Alabamaâs best burger: Readers canât believe we missed these
We at AL.com think we know burgers in Alabama, naming our favorites in our largest cities as well as our top 10 in the entire state. Many readers agreed with our brilliant picks, but some thought them to be way off. And you know what? That hurts, but we’re all ears.
So enough about what we think — it’s your turn. We asked you to share the best burgers up and down our beautiful state, and you nailed it with dive bar classics, bougie burgers and everything else we left out.
Read your picks below.
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MOST UNDERRATED?
We have a few repeat suggestions, indicating fans wanted to get the word out when we posed this question, and it’s clear a lot of people think Marty’s Stew Shack in Anderson has the best burgers in Alabama. The menu is glorious: A classic hole-in-the-wall whiteboard with black letters complete with a Coca-Cola logo at the center of it. The most commonly recommended item: The Rebel Burgers. (”Heck, ALL their burgers,” a reader said, also calling them “the best I’ve ever had!!) Another reader said, “We never let a week go by without their burgers and milkshakes. Unbelievably good milkshakes!” Duly noted. Siri, chart a course for Anderson.
The other joint that got the loudest chatter: Rusty’s Bar-B-Q in Leeds. We heard the same when we asked about the best barbecue in the state, but we’ve often found barbecue restaurants happen to have darn fine burgers on their menus, too. You can go classic hamburger or cheeseburger, or slap some bacon on it. Now, why not marry a pig to a cow?
FAMILIAR FAVORITES
Sometimes, we get it right. Sometimes. Readers agreed Hero Doughnuts & Buns has arguably the best burger in metro Birmingham, along with Chez Fonfon, which one reader said is “easily one of the best I’ve ever had.”
It ain’t all about chocolate gravy at Stagg’s Grocery in Florence (although we’ll take that, too), with multiple readers shouting them out. And while we’re in North Alabama, one reader agreed with Matt Wake’s top two picks, tossing out Supper Heroes and Peppered Pig in Huntsville. Hit I-65 North and let us know.
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Known for miles around for its hickory-smoked barbecue and old-fashioned hamburgers, The Rocket has been an institution in the college town of Jacksonville, Ala., since 1958. (Bob Carlton/[email protected])(Bob Carlton/[email protected])
NORTH ALABAMA
Readers in larger markets up north said to try John’s Market in Florence, Dallas Mill Deli in Huntsville, plus Gadsden joints like Express Steak and Merrill’s BBQ.
One reader dropped two tasty recs: Big Time Café in Fort Payne and Shine’s BBQ in Fyffe. “Both has a great burger! Both, hand patted fresh ground beef … Highly recommended!”
We received several picks for The Rocket in Jacksonville, Big Chief Drive-In in Glencoe, Greasy Cove General Store (and the Greasy Spoon Kitchen) in Gallant and The Rattler burger at Ramona J’s in Athens.
Finally, we heard about the SMASHED food truck, which roams around North Alabama. People like the California Girl burger (double patties, avocado, tomato, shredded lettuce, fresh onion).
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Hamburger King in Montgomery has one of the best burgers in Alabama. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com)
CENTRAL ALABAMA
We’ll start in Birmingham, with mainstays like Hamburger Heaven and Milo’s Hamburgers — which most Alabamians have tried (and if you haven’t … why not?). We saw people pick Birmingham favorites like Battle Axe’s Feast, Back Forty Beer Co. and The Standard BHM at Pizitz Food Hall.
One reader said everyone else is a pretender compared to Whiskey Foxtrot Burger Dive in Hoover. “Whisky. Foxtrot. Period. No one else comes close. No one.” We took one look at that beautiful burger and, well, kind of agree — it’s love at first sight.
Evidently, we need to try the burgers Archie’s Bar-B-Q & Burgers in Hoover, plus Pelham eateries like Tony’s Hot Dogs and The Depot Deli & Grill.
Rounding out the Birmingham area: SAW’s Soul Kitchen in Avondale, Sammy’s Sandwich Shop and Golden Rule Bar-B-Q and Grill.
Down in the River Region, our next burger bets are Hamburger King (which we’ve tried and loved), 5 Points Deli & Grill and one more spot a reader was emphatic about: “Vintage Year in Old Cloverdale, Montgomery! Tuesday is their official burger night.” Their VY classic: Wagyu Blend, Peppered Bacon, White Cheddar, LTO, Brioche Bun.
Also, check out Coaches Corner Sports Bar & Grill in Wetumpka and The Chuck House in Wadley.
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Readers agreed with AL.com on the bacon cheeseburger at Bill-E’s restaurant in Fairhope, Ala.(Bob Carlton/[email protected])
SOUTH ALABAMA
On the coast, readers revere Bleus Burger Restaurant, Bar, and Food Truck in Gulf Shores, Sam’s Super Burger in Grand Bay, Pirates Cove in Elberta and Our Place Diner in Ozark
They also said we better get to trying Roshell’s Café & Diner on Springhill Avenue in Mobile, as well as Foley’s own Fish River Grill and Tweed’s Food Truck.