12 North Carolina Burger Spots So Popular, People Wait Hours Just To Get A Table
North Carolina knows how to serve up a legendary burger.
From crispy patties sizzling on flat-top grills to juicy creations stacked sky-high with toppings, the Tar Heel State has earned serious bragging rights in the burger world.
These spots have lines out the door and wait times that would test anyone’s patience, but one bite makes it all worthwhile.
1. Al’s Burger Shack
Chapel Hill locals will tell you that Al’s is worth every minute of the wait, and they mean it. This tiny spot has been flipping burgers since around 2008, and the crowds haven’t stopped coming.
Their secret lies in fresh-ground beef cooked to perfection and creative topping combinations that’ll make your taste-buds do a happy dance.
The line often snakes around the block, but regulars say it moves faster than you’d think. Try the signature burger with pimento cheese for a true Carolina experience. The casual atmosphere and friendly staff make the wait feel like catching up with old friends rather than standing in line.
2. Hops Burger Bar
Greensboro’s craft scene meets burger heaven at this gastropub sensation. Hops Burger Bar opened its doors with a mission to pair exceptional burgers with an impressive drinks selection, and boy, did they nail it.
The menu features everything from classic cheeseburgers to wild creations topped with fried eggs, bacon jam, and even mac and cheese.
Weekend waits can stretch past an hour during peak times, but the restaurant offers a buzzer system so you can explore nearby shops. Their hand-cut fries are legendary, and the rotating tap list keeps enthusiasts coming back. The industrial-chic decor adds to the cool vibe that makes this place Instagram-worthy.
3. Johnson’s Drive-In
Since 1946, this Siler City institution has been serving nostalgia on a bun. Johnson’s is the real deal—a genuine drive-in where carhops still bring food to your window on busy nights. The burgers are simple, old-fashioned, and exactly what comfort food should taste like, with thin patties griddled until the edges get crispy and delicious.
Don’t expect fancy toppings or gourmet pretensions here. What you get is honest-to-goodness American diner fare that’s remained virtually unchanged for decades. The wait can be long, especially on summer evenings when families pile in for a taste of the past. Cash only, so hit the ATM before you go.
4. Brooks’ Sandwich House
Charlotte’s best-kept secret isn’t so secret anymore, and the crowds prove it. Brooks’ has been family-owned since 1973, serving up monster burgers that require two hands and several napkins. Their chili burgers have achieved cult status among locals who swear nothing else comes close to matching that perfect blend of spices and meat.
The small dining room fills up fast during lunch and dinner rushes. Expect to wait anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour on weekends, but the staff works efficiently to keep things moving. The prices are shockingly reasonable for the portion sizes, making this spot a favorite among college students and families alike.
5. Melvin’s Hamburgers & Hot Dogs
Raleigh residents have been lining up at Melvin’s since 1984 for good reason. This no-frills joint focuses on doing a few things exceptionally well rather than offering a massive menu. The burgers are juicy, the hot dogs are snappy, and the onion rings are criminally addictive with their golden, crunchy coating.
Peak hours mean you’ll probably wait, but the quick service keeps the line moving steadily. Many customers order takeout to avoid the cramped seating situation inside. The drive-through option helps, though it can back up into the parking lot during dinner time.
Cash and cards accepted, making life easier for everyone who craves their classic burgers.
6. Barcelona Burger and Garden
Who says burgers can’t be sophisticated? This Mooresville hotspot proves that elevated ingredients and creative flavor combinations can coexist with casual dining.
Barcelona takes inspiration from global cuisines, offering burgers topped with everything from Spanish chorizo to Asian-inspired slaw. The extensive garden features dozens of craft brews on tap from local and international breweries.
The spacious outdoor patio helps accommodate crowds, but waits still happen regularly, especially during happy hour and weekend brunch. Their truffle fries are dangerously good, and the vegetarian options actually satisfy meat-eaters too.
7. MoJoe’s Burger Joint
Jacksonville’s military community and locals alike pack into MoJoe’s for burgers that pack serious flavor. This spot earned its reputation by using fresh, never-frozen beef and hand-cutting every single fry in-house daily.
The menu offers creative combinations alongside classic builds, so everyone from adventurous eaters to traditionalists finds something to love. The casual, laid-back vibe makes the wait feel less painful, and the staff keeps spirits high with friendly banter.
Try the bacon peanut butter burger if you’re feeling brave—it sounds wild but tastes incredible. Lines form quickly during lunch hours when nearby Camp Lejeune empties out, so timing your visit helps avoid the longest waits.
8. PT’s Olde Fashioned Grille
Step back in time at this Wilmington treasure that’s been slinging burgers since 1951. PT’s hasn’t changed much over the decades, and that’s exactly how customers like it. The griddle-cooked burgers come wrapped in paper, the milkshakes are thick enough to require a spoon, and the jukebox still plays oldies that transport you to simpler times.
Expect substantial waits on weekends when both tourists and locals converge on this beloved institution. The counter seating fills first, followed by the booths that line the walls. Everything is made to order, which slows things down but guarantees freshness.
The nostalgic atmosphere makes waiting feel like part of the authentic experience.
9. Island Burgers & Bites
Ocean Isle Beach visitors know that vacation calories don’t count, especially at Island Burgers. This coastal spot combines beach vibes with seriously good burgers, creating a laid-back atmosphere where flip-flops are the dress code.
The menu features tropical-inspired toppings like pineapple salsa and teriyaki glaze alongside traditional options, giving every burger a vacation feeling. Summer waits can test your patience as tourists and locals compete for tables with ocean breezes.
The outdoor seating area provides the best views and atmosphere, making it worth the extra wait time. Their sweet potato fries pair perfectly with any burger choice, and the Key lime milkshake tastes like sunshine in a glass.
10. The Cardinal
Located in Boone, this mountain-town burger champion opened its doors to serve up gourmet creations in the thick of college and visitor traffic. This sports bar atmosphere meets upscale burger joint in the best possible way, with massive flat screens showing games while the kitchen turns out gourmet creations.
The burgers are thick, juicy, and cooked exactly to your specifications, with toppings that range from simple to spectacular. Game days bring absolute chaos, with waits stretching beyond ninety minutes during important matchups.
The extensive drinks selection and creative menu make the wait more bearable, though. Try the fried pickle appetizer while you wait—it’s become almost as famous as their burgers among regulars who know all the best menu secrets.
11. Baby Bull
Located in Asheville, the burger scene in the Bull City, or rather the Blue Ridge, got a major upgrade when Baby Bull arrived. This trendy spot takes burgers seriously while maintaining a fun, unpretentious atmosphere that welcomes everyone from students to professionals.
The beef comes from local farms when possible, and the buns are baked fresh daily by a nearby bakery, showing attention to detail that separates good burgers from great ones.
The small space means limited seating, so waits are common even on weeknights. Their rotating burger specials keep the menu exciting for repeat visitors who’ve already tried everything on the regular lineup.
12. Jack Brown’s Burger Joint
Boone’s college crowd and mountain visitors pack this small joint that’s become legendary for good reason. Jack Brown’s keeps things simple with a focused menu of creative burgers paired with an impressive drinks selection that changes regularly.
The Greg Brady burger topped with peanut butter and bacon has converted countless skeptics into believers, proving that unusual combinations can create burger magic.
The tiny space fills up instantly, creating waits that can exceed an hour during ski season and football weekends. No reservations means everyone waits equally, from students to visiting parents. The staff moves quickly despite the crowds, and the quality never wavers even when they’re slammed.