Richmond takes its burgers seriously. In 2023, a Clever Real Estate ranking named it the best burger city in America, and the scene has only grown since. You will find tiny smash burger counters, chef-run spots from local barbecue and restaurant groups, and neighborhood bars with burgers worth crossing town for.

The city's neighborhoods each have a different feel. The Fan and the Museum District are dense, walkable areas west of downtown. Scott's Addition, just north, is packed with breweries and cideries. Northside, around Brook Road and Brookland Park Boulevard, is home to two of the city's most-loved smash burger spots. Church Hill, east of downtown, is historic and residential, and the west end around Libbie and Grove is a classic shopping and dining district. Every spot below appears on the cards above, and you can browse more cities in our restaurant directory.

Best burgers in Richmond by style

Smash burgers

Northside is the place to start. Smashed RVA on Brook Road started as a pop-up and now smashes Seven Hills beef into burgers like the Mac Smash. Nearby, Slay Burgers is a family-run takeout counter with patties smashed to order. In Scott's Addition, Eazzy Burger, from the team behind ZZQ barbecue, griddles a brisket, chuck and short rib blend; the Chile Relleno Burger is the standout. For more around the country, see our best smash burgers page.

Burger bars

Beauvine Burger Concept in the Fan has a long specialty menu, a build-your-own section and milkshakes. Boulevard Burger and Brew, near the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, keeps it simple with Black Angus burgers and craft beer. On Grove Avenue, Jack Brown's Beer and Burger Joint serves wagyu burgers, including the peanut butter-topped Elvis.

Sit-down and gourmet

Secret Sandwich Society downtown is known for loaded burgers and pimiento cheese fries, and Liberty Public House in Church Hill is a neighborhood restaurant where the burger is one of the most popular orders. Browse our best gourmet burgers page for more chef-driven picks.

Local burger traditions

Richmond does not have one signature burger style, but local sourcing comes up again and again. Smashed RVA uses beef from Seven Hills, a Virginia meat company, and several restaurants here talk about where their beef comes from. Eazzy Burger's link to ZZQ shows how the city's barbecue talent has crossed over into burgers, with beef blends that borrow from brisket and short rib.

The other thread is creativity. From the Elvis at Jack Brown's to the Chile Relleno at Eazzy, Richmond kitchens like to experiment. If you want to try that at home, our guide to burger toppings and our guide to the best ground beef for burgers are good places to start.

Tips for visiting

Group stops by area. Smashed RVA and Slay Burgers are both in Northside, while Beauvine and Boulevard Burger and Brew are close to each other on the west side of the Fan and Museum District.
Plan for takeout at Slay Burgers. It is a to-go counter with a few benches out front.
Combine burgers and breweries. Eazzy Burger is in Scott's Addition, where you can walk to several breweries and cideries.
Check hours before you go. Small shops often keep limited schedules and may be closed early in the week.
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, gourmet burgers in Richmond.

FAQ

What is the best burger in Richmond?

It depends on your style. For a smash burger, start with Smashed RVA, Slay Burgers or Eazzy Burger. For a full burger bar experience, Beauvine Burger Concept and Jack Brown's are popular picks.

Where can I find a cheap burger in Richmond?

Slay Burgers and Smashed RVA are small, casual counters that keep things simple. Boulevard Burger and Brew is another casual, family-friendly option.

Where can I eat a burger near the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts?

Boulevard Burger and Brew is a short walk from the museum on Arthur Ashe Boulevard, and Beauvine Burger Concept in the Fan is a short drive away.

Are there vegetarian burgers in Richmond?

Yes. Smashed RVA has a vegan smash burger, Boulevard Burger and Brew offers a black bean burger, and Beauvine has turkey and veggie options.