Locals Say These 7 Georgia Burger Joints Prove Simple Is Best

Have you ever noticed how the best burgers don’t come with a side of overthinking? You can keep your truffle aioli and gold leaf buns, give me beef, cheese, and a story I’ll want to retell.

Georgia nails this art, and honestly, sometimes a burger that fits in one hand can remind you that life’s little pleasures are the most honest. Let’s talk about the seven burger joints across this state that locals swear keep things real (and delicious).

1. NFA Burger (Dunwoody)

Picture this: You walk into a gas station, expecting stale gum or maybe a lottery ticket. Instead, there’s the sizzle of beef and the smell of something you didn’t know you needed. NFA Burger delivers on pure nostalgia, with its no-frills, griddled smash patties tucked into soft buns.

Order at the counter, no need to comb through a novel-length menu. The options are as simple as deciding single, double, or triple, with cheese and a homemade sauce that feels like a hug for your taste buds.

Locals line up for that crispy edge, the perfect beef-to-bun ratio, and the sense that you’re part of an inside joke only Georgia gets. There’s no secret, just confidence in the basics. If you’re searching for a reminder that great things often hide in plain sight, look no further than this unassuming spot inside a Chevron on Chamblee Dunwoody Road.

2. The Vortex Bar & Grill (Atlanta)

If your idea of subtlety is a neon skull the size of a minivan, you’ll feel right at home at The Vortex. This place begs you to drop the pretense and embrace the chaos of a burger too tall, too messy, and just right.

The Coronary Bypass isn’t delicate, but nobody here orders salad. Char-grilled beef, bacon, fried eggs, and cheese work together like a rowdy family reunion; every bite is a small rebellion against moderation.

Since 1992, The Vortex has been the spot for anyone craving flavor and personality in equal measure. Walk inside, see the walls packed with artwork and attitude, and know you’ve entered Atlanta burger royalty. The real secret? Nobody cares how you look eating it, as long as you’re happy.

3. Grindhouse Killer Burgers (Atlanta & Athens)

Ever wanted a burger joint that feels like Saturday morning cartoons grew up with you? Welcome to Grindhouse Killer Burgers. Founded in 2009, their comic book aesthetic and diner stools invite you to take things less seriously, but the food means business.

Build your own or stick to the classics. Burgers come seared just right, cradled in squishy buns. The toppings are straightforward, lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, nothing to distract from that juicy patty.

Locals swear by the sweet potato fries and a thick milkshake on the side. There’s a playful energy here, but nothing fussy. You leave feeling like you picked the winning team: flavor, fun, and a burger you’ll want again tomorrow.

4. The Varsity (Atlanta)

“What’ll ya have?” If you know, you know. The Varsity is Atlanta’s classic drive-in, open since 1928, and it’s like stepping back into a time when burgers were uncomplicated and life felt lighter.

The cheeseburger is humble, no half-pound patties or artisan buns. Just beef, cheese, and a little nostalgia wrapped in wax paper. Paired with fries and a frosted orange, you get a taste of tradition that sticks with you.

Families have gathered here for generations, swapping stories over trays balanced on car hoods. The Varsity proves that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to make people happy, you just need to keep rolling.

5. Green Truck Pub (Savannah)

Ask anyone in Savannah where to find a real burger, and they’ll probably point you to Green Truck Pub. There’s a lived-in feel here: vintage signs, old truck parts, and the quiet confidence of a local favorite.

Burgers are made from grass-fed Georgia beef, simply seasoned, and topped with house-made pickles. The bun holds everything together without upstaging the star of the show.

The vibe is equal parts friendly and unfussy. You order, you eat, you leave satisfied in a way that feels honest. The pub’s been winning hearts since 2010, the same way your favorite jeans do: by never trying too hard.

6. Farm Burger (Decatur & Multiple Locations)

Some places preach about farm-to-table. Farm Burger actually does it, and without turning lunch into a lecture. Walk in and you’ll see chalkboards listing local farms and a menu that reads like a love letter to simplicity.

Burgers are made from grass-fed beef, lightly seasoned, and paired with just enough fresh toppings to keep things interesting. The fries come crispy and the vibe is always low-key.

Whether you go classic or get creative, you leave tasting the difference. The staff treats you like you belong, which is probably why regulars swear the burgers taste even better when you’re in a good mood.

7. Holeman & Finch Public House (Atlanta)

Some burgers have waitlists, and then there’s the one at Holeman & Finch. Originally limited to 24 a night, so if you’re late, tough luck. If you snag one, it’s worth every minute. But because it became so beloved, it’s now on the regular menu.

This is pure burger minimalism: two thin patties, American cheese, pickles, and onions on a fresh bun. No substitutions, and honestly, you won’t want any.

The old ceremony felt special, but the taste is what matters. Each bite delivers a perfect balance, like someone spent years getting it just right. If you ever wanted proof that less can be more, this is it.