8 North Carolina Burger Joints Everyone Should Try At Least Once

Nothing beats sinking your teeth into a juicy, perfectly grilled burger topped with all your favorites.

Here in North Carolina, we’ve got some serious burger game that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.

I’ve spent years hunting down the best patties across our beautiful state, from hole-in-the-wall diners to craft burger havens.

Ready for a mouthwatering adventure through the Tar Heel State’s most incredible burger spots?

1. Al’s Burger Shack (Chapel Hill)

Holy cow! Al’s tiny wooden shack near UNC campus doesn’t look like much, but their Bobo Chili Cheeseburger changed my life last summer. The patties are cooked to juicy perfection with this magical crust that makes me weak in the knees.

What sets Al’s apart is their commitment to locally-sourced ingredients – everything from the beef to the buns comes from nearby farms. Their special sauce (a secret recipe I’ve tried unsuccessfully to recreate) adds this tangy zip that perfectly balances the rich meat.

Fair warning: seating is limited, so be prepared to eat standing up or grab a spot at one of the outdoor tables. Trust me, you could be eating this burger standing on your head and still think it’s the best thing ever.

2. Cook Out (Statewide Fast-Food Chain)

Midnight burger cravings hit different, and Cook Out has saved my hungry soul more times than I can count. This North Carolina-born fast-food chain serves up char-grilled burgers that taste like they came straight from your neighbor’s backyard barbecue – but at prices that’ll make your wallet smile.

Their double cheeseburger with bacon is my go-to after catching a movie or concert. The smoky flavor from that genuine char-grilled cooking method can’t be faked! Plus, their combo meals come with TWO sides instead of just one (milkshakes count as a side, and they have over 40 flavors).

Cook Out’s drive-thru lines get crazy long after 10 PM, but the wait is worth it when you’re craving that authentic cookout taste without firing up your own grill.

3. Barcelona Burger & Beer Garden (Mooresville)

Stumbled upon this gem while exploring Lake Norman last spring, and my burger standards have never been the same! Barcelona isn’t your average patty joint – they’ve created this magical Spanish-American fusion that’ll blow your mind.

The Manchego Burger had me practically serenading my plate. Topped with Spanish Manchego cheese, serrano ham, and a garlic aioli that I still dream about, it’s a flavor explosion that transported me straight to the Mediterranean. Their outdoor beer garden, strung with twinkling lights, creates the perfect atmosphere for savoring every bite.

My burger-skeptic friend (who usually orders chicken everywhere) couldn’t resist stealing bites from my plate. Their house-made chips with smoked paprika seasoning make the perfect sidekick to these international flavor bombs.

4. Burger Village (Raleigh)

Green eating meets burger heaven! When my vegetarian sister visited Raleigh, I panicked about where to take her until discovering Burger Village. This eco-friendly spot caters to literally everyone – meat lovers, vegans, and the gluten-free crowd alike.

Their organic bison burger nearly made me weep with joy. The meat is incredibly lean yet somehow stays juicy, topped with caramelized onions and their signature Village sauce. My sister’s plant-based Beyond Burger looked so convincing that I had to double-check which was which on our table!

The restaurant itself feels like eating in a modern treehouse, with reclaimed wood tables and hanging plants everywhere. Even their straws are made from biodegradable materials! Who knew doing good for the planet could taste this incredible?

5. MoJoe’s Burger Joint (Raleigh)

Rock ‘n’ roll vibes and burger perfection collide at MoJoe’s! I wandered in after a particularly rough Monday at work and found my happy place among vintage concert posters and the smell of griddled beef.

The Carolina Burger should be our state’s official food – topped with chili, slaw, mustard, and onions, it’s a messy masterpiece that requires at least three napkins and zero shame. The patties have this amazing crust from their decades-old flat-top grill that locks in all the juicy flavors.

Between bites, I bobbed my head to classic rock playing over the speakers while watching the open kitchen work their magic. The sweet potato fries with maple dipping sauce create the perfect sweet-savory combo to complete this burger experience. MoJoe’s isn’t fancy – it’s just fantastic.

6. Players Retreat “PR” (Raleigh)

History buffs and burger lovers unite! The first time I pushed open PR’s heavy wooden door, I felt like I’d stepped into a time machine. This Raleigh institution has been serving hungry locals since 1951, and the walls covered in NC State memorabilia tell stories that span generations.

Their PR Burger is simplicity perfected – hand-formed patty cooked exactly to your preferred doneness (they actually ask and get it right!), topped with melty American cheese on a toasted bun. Nothing fancy, just burger brilliance that’s stood the test of time.

I sat at the bar next to a guy who’d been eating the same burger order for 40 years, which tells you everything you need to know. The old-school vibe, friendly bartenders who remember your name, and those perfectly seasoned fries make PR a true North Carolina treasure.

7. Char-Grill (Raleigh, NC Fast-Food Chain)

Nostalgia hits different at Char-Grill! My grandpa brought me here as a kid, and filling out those paper order forms with a tiny pencil still makes me giddy with excitement. This Raleigh-born chain has been flame-grilling burgers since 1959, and they’ve perfected the art of fast-food that doesn’t taste like fast-food.

The Hamburger Steak Jr. with cheese, pickles, and onions is my forever order – watching it come off the open flame grill with that distinctive char pattern feels like a little ceremony. The thin patties get these amazing crispy edges while staying juicy in the middle.

Summer nights at Char-Grill, leaning against your car with a paper-wrapped burger and a chocolate shake, is peak North Carolina living. The no-frills approach lets the quality ingredients and cooking method shine without any gimmicks.

8. Carolina Brewery (Chapel Hill)

Beer and burgers – name a more perfect pairing. I’ll wait! Carolina Brewery crafts both with equal passion, and their “Best Burger in the Triangle” title is no empty boast. After a UNC basketball win (or loss, who am I kidding), this is where the crowd migrates.

The Brewery Burger arrives like a towering monument to beef perfection – half-pound Angus patty topped with aged cheddar, apple-wood smoked bacon, and this amazing roasted garlic aioli that should be illegal. Pair it with their Sky Blue Golden Ale, brewed just feet from your table, for a match made in heaven.

Last time I visited, I convinced my entire family to order different burgers so I could sample them all. The mushroom swiss variation nearly dethroned my beloved Brewery Burger! Their house-made pickle spears deserve their own fan club.