Eat Athens: Too hot to grill? Check out these local burger options for July 4 week

Andrew Shearer, Athens Banner-Herald
Updated ·3 min read
The Big City burger from Big City Bread. Painted Hill Farm all natural beef and topped with the classic cheddar, lettuce, tomato, red onion and pickles with fresh hand cut fries.
The Big City burger from Big City Bread. Painted Hill Farm all natural beef and topped with the classic cheddar, lettuce, tomato, red onion and pickles with fresh hand cut fries.

With temperatures climbing into 90s and even 100s, it's understandable that the idea of going outside and hanging out in front of a pile of burning charcoals isn't going to appeal to everyone.

Instead of grilling out, some might choose to order in, and the Banner-Herald has put together a list of locally-owned restaurants and bars that excel when it comes to making burgers. Our picks are presented in alphabetical order, because attempting to rank them could ignite a different kind of fire.

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The veggie "beyond burger" at Big City Bread in Athens, Ga. on Thursday, June 27, 2024.
The veggie "beyond burger" at Big City Bread in Athens, Ga. on Thursday, June 27, 2024.

Big City Veggie Burger

  • WHERE TO GET IT: Big City Bread (393 N. Finley St. Studio C)

  • WHAT IT COSTS: $12.75 (Visit bigcitybreadcafe.com/lunch for ordering information)

  • WHAT'S ON IT: Not all veggie burgers are created equal, and this reporter's personal favorite is Big City's plant-based “beyond burger”, grilled to perfection and topped with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, ketchup and mayonnaise on a kaiser bun. This sandwich is a terrific tower of meatless magic.

A double burger combo at Baddies Burgers & Fries with a side of house-made banana pudding in Athens, Ga. on Dec. 22, 2022.
A double burger combo at Baddies Burgers & Fries with a side of house-made banana pudding in Athens, Ga. on Dec. 22, 2022.

Double Baddie

  • WHERE TO GET IT: Baddie's Burgers (1591 S. Lumpkin St. Suite A)

  • WHAT IT COSTS: $11 (Order online at eatbaddies.com)

  • WHAT'S ON IT: Baddie's is kind of like the Raising Cane's of burgers in that they do one thing exceptionally well. Their patties are smash style, all served with caramelized onions, Baddie Pickles, Baddie Sauce and cheese. The Baddie combo is also available as a single for $9 and a triple for $13, and fries come with it.

The Doublestack with American Cheese from The World Famous is a downtown favorite served up late night at one of Athens most beloved bars.
The Doublestack with American Cheese from The World Famous is a downtown favorite served up late night at one of Athens most beloved bars.

Doublestack With American Cheese

  • WHERE TO GET IT: The World Famous (351 N. Hull St.)

  • WHAT IT COSTS: $12 (Call 706-543-4002 to place an order)

  • WHAT'S ON IT: Named one of the world's "legendary dive bars" by Southern Living Magazine, the World Famous has a lot of great food, but their Doublestack is known as one of the best burgers in Athens. Lettuce tomato, dill pickle and a simple but amazing "burger sauce," this sandwich never disappoints.

The Happy Top Burger from White Tiger BBQ, a half pounder topped with grilled onions and organic field greens, is a favorite of locals that call the Boulevard, Newtown neighborhoods home in Athens.
The Happy Top Burger from White Tiger BBQ, a half pounder topped with grilled onions and organic field greens, is a favorite of locals that call the Boulevard, Newtown neighborhoods home in Athens.

Happy Top Burger

  • WHERE TO GET IT: White Tiger BBQ (217 Hiawassee Ave.)

  • WHAT IT COSTS: $8.25 (Order online at whitetigergourmet.com/menu)

  • WHAT'S ON IT: If there's a photo of a cheeseburger in Merriam-Webster's dictionary, it should be of White Tiger's Happy Top Burger. This half pound beef patty with grilled onions, American cheese, organic field greens and mayonnaise served on a toasted kaiser roll gives White Tiger's barbecue a run for its money.

Lamb burger topped with spinach from The Royal Peasant in Athens, Ga. on Friday, June 28, 2024.
Lamb burger topped with spinach from The Royal Peasant in Athens, Ga. on Friday, June 28, 2024.

Lamb Burger

  • WHERE TO GET IT: The Royal Peasant (1675 S. Lumpkin St.)

  • WHAT IT COSTS: $16.25 (For online ordering, visit royalpeasant.com)

  • WHAT'S ON IT: The priciest on our list, Royal Peasant's lamb burger is an experience unlike any other in Athens, and the toppings are different every time. When the Banner-Herald dropped in to the English pub to try the sandwich, it was topped with an awesome creamy spinach with cheese and was served with fries.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Eat Athens: Five burger options for July 4 week

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