Food and Drink

8 things to know about burgers at restaurants around Charlotte

Stories by Charlotte Observer journalists, with AI summarization

Charlotte's vibrant burger scene is marked by diverse offerings and rich histories. They highlight the cultural and culinary evolution of burgers in the city.

The matchup between North Carolina's What-A-Burger and Texas' Whataburger illustrates regional differences and legal battles while offering fresh, made-to-order burgers.

Secret menu items at Optimist Hall showcase hidden gems like cheese-stuffed burgers that foodies savor. In a Readers' Choice poll, the top burger around Charlotte emerges from Mooresville's Barcelona Burger & Beer Garden, renowned for its Angus beef creations.

These stories collectively showcase a burger culture steeped in tradition and innovation.

Thee All-American burger at Barcelona Burger & Beer Garden in Mooresville has American cheese, applewood-smoked bacon, tomato, lettuce, onion and a house sauce.

NO. 1: WHO WON BEST BURGER IN CHARLOTTEFIVE’S READERS’ CHOICE POLL?

We asked, and you most certainly answered. CharlotteFive reveals the winner for best burger restaurant in the Charlotte area from our Readers’ Choice poll. | Published May 19, 2022 | Read Full Story by CharlotteFive staff

NO. 2: WANNABE FOODIES TRY THE BEST LOCAL BURGER. DOES IT LIVE UP TO HYPE?

CharlotteFive readers voted Barcelona Burger & Beer Garden the winner, so we decided to eat four of the most popular burgers. | Published July 22, 2022 | Read Full Story by Lorenza Medley

NO. 3: CRAVING THE BURGER FROM ‘THE MENU’ MOVIE? CHARLOTTE CHEF SHARES HOW TO MAKE IT — BUT BETTER

Yes, Chef: Bang Bang Burgers’ Joe Huang teaches us the true secrets to making a good cheeseburger. | Published January 19, 2023 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler

NO. 4: WHAT WOULD BOBBY FLAY ORDER AT HIS NEW CHARLOTTE BURGER RESTAURANT? WE ASKED HIM.

At Bobby’s Burgers, CharlotteFive sat down with the culinary legend to talk to him about his new spot — and taste his signature food. | Published February 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

A classic What A Burger at a Concord, NC, What-A-Burger and a Southern Bacon Double Whatameal at Texas-based Whatburger. By Alex Cason/CharlotteFive and Nicole Truly

NO. 5: NC’S WHAT-A-BURGER VS. TEXAS’ WHATABURGER: WE BREAK DOWN THE DIFFERENCES, LOOK AT HISTORY

Two restaurants. One (similar) name, but how do they compare? Here’s what to know about What-A-burger and Whataburger. | Published June 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

Harriet’s Hamburgers at Optimist Hall has a secret menu item: Cheese-stuffed hamburgers called the Jucy Lucy. Only 25 are served each day, so don’t delay your lunch break. By LunahZon Photography

NO. 6: SECRET MENU ITEMS AT YOUR FAVORITE OPTIMIST HALL STALL, INCLUDING A CHEESE-STUFFED BURGER

Order like a pro, including one dish that gets cut off at 25 a day — so you’ll want to take your lunch break early. | Published January 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sunny Hubler

I long ago found the meanest, baddest, cheapest and best burger in Mooresville, in a downtown breakfast and lunch spot where veterans have many stories to share. By JOE MARUSAK

NO. 7: I FOUND THE MEANEST, BADDEST, CHEAPEST, BEST BURGER IN MOORESVILLE

With minutes to spare before the restaurant’s daily lunchtime closing, I entered Richard’s Coffee Shop through the door on its back porch, nearly out of breath. | Published August 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joe Marusak

This non-descript food truck behind Copperhead Social Club is where burger magic happens. By Timothy DePeugh

NO. 8: CHARLOTTE’S BEST BURGER IS HIDDEN BEHIND A BAR IN NODA

Behind Copperhead Social, a cozy little bar in NoDa where Brevard meets North Davidson, sits a nondescript food truck. | Published August 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Timothy DePeugh

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.