Where Locals Go For Mouthwatering Burgers In Asheville
Nothing beats a juicy burger cooked to perfection paired with local craft beer, salty french fries, and a shake. Discover where to get the best burgers in Asheville, including Baby Bull, Rankin Vault, Rye Knot, and Romeo’s. As a hungry local, I’ll share gluten-free and plant-based options too. Don’t tell my doctor, but I eat a lot of patties for “research” to keep this list fresh.
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As Asheville residents, we’ve eaten at hundreds of area restaurants. All photos posted below are our own of the food we ate and enjoyed.
What You'll Find In This Guide
Baby Bull Asheville
Baby Bull serves the best burger in Asheville and is the sister River Arts District (RAD) restaurant to fancier, The Bull & Beggar. Head here when you are craving a low-key, affordable patty paired with artist studio hopping and a walk along the RAD Riverwalk. Order at the counter, and sit outside overlooking the Asheville silo. Baby Bull showcases “Burger Monday,” with a burger, fries, and beer or soda for $15.99+. Catch a rotating lobster roll, fried fish (my favorite), pork cutlet, or pressed pork sandwich. Sides include pork rinds, fries, and hushpuppies. Book a guided RAD tour while you are here.
Baby Bull | 1 Roberts St, Asheville, NC 28801
Romeo’s Vegan Burgers
Asheville is full of vegan and vegetarian restaurants. Newer to the scene, Romeo’s cooks up the best melty burger using Impossible and Beyond Meat. This North Asheville joint will have you craving Oreo milkshakes and fries for days. Enjoy kale salads, nuggets for the littles, buffalo “chicken” sandwiches, and tater tots. A milkshake a day keeps the doctor away, right?! Head here while running errands for quick, friendly service or a to-go order. Zen Sushi, The Hop, and Pop Bubble Tea are in the same plaza.
Romeo’s Vegan Burgers | 640 Merrimon Ave Unit 203, Asheville, NC 28804
Juicy Lucy’s Burger Bar & Grill
A great restaurant close to busy Biltmore Village and Biltmore Estate, Juicy Lucy’s is an Uncorked Asheville Readers’ favorite boasting local beer, endless shakes, and “Juicy Lucys,” burgers stuffed with melted cheese. Select from pulled pork plates, 10 different kinds of wings, and baby back ribs. We appreciate that they are open 7 days a week, which is sometimes harder to come by in Asheville.
Juicy Lucy’s Burger Bar & Grill | 620 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
Farm Burger
For vegan burgers in Asheville, Farm Burger is a must with easy counter service. We eat here for a quick, convenient, and positive experience. I think their homemade vegan patty is out of this world, consisting of quinoa, black-eyed peas, kale, roasted mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and spices. Build your own burger, and for sides, Farm Burger features regular, cheese, and sweet potato fries, slaw, and massive onion rings. This is a Southern regional chain with locations in Tennessee, North Carolina, Alabama, and Georgia.
Farm Burger | Downtown Asheville at 10 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801 | South Asheville at 1831 Hendersonville Rd, Suite 100, Asheville, NC 28803
Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge
Even though everyone knows the Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge, it is a more local Downtown Asheville dive bar. We enjoy Rankin Vault for its chill ambiance and delicious food. And let’s talk about those creative cocktails. Lavender lemonade, an Ashevillian Love Affair, and margaritas? Yes; please! Along with handhelds and hot dogs, Rankin Vault’s menu features sandwiches, chili, nachos, salads, and local ingredients. P.S. The Vault Burger is their most famous and award-winning dish. Explore even more of Asheville’s quirkiest bars.
Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge | 7 Rankin Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
While Downtown, consider taking a popular ghost tour or guided brewery crawl.
Laughing Seed
Laughing Seed was one of our favorite restaurants before we became Asheville residents. Located in the heart of Downtown Asheville, we enjoy them for dine-in or takeout. Tom likes their patties and sliders made with ingredients like black beans, beets, carrots, and tofu. However, Laughing Seed isn’t specifically known for their burgers as they have an entirely eclectic and delicious menu that we can never get enough of including pasta, bowls, and craft cocktails. I love the risotto and raw lasagna too.
Laughing Seed | 40 Wall St, Asheville, NC 28801
Rye Knot
If you appreciate all things craft AVL beer, local distilled beverages, and pub grub, Rye Knot is our go-to brewery, distillery, and North Asheville neighborhood tavern. While I usually order a beet salad or fish and chips, Tom gets their burger with a smoky Old Fashioned. We tend to leave with a bottle of their whiskey for more drinks at home.
Rye Knot | 868 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
The Madness AVL
Who knew you could find delicious sushi and burgers in the same restaurant? That’s what you can expect at The Madness AVL. Their cocktail list is creative and delicious, and we think their appetizers look like pieces of art. The Madness is great for families, takeout, and groups of people who don’t all want handhelds.
The Madness AVL | West Asheville at 275 Smokey Park Hwy Ste 251, Asheville, NC 28806 | North Asheville at 1020 Merrimon Ave Suite 104, Asheville, NC 28804
Cedric’s Tavern
Tom will tell you that one of the best burgers in Asheville is at Biltmore Estate. Even though Biltmore is a major tourist attraction – as America’s largest home – we still frequent the property as locals and annual passholders for Biltmore dining, the winery, and those hiking trails. A ticket, annual pass, or overnight stay on property is required to dine here, though.
Cedric’s Tavern pays homage to the Vanderbilts’ beloved St. Bernard, showcasing a statue of Cornelia and Cedric playing, Cedric’s massive dog collar, and historic black and white photos of the beloved pooch. Sit at the bar or grab a table, and yes, we highly suggest making advanced reservations. Cedric’s Tavern features the best craft cocktails in town, fish and chips, stews, sandwiches, soups, and salads.
Cedric’s Tavern | Biltmore Estate | 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803
More Asheville Restaurants by cuisine
Christine Frascarelli
Christine (pronouns: she/her) is the owner and lead writer of Uncorked Asheville. After falling in love with those gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, Christine and her husband Tom decided to call Asheville, North Carolina home. When her pointy Italian nose isn’t stuck in a book, Christine is adopting all of the kitties, getting lost in the forest, and drinking an ESB. She has a BA in English and History from Smith College, her MLIS from USF-Tampa, and is a former U.S. Fulbright Scholar - Indonesia. Christine also owns The Uncorked Librarian LLC with books and movies to inspire travel.