The best burgers in North Carolina are Carolina-style burgers topped with chili and slaw, and Charlotte is a great place to eat them. Start at South 21 Drive-In, a curb-service drive-in open since 1959, then try the chili and slaw burger at Lupie's Cafe. For modern picks, go to Harriet's Hamburgers at Optimist Hall, Pinky's Westside Grill and Bang Bang Burgers.
This roundup is built from the restaurants in our Charlotte burger guide, grouped by style and neighborhood. Check hours before you go.
Quick picks
- Most Carolina burger: the chili and slaw burger at Lupie's Cafe.
- Most nostalgic: the Super Boy at South 21 Drive-In.
- Best Jucy Lucy: Harriet's Hamburgers.
- Best laid-back neighborhood burger: Pinky's Westside Grill.
- Best for a big group: Moo & Brew, with its long menu.
What is a Carolina-style burger?
The Carolinas have their own burger style, and you should try it at least once. A Carolina-style burger is topped with chili and coleslaw, often with onions and mustard too. The chili adds richness, the slaw adds crunch and a cool contrast, and the result is gloriously messy. Order it with plenty of napkins.
Drive-in culture is the other part of the story. Curb-service drive-ins were once common across the South, and South 21 is a direct link to Charlotte's mid-century past.
For more on regional styles, read our guide to American burger styles.
Classic drive-ins and diners
- South 21 Drive-In: on Independence Boulevard in East Charlotte, serving curbside since 1959. The Super Boy, a double hamburger with mustard, onions, lettuce, tomato and pickle, is the classic order, with the pickle held on top by a toothpick.
- Lupie's Cafe: a cozy diner on Monroe Road in Elizabeth, known for chili. Its chili and slaw burger is a good way to try the local style.
For old-school spots around the country, see our best classic burgers page.
Neighborhood burger joints
- Harriet's Hamburgers: started inside Optimist Hall in 2020 and serves a short menu of hamburgers, cheeseburgers and a Minneapolis-style Jucy Lucy, with cheese curds on the side. Learn more about the cheese-stuffed burger in our Juicy Lucy showdown.
- Pinky's Westside Grill: a laid-back Wesley Heights favorite, just west of Uptown. The Triple G Burger is the one to order.
- Ace No. 3: a Belmont spot that keeps things simple, with The Ace as its signature.
Big, creative burgers
- Bang Bang Burgers: in Elizabeth, with another location in South End, known for its signature Bang Bang burger.
- Cowbell Burger & Whiskey Bar: in Uptown, pairing burgers like the GFY with whiskey. It's a natural stop around games and concerts.
- Moo & Brew: in Plaza Midwood, with a long menu of Angus burgers plus bison, turkey, salmon and plant-based options.
Find more in this style on our best gourmet burgers page, and see our guide to burger toppings for ideas.
How to plan a Charlotte burger day
- Start east of Uptown. Lupie's and Bang Bang Burgers are both in Elizabeth, and Moo & Brew is next door in Plaza Midwood.
- Head northeast for lunch. Harriet's at Optimist Hall and Ace No. 3 in Belmont are close together.
- Drive out Independence Boulevard. South 21 is in East Charlotte, so make it its own stop and eat in the car.
- Finish west or Uptown. Pinky's in Wesley Heights is laid-back, and Cowbell in Uptown is busier around events.
- Order the house burger. At most of these spots, the signature burger is the one regulars come for.
Beyond Charlotte
Our North Carolina coverage centers on Charlotte for now. Chili and slaw burgers show up at diners and grills all over the state, so if you know a great one in Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, Asheville or a small town, suggest a spot and we'll look into it.
What to order at each stop
- South 21 Drive-In: the Super Boy, eaten in your car.
- Lupie's Cafe: the chili and slaw burger, with a bowl of chili if you're hungry.
- Harriet's Hamburgers: the Jucy Lucy with cheese curds. Let it cool for a minute; the cheese inside is hot.
- Pinky's Westside Grill: the Triple G Burger.
- Ace No. 3: The Ace.
- Bang Bang Burgers: the signature Bang Bang.
- Cowbell: the GFY and a whiskey.
Make a Carolina-style burger at home
Start with our classic backyard cheeseburger, but skip the cheese. Top the patty with a spoonful of beanless chili, a scoop of finely chopped, slightly sweet coleslaw, diced onions and a line of yellow mustard. Use a sturdy bun; our best buns for burgers guide explains why. Cook ground beef to 160°F for USDA-recommended doneness.
FAQ
What burger is North Carolina known for?
The Carolina-style burger, topped with chili and coleslaw, often with onions and mustard. Lupie's Cafe is a good place to try one in Charlotte.
What is the Super Boy at South 21?
It's South 21 Drive-In's classic double hamburger with mustard, onions, lettuce, tomato and pickle, with the pickle held on top by a toothpick.
Where can I get a Jucy Lucy in Charlotte?
Harriet's Hamburgers at Optimist Hall serves a Minneapolis-style Jucy Lucy alongside its regular burgers.
What is the best burger in Charlotte?
For tradition, South 21 Drive-In and Lupie's Cafe. For a modern neighborhood burger, Harriet's Hamburgers and Pinky's Westside Grill are favorites.
Where can I find a drive-in burger in Charlotte?
South 21 Drive-In on Independence Boulevard has offered curb service since 1959.
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