I ate a lot of burgers recently. Too many, some would say. Mostly cows are saying this as they watch me consume their relatives. I have been trying and (somewhat failing) to find the best burger in Charlotte for a while now, with so many disappointments. I tried them all (well maybe not all, there are probably 10,000 places that serve burgers). Even with my burger struggles I believe I came up with a solid list of Charlotte’s best burgers.
Before I get into my list let me say something that might ruffle some feathers. I have been to Bang Bang Burgers, which is in my neighborhood. Not a fan. I have also tried Brooks Sandwich shop at least three times, people adore it and who am I to say this, but it just wasn’t that good. I really wanted to like it, I just didn’t. Ace #3 isn’t terrible, but it isn’t one of the best burgers in Charlotte. The same goes for Harriet’s Hamburgers.
The below list is this one blogger’s opinion. A lot of blood, sweat, and heart disease went into it. Not to mention money. I will assume this list will grow and grow. I won’t be like Axios Charlotte and add someone just because they pay (no one is paying me anyway). I maybe a sellout but even I have my limits. So, without further ado, in no order, here are my best burgers of Charlotte.
Reid’s Fine Foods (Both Locations, South Park and Selwyn Rd.)
Reid’s has the best burger in Southpark and maybe the best in Charlotte. I recently had to go back and do some “research” on this establishment to confirm they are still as good as I remember. Honestly, I must have had their burger 800 times, only one instance did I have an issue with the quality, that was last week. The bun was a bit stale, so the only natural solution was to order a second, after eating the first.
I like Reid’s for many reasons, but their steak burger is the #1. Yes, it can be priced at about $18, but there is a work around if you want to test my “best burger in Charlotte” theory for cheaper. Go on Tuesday and get it almost half off at $10.99. it comes with fries and most people will only eat one, so it is an inexpensive way to get your burger fix.
Hinson’s Drive-In (Mathews)
The reason I called this post the “Top Five Best Burgers in Charlotte & Vicinity” and not just “the best burgers in Charlotte” is because I needed to include this Mathew’s Gem. It has been around since 1955, so it must be doing something right. Trying to get into the place felt like playing Legend of Zelda, it feels so hidden. It is also located next to a strip club (which is never open when they are). Hinson’s might not be the classiest place, but the burgers are on point.
The picture above doesn’t do it justice. This isn’t like a gourmet burger by any means. It is small (and the price is right), but it packs a ton in. The burger is nice and greasy, with a great onion flavor.
For only $6.50 (last I checked) you get a classic cheeseburger. I usually get around 4 of these and a hot dog, which may be why my doctor wants me on meds. They are worth the risk to my existence; they are that good.
Emmy Squared Pizza (Located in Plaza Midwood)
It is not like me to recommend a corporate restaurant like Emmy Squared Pizza, I can usually taste the bureaucracy in their food. Add to this, their pizza is not my cup of tea, I’ll eat it, but I am not making any special trips for it. Having said all this, the burger is worth the “one of the top burgers in Charlotte” accolades. Emmy Squared Pizza is a chain that originally started in New York. You would think the pizza would be better.
I am not sure what makes this burger so good? It might be the pretzel bun or the sauce, but it really comes together. My only issue is with the cost, at $19 it comes with no fries. Adding them will put it at about $26, you are halfway to a good steak at this point. Still, if you are in Plaza Midwood and are about to make bad decisions like visiting Thomas Street Tavern, give it a try first.
Legion Brewery South Park
The food at Legion Brewery in South Park is very underrated. Their smash burger is no exception. Strangely they used to have two burgers on the menu, thankfully that confusion has ended, but I digress. I like Legion Brewery for a lot of reasons, the beer is good, but the food is better. They may have the best pretzel in Charlotte. You didn’t come to this post to read about pretzels.
The smash burger in Legion Brewery (South Park) is worth the trip to the suburbs. It doesn’t come with anything, and I would hardly call it a deal, but it is worth the price. The potato bun and the great sauce they use, make it a must try. The pickled red onions are a good touch as well. If you are in the area and are sick of going to Reid’s Fine Foods for their burger already, give Legion Brewery a try.
The Good Wurst Company Clarks Snack Bar (Located in Plaza Midwood)
I knew what I was getting into with Clarks before I took one bite of the burger. I have been to the Good Wurst company more times than I can count. This is almost the same restaurant, started by the same owner, after a restaurant group bought it and ruined Good Wurst.
I say almost, because the burger was better than anything I remember at Good Wurst. Specifically, the Clarks burger, which is a double burger served on a beautiful bun with a tasty sauce. The thing is meaty as hell and has a great price of $10. It rivals Reid’s for the best burger in Charlotte.
Honorable Mention: Best Burgers in Charlotte
There are a bunch of places that I have tried and loved but years ago. I will go back and give them another go and see if they are list worthy. I just do not want to throw out faulty information, I have almost a dozen readers coming to me for accuracy, so I need to be spot on! Below are the three spots that I loved in the past,
The Crunkleton in Elizabeth: I was drunk when I ate this last, but I remember liking it a lot!
Oak Steakhouse in South Park: What you would expect from a pricey steak house, a good, but expensive burger. Having said that, if I remember correctly, they have a half price burger on Sundays.
Dilworth Bar and Grill in (you guessed it) Dilworth: One of the few spots that has stood the test of time. Place isn’t fancy, but the burger is solid from what I remember.
This list of the best burgers in Charlotte is not complete. I need to think hard as to which ones I will add in the future. I have eaten a lot of burgers in this town, just ask my scale. I am going to be stingy with the title “best burger in Charlotte”. I do not rank something high because everyone loves it. Having said this, I am looking forward to having this list expanded after I am confident in my additions. Now if you excuse me, I am going to cook a burger.