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Hello there, fellow food lovers! As a family living in nearby Nashville, we’ve had the absolute pleasure of feasting on some of the best burgers in Chattanooga more times than we can count when we visit the area.
Whether we’re in town to soak up the scenic city views, enjoy a week-long event, or just satiating our burger cravings, Chattanooga never disappoints with its delectable and diverse burger offerings.
Now, you might be thinking, “Why Chattanooga? Why not stick to Nashville’s tried and true?”
Let us assure you, friends, once you’ve had a taste of the mouthwatering, juicy, perfectly charred best burgers in Chattanooga, you’ll understand. From Main Street Meats’ certified Angus beef to Tremont Tavern’s half-pound wonders, to Urban Stack’s black bean burgers, Chattanooga’s burger scene is a sight (and taste) to behold.
And the best part? Chattanooga Burger Week! Imagine a whole week of beefy goodness, with local restaurants offering burger deals left and right. From the first bite to the very last, your taste buds are in for a treat.
Plus, it’s a great opportunity for us Nashvillians to experience Chattanooga’s favorite burgers in a whole new way. Whether you’re a seasoned burger connoisseur or just dipping your toes into the delicious world of gourmet patties, this event is not to be missed.
So, join us on this journey as we sink our teeth into some of the finest, most drool-worthy, soul-satisfying, best burgers in Chattanooga. Trust us, your palate will thank you!
Main Street Meats
Main Street Meats is more than just a restaurant, it’s a local staple on the south side of Chattanooga that embodies the farm-to-table ethos. A beloved neighborhood butcher shop turned full-fledged restaurant under the watchful eyes of co-owners Erik and Amanda Niel, this establishment goes the extra mile to support local farms committed to land stewardship and animal welfare. Every decision made, from the butcher’s case to the dining room table, reflects an unwavering commitment to this innovative approach to whole-animal butchery. In the hands of Chef Erik Niel, Main Street Meats has evolved into a must-visit spot for both residents and visitors to the scenic city of Chattanooga.
On the Menu
Main Street Meats boasts a menu as diverse as it is delicious, with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. You’ll find daily cured meat and cheese selections, house sausages accompanied by house mustard and pickles, and moreish plates like Pork Meatballs with Poblano Gastrique, Jalapenos, and Mint. They also offer a range of salads and sandwiches, with their Local Beef Burger starring caramelized onions, bacon, and Gruyère on a wheat bun. The restaurant’s plates are equally tempting, from the Roasted Chicken with green onion puree and a bacon biscuit, to their selection of Butcher’s Steak including Niman Ranch Ribeye and Bear Creek’s 48 Day Dry Aged Porterhouse. And let’s not forget their house-made fries, cooked in tallow and seasoned with Maldon salt.
Our Recommendations
We highly recommend their Local Beef Burger, a sumptuous combination of house pickles, mustard, mayo, caramelized onions, bacon, and Gruyère on a wheat bun, perfectly encapsulating the flavors of a good burger. Pair it with a side of their house-made fries, cooked in tallow for a rich flavor that sets them apart from your typical side of fries. And for a sweet ending, don’t miss out on their Banana Bread dessert, complemented by rum butterscotch, brown butter ice cream, and toasted peanuts. This dining experience is one you’re bound to remember long after the last bite.
Location
217 East Main Street
Learn more about Main Street Meats here
Tremont Tavern
Renowned for its relaxing, friendly atmosphere, Tremont Tavern is a spot where both the burgers and the beer are taken very seriously. Situated in the vibrant North Shore area, this locale has gradually evolved from a simple pub to an outstanding restaurant, with a unique and appealing menu, thanks to the efforts of their culinary team and the feedback from their dedicated patrons. Recognized for their impressive draft selection and craft burgers, Tremont Tavern has also made a significant impact on the local music scene with its open mic nights and live music weekends. Having received multiple accolades including selection as the 2016 Times-Free Press Best Burger, Tremont Tavern is an establishment that has truly made its mark in Chattanooga.
On the Menu
Tremont Tavern’s menu is a delightful fusion of traditional pub fare and creative cuisine. Start with an appetizer such as the Buffalo Cauliflower or the house-made Edamole Dip. Their range of salads, from the Tavern House Salad to the Green Goddess Salad, offers fresh and flavorful options. But what really makes Tremont Tavern stand out is their variety of burgers, all served with a side. The options are as unique as they are delectable, like the Havarti Tavern Burger, the Jalapeno Jack Burger, or the Gouda Burger. Vegetarian visitors will also love the house-made Tavern Black Bean Burger. They also serve a selection of hearty sandwiches like the Ivory Tower and the Tavern Philly.
Our Recommendations
It would be a sin to visit Tremont Tavern and not try one of their award-winning burgers. We can’t recommend the Tremont Burger enough, a 1/2 lb. of proprietary house grind Angus Beef served on a Niedlov’s artisan roll, complete with all the fixings. Pair it with a side of their home-style chips for a truly mouth-watering meal. Also, give the Tavern Wings a try, with your choice of sauce ranging from buffalo to Tavern sweet chili. And for dessert, don’t miss the Deep Fried Pickles for an unexpected sweet-and-salty delight. Enjoy these delicacies in the backdrop of live music on weekends and you have a dining experience that’s hard to beat!
Location
1203 Hixson Pike
Learn more about Tremont Tavern here
Urban Stack
Urban Stack, nestled within the historic Southern Railway passenger baggage building, offers upscale burgers and a featured bourbon bar. With an emphasis on community and sustainability, Urban Stack works closely with local farmers and vendors to procure top-quality meats and ingredients. They boast a range of offerings that are all-natural, organic, grass-fed, free-range, or sourced from sustainable and humane farms. With a dedication to freshness, quality, and homemade goodness, this establishment also takes pride in being one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly businesses in town.
On the Menu
The menu at Urban Stack offers a variety of appetizers such as Fried Chickpeas and Benton’s Potato Skins, alongside their signature 3 Little Piggies Chili. Their salads, like the Sunshine Kale Salad and Farmhouse Salad, are fresh and wholesome. For main courses, Urban Stack serves Certified Angus Beef burgers like The New Yorker and Chicago Burger. They also offer an array of other choices like the vegetarian-friendly Farm Burger and the Greek-inspired Hercules burger, which features ground lamb. Side dishes include traditional Steakhouse Style options, and a variety of “Freshies” like Cucumber & Black Eyed Pea Salad. For dessert, they provide an assortment of Handspun Shakes.
Our Recommendations
Our top picks from the menu include: Benton’s Potato Skins – Loaded with Benton’s bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, U.S. barbecue sauce, crème fraiche, and green onions, this dish starts your meal off right. Sunshine Kale Salad – A delightful blend of fresh kale, broccoli, mango, celery, golden raisins, almonds, coconut flakes, and feta cheese, served with a sweet Vidalia onion dressing. The Big Mike – Featuring two all beef patties, urban stack special sauce, shredded lettuce, American cheese, and diced pickled onions on a triple stack Niedlov’s bun. The Banana Fosters Shake – This handspun shake made with milk and honey ice cream is a sweet ending to a delicious meal.
Location
12 W 13th Street
Learn more about Urban Stack here
Burger Republic
Burger Republic is renowned as one of the top burger joints in the country, celebrated for its inventive and unique toppings and commitment to quality. Begun in Nashville, Tennessee, Burger Republic offers a variety of mouthwatering burgers, appetizers, and side dishes. What sets Burger Republic apart from the rest is their dedication to innovation in their burger toppings, with unique combinations like Vermont aged white cheddar and Guinness-braised bacon for The Burger Republic burger, and lump crab and hollandaise sauce for the Burger Oscar. Their focus is on using high-quality beef to ensure a satisfying and flavorful experience.
We have one of these in our hometown and love Burger Republic there, too!
On the Menu
Burger Republic’s menu is packed with an array of tantalizing dishes. The appetizers are a good place to start, with options like Nashville Hot Tots, Pepperoni Cheese Curds, and Philly Egg Rolls. Their burgers, the star of the show, come in many varieties. The 4 Cheese Garlic Burger, Big Papi, Black & Bleu, and The Burger Republic burger are just a few examples. For chicken lovers, the Angry Bird and Bacon Chicken Ranch are solid choices. Salads and side items, including Tater Tots, House Chips, and Bacon Mac are also available, and there is a dedicated Kids Meal section with simple but delicious options.
Our Recommendations
Our top picks from the menu include: Tot Fondue – Crispy golden tater tots served with beer cheese fondue & topped with Benton’s bacon bits, green onions, and sour cream. The Burger Republic – This signature burger is topped with Vermont white cheddar, applewood bacon, lettuce, tomato, Guinness braised onions, and BR sauce. Angry Bird – A dish featuring all-natural fried chicken breast tossed in buffalo sauce with pickles and bleu cheese. Tennessee Dog – This creative dish features a hot dog topped with Jack Daniel’s honey glaze, fondue cheese, smoked ketchup, maple basted Benton’s bacon, Memphis spice, and crispy onions.
Location
203 W Aquarium Way
Learn more about Burger Republic here
Slick’s Burgers
Slick’s Burgers is a laid-back, industrial-style eatery known for its sizable burgers with inventive toppings and an excellent selection of craft beers. Located in the vibrant Southside, this restaurant has a wide variety of burger options to suit all preferences, from beef to lamb, turkey, and even veggie burgers. Slick’s Burgers has earned a reputation for its hand-cut fries and exceptional grilled chicken sandwich, making it a must-visit spot. The location is easy to access with a lot of activities around, perfect for a day out in the city.
On the Menu
Slick’s Burgers offers a range of delightful dishes, with an emphasis on the quality and variety of their burgers. Each burger type, be it turkey, veggie, beef, or lamb, is meticulously prepared to ensure a juicy and delicious experience. For the kids, there are easy, enjoyable meals like hot dogs and grilled cheese, both served with small fries. You can also spice up your experience with apps and sides, such as Fire Fries with spicy seasonings and blue cheese, or their hand-cut fries. There are also various upgrades available for the burgers, including Shroom’n Swiss, Pittsburgh, BBQ, Sweet ‘n Sassy, Black Jack, Bacon Blue, and Fig-Goat-About-It. Drinks and salads round out the menu, providing a full, satisfying dining experience.
Our Recommendations
Here are our favorites from the menu: Lamb Burger – The house-ground leg of lamb with house seasoning offers a unique, flavorful twist on the traditional burger. Fire Fries – These fries are spiced up with spicy seasonings and served with blue cheese, making for a tasty kick. Chicken Caesar Salad – If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, this classic salad, topped with grilled chicken, is a reliable and delicious choice. Grilled Cheese Kid’s Meal – A kid-friendly favorite served with small fries, this is a simple and satisfying meal for the younger crowd.
Location
308 East Main Street
Learn more about Slick’s Burgers here
The 3rd Deck Burger Bar was on our list but has been changed to Overboard Bar and Grill. This is a restaurant on the Southern Belle Riverboat that sits on the Tennessee River. If we find this restaurant has a killer burger we will let you know!
Chattanooga Burger Week
Enjoy a culinary journey through the Scenic City during Chattanooga Burger Week, a city-wide event celebrating some of Chattanooga’s best burgers. Over the span of a week, you have the chance to try fantastic $7 burger deals at some of the city’s most renowned local restaurants. This is not just a gastronomical delight, but also a chance to connect and share your experiences with other Chattanooga foodies on social media, all while having the opportunity to win incredible prizes!
Participating Restaurants and Their Offers
Participating restaurants will cater to your preferences by offering their deals for dine-in, takeout, or delivery. The burgers range from gourmet blends to off-the-menu specials and even your favorite “regulars”. Each restaurant has its unique spin on the burger, and some even include fries as part of their special. Be sure to explore the diverse options available during Chattanooga Burger Week.
Unique Opportunity to Support the Local Community
Chattanooga Burger Week isn’t just about enjoying delicious burgers at fantastic prices. It also offers you a unique opportunity to support Chattanooga’s local restaurant community. By taking part in Chattanooga Burger Week, you’re not only indulging in a week of beefy goodness but also contributing to the vitality and sustainability of local businesses. This is an event where foodies and local businesses come together to celebrate and support the Scenic City’s dynamic culinary scene. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore Chattanooga through its favorite burgers!
Learn more about Chattanooga Burger Week here!
Final Thoughts on the Best Burgers in Chattanooga
Chattanooga stands as a testament to the art of crafting the perfect burger. The city’s best restaurants have each infused their culinary personalities into every bite of their best hamburgers. From the wholesome crunch of freshly prepared french fries to the tangy crunch of onion rings, every accompaniment creates a symphony of flavors that further enhances the burger experience.
Burger lovers are spoilt for choice in the Chattanooga area, with a multitude of hot local restaurants vying for the title of the best burger joint. Every eatery brings something unique to the table – whether it’s inventive toppings, a unique cooking method, or an unbeatable ambiance. You will find some of the most popular spots in downtown Chattanooga, where a stroll down the streets presents a vista of enticing eateries, each promising a great burger.
The city’s burgers are not just about great food but also about creating experiences. When you step into a local favorite joint, you’re welcomed by an atmosphere steeped in the local culture and history. It’s an ambiance that allows you to truly appreciate the care and passion that goes into each burger.
As we reflect on the burger scene in Chattanooga, it’s clear that this city has taken the humble hamburger to new heights. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor on a culinary tour, the variety, creativity, and undeniable deliciousness of the burgers here will undoubtedly leave you craving for more. So next time you’re in Chattanooga, make sure to indulge in the city’s delicious burger offerings.
