best burger in knoxville

If you're a burger fan in Knoxville, you're in luck! This city has some of the best burger joints in the south, and we're here to help you find the best of the best. Whether you're looking for a classic cheeseburger or something more unique, Knoxville has got you covered. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the top burger spots in Knoxville, including hidden gems, fast-food options, and celebrity-approved favorites.

Top 10 burger joints in Knoxville

Let's start with the cream of the crop. We've scoured the city and talked to locals and experts to compile this list of the top 10 burger joints in Knoxville. From iconic institutions to new and exciting spots, these places offer the best burgers in town.

1. Stock & Barrel: A local favorite, Stock & Barrel serves up juicy, flavorful burgers cooked to perfection. They use grass-fed beef from a local farm and offer a variety of creative toppings, such as bourbon bacon and truffle aioli.2. Litton's Market: Litton's is a Knoxville institution, serving up classic burgers since 1946. Their burgers are made from fresh beef and cooked on a griddle, giving them a crispy crust and juicy center.3. BurgerFi: BurgerFi is a newer addition to the Knoxville burger scene, but it's quickly gained a reputation for its delicious, all-natural burgers. They also offer vegetarian and vegan options, as well as gluten-free buns.4. Hard Knox Pizzeria: Don't let the name fool you - Hard Knox also serves up some of the best burgers in town. Their patties are made from a blend of beef and pork for extra flavor, and they offer a range of toppings like pimento cheese and bacon jam.5. The Plaid Apron: The Plaid Apron is a farm-to-table restaurant that prides itself on using local and seasonal ingredients. Their burger is no exception, made from pasture-raised beef and topped with house-made pickles and sauce.6. Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint: If you're looking for a laid-back atmosphere and great burgers, Jack Brown's is the spot for you. Their burgers are small but mighty, with creative toppings like mac and cheese and peanut butter.7. J.C. Holdway: J.C. Holdway is a fine-dining restaurant, but don't let that scare you off - their burger is worth it. Made from dry-aged beef and topped with cheddar and caramelized onions, it's a decadent treat.8. Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken: While Gus's is known for their fried chicken, their burger is definitely worth trying. It's simple but delicious, with a juicy patty and classic toppings like lettuce and tomato.9. Uncle Maddio's Pizza: Uncle Maddio's may be a pizza joint, but their burgers are a hidden gem. They use fresh beef and offer a range of toppings, including avocado and jalapenos.10. Five Guys: You might think of Five Guys as just another fast-food chain, but their burgers are a step above the rest. They use fresh beef and offer a range of toppings, so you can customize your burger to your heart's content.

Whether you're a meat lover or a vegetarian, Knoxville has a burger joint for you. Many of these restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options, such as BurgerFi's Beyond Burger and Uncle Maddio's veggie burger. And if you're looking for a unique twist on the classic burger, Jack Brown's and Hard Knox Pizzeria have got you covered with their creative toppings. No matter which spot you choose, you're sure to have a delicious burger experience in Knoxville.

A burger lover's guide to Knoxville

If you're a true burger aficionado, you know that there's more to a burger than just the patty and bun. Knoxville has plenty of spots that offer creative toppings and unique flavor combinations, so here's our guide to the best of the best.

At Stock & Barrel, try their Bourbon Bacon burger, topped with bacon, bourbon glaze, cheddar cheese, pickled red onions, and arugula. The Firecracker burger at Hard Knox Pizzeria comes with jalapeno cream cheese, sriracha sauce, and crispy onion rings. And Jack Brown's has a notorious burger called "The Elvis," which is topped with peanut butter, bacon, and fried bananas.

If you're looking for a more classic burger experience, head to Litton's Market and Restaurant. Their burgers are made with fresh, never frozen, beef and come with all the traditional toppings like lettuce, tomato, and onion. Another great option is BurgerFi, which offers a variety of burgers made with grass-fed beef and topped with unique ingredients like truffle aioli and blueberry barbecue sauce.

For a vegetarian or vegan option, visit The Tomato Head. Their veggie burger is made with black beans, brown rice, and a blend of spices, and can be topped with avocado, salsa, and vegan cheese. And if you're in the mood for something different, try the lamb burger at Kefi. It's topped with feta cheese, tzatziki sauce, and roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean twist on a classic burger.

The history of burgers in Knoxville

While burgers have been a beloved American food for decades, they have a particularly interesting history in Knoxville. In the early 1900s, "hamburger stands" began popping up all over the city, serving up cheap and convenient meals to factory workers and students. One of the most famous stands was the White Castle, which opened in 1931 and remains a fixture of downtown Knoxville to this day.

Over the years, burger joints have come and gone, but the love for this classic food remains. Today, Knoxville is home to a vibrant burger scene, with an eclectic mix of old-school diners and innovative new spots.

One of the most popular burger joints in Knoxville is Gus's Good Times Deli, which has been serving up delicious burgers since 1979. Their signature burger, the "Gus Burger," is a mouth-watering combination of juicy beef, melted cheese, and crispy bacon. Another must-try spot is Stock & Barrel, which offers a variety of unique burger options, including a vegetarian black bean burger and a burger topped with mac and cheese.

But it's not just the traditional burger joints that are thriving in Knoxville. The city is also home to several food trucks that specialize in burgers, such as the popular Holy Smokin' Burger truck. And for those looking for a more upscale burger experience, The Oliver Royale offers a gourmet burger made with grass-fed beef and topped with truffle aioli and gruyere cheese.

Knoxville's hidden gem burger spots

While the restaurants on our top 10 list are all fantastic, Knoxville has plenty of hidden gems that are worth seeking out. One such spot is Litton's Market, which is located off the beaten path in Fountain City. Another is Chandler's Deli, a soul food restaurant that serves up a mean burger alongside their famous fried chicken.

Vegetarian and vegan burger options in Knoxville

If you're a vegetarian or vegan, you don't have to miss out on the burger fun in Knoxville. BurgerFi has a "Beyond Burger" that's made from a plant-based patty, and Jack Brown's offers a veggie burger that's packed with flavor.

Another great option for vegetarian and vegan burgers in Knoxville is The Tomato Head. They offer a variety of meatless burger options, including a black bean burger and a quinoa burger. Their burgers are served on a whole wheat bun and come with a variety of toppings, such as avocado, sprouts, and roasted red peppers. The Tomato Head also has a great selection of sides, including sweet potato fries and kale salad.

Best fast-food burgers in Knoxville

If you're in the mood for a burger on the go, Knoxville has plenty of fast-food options to choose from. Five Guys and BurgerFi both offer high-quality burgers that are cooked to order, while McDonald's and Wendy's are tried-and-true classics.

However, if you're looking for a unique twist on the classic burger, you should check out Krystal. This fast-food chain is known for its small, square burgers that are topped with diced onions and a steamed bun. It's a local favorite and a must-try for anyone visiting Knoxville.

The most affordable burgers in Knoxville

You don't have to break the bank to enjoy a delicious burger in Knoxville. Chandler's Deli offers a basic burger for just $3.50, while Five Guys has a "little" burger for under $5. And if you're looking for a deal, check out the daily specials at Litton's Market.

But affordability doesn't mean sacrificing quality. These budget-friendly options still use fresh, high-quality ingredients and offer a variety of toppings to customize your burger. Whether you prefer classic toppings like lettuce and tomato or more unique options like avocado and fried egg, you can find it at these affordable burger joints in Knoxville.

Unique burger toppings to try in Knoxville

While classic toppings like cheese and bacon are always delicious, Knoxville has plenty of innovative options for those looking to mix things up. The "Sloppy Joe" at Stock & Barrel is topped with chili, cheddar cheese, and Fritos, while the "Tuckaleechee" at The Plaid Apron comes with caramelized onions, blue cheese, and bourbon sauce.

If you're feeling adventurous, head over to BurgerFi and try their "Breakfast All Day" burger, which features a fried egg, maple syrup, bacon, and hash browns on top of a juicy beef patty. Another unique option is the "Pimento Cheeseburger" at Litton's Market and Restaurant, which is topped with homemade pimento cheese and pickles. With so many delicious and creative burger toppings to choose from, Knoxville is a burger lover's paradise.

How to make the perfect homemade burger, inspired by Knoxville

If you're feeling inspired by Knoxville's burger scene, why not try making your own at home? Start with high-quality beef (grass-fed if possible), and season it liberally with salt and pepper. Cook it on a cast-iron skillet or grill until it's cooked to your liking. Then, top it with your favorite toppings - maybe some bacon and pimento cheese, or avocado and salsa. Serve it on a soft bun with a side of fries or onion rings.

Another tip for making the perfect homemade burger is to not overwork the meat when forming the patties. Overworking the meat can result in a tough and dry burger. Instead, gently form the patties and make a small indentation in the center to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.

Additionally, consider experimenting with different types of buns to elevate your burger game. Brioche buns are a popular choice for their buttery flavor and soft texture, but you could also try pretzel buns, sesame seed buns, or even homemade buns for a truly unique burger experience.

Gluten-free burger options in Knoxville

If you're gluten-free, you might think you can't enjoy a delicious burger. But fear not - several of Knoxville's burger joints offer gluten-free buns, including BurgerFi and Stock & Barrel.

The most Instagrammable burgers in Knoxville

Of course, part of the fun of eating a delicious burger is taking a photo of it for Instagram. And Knoxville has plenty of burgers that are not only delicious but also seriously photogenic. Check out the "Bride of Frankenstein" at Stock & Barrel, which comes with a black bun, or the "Donut Burger" at Litton's Market, which is exactly what it sounds like.

The science behind a perfect patty: a look into the art of burger making

While burgers may seem simple, there's actually a lot of science that goes into making the perfect patty. From the fat content to the cooking method, every detail can affect the flavor and texture of the burger. If you're curious to learn more, check out this in-depth article from Serious Eats.

The cultural significance of burgers in Knoxville

While burgers may seem like just another food, they actually hold a special place in American culture. Burgers are often associated with summertime, barbecues, and patriotism - and in Knoxville, they're also a symbol of the city's unique culinary identity. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, a great burger is a must-try in Knoxville.

Celebrity-approved burger spots in Knoxville

Finally, if you're curious about where the stars go for a delicious burger in Knoxville, we've got you covered. Both Dolly Parton and Peyton Manning have professed their love for Litton's Market, while comedian Josh Wolf is a fan of BurgerFi. And if you're lucky, you might just spot a celebrity at any of the spots on our top 10 list.

Now that's we've covered all things burger in Knoxville, it's time to go out and try them for yourself. Whether you're a die-hard burger fan or just looking for a delicious meal, Knoxville's burger scene has something for everyone.

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