5 Best Burger Spots in Raleigh that Locals Rave About

Raleigh’s food scene has exploded, and burgers are one of the things locals are quietly (and loudly) obsessive about. From chef‑driven patties on brioche to bar burgers that drip down your wrist, these five spots come up constantly when Raleigh folks argue about the best burger in town.

1. The Players’ Retreat (PR)

Old‑school, slightly scruffy, and absolutely beloved, The Players’ Retreat is one of Raleigh’s most iconic burger spots. It’s a classic pub right by NC State, with dark wood, TVs, and a menu that looks simple—but the burgers are dialed in.

Burgers here are thick, juicy, and cooked to order (they’ll actually do medium‑rare properly). You pick your cheese and toppings, and they come on a soft bun that holds together without turning into mush. The PR Burger with cheddar, bacon, and sautéed onions is a go‑to, but regulars also swear by just a straightforward cheeseburger and fries with a beer.

2. MoJoe’s Burger Joint

MoJoe’s feels like the quintessential neighborhood burger bar: casual, a little loud, and completely focused on big, messy, satisfying burgers. You can order single, double, or triple patties, and the toppings range from straightforward to wild.

The MoJoe’s Classic with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle is perfect if you want that “backyard cookout but better” vibe. If you’re hungry, the Inferno Burger with jalapeños, pepper jack, and hot sauce gets a lot of love from spice fans. Onion rings and sweet potato fries are both worth the upgrade.

3. CowBar Burger & Fries (at Morgan Street Food Hall)

CowBar started as a food truck and now anchors a popular stall at Morgan Street Food Hall. The vibe is fast‑casual, but the burgers eat like something from a sit‑down restaurant.

Locals rave about the CowBar Classic smashburger—two thin, crispy‑edged patties with melty American cheese, pickles, onions, and “fancy sauce” on a squishy bun. It’s salty, beefy, and exactly what a smashburger should be. Their specialty burgers (like ones topped with pimento cheese or bacon jam) lean indulgent without getting silly.

4. Char-Grill

Char‑Grill is a Raleigh institution. It’s fast‑food style—order at the window, burgers wrapped in paper—but everything is cooked over charcoal, and that smoky flavor is what people are hooked on.

The Hamburger Steak Junior (double patty with lettuce, tomato, onion, and special sauce) is a classic, and the crinkle‑cut fries complete the nostalgic feel. If you want that old‑school, no‑frills, drive‑in burger experience, this is the place locals send you.

5. Hoppy Endings

Tucked into a strip center but packing serious burger energy, Hoppy Endings is a beer‑centric hangout with a burger menu that surprises a lot of first‑timers.

The patties are juicy and well‑seasoned, and the topping combinations are big and bold: blue cheese and bacon, fried egg and avocado, or jalapeños and spicy aioli. It’s the kind of place where you grab a local IPA, order whatever burger special is on the board, and know you’re in good hands.