If we had to guess, each of us eats a burger at least once a week. That’s over 50 patties a year—and yet, when it came time to choose Knoxville’s best, it was a breeze. These are the burgers that stuck with us, the ones that made us mumble obscenities mid-bite. All from spots that have perfected their craft, and, unsurprisingly, a bunch are from the city’s most beloved joints.
Taco Boy Sports Bar & Grill
$ | (865) 288-7889 | WEBSITE
It’s probably been too long since you had a proper margarita. What a shame. Change that at Taco Boy Sports Bar & Grill, the family-friendly spot known for its great food and drinks. The margarita in question is perfectly balanced, with a peach flavor so fresh it must have been squeezed right off the tree. The friendly staff keeps things moving even when the place is packed, and those complimentary chips and salsa are dangerously addictive.
Yes, the parking lot entrance requires some maneuvering, but once you’re inside with a cold tap beer and those generous portions of traditional Mexican dishes, you’ll understand why families keep coming back to celebrate. At around $12-15 for most entrees, it’s exactly the kind of lively, welcoming place where you can watch the game or just enjoy a good meal without breaking the bank.
Super Chix – Knoxville, TN
$ | (865) 512-9068 | WEBSITE
Chicken and rosemary have a lock on comfort food in Knoxville somewhere—and they also have a lock on Super Chix’s menu. The chicken here is juicier than a summer peach, with perfectly seasoned skin and a little kick from blackened spices. Paired with rosemary fries that are crispy and fragrant, it’s an absolute must-order on a menu full of must-orders.
Ruby Tuesday
$ | (865) 577-4070 | WEBSITE
At this Knoxville favorite, you have a few options for your main course, including salmon and pork chops. Go for the pork chop with bourbon glaze—the thick cut balances the sweet-savory sauce. It’s one of our most satisfying comfort meals, and the perfect choice if you’re planning a casual family dinner nearby.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
$ | (865) 531-5819 | WEBSITE
It’s a shame that the dollarita isn’t always on special at Applebee’s. It perfectly captures the casual, fun-loving spirit that makes the Knoxville spot a reliable choice. Each frosty glass was a simple pleasure, with crisp lime wedges floating on top, and that unbeatable price point making it easy to order another. Come back, dollarita. We need you.
Bit Burger
$ | (865) 770-0290 | WEBSITE
When you visit our only retro burger joint in Knoxville (and the only one with free arcades), go for lunch and order this. It’s a hefty, juicy smash burger, sitting on a toasted brioche bun, topped with a runny egg and crispy onion rings. All this would be enough, even without the friendly goth/emo waitress, the fact that the milkshakes are huge, and the chili cheese tots you should share alongside.
SmashCity Knoxville
$ | (865) 474-1941 | WEBSITE
In terms of gluten-free excellence, the Truffle Burger with sweet potato fries ranked right up there with the most satisfying comfort food experiences. Happily, the completely celiac-safe kitchen with designated fryers and trained staff is available every single day at this hidden gem.
Hamburger Hill Food Truck
$ | (865) 755-0440 | WEBSITE
With its generous drizzle of that signature Hill Sauce, this smash burger looks like it’s winking at you from the wrapper. After your first bite, you’ll be grinning right back. It’s juicy, savory, and perfectly cooked, and we’d like to apply that sauce to every future burger we eat.
Seasons Innovative Bar & Grille
$$ | (865) 392-1121 | WEBSITE
This main course at Seasons, a modern bar and grille in a strip mall, brings together the best of classic American comfort with innovative touches. Their aged ribeye, a traditional cut of beef, is cooked perfectly medium-plus, served with garlic mashed potatoes and beans, and finished with premium Himalayan salt and peppercorns. The pork chop impresses with its flawless presentation and quality, making it a standout dish in their small but excellent menu selection.
The atmosphere is comfortable and modern, ideal for gatherings or special occasions, though parking may require some searching. Service from staff like Braden is consistently professional and attentive, with excellent recommendations that enhance the dining experience. Overall, Seasons delivers fresh, innovative food with a focus on quality and service, making it a recommended spot in Knoxville.
Jacob’s Deli & Grill
$ | (865) 584-6671 | WEBSITE
Jacob’s Deli & Grill is a friendly neighborhood spot serving classic sandwiches like the Reuben with Swiss and hearty roast beef subs. But the real standout here is a basket full of crispy fried pickle spears and golden-brown ham slices tucked into soft rolls. Bite into this savory selection, and finish every last crumb.
Clean Eatz
$ | (865) 249-6423 | WEBSITE
This Knoxville health-focused eatery does some impressive things with clean eating—for example in their generous meal portions, or the freezer section perfect for keeping meals at home. Clean Eatz’s extensive menu is your first introduction to this fact. It offers many options along with friendly service: the staff is helpful, and the meals are made with healthy and satisfying ingredients.
Sam & Andy’s Bexhill
$ | (865) 357-5080 | WEBSITE
In a city of so many burger joints, it’s fitting that one of the most straightforward meals—a classic where each patty sizzled and each fry crunched in generous portions—was also one of the most satisfying. Simply put, Sam & Andy’s Bexhill is the most reliably hearty experience $14 can buy. Two more elaborate versions include the celebrated Turkey Club and Philly Cheesesteak with their fresh, flavorful appeal.
Lunch House
$ | (865) 637-5188 | WEBSITE
We apologize, because you can’t eat this right now. But next Friday, here’s what you should do: Head to Lunch House for a hearty lunch or early dinner, and order the turkey and dressing. It’s perfectly roasted and wonderfully savory, with creamy mashed potatoes, tangy pickled beets, and a side of flavorful greens. The fried chicken is crispy and golden, the burgers are juicy and satisfying, and the homemade desserts are sweet and comforting.
The friendly staff provides quick service in the casual, diner-style atmosphere, where you’ll feel like part of the local community. Free parking is available in front and adjacent to the old building.
Gus’s Good Times Deli
$ | (865) 525-9485 | WEBSITE
The menu at Gus’s Good Times Deli offers a variety of tasty options, but one thing remains—the classic deli vibe, so nostalgic it feels like stepping back in time. They serve things like the popular smoked turkey and cheddar on dark, and fantastic burgers with generous portion sizes. The best thing you can do for yourself is to just get one of everything.
Sevier Avenue Burger Company
$ | (865) 381-2845 | WEBSITE
All the burgers at Sevier Avenue Burger Company are delicious, but the Hangover Burger, featuring perfectly cooked patties and crispy bacon, is the undisputed champ. It’s unbelievously juicy and flavorful, and well worth shelling out to upgrade from the standard cheeseburger. Make yourself a bite with the side of chipotle aioli, or enjoy the generous portions directly from the plate.
Denton’s Burgers & Fun Foods
$ | (865) 558-8676 | WEBSITE
In 10 years, we’ll have a good laugh about all the chicken liver spots that opened in 2026. Wild times. So much fried liver. Then, with great reverence, someone will bring up the Knoxville spot that dared to fry green tomatoes and serve them with a butterscotch milkshake. Denton’s Burgers & Fun Foods isn’t appreciated in our time. Go pay your respects.
D & B’s Hot Dogs and Ice Cream
$ | (865) 896-0147 | WEBSITE
If a restaurant is named for a certain dish, you should probably order that dish. At D & B’s Hot Dogs and Ice Cream, your reward for following that rule is a toasted hot dog bun filled with your choice of toppings. Slather it with the incredible house-made hot sauce—it’s tangy, spicy, and has just the right amount of kick. The staff are friendly and welcoming, with quick service that gets your order to you fast.
The atmosphere is chill and inviting, perfect for families or anyone looking for a satisfying meal. It’s a hometown spot where both kids and adults can enjoy burgers, hot dogs, fries, beans, and milshakes, making it a favorite for many.
Abridged Beer Company
$$ | (865) 281-5449 | WEBSITE
There are many satisfying ways to enjoy a burger at Abridged Beer Company, but this juicy, perfectly cooked patty—served with well-seasoned fries, crisp lettuce, and a toasted bun—is our favorite. The burger achieves the ideal balance of savory, fresh, and hearty, and the beer selection offers a lovely variety.