These Tennessee Drive-In Burger Spots Serve Double Cheeseburgers The Classic Way
Tennessee knows how to do burgers right, and nowhere is that more obvious than at the classic drive-in joints scattered across the Volunteer State.
These aren’t fancy restaurants with complicated menus, they’re straightforward spots where double cheeseburgers are made the way they’ve been made for decades, with fresh ingredients, simple preparation, and flavors that remind you why this American classic never goes out of style.
From the mountains to Memphis, these ten drive-ins have perfected the art of serving up juicy, cheesy, double-stacked burgers that’ll have you coming back for more.
1. Burger Master Drive-In – Townsend
Location: 8439 State Hwy 73 (E Lamar Alexander Pkwy), Townsend, TN 37882
Nestled in the heart of Smoky Mountain country, Burger Master Drive-In has been feeding hungry travelers and locals since it first opened its doors.
The smell of sizzling beef patties hits you before you even pull into the parking lot, which is always a promising sign.
Their double cheeseburger is a masterpiece of simplicity. Two perfectly seasoned patties get cooked on a flat-top grill until they develop that irresistible caramelized crust on the outside while staying juicy on the inside.
The American cheese melts into every nook and cranny, creating that gooey texture everyone craves.
What sets this place apart is its commitment to straightforward, old-school burger-making, focusing on fresh-tasting ingredients and time-tested techniques rather than shortcuts or trends.
After a long day of hiking in the nearby national park, nothing tastes better than biting into one of their double cheeseburgers.
The combination of quality ingredients and time-tested cooking methods creates something truly special.
Families have been making this a tradition for generations, and one taste will show you exactly why that is.
2. Snow White Drive-In – Lebanon
Location: 1714 W Main St, Lebanon, TN 37087
Walking up to Snow White Drive-In feels like stepping into a time machine set for the 1950s.
This Lebanon landmark has been serving up classic American fare since the mid-20th century, and their double cheeseburgers remain as legendary today as they were back then.
The magic happens on their well-seasoned griddle, where beef patties sizzle alongside onions that caramelize to sweet perfection.
Each burger gets assembled with care—bottom bun, patty, cheese, patty, cheese, toppings, top bun. It’s a formula that works beautifully every single time.
What makes Snow White special is the atmosphere as much as the food.
Families crowd into booths while friends gather at the counter, everyone united by their love of good burgers. The staff treats regulars like family and newcomers like future regulars.
Their double cheeseburger arrives wrapped in classic checkered paper, steam rising as you unwrap it.
The first bite delivers everything you hope for, beef that tastes like beef, cheese that’s perfectly melted, and vegetables that add the right amount of crunch and freshness.
This is comfort food done right, served with a smile that never goes out of style.
3. Carl’s Drive-In – Loudon
Location: 1254 E Lee Hwy, Loudon, TN 37774
Carl’s Drive-In proves that great burgers don’t need fancy surroundings.
This unassuming spot along East Lee Highway has built a loyal following based purely on the quality of their food and the friendliness of their service.
Their approach to the double cheeseburger is refreshingly straightforward, focusing on well-cooked beef patties, melted American cheese, and classic toppings assembled fresh to order.
The buns get a quick toast on the griddle, soaking up just enough of that beefy flavor to make them extra delicious.
Fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, crunchy pickles, and sliced onions complete the picture, though you can customize your order however you like.
Locals know to arrive early during lunch rush because these burgers are popular for good reason.
The combination of quality beef, proper cooking technique, and generous portions creates something that keeps people coming back week after week.
Whether you’re passing through town or lucky enough to live nearby, Carl’s delivers exactly what a classic drive-in burger should be.
4. Jiffy Burger – Manchester
Location: 1001 Hillsboro Blvd, Manchester, TN 37355
Speed and quality usually don’t go together, but Jiffy Burger in Manchester somehow manages to deliver both.
True to their name, service here is impressively fast, yet they never sacrifice the quality that makes their double cheeseburgers so memorable.
The secret lies in their well-organized kitchen and experienced staff who’ve perfected their craft over years of practice.
Patties cook on a blazing-hot griddle that sears the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The timing is crucial, and these folks have it down to a science.
Each double cheeseburger gets built with precision. The cheese melts perfectly between those two beef patties, creating layers of flavor that work together beautifully.
Fresh toppings add texture and brightness, cutting through the richness of the meat and cheese.
What really makes Jiffy Burger stand out is consistency. You can visit on a Tuesday afternoon or a busy Saturday evening, and your burger will taste exactly as delicious either time.
That kind of reliability builds trust with customers, which explains why the parking lot always seems to be full.
For anyone traveling through Manchester, stopping here isn’t just recommended—it’s practically required for burger lovers who appreciate the classics done right.
5. Small’s Drive-In – Athens
Location: 802 S White St, Athens, TN 37303
Don’t let the modest name fool you—there’s nothing small about the flavor at Small’s Drive-In.
This Athens institution has been serving oversized portions of deliciousness for decades, and their double cheeseburger is the star of the show.
The patties here are generously sized, meaning your double cheeseburger is genuinely substantial. They cook each one with care, making sure the exterior gets that slightly crispy edge while the center stays moist and flavorful.
The cheese selection might be simple American, but it’s applied with a heavy hand, which is exactly what burger lovers want.
Small’s has perfected the art of the toasted bun.
They butter it lightly before pressing it onto the griddle, creating a golden-brown surface that adds another layer of flavor and prevents sogginess. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in the overall eating experience.
The atmosphere here is pure small-town Tennessee—friendly faces, quick service, and food that tastes like home.
Regulars have their favorite parking spots and usual orders, while visitors quickly understand why this place has such a devoted following.
Every bite of their double cheeseburger reminds you that sometimes the best things in life really are simple.
6. Dub’s Place – Chattanooga
Location: 4408 Dayton Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37415
Chattanooga has plenty of places to eat, but Dub’s Place holds a special spot in the hearts of locals who know where to find an authentic, old-school double cheeseburger.
This neighborhood favorite has been serving up classics for years, and they’ve never felt the need to reinvent the wheel.
Their double cheeseburger philosophy is simple: start with quality beef, cook it right, and don’t mess it up with unnecessary complications.
The patties are thick and juicy, cooked to order on a flat-top grill that’s been seasoning itself for decades.
That accumulated flavor adds something special you just can’t replicate with new equipment.
The cheese melts into perfect gooeyness, draping over the beef like a delicious blanket.
Fresh vegetables provide the crunch and brightness that balance out the rich, savory flavors of the meat and cheese.
The buns are soft but sturdy enough to hold everything together without falling apart.
What keeps people coming back to Dub’s is the consistency and the feeling of being welcomed.
The staff remembers faces and orders, creating a sense of community that’s increasingly rare.
For a taste of Chattanooga’s burger heritage, this is the place to visit.
7. Frostee Freeze Drive-In – Tazewell
Location: 1617 N Broad St, Tazewell, TN 37879
Up in the mountains of East Tennessee, Frostee Freeze Drive-In has been a community gathering spot for generations.
While their frozen treats get plenty of attention, the double cheeseburgers deserve equal billing for being absolutely outstanding.
The burger-making process here follows traditional drive-in methods, with patties cooked fresh to order and topped with melted cheese and classic fixings.
Two layers of melted cheese create pockets of gooey goodness between the beef patties.
The toppings are always fresh and crisp, adding texture and flavor that complement rather than overwhelm.
Frostee Freeze represents everything great about small-town Tennessee dining.
The prices are reasonable, the portions are generous, and the quality remains consistent.
Families make it a regular stop, creating memories over burgers and shakes.
8. Pal’s Sudden Service – Kingsport
Location: 1100 Lynn Garden Dr, Kingsport, TN 37665
Pal’s Sudden Service is a Tennessee treasure that’s been perfecting fast food since 1956.
Their signature double cheeseburger is known as the Double Big Pal with cheese, combining speed with a level of consistency that’s earned fierce loyalty across the region.
The speed here is genuinely impressive, orders fly out of the kitchen in under a minute, but they never sacrifice taste for efficiency.
Each patty is cooked fresh to order, seasoned perfectly, and topped with cheese that melts into creamy perfection.
The vegetables are sliced fresh daily, and the special sauce adds a tangy sweetness that ties everything together.
What makes Pal’s special is their attention to detail despite the quick pace. Employees go through extensive training to ensure consistency across all locations.
The result is a burger that tastes exactly the same whether you visit on a Monday morning or a Friday night.
The bright, cheerful architecture makes Pal’s impossible to miss as you drive through Kingsport. Locals have fierce loyalty to this regional chain, and visitors quickly understand why.
Their double cheeseburger proves that fast food doesn’t have to mean compromised quality. It’s a Tennessee original that deserves all the praise it receives from burger enthusiasts across the state.
9. Karin’s Kustard & Hamburgers – Smyrna
Location: 470 S Lowry St, Smyrna, TN 37167
Karin’s Kustard & Hamburgers brings a taste of old-school drive-in culture to Smyrna, and their double cheeseburgers are worth every bit of the hype they receive from locals.
This family-owned spot takes pride in doing things the traditional way, which means quality ingredients and time-tested cooking methods.
The burgers are made with fresh-tasting beef and cooked to order, giving each double cheeseburger that satisfying crust-and-juice balance fans rave about.
Each patty gets cooked until it develops that signature crust on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
The cheese melts perfectly, creating strings of gooey deliciousness with every bite. Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles add the crunch and brightness that make each mouthful interesting.
What really sets Karin’s apart is the friendly atmosphere and genuine care that goes into every order. The staff takes pride in their work, and it shows in the final product.
Whether you’re a Smyrna local or just passing through, stopping here for a double cheeseburger is time well spent. The combination of quality food and warm hospitality creates an experience that sticks with you.
10. Dixie Queen – Memphis
Location: 2391 Airways Blvd, Memphis, TN 38114
Memphis might be famous for barbecue, but Dixie Queen proves the city knows its way around a classic burger too.
This long-running Memphis institution has been serving traditional drive-in fare for generations, and their double cheeseburger remains a favorite among those who appreciate straightforward American comfort food.
The approach here is delightfully old-fashioned. Beef patties get seasoned simply, then cooked on a seasoned griddle that adds its own special flavor.
Dixie Queen’s double cheeseburger arrives hot and fresh, wrapped in paper that barely contains all that juicy goodness.
The buns are soft and slightly sweet, providing the perfect vehicle for all those savory flavors. Fresh toppings add crunch and balance, making each bite a complete experience.
What makes this place truly special is its connection to Memphis history. Generations of families have made Dixie Queen part of their routine, creating traditions around these burgers.