Best Burgers in Raleigh
Raleigh pairs charcoal-grilled classics and decades-old bars with a new crop of smash burger counters, from Glenwood South to Smoky Hollow and Hillsborough Street.
Where to Eat
How to eat burgers in Raleigh
Raleigh's burger scene is a mix of old institutions and newer, chef-driven spots. Some places have been grilling burgers for generations, while a wave of smash burger counters and cocktail bars has added crispy, double-patty burgers to the mix. Many of the best burgers come from bars and brewpubs, so a burger in Raleigh often comes with a good local beer.
Most of the action is in and around downtown. Glenwood South is the nightlife strip, the Warehouse District sits on the west side of downtown, Smoky Hollow and the Person Street area are just to the north, and Hillsborough Street runs west toward NC State. Every spot below appears on the cards above, and you can browse more cities in our restaurant directory.
Best burgers in Raleigh by style
Old-school classics
Char-Grill has been cooking burgers over charcoal on Hillsborough Street since 1959, and the original still uses paper order slips and a walk-up window. Players Retreat, open since 1951 near NC State, is the city's classic sports bar, with a Wolfpack Burger topped with chili and slaw. MoJoe's Burger Joint has been a Glenwood South staple since 2002, with hand-pressed patties in several sizes. For more like these, see our best classic burgers page.
Smash burgers
LaGana in Smoky Hollow smashes North Carolina-raised wagyu into its Textbook burger, served with tots. Standard Beer + Food near Person Street has a double Standard Smashburger with a Russian-style sauce. Gussie's, a small cocktail bar, makes its Double Double Smashburger with a sirloin and brisket blend. Our best smash burgers page has more around the country, and if you want to make them at home, start with our smash burger gear guide.
Gourmet burgers
Wye Hill Kitchen and Brewing serves a wagyu burger with jalapeño bacon jam on a pretzel bun, with skyline views from its Boylan Avenue perch. Whiskey Kitchen by Nash Square pairs its Ashe and Co Burger with a huge whiskey list. Browse our best gourmet burgers page for more.
Local burger traditions
North Carolina has a strong tradition of burgers topped with chili and slaw, often called a Carolina-style burger. The Wolfpack Burger at Players Retreat is a good place to try that idea, with chili and slaw on a sesame bun. It is messy, filling and very much part of the local burger story.
Charcoal grilling is the other thread. Char-Grill has built its name on burgers cooked over open flames, which gives them a smoky char that is different from a griddled smash burger. If you are curious about how these styles compare, our guide to American burger styles walks through the differences, and our charcoal vs. gas grill guide explains what charcoal adds at home.
Tips for visiting
- Group stops by area. MoJoe's sits on Glenwood Avenue, while Whiskey Kitchen, Gussie's and Wye Hill are on the west side of downtown.
- Go north for smash burgers. LaGana and Standard Beer + Food are both just north of downtown, near Smoky Hollow and Person Street.
- Plan for outdoor eating at Char-Grill. The original Hillsborough Street location has no indoor seating.
- Watch for game days. Players Retreat and Hillsborough Street get busy when NC State is playing.
- Check hours before you go. Bars and small kitchens can change schedules, and some open only in the afternoon or evening.
- Cooking at home? Our burger temperature and doneness guide covers the USDA-recommended 160°F for ground beef.
Browse by style
Want just one kind of burger? See our shortlists of the best smash burgers, classic burger joints in Raleigh.
FAQ
What is the best burger in Raleigh?
It depends on what you are after. For history, go to Char-Grill or Players Retreat. For a smash burger, try LaGana, Standard Beer + Food or Gussie's. For a longtime local favorite, MoJoe's is a safe bet.
Where can I find a cheap burger in Raleigh?
Char-Grill is the classic budget pick, with a simple walk-up setup. MoJoe's and Players Retreat are casual spots where you can keep things affordable too.
What is a Carolina-style burger?
It is a burger topped with chili and slaw, and often onions and mustard. In Raleigh, the Wolfpack Burger at Players Retreat comes with chili and slaw on a sesame bun.
Where can I get a burger with a view in Raleigh?
Wye Hill Kitchen and Brewing on Boylan Avenue overlooks the downtown skyline, and Whiskey Kitchen has a patio facing Nash Square.