Atlanta has a vibrant smashburger scene, with several restaurants standing out for their crispy, juicy, and flavorful patties. Based on recent reviews and local buzz, here are some of the top spots in Atlanta for the best smashburgers, focusing on quality, taste, and unique offerings:
NFA Burger
5465 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338
Often ranked as Atlanta’s top smashburger, NFA Burger operates out of a Chevron gas station and an Alpharetta location, delivering a no-frills yet exceptional experience. Their double-patty “The Classic” features thin, crispy-edged patties with a juicy center, topped with melty cheese, pickles, and a custom sauce on a soft bun. It’s been praised for living up to the hype, with owner Billy Kramer perfecting the recipe after a nationwide burger quest. Food + Wine Magazine named it Georgia’s best burger.
Smiley’s Burger Club
310 E Howard Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
A newer player in the smashburger game, Smiley’s offers a messy, gooey burger with heavily seasoned patties, crunchy edges, and a garlicky orange sauce. Each burger comes with a free baseball card, adding a nostalgic touch. The patio is great for casual dining, and their tater tots are a must-try.
Fred’s Meat & Bread
99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Located at Krog Street Market, Fred’s serves a standout double-patty “Burger Stack” with fresh sesame seed buns from TGM Bread, melty cheese, mayo, and pickles. It’s a must-try for BeltLine visitors, offering a perfect balance of juicy and crispy textures.
Burger Crush
871 Concord Rd SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
A fast-casual gem in Smyrna, Burger Crush delivers backyard-grill-style smashburgers with just the right char and seasoning. Their “Whistle Stop Burger” with fried green tomatoes, bacon, and pimento cheese is a Southern twist. Pair it with crinkle-cut fries or an Oreo shake for a complete meal.
Grindhouse Killer Burgers (Multiple Locations)
A local favorite with multiple Atlanta outposts, Grindhouse is considered an OG in the smashburger scene. Their double-patty burgers with bacon and blue cheese dip are a crowd-pleaser, known for consistency and bold flavors.
The Albert
918 Austin Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
This Inman Park neighborhood bar serves a customizable smashburger, with the “Albert Burger” featuring pimento cheese, bacon, and pickled red onion for a Southern kick. It’s a great spot for pairing your burger with craft beers.
Patty and Frank’s
1235 Chattahoochee Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Located at The Works Food Hall, this spot, backed by chefs Andrew Zimmern and Todd Ginsberg, offers smashburgers with an optional chili topping for extra heat. Their focus on quality ingredients makes it a standout.
Heartbreakers
728 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Tucked inside Revery VR Bar in Midtown, Heartbreakers serves a stellar smashburger that’s worth a late-night visit (open 9 PM to late, Wed-Sat). The patties are crispy and flavorful, perfect for a unique dining experience.
Che Butter Jonez
1602 Lavista Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
Known for diverse offerings, their “Who Wants Beef” smashburger shines with two crispy, well-seasoned patties and a soft bun. It’s a great lunchtime pick in Brookhaven with a sunny dining room.
Smash Hit Burgers (Food Truck, Various Locations)
This food truck specializes in handcrafted smashburgers made with 100% Black Angus beef and all-natural ingredients. Their signature “Smash Hit” burger is praised for its bold flavors and perfect sear. Check their social media for current locations.
Final Word
It’s no secret that Atlanta has the best burgers in the Southeast, but smashburgers are a different animal.
Why Smashburgers? Smashburgers are thin, crispy-edged patties cooked by smashing them on a hot griddle, creating a caramelized crust while keeping the interior juicy. Atlanta’s scene has embraced this style with gourmet touches, elevating the classic fast-food burger.
Pro Tip: For the freshest experience, check social media for pop-ups like Poundtown Smashburgers, which appear at places like Pullman Yards and Round Trip Brewing, offering melty, mouthwatering burgers.
These spots offer a mix of classic and creative takes on smashburgers, with something for every craving, from gas station gems to food hall favorites. If you’re near one of these locations, let me know, and I can tailor suggestions further!