Chattanooga has turned into a legit food town, and its burger game kept pace. From riverfront spots to neighborhood bars, these five places come up constantly when locals talk “best burger in Chatt.”
1. Urban Stack
Urban Stack is basically a burger shrine: whiskey bar, big patio, and a menu almost entirely dedicated to creative, high‑quality burgers. It’s one of the first spots locals name when the burger conversation starts.
They use locally sourced beef and do everything from classic cheeseburgers to more adventurous builds with fried eggs, bacon jam, blue cheese, jalapeños, and house‑made sauces. The Good Day Sunshine (with fried egg and bacon) and the Patty Melt‑style options are especially loved. Vegetarian and turkey burgers are legit, not afterthoughts. Hand‑cut fries and good whiskey seal the deal.
2. Tremont Tavern
Tremont is a neighborhood tavern that has built a real cult following off its burgers. It’s cozy, often packed, and exactly the kind of place where regulars have “their” burger and rarely stray.
The patties are thick and juicy, cooked to temp, and tucked into a soft bun with generous toppings. Popular choices include the Tavern Burger (your basic done‑right cheeseburger), the Jalapeño Jack Burger, and various daily/weekly specials that pile on house‑made sauces, different cheeses, and seasonal toppings. The vibe is casual, the beer list is strong, and the burgers are the star.
3. Main Street Meats
Part butcher shop, part restaurant, Main Street Meats is where burger nerds go when they want serious beef. The meat is butchered and ground in‑house, and you can taste the difference.
Their flagship burger is simple but perfect: a rich, juicy patty with American cheese, house pickles, onions, and special sauce on a soft, toasted bun. There’s just enough char, lots of beef flavor, and everything is in balance. It’s the kind of burger that looks basic on paper but ruins you for lesser versions. Pair it with a cocktail or a local beer and you’ve got one of the best meals in town.
4. Slick’s Burgers
Slick’s is a fun, casual burger joint in a converted industrial space, with picnic tables, garage‑door walls, and a laid‑back, almost backyard‑cookout feel.
You order at the counter and choose from a list of signature burgers or build your own from a long list of toppings. Patties are juicy, with a slight char, and you can go single, double, or bigger if you’re hungry. Toppings range from bacon, fried onions, and various cheeses to jalapeños, house sauces, and more. The fries and onion rings are solid, and there’s often a good crowd of families, students, and locals hanging out.
5. The Blue Plate
Right on the riverfront, The Blue Plate is a modern diner‑style spot doing elevated comfort food—and their burger has a serious following.
The burgers tend to be thick and well‑seasoned, with good cheese melt and fresh toppings. Expect takes like a classic cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, plus specialty builds that lean into bacon, pimento cheese, or Southern‑style toppings. The view of the Tennessee River, patio seating, and the ability to grab a cocktail or local beer make it an easy downtown go‑to when you’re craving a burger.
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