5 Must-Try Burgers in Knoxville
Emilie Stooksbury
Deepest Apologies in Advance for Any Drool...
We are firmly of the opinion that there is no wrong time to eat a good burger, but we have to admit – they hit different in the summer. Whether you’re dreaming of backyard cookouts or aesthetic patio hangs, most of us are bound to experience a craving in these months only a juicy burger can satisfy. Because of this, we won’t make you wait even one second longer. Without further ado, (in no particular order because we are afraid of confrontation) the best burgers in Knoxville:
1.) Stock & Barrel
DOWNTOWN: Stock & Barrel has made many a “best burger in Knoxville” list. In fact, this Market Square staple is consistently packed – and for good reason. Their aesthetic is on point, their bourbon selection extensive, and their burgers… *chefs kiss.* Try “The Bernie” or “The Elvis” (peanut butter and fried banana on a burger?? Color us intrigued.) for burgers with a twist – topped off, of course, with some duck fat fries.
2.) Abridged Beer Co
WEST HILLS & CEDAR BLUFF: You’d think people would come far and wide to a brewery for its beer… and while Abridged definitely has delicious brews, their burger has come to shine all on its own. Definitely try their regular burger, but don’t sleep on their food truck slingin’ smash burgers (that’s what’s pictured here) or their rotating burger of the month! Is that an excuse to go to Abridged at least once a month? We think yes 😉
3.) SmashCity
OLD CITY: SmashCity started as a local food truck… then they opened a stall inside Marble City Market and other food halls around the country… and now they have ✨officially✨ opened up their very own brick & mortar right here in Knoxville! But you know what they say, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” These burgers have been nothing short of legendary the whooole daaaang tiiiiime 🤩 You may not be able to catch SmashCity at local food truck parks at the moment – but they have plans to open spots all over town. In the meantime, pop a squat at their new spot in the Old City!
4.) Bit Burger
CEDAR BLUFF: Bit Burger looks innocent enough from the outside – just your normal strip mall restaurant… until you walk through the doors and encounter a rad retro gaming vibe and a menu full of specialty burgers. We’re talking toppings on toppings on toppings and obviously you have to try them all.
Litton's Market & Restaurant
FOUNTAIN CITY: Litton’s is the definition of a Knoxville staple and locals still swear by this classic diner’s burger. No burger list is complete without this hometown favorite – and speaking of “hometown” you can get a crash course in Knoxville just by looking at the photos of early customers covering the walls.
Before you go...
Now, remember – we’re not here to pick fights by naming a favorite. Nah, we’ll leave that to you 😉 Just try these places out and then tag us to let us know who’s the winner in your book! Not feeling a burger today? Maybe this list of some of our favorite Asian restaurants will make your mouth water instead.