Many Buford residents may head out for the classic fast-food drive-thru, the familiar chain restaurant experience, or quietly hoping that this will be the year they find that perfect, life-changing patty. We’re there for the burger. Sure, it’s easy to go the standard lettuce-tomato-pickle route, but Buford’s culinary scene has more to offer, including gourmet stacks and smash-style creations that may be more coveted than a front-row parking spot. We devoured our way through to find the best.
Central City Tavern – Buford
$ | (470) 238-3067 | WEBSITE
Grab a black and bleu burger at Central City Tavern, which we’re pleased to report does live up to the potential that’s been building since their opening in 2024. The patty has a great char, bleu cheese crumbles are generous with creamy pockets, and crispy bacon edges make up for the conventional flash-frozen fries. As solid as this burger is, service can feel stretched thin—show up on a weekday evening if you’re set on a relaxed visit.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
$ | (470) 655-0748 | WEBSITE
Buford’s burger destination Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews never fails us, and their welcoming atmosphere is no exception. If you order the Royal Red Robin Burger here, you’ll be handed a plate stacked with juicy beef, crisp lettuce, melted cheese, and bottomless fries piled on the side. The whole meal is hearty and satisfying, but it’s not something we recommend having in your hands if you’re trying to keep your shirt clean.
Frontera Mexican Kitchen
$ | (470) 655-0102 | WEBSITE
We’re not typically drawn to Mexican spots in strip malls, but within Frontera’s walls, it delivers for those craving authentic flavors beyond basic tacos. The fresh chips and trio of sauces handle much of the initial appeal here, but the experience holds up well throughout. The seafood burrito comes with a nice cheese sauce that helps balance the slightly overcooked shrimp and tilapia, while the rice and beans round things out properly.
Staff like Susanna keep drinks topped up and offer solid suggestions that make ordering straightforward. You’ll leave satisfied and likely planning a return—it’s worth the trip for a reliable, enjoyable meal.
Ted’s Montana Grill
$$ | (678) 546-3631 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving a burger that feels like a genuine escape from the ordinary, there’s comfort in Ted’s Montana Grill’s bison offerings. We love sinking our teeth into the juicy bison patty, which arrives perfectly cooked and nestled between a soft, toasted bun with crisp lettuce and ripe tomato. And the nachos here are mainly fantastic.
Besides a few chips that have been fighting for their life under the cheese and toppings, they come loaded with fresh ingredients and offer a satisfying alternative to the typical appetizers at chain spots. The shaved ice in drinks adds a refreshing touch that cuts through the richness. At around $18 for the bison burger and $14 for the nachos, it’s a worthwhile splurge in the cozy, warmly lit dining room where the staff’s attentive service makes you feel right at home.
The Dawg House Burgers & More
$ | (770) 932-9940 | WEBSITE
The standout here is undoubtedly the cheesesteak, named after the city that perfected it. It’s rich and savory from the thinly sliced beef, with melted cheese and grilled onions adding a satisfying, gooey texture. The other burgers are more affordable than the $18 you’ll shell out for this, but they’re also less memorable.
Hardee’s
$ | (770) 945-6397 | WEBSITE
Hardee’s breakfast operation is right at the heart of their morning rush, making it convenient to grab a hot biscuit as Part One of a satisfying start. They specialize in those biscuits—imagine a regular breakfast sandwich with fluffy layers and buttery warmth, causing, well, bursts of flavor. You get it. Anyway, there’s nothing quite like a perfectly cooked chicken sandwich with a karate chop of savory goodness.
Over The Top Burger Bar
$ | (678) 482-7655 | WEBSITE
This is pure burger joint gimmickry, but it’s a fantastic gimmick (and basically every carnivore’s dream come true). Two patties of juicy beef, stacked with mushrooms and onions or bacon and a fried egg, come with funnel fries that have crunch while staying crispy under all that burger goodness. Sure, we wish the wing sampler sauces were spicier, but we devoured every bite.
And if you’re not into the whole double-patty situation, you can go classic with the GA Summer burger, courtesy of the friendly bartenders like Lila who know their menu.
Five Guys
$ | (470) 238-3576 | WEBSITE
This popular fast-food burger joint in Buford has a lively spot that often draws crowds, especially on weekends. While the menu isn’t as extensive as some sit-down burger places, there are still plenty of great options to choose from, including their classic cheeseburgers with carefully layered toppings and fresh, never-soggy buns. You may need to eat it all at one of their tables, though—those perfectly stacked burgers can get messy if you try to take them to go.
The Twisted Oar
$ | (678) 714-7572 | WEBSITE
If your soul has become 80% sunset by mid-evening, nothing soaks up the view quite like the crispy fish and chips at this marina spot. They may be a touch loud with country music at times, but that shouldn’t stop you from devouring these succulent fried bundles loaded with fries and onion straws.
Culver’s
$ | (678) 714-7000 | WEBSITE
If you’re going to grab a quick bite while out shopping with your dog, this is the place to do it. Yes, the signature burger can taste a bit bland, and yes the strawberry milkshake is $6 before tax—but it’s also really tasty. A big scoop of real strawberries makes its way to every sip, and the crinkle cut fries come perfectly salted and what feels like an entire basket of them.
Friends Buford Grill
$ | (770) 904-7770 | WEBSITE
It might not be the law to have wings on a Wednesday night in Buford, but it should at least be an ordinance—and the BOGO deal is the one to get. Some may prefer their wings extra crispy, but we like that these are served saucy with all that flavor staying intact once you dig in. There’s also a nice sweet-spicy ratio of honey to sriracha in the house sauce. Just note that the Long Island ice teas pack a punch at $6 each—stock up on water unless you brought a designated driver for the ride home.
Suthern Cluck Chicken and Waffle
$ | (678) 926-3684 | WEBSITE
While this local soul food spot has plenty of parking and wheelchair access, the real draw is the welcoming atmosphere. Their chicken and waffles are a lovely little departure from the usual fast-food fare—and they work as a perfect meal whether you’re craving comfort food or not. Don’t forget to add on a dangerously refreshing lemonade.