atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying their craft burgers. Stockyard also offers an impressive selection of drinks that pair perfectly with their meaty creations. Regular customers recommend saving room for their house-made milkshakes, which provide the ideal sweet finish to a satisfying burger experience.
6. Five Guys – Atlanta’s Favorite Chain Burger
While Five Guys has expanded nationwide, Georgia locals maintain that the Northside Drive location in Atlanta serves some of the best iterations of these famous burgers. The formula remains refreshingly simple: fresh ground beef, unlimited toppings, and consistent execution.
What separates this location from others in the chain is the staff’s attention to detail. Burgers arrive perfectly cooked with toppings generously applied according to order specifications.
The restaurant’s commitment to freshness extends beyond the never-frozen beef. Potatoes for their famous fries come from specific farms and are cut fresh daily. Though now a national chain, this Five Guys location maintains the quality and care that earned the brand its devoted following when it was just a regional favorite.
7. The Varsity – Atlanta’s Historic Drive-In Legend
Operating since 1928, The Varsity stands as Atlanta’s burger time machine. The world’s largest drive-in restaurant greets customers with its famous “What’ll ya have?” call that has become part of Georgia’s cultural fabric.
The burgers here aren’t fancy by modern standards, but their classic simplicity represents authentic Americana. Thin patties are grilled alongside the buns on a flat-top, creating a distinctive taste that generations of Atlantans associate with special occasions and Georgia Tech football games.
Beyond burgers, The Varsity’s onion rings, frosted orange drink, and chili dogs round out the nostalgic menu. The downtown Atlanta location near Georgia Tech serves as both a tourist destination and local institution. For many Georgia families, a Varsity burger isn’t just food—it’s a tradition passed down through generations.