In late May, more than 12,000 Atlantans voted for their favorite local burger in the AJC’s Best of Atlanta competition. So many people emailed in additional suggestions, that three of these “write in” candidates were added to the poll. It seems like Atlantans are serious about their burgers! So who came out on top? Here’s the list of the top 4 burgers in town, each of which received more than 1,000 total votes.
#4 – KirbyG’s Diner & Pub
KirbyG’s wasn’t on the original ballot, but received so many write-in votes, it was not only added, but came in 4th place! Founded in 2008, this 1950s style diner located in McDonough is family owned with every meal cooked to order. Their Chunky Avocado Cheeseburger led them to victory in 2018 at the World Burger Championships, and they’ve won other awards as well, such as 2018’s Travel Channel Best in Food competition and the 2018 Atlanta Food Wars’ Judge’s Choice for both Burger and Bacon.
KirbyG’s Diner & Pub – 45 Macon Street, McDonough, GA 30253
#3 – The Vortex
Ask any of your more eclectic friends and they will tell you, there are few things more synonymous with Atlanta than the giant skull welcoming you into The Vortex in Little 5 Points. Sure they have a Midtown location as well, but if you’ve never been, we have to insist you absorb the full Vortex experience in Little 5 Points. Some of our favorite signature burgers include the Rebel Outlaw, loaded with pulled pork barbecue, and the Fat Elvis, featuring bacon, peanut butter, and fried plantains. But keep in mind, aside from having a full menu of the some of the best burgers in Atlanta, The Vortex is also a bar, and only the 21 and up crowd is allowed inside.
The Vortex – 438 Moreland Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
#2 – US Cafe
US Cafe moved up from the #3 spot in 2019 to take 2nd place this year. They’ve been quietly serving up fresh burgers, wings, shakes and fries in Smyrna for over 25 years, and lately they’ve been gathering awards and recognition for their delicious burgers. From Atlanta Magazine to Big Seven Travel, US Cafe’s burgers are consistently ranked as some of the best in Georgia. The burgers are simple, because they don’t need many extras for the fresh grilled perfection to shine through.
US Cafe – 4499 South Cobb Drive, Smyrna, GA 30080
#1 – NFA Burger
Believe it or not, the best burger in Atlanta for 2020 is made in a gas station! NFA Burger in Dunwoody received more than one third of the overall votes. NFA (short for Not Fooling Around) went from a pop-up to a brick and mortar location last year in Salim Thobani’s Chevron station, and has been racking up positive reviews and accolades ever since. NFA’s classic double cheeseburger, with pickles, American cheese, mustard, and signature Sassy Sauce, is a burger you HAVE to try!