Top 10 Best Cheeseburgers in Tennessee

Tennessee's burger scene has a deep bench, especially in Nashville and Memphis, but strong picks also show up in Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Franklin. This Discovery Matt ranking highlights cheeseburger destinations that stand out for smash-burger execution, local legacy, creative specialty builds, and the kind of following that turns a neighborhood burger into a statewide favorite. From cult-favorite startups to long-running institutions, these ten restaurants represent some of Tennessee's best burger eating.

1. 1

   BAD LUCK BURGER CLUB

   Nashville

   BAD LUCK BURGER CLUB has grown from a cult-favorite burger project into one of Nashville's signature smash-burger names. The concept is built around crispy-edged patties, melty cheese, pickles, caramelized onions, and bold sauces, all served with a personality that feels unmistakably local. Its rise and staying power make it a deserving number one.

   Known for: Smash burgers, cult following, bold Nashville branding

2. 2

   Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer

   Nashville

   Black Tap brings a high-energy burger-and-shake experience to downtown Nashville, with a menu that mixes classic American cheeseburgers and more location-specific creations like the Tennessee Burger. The brand is also widely known for its oversized CrazyShake milkshakes, which add to the destination appeal. It earns its spot for combining polished execution with a genuinely fun dining experience.

   Known for: Craft burgers, Tennessee Burger, CrazyShakes

3. 3

   Scottie B's Burgers

   Chattanooga

   Scottie B's Burgers is a newer Chattanooga entry with a family-friendly diner feel and a clear emphasis on made-to-order burgers. The menu offers interchangeable patties, hand-cut fries, onion rings, wings, and classic comfort-food sides, giving it more staying power than a one-note burger stand. It has quickly gained traction in the local food scene.

   Known for: Made-to-order burgers, hand-cut fries, Chattanooga newcomer

4. 4

   Fozzy's Bar & Grill

   Franklin

   Fozzy's stands out for serving hefty burgers made from a brisket and chuck Angus blend, including a signature smash burger with secret sauce. The Franklin location blends bar-and-grill familiarity with more elevated burger construction than expected. That combination helps it rank among Tennessee's better cheeseburger destinations.

   Known for: Brisket-and-chuck burgers, smash burger, hearty bar food

5. 5

   Cledis Burgers & Beer

   Nashville

   Cledis Burgers & Beer has become one of Nashville's more compelling burger success stories, growing from a founder-driven concept into a multi-location brand. The restaurant pairs burgers and beer with a community-oriented identity and a menu built around memorable options like the Cledis Burger and Oklahoma Smash. Its expansion reflects how strongly it has connected with local diners.

   Known for: Nashville-grown burger brand, Oklahoma Smash, beer garden feel

6. 6

   Elwood's Shack

   Memphis

   Elwood's Shack is a Memphis favorite known for its eclectic comfort-food menu, and burgers remain a meaningful part of that appeal. The restaurant's casual shack-style identity, strong local following, and menu breadth help it stand out beyond a standard burger-only operation. It earns its place here as one of Memphis's most beloved casual food spots with a serious burger presence.

   Known for: Memphis comfort food, casual shack atmosphere, burgers and more

7. 7

   Stock & Barrel

   Knoxville

   Stock & Barrel is widely recognized as one of Knoxville's top burger destinations, pairing premium burger builds with a polished bar program and a strong downtown presence. Its reputation rests on a more elevated burger experience than the average casual joint, helping it draw both local fans and visitors. It belongs on this list as one of East Tennessee's burger standouts.

   Known for: Upscale burger bar atmosphere, downtown Knoxville appeal

8. 8

   The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden

   Nashville

   The Pharmacy has become a Nashville staple by focusing on burgers made with locally sourced beef, custom buns from Frothy Monkey Bakery, and a strong made-from-scratch philosophy. Specialty options like the Farm Burger and White Oak BBQ Burger show the menu's range without losing its classic identity. It remains one of the city's most recognizable burger names.

   Known for: Locally sourced beef, specialty burgers, beer garden atmosphere

9. 9

   Huey's Midtown

   Memphis

   Huey's is one of Memphis's enduring burger institutions, serving its World Famous Huey Burger alongside a deep specialty burger menu and live-music atmosphere. The restaurant has publicly leaned on its long-running "Best Burger in Memphis" reputation, and its staying power confirms how central it remains to the city's burger culture.

   Known for: Memphis burger legacy, World Famous Huey Burger, live music

10. 10

    Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint

    Memphis

    Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint keeps its burgers simple at the core, using 100% American Wagyu beef and then building playful specialty combinations around it. The Memphis menu includes classics as well as creative picks like the Classic Jack, Cowboy, and Cobra Kai. Its blend of high-quality beef and laid-back energy makes it a strong top-ten closer.

    Known for: American Wagyu burgers, creative specialty builds, beer selection