5 North Carolina Burger Joints That Don’t Deliver And 5 You Definitely Need To Visit
North Carolina is a goldmine for burger lovers, with everything ranging from classic diners to trendy gastropubs serving up unforgettable bites. The Tar Heel State is full of juicy, flavor-packed options that’ll have your taste buds begging for more.
I’ve traveled across the state to uncover which spots fall short and which ones are truly worth the drive. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Farm Burger (Multiple NC cities)
Consistently underwhelming is the best way to describe this chain. Recent customer feedback points to smaller, under-seasoned patties that occasionally arrive overcooked.
I stopped by their Charlotte location last month and found my medium-rare request came out well-done. The service remains friendly, but the quality inconsistencies make this a spot to skip when burger cravings hit.
2. Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar (Charlotte, Greensboro)
Mixed signals make this spot a gamble. While Yelp reviewers praise it as one of Charlotte’s best burger destinations, a recent TikTok review flagged it as “the saltiest burger in NC.”
My own experience mirrors this inconsistency. The impressive toppings selection can’t always save the hit-or-miss patty quality.
When they’re on their game, they’re great, but the lack of consistency keeps them off my must-visit list.
3. Cook Out (Statewide)
Beloved for late-night cravings but not for gourmet satisfaction. This fast-food chain earns praise for variety and incredible value, but lacks the flavor depth of dedicated burger joints.
The thin patties simply can’t compete with craft options elsewhere. Think of Cook Out as your reliable friend – always there when you need them, especially at 1 AM, but not the one you’d introduce to your foodie relatives from out of town.
4. Whataburger (First NC locations in 2025)
The hype machine is churning, but delivery isn’t happening yet. This Texas chain is highly anticipated but won’t be operational in North Carolina until May 29 in Gastonia.
The orange-and-white striped buildings promise their famous large burgers that Texans swear by. Worth watching for their opening, but currently impossible to evaluate against established NC burger joints.
Hold your excitement until they actually arrive.
5. Nicholas’ (Lexington area)
Local favorite that never quite reaches stardom. Though Lexington has strong contenders like Nick’s and Char’s, none consistently rise to “best burger” status in North Carolina foodie guides.
The burgers are solid but forgettable – the kind you enjoy while eating but don’t crave later. Their traditional approach satisfies a basic burger need without innovation or standout flavor profiles that would make them destination-worthy.
6. Neuse River Brewing (Raleigh)
Brewery burgers that steal the spotlight from the beer! Reddit users consistently praise these as “shockingly good burgers” that nobody expects from a craft brewery.
Their signature garlic sauce elevates perfectly executed smash burgers to legendary status. When I visited with friends last month, even our vegetarian buddy broke their meat-free streak for a bite.
That’s how irresistible these flavor bombs are.
7. Picnic (Durham)
Highlighted by Eater Carolinas, Picnic’s house-ground brisket and bacon patties deliver an explosion of umami with each bite. Their signature topping combo, pimento cheese and house-made pickles, creates perfect harmony.
The outdoor seating area makes for an ideal summer evening spot, where the juicy burgers pair beautifully with their craft cocktail selection.
8. Alley Twenty Six (Durham)
Cocktail bar with a burger that steals the show! This upscale Durham spot mixes sophisticated ambiance with a burger that would make fast food joints weep with envy.
The truffle-cheddar and bourbon-bacon jam toppings elevate it beyond ordinary. I celebrated my promotion here last year and still can’t decide what was better – their Old Fashioned or that heavenly burger.
The answer is both, enjoyed together in their stylish space.
9. Bar Virgile (Durham)
Simplicity perfected in downtown Durham. Praised by Eater Carolinas, Bar Virgile’s classic cheeseburger proves that mastering the basics trumps gimmicky toppings any day.
The double patty comes with the perfect amount of Duke’s mayo – a Southern essential. The unpretentious presentation belies the careful technique behind each burger.
No wild toppings or Instagram bait here, just pure, unadulterated burger satisfaction at its finest.
10. Gussie’s on Morgan Street (Raleigh)
Raleigh’s new king of burgers has been crowned! Reddit users have replaced longtime favorite Wilson’s with Gussie’s as the capital city’s top pick.
Their smash burgers are described as “absolutely incredible” with the perfect ratio of meat to cheese to bun. The crispy edges of the patty provide textural contrast that elevates each bite.
Their house sauce adds just enough tang without overwhelming the beef’s natural flavor.