Knoxville is seriously loaded with burgers — from down‑home mom‑and‑pop joints to upscale craft burger bars. If you’re craving a burger, there’s a spot for whatever mood you’re in: fried edges, smash griddle, char‑grilled, fancy toppings, simple classics. Here’s a roundup of JUST a few (and trust us, there's more where this came from)!
Location & Vibe: South Knoxville, 1120 Sevier Ave. Opening in 2024, this SoKno spot is the perfect pair to next door's Ale Trail Stop: Alliance Brewing Co.
It’s got a friendly and chill vibe: family‑friendly, dog-friendly, relaxed patio. Psst...they also do Sunday brunch!
Menu & Highlight Burger: Behind the menu is head chef Jon, a Le Cordon Bleu graduate whose focus is simple: keep the menu tight, make every dish a standout, and create a space that feels welcoming to all. Their menu emphasizes smash burgers (griddled patties with a good crust). They use locally sourced meat and have options for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten‑free buns.
One highlight: Try "The Hangover" if you had a little too much fun down the street getting your groove on at Fly by Night or singing your favorite tunes at The Pink Cactus. It's got house made pimento cheese, topped with a fried egg, chili crisp, sliced onions, house pickles.
We mentioned brunch, right? Try the “Glazed & Confused”: two burger patties with American cheese, bacon, & sliced jalapeños on a glazed donut bun!
Location & Vibe: North Knoxville / Fountain City, 2803 Essary Drive. It’s a classic Knoxville institution that has been around since 1946. It’s relaxed, family style, nostalgic. The kind of place that’s comfortable, friendly staff, bakery on site, people go for burgers and that mouth-watering dessert case.
Menu & Highlight Burger: Their burgers are char‑broiled, with meat ground/pattied daily, served on buns baked in their own bakery.
One highlight: The "Thunder Road Burger": pimento cheese, sautéed onions, jalapeño. Be sure to split some onion rings, and you MUST save room for dessert - you'll have a hard time choosing, but you can't go wrong!
Location & Vibe: Downtown Knoxville/Old City: 211 S Central St.
It’s a fast‑casual/quick service that feels like a hidden gem, yet still in downtown Knoxville. Clean, modern, and approachable. Good for lunch or laid back dinner.
Menu & Highlight Burger: All burgers are “smash style” (thin patties smashed on the griddle) with good toppings and sauces.
One highlight: "Truffle Smash" with truffle mayo, grilled mushrooms, provolone cheese, and grilled onions. They also offer veggie/black bean patties, gluten‑free buns, and a solid variety of sauces.
Location & Vibe: Multiple locations in Knoxville (Cedar Bluff aka HQ, Bearden, food truck at Xul). Atmosphere varies based on location, where Cedar Bluff (west Knxoville) is known as the HQ, it's a huge space with room to spread out across the restaurant. Their Bearden location is (say it with me: a hidden gem) off Kingston Pike with the best neighborhood brewpub vibes. Xul is a brewery just north of the Old City with the staple Abridged food truck.
Menu & Highlight Burger: This concise menu at the Bearden location/food truck won't have you flipping the page for more (you'll find pizza and other options at the HQ location).
One highlight: Go ahead and get the "Abridged Burger": all‑beef ground brisket, caramelized red onions, applewood‑smoked bacon, white American cheese, fried Brussels sprouts petals, house aioli, on a brioche roll.
Location & Vibe: Market Square (downtown Knoxville). It’s more upscale casual: nicer décor, a full bar, fantastic bourbon selection, more “gourmet craft” angle. Great for date night or a nicer burger dinner out.
Menu & Highlight Burger: They do interesting topping combinations, high‑quality beef, and side items that feel elevated.
One highlight: Here's your chance to go for something adventurous. Try the "Elvis Burger" for peanut butter, fried banana, and Applewood bacon or the "Bernie" with blue cheese crumbles, Applewood bacon, blueberry preserve, and beer-battered jalapeños. They also have salmon, elk, bison, and more burger options.
Location & Vibe: Inskip Grill has its roots as a longtime neighborhood diner since 1967 in Knoxville. The flagship is in Fountain City at 4877 N. Broadway, and there’s also a location in Powell (2509 W. Emory Road) It leans into that classic diner + quirky local joint hybrid — bright, energetic, lots of burger decorations and personality, and a menu that encourages fun with food. Plus, they’re known for indulgent milkshakes and over-the-top burger creations.
Menu & Highlight Burger:
They boast 50+ burger and sandwich creations, from classic cheeseburgers to wild combinations, many with names that nod to local neighborhood names or historic figures.
One highlight: Try something under the "Grilla Favorites" category if you're up for the challenge that "defies all rules and safety standards." For example, the "Kane" burger is a ghost pepper cheeseburger with honey garlic chicken tenders, cheddar, bacon, and an onion ring. Only the mightiest King Kong can tackle it!
Kristen Combs is the Director of Communications & Social Strategies for Visit Knoxville. With an extensive knowledge of Knoxville as a tourist destination, Kristen is also the author of 100 Things to Do in Knoxville Before You Die, published by Reedy Press and available in the Visitors Center Gift Shop. Find Kristen on Instagram at @100thingsknoxville.
