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, White Labs, Hail Mary, 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, Tom and I have eaten our way across Western North Carolina. We know that with so many unforgettable Asheville restaurants (we are pretty lucky here in the NC mountains!), it can be hard to choose. These are just a few of our favorite burger joints. 📸 All photos are 100% our own of the food we order and enjoy. 💙 Christine of Uncorked Asheville
Baby Bull Asheville
If Tom and I had to pick only ONE place for the best burger in Asheville, it’s Baby Bull. There, I said it. This is the sister River Arts District (RAD) restaurant to fancier, The Bull & Beggar. Head here when you are craving a low-key, budget-friendly patty paired with artist studio hopping and a walk along the RAD Riverwalk. (We are thrilled to see RAD recovering post-Helene.)
Order at the counter, and sit outside overlooking the Asheville silo. Baby Bull showcases “Burger Monday,” a burger, fries, and beer, wine, or soda special for a discount.
Also, find anything from a rotating lobster roll, fried fish sandwich (my favorite), and pork cutlet to a pressed pork sandwich. Sides include pork rinds, fries, and hushpuppies. This is truly local Asheville.
Baby Bull | 1 Roberts St, Asheville, NC 28801
White Labs Brewing Co.
Whenever our readers think of White Labs, they go for that delicious pizza. However, Tom and I both agree that White Labs also makes the best smash burger in Asheville.
Located on the quieter edge of Downtown and North AVL, we love coming here for the gluten-reduced beer, Caesar salad (with a vegan option), and indoor and outdoor seating. If you are lucky, you might even catch a themed day, like celebrating Elvis’s Birthday…
White Labs is a local gem, and when on tap, I’m obsessed with their Mexican Lager. Start with a flight, though, if you haven’t been before. Know that White Labs is kid and pet-friendly. We practically live here.
White Labs Brewing Co. | 172 S Charlotte St, Asheville, NC 2880
Hail Mary Asheville
Where else can you sit at a Britney Spears-themed table with one of the best burgers in Asheville?
Voted best new restaurant in 2025 (Mountain Xpress), West Asheville’s Hail Mary – owned by “burger kween” Kelly Gable – opened in the former Tastee Diner space as a post-Helene comeback story worth celebrating.
Everything about this place is what makes Asheville so special and quirky: unicorny/Rudolph taxidermy wearing a pink wig, a butt poster in the bathroom, and a lava lamp next to a kitschy old-school toy capsule machine (I had to Google what those are officially called, haha; the nostalgia is for real).
You have to order Hail Mary’s smash burger – loaded with pickles, caramelized onions, and their kween sauce – but their fried chicken sandwiches are equally popular with our readers. Tom and I enjoyed a side of yucca fries, which are a must when on the menu. They will satisfy that salt craving.
With a bar full of character, a unique cocktail or N/A option nicely washes down that burger. Vegan, veggie, and gluten-free options are solid here, too. This is a space you won’t soon forget.
See What All The Hype Is About
🍔 Take a peek inside Hail Mary with us and fall instantly in love. And, when you go, let us know what you ordered and what you think. Happy eating! 🍟
Hail Mary | 575 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Romeo’s Vegan Burgers
A milkshake a day keeps the doctor away, right?! Asheville is full of vegan and vegetarian restaurants that are 100% worth a visit, whether or not you are vegan.
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.
Along with your meal, select from kale salads, nuggets for the littles, chili dogs, and tater tots. I head here while running errands for quick, friendly service or a to-go order.
✨ Zen Sushi, The Hop, Pho Real (delicious Asheville Pho), Mother Ocean, and Pop Bubble Tea are in the same plaza. So many choices, so little stomach.
Romeo’s Vegan Burgers | 640 Merrimon Ave Unit 203, Asheville, NC 28804
Juicy Lucy’s Burger Bar & Grill
A great restaurant close to busy (and recovering) 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.
Along with burgers, select from pulled pork plates, 10 different kinds of wings, and baby back ribs.
Tom and I appreciate that they are open 7 days a week, which is sometimes harder to come by in Asheville. This is the perfect choice if you have the family with you, too.
Juicy Lucy’s Burger Bar & Grill | 620 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
Farm Burger
For meaty and 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, usually 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, burgers, 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
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, grilled chicken sandwich, or fish and chips, Tom gets their burger with a smoky Old Fashioned. He also loves their ribs and pulled pork sandwich.
We tend to leave with a bottle of their whiskey for more drinks at home. It’s one of our favorite casual restaurants in all of Asheville. If the Strawberry Wheat Ale is on tap, get it! This is also a great meet-up spot for larger groups. They have parking and loads of space.
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 hiding inside Biltmore Estate. As annual passholders, we frequent the property for Biltmore dining, the winery, and the hiking trails – so this isn’t surprising. Just know that a ticket, annual pass, or overnight stay is required to dine here.
Cedric’s Tavern pays homage to the Vanderbilts’ beloved St. Bernard, with a statue of Cornelia and Cedric playing, his massive collar on display, and historic black-and-white photos throughout.
Sit at the bar or grab a table. Reservations are strongly recommended. Beyond that delicious burger, the craft cocktails, fish and chips, stews, and salads are all worth the trip. Read our full guide to Biltmore to make the most of your visit.
Cedric’s Tavern | Biltmore Estate | 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803
More Asheville Restaurants Serving Amazing Burgers
A few more notable restaurants we enjoy for the best burgers in Asheville:
- Haywood Common
- The Smokin’ Onion (vegan)
- Hillman Beer (brewery)
- The Village Porch ($10 burger Mondays)
- Stoney Knob Cafe (nearby Weaverville gem)
Now Go Find Your Burger, Asheville
🍔 Can’t Decide?! Maybe This Will Help… ✨
Spots featured in this video:
🐂 Baby Bull
🏰 Cedric’s Tavern
🍟 Hail Mary
🍺 White Labs Brewing
🥔 Haywood Common
🌱 Romeo’s Vegan Burgers
Asheville’s burger scene is anything but boring, and honestly, that tracks for a city that puts unicorn/Rudolph taxidermy next to a capsule toy machine and calls it interior design.
Whether you’re a local seeking a Monday burger deal or a visitor squeezing in one last meal before heading home, there’s a patty here with your name on it. Gluten-free bun? Impossible burger? Award-winning smash? We’ve got you covered.
If you try any of these spots, drop a comment below and let us know what you ordered. And if I missed your favorite burger in Asheville, I want to hear about it – my research appetite is endless. 💙 Christine of Uncorked Asheville
South Paw AVL has one of the best burgers in town!
Thanks for sharing your favorite! 🍔
Centreville Luncheonette!
Yes, thank you for mentioning! Our readers love them, too!
Sand Hill Kitchen. Always. Can’t believe you didn’t feature theirs!
So many great spots, so little stomach space. 🤣 That’s what makes this city so fun and special; we all have our personal favorites. Thanks for sharing yours with us (and our readers).
Thanks Christine –
White Labs has an excellent smash burger and my wife loved the Kale salad. Just what we were looking for. Beer and cocktails were very good.
I always take a bite of the burger and if it needs ketchup – it’s not a good burger. I just wanted to keep eating this burger. Definately recommend this burger.
Thanks again!
Hey Kevin, White Labs is one of our favorite places in Asheville, too! We love their beer, pizza, burgers, and salads. Their Mexican Lager and newer German beers (this year) are my personal favorite. Thanks so much for sharing what you love with us and our readers – and thanks for reading! We appreciate it.