Tennessee Burger Showdown, 12 Chains Reviewed For Price Versus Quality

Ready to score the best burger for your buck in the Volunteer State? Tennessee’s burger scene doesn’t just sizzle – it downright smokes, with everything from hometown heroes to big-name chains vying for top grill marks.

We took one for the team (okay, twelve) and bit into a dozen burger joints to answer the ultimate greasy question: who’s serving up the most flavor without frying your wallet? Spoiler alert: things got juicy. You’re gonna need extra napkins for this one.

12. Huey’s – Memphis Magic On A Bun

Started in 1970, this Memphis institution serves burgers that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance! Their World Famous Huey Burger comes perfectly seasoned with a secret blend that locals swear by.

For about $10-12, you’re getting premium beef, fresh toppings, and that unmistakable smoky flavor from their well-seasoned grill. Talk about Tennessee burger royalty!

11. Pal’s Sudden Service – Teal-Colored Tummy Pleaser

Whoa, those giant food sculptures on their bright teal buildings aren’t just for show! East Tennessee’s quirky drive-thru wonder delivers burgers faster than you can say “Big Pal with cheese.”

Priced around $4-6 per burger, Pal’s has nailed the holy trinity of fast food: speed, consistency, and flavor. Harvard Business School even studied their efficiency – seriously!

10. Krystal – Slider Kingdom Of The South

Born in Chattanooga during the Great Depression, these tiny square sliders have been satisfying Tennesseans’ cravings for nearly a century! At just $1-2 each, these steamy little squares pack surprising flavor.

The soft bun, minced onions, and that signature pickle create burger alchemy that’s especially magical at 2 AM. Bonus points for their “sackful” deals that won’t dent your wallet!

9. Back Yard Burgers – Flame-Grilled Flavor Champion

Remember how backyard cookouts always tasted better than fast food? These Nashville-born maestros captured that charcoal-kissed magic in drive-thru form!

Their Black Angus beef patties ($6-9) get actual flame-grilling – not that fake grill-mark nonsense. Seasonal burgers like the Bacon Avocado showcase their creative chops while maintaining that nostalgic cookout quality.

8. Shoney’s – Nostalgic Diner Delight

Half the fun of Shoney’s burgers is the time-capsule vibe! Entering this Tennessee-based establishment is like entering a family diner from the 1970s, when burgers come with unlimited access to the salad and soup bar.

Their All-American Burger, which costs between $8 and $11, won’t change your palate, but what about when it’s served with their renowned hot fudge cakes? Heavenly comfort meal without breaking the bank!

7. O’Charley’s – Pub-Style Patty Perfection

Lurking on O’Charley’s menu between the ribs and chicken tenders hides a burger lineup that deserves way more attention! Their Classic Cheeseburger rocks a brioche bun that somehow never gets soggy.

At $10-13 with endless fries (hello, second basket!), these hearty half-pounders deliver solid value. The Bacon Cheddar Burger with its smoky-sweet bacon jam might be the menu’s unsung hero.

6. Burger Republic – Craft Burger Wonderland

Holy flavor explosion, Batman! This Nashville-born hotspot doesn’t just make burgers – they create edible art using Tennessee-sourced ingredients.

Yes, $12-16 burgers might make your wallet wince, but one bite of their award-winning Tennessee Whiskey BBQ burger with Jack Daniel’s glaze justifies every penny. Their boozy milkshakes alone are worth the trip!

5. The Pharmacy – Burger Joint With Prescription-Strength Flavor

Lines out the door? A positive indicator at all times! Farm-to-table burgers and an antique soda fountain will make your eyes roll back in delight at this East Nashville wonder.

Local meat and homemade sauces are used in their German-inspired dishes ($13–17), such as the Farm Burger. Burger night is transformed into a spectacular event that is well worth the premium price tag thanks to the biergarten sitting area.

4. Jiffy Burger – Small-Town Treasure Since 1965

Forget fancy brioche buns and artisanal aioli! This Manchester institution proves sometimes the best burgers come from unassuming spots with unchanged recipes since the ’60s.

Locals rave about their Slug Burger – a Depression-era creation extended with breadcrumbs that creates an irresistibly crispy edge. At $5-7 per burger, this cash-only joint delivers authentic Tennessee flavor without Instagram-worthy presentation.

3. The Burgers – Knoxville’s No-Nonsense Namesake

When your restaurant is literally named “The Burgers,” you better deliver! This East Tennessee mini-chain skips the frills and focuses on hand-pattied excellence with surprising flavor variations.

Their Blackened Burger ($8-10) brings Cajun heat that’ll wake up your taste buds without torching your tongue. Generous portion sizes make these mid-range prices feel like a steal compared to trendier spots.

2. Tremont Tavern – Chattanooga’s Burger Hideaway

Tucked away in Chattanooga’s North Shore neighborhood, this unassuming tavern secretly houses burger nirvana! Their hand-formed patties develop a crust that should be illegal it’s so good.

The Bluegrass Burger ($12-15) with pimento cheese and bacon jam showcases Southern flavors in perfect harmony. Higher price point? Yes, but these half-pound beauties come with premium toppings and that irreplaceable neighborhood pub atmosphere.

1. Cook Out – Late-Night Budget Champion

Not technically Tennessee-born, but this Southern chain has won Volunteer State hearts with burger-shake-side combos that defy economic logic! How do they make money when a full lunch costs only $5–7?

Many Tennesseans have been won over by their “Cookout Style” char-grilled burgers, which come with mustard, slaw, and chili. The actual magic? Selecting two sides from over 40 options, such as corn dogs and quesadillas!