How to eat burgers without making a mess
Keep your hands clean and your burger intact with this simple wrapping technique.
Sometimes you want a good meal but you don’t want something fancy or complicated. That’s why Family Destinations Guide released a list of the best no-fuss burger joints in Georgia that “prove you don’t need white tablecloths or fancy names to serve amazing food.”
Here’s which ones made the cut and what the guide had to say about them:
NFA Burger
5465 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody
“Sometimes the best things come in small packages. NFA Burger proves this point perfectly. Tucked inside a gas station in Dunwoody, this place might not look like much from the outside. But don’t let that fool you – these burgers are serious business. The name stands for ‘Not Fooling Around,’ and they mean it. These burgers feature perfectly seared patties with crispy edges and juicy centers that will make you forget you’re eating at a gas station. The classic cheeseburger comes with American cheese melted just right, special sauce, and fresh toppings on a toasted bun. Simple? Yes. Boring? Not even close. What makes NFA special is their attention to detail. Each burger is made to order with care that you can taste in every bite.”
Zesto Drive-In
1181 United Ave SE, Atlanta
“Zesto is like stepping into a time machine that takes you straight back to the 1950s. The bright blue roof and colorful signs advertising ice cream and burgers make it impossible to miss. This Atlanta original has been serving up no-nonsense burgers and ice cream treats for generations. Some folks have been coming here since they were kids – now they bring their grandchildren! The Chubby Decker burger is their claim to fame. It’s a double-decker masterpiece with all the classic fixings that hits the spot every single time. What makes Zesto special is that they’ve never tried to be trendy. They stick to what works – quality ingredients, consistent cooking, and friendly service.”
Clocked!
259 W Washington St, Athens
“Athens isn’t just about college football and music – it’s also home to some seriously good burgers. Clocked! stands out in this college town with its funky vibe and amazing food. The moment you spot the cartoon character on the window, you know this isn’t your average burger joint. The bright colors and quirky decor set the tone for a fun dining experience. Their burgers are the perfect balance of creative and classic. The patties are thick and juicy, cooked to perfection and topped with fresh ingredients. What makes Clocked! special is their willingness to experiment. Want peanut butter on your burger? They’ve got you covered. Prefer a veggie patty? No problem. The fries deserve special mention – crispy, well-seasoned, and generous portions that might require sharing.”
The Vortex Bar & Grill
438 Moreland Avenue NE, Atlanta
“You can’t miss this place even if you tried. The giant skull entrance with hypnotic swirly eyes practically screams, ‘Hey you! Come eat here!’ It’s like walking into the mouth of a friendly monster who happens to make incredible burgers. The Vortex isn’t trying to be fancy, and that’s exactly why we love it. They focus on what matters – big, juicy burgers cooked exactly how you want them. Their menu features creative burger options that might make your doctor nervous but will make your taste buds throw a party. The Coronary Bypass burger is legendary for good reason. The inside feels like your cool friend’s basement – if that friend collected quirky art and random oddities.”
The Varsity
61 North Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
“‘What’ll ya have?’ If you’ve been to The Varsity, you know this famous greeting well. If not, prepare yourself for an Atlanta institution that’s been serving up burgers since 1928. The massive red and white building near Georgia Tech is impossible to miss….The burgers are simple but satisfying – thin patties cooked on a flat-top grill, served on steamed buns with basic toppings. No frills, just good old-fashioned flavor. What makes The Varsity special isn’t fancy ingredients or trendy techniques. It’s the experience – the history, the atmosphere, and the consistent taste that hasn’t changed in decades. Their onion rings and famous Frosted Orange (a creamy orange drink that’s somewhere between a milkshake and a slushie) are must-try sides. They complement the burgers perfectly.”
Farm Burger
Multiple Georgia Locations
“Farm Burger takes the farm-to-table concept and applies it to America’s favorite handheld meal. The result? Burgers that taste like they came straight from the pasture to your plate. The bright blue building with its wooden sign stands out in Decatur’s charming downtown area. Inside, the simple decor lets the food be the star of the show. What makes Farm Burger special is their commitment to quality ingredients. Their beef comes from grass-fed cows raised without antibiotics or growth hormones. You can taste the difference in every bite – these patties have a clean, rich flavor that mass-produced beef just can’t match. It’s like comparing real maple syrup to the fake stuff. The menu offers creative toppings like roasted bone marrow and house-made pickles. But even their basic burger shines because the foundation – that amazing beef – is so good. Their sides deserve attention too. The sweet potato fries with garlic aioli might make you forget about regular fries forever.”
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
