Where to find the 8 best burgers in Charlotte
Before my vegetarian phase of life, the best burger I ever bit into came off of my parents’ grill. It was always a thick patty, medium well, with no need for anything fancy to distract from the flavor. Just a toasted Kaiser roll and a heap of ketchup.
Now, away from our parents’ grills, here are the 8 best burgers in Charlotte, according to the C5 team. Veggie (and fancy) options included.
Get it:
White Trash Burger at Pinky’s Westside Grill
With onion rings, provolone, fried pickles, spicy ranch sauce.
“The fried pickles are probably my favorite thing at Pinky’s. So fried pickles on a burger? Yes please!” – Corey Inscoe
American “Crunch” Burger at The Liberty
With house pimento cheese, smoked bacon, tomato-chile jam, whipped blue cheese and chips.
“The only thing wrong with this potato-chip-and-pimento-cheese- topped burger is that you can’t eat it in private. This is a problem both because it’s hard to gracefully eat something this large and because moaning with pleasure in public is frowned upon.” – Sarah Crosland
“All the Way” Burger at Brooks’ Sandwich House
With mustard, onions and homemade chili.
“This burger is the embodiment of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ This tiny shack has produced simple and amazing burgers since 1973. The burgers are smashed on a flat top, giving them a perfect char that pairs nicely with the signature chili. And they cost just $3.50 ($3.75 with cheese.)” — Corey Inscoe
“Warning: Will need a nap after consuming this simple yet delicious burger.” — Sallie Funderburk
Cantina Burger at Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Black bean burger with white cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, green chiles, avocado, topped with chipotle ranch dressing.
“The ‘burger’ to satisfy all Mexican cravings.” – Me
Zack’s Special at Zack’s Hamburgers
Two ground beef patties with American cheese, lettuce, onions, tomato, pickles, mayonnaise. And special sauce.
“Sure, these ingredients may sound familiar *cough, Big Mac, cough* but Zack’s will make you forget any other versions of this mix you may have tried. Plus, this Charlotte institution is known for its shakes. So you have an excuse for ordering one of those to wash it down.” – Sarah Crosland
Fire & Brimstone Burger at Living Kitchen
Quinoa-millet veggie burger with chipotle sunflower hummus, cucumber, onion, guacamole, homemade hot sauce.
“Wrap this in a collard leaf and it’s a smooth and spicy bundle of joy.” – Me
Jerk Style Burger at Lebowski’s Neighborhood Grill
With Jerkiyaki glaze, pineapple salsa, pepper jack cheese.
“OK, so it sounds weird, but you have to trust us on this one. It’s a mix of salty, spicy and sweet that just works. Plus, jerkiyaki is fun to say.” – Sarah Crosland
Crêpe Cellar Burger at Crêpe Cellar Kitchen and Pub
With onion straws, gruyère, garlic aioli.
“With those ingredients I’m honestly not even sure why I even have to explain what makes this burger amazing. It has fried onions, gruyere, and garlic aioli on it, you guys. Why are you not there eating it right now?” – Sarah Crosland
This story was originally published April 24, 2007 at 12:00 AM.