Best Burgers in Knoxville (2025)

Downtown’s burger-and-bourbon standard-bearer pairs well-sourced patties with local touches like Benton’s bacon and artisan buns. Frequently recommended by national and regional editors, it’s the Market Square spot many Knoxvillians cite as the city’s must-try burger.

A Fountain City fixture since the mid‑1900s, Litton’s is beloved for thick, juicy burgers, onion rings, and classic bakery pies. Praised by local food writers and readers’ polls, it remains a community gathering place with old‑school Knoxville charm.

This indie brewpub turns out a cult‑favorite burger with a brisket blend and house touches, best chased with a pint from the tanks. Consistently applauded by regional editors and local awards, it’s a modern Knoxville classic.

Since 1967, this neighborhood diner has dished big, messy burgers, shakes, and plenty of East Tennessee personality. Frequently highlighted by local guides and community polls, it’s the kind of place where regulars know their order before they sit down.

Family‑run and fiercely local, this West Knoxville diner is known for smashy, cheesy burgers griddled right and served with diner‑counter hospitality. Celebrated by local magazines and word‑of‑mouth, it’s a weekday lunch staple that over‑delivers.

Housed in a restored service station, Balter’s kitchen turns out a craveable double‑patty house burger and hosts Burger & Pint Wednesdays. A favorite in local guides, it’s downtown’s laid‑back answer for burgers, beer, and brunch.

This family‑owned French‑Belgian spot hides a towering, steak‑house‑leaning burger with Gruyère or Roquefort and proper frites. Local food writers routinely call it one of West Knoxville’s best, especially on wine‑night Tuesdays at the bar.

A 2025 South Knoxville arrival doing budget‑friendly smash burgers with locally sourced beef, late hours, and a lively patio scene near the breweries. Covered by local news, it quickly became a neighborhood go‑to for post‑trail cravings.

Old City comfort‑food pros who treat burgers with the same care as their fried chicken: think an 8‑ounce patty, Havarti, pepper jelly, and crispy onions, plus a double‑stack option. Downtown guides call out its signature S|G burger and fried green tomatoes.

Chef‑driven Sequoyah Hills favorite where the dinner‑menu smash burger meets great frites and farmers’ market sourcing. Locals and editors alike praise the neighborhood spirit and meticulous cooking that make even a simple burger feel special.

A UT‑Strip institution flipping hefty cheeseburgers late into the night, fueling students and alumni for decades. Covered by regional writers for its campus culture and steam‑table sandwiches, it remains a rite of passage before or after a Vols game.