Although the history of hamburgers kind of ambiguous, the popularity of this simple, though flavor-packed, American classic is clear today. Like much cooking, beauty lies within the simplicity: a ground meat patty (typically beef) placed between a sliced roll or bun with sauces and toppings. The variations of those four elements are endless.
And Augusta, Georgia has some amazing burger spots from which to choose. Here is the ultimate guide to burger restaurants and burgers in Augusta, GA.
| Restaurant | General Location | # of Burger Varieties on Menu | Veggie Burger Option? | Price Range | Menu |
| Whiskey Bar Kitchen | Downtown Augusta | 12 | Yes | $9.95 – $13.95 | Menu |
| Farmhaus Burger | Downtown Augusta + Martinez | 7 + Build Your Own Option | Yes | $8.00 – $11.75 | Menu |
| World of Beer | Augusta (Washington Road near National) | 6 + Build Your Own Option | Yes | $11.50 – $14.95 | Menu |
| Knuckle Sandwiches | Downtown Augusta | 2 | No* | $13.80 – $16 | Website |
| Cheeseburger Bobby’s | Martinez (Bobby Jones Expy) | 11 | Yes | $5.99 – $10.19 | Menu |
| Edgar’s Grille | Augusta | 1 | No | $15 | Menu |
| Gary’s Hamburgers | Augusta + Evans + North Augusta | 6 | No | $4.10 – $6.70 | Menu |
| Olde Time Burgers | Grovetown | 4 | No | $3.09 – $7.89 | Menu |
| Sno-Cap Drive In | North Augusta | 6 + Build Your Own Option | Yes | $5.25 – $8.50 | Menu |
| Manuel’s Bread Café | North Augusta (Hammond’s Ferry) | 4 | Yes | $12 – $14.95 | Menu |
| Finch and Fifth | Augusta (Surrey Center) | 1 | No | $20 | Menu |
| Takosushi | Augusta + Evans | 1 | No | $14 – $16 | Menu |
| Metro Diner | Augusta (Washington Road near National) | 3 | No | $10.59 – $11.99 | Menu |
| Bodega Ultima | Augusta (Surrey Center) | 2 | No | Menu | |
| The Brunch House | Downtown Augusta | 5 | No | $10 – $12 | Menu |
Whiskey Bar Kitchen
With perhaps the best burgers in Augusta, Whiskey Bar Kitchen boasts 12+ delicious varieties and is situated in the heart of downtown. The burger flavor profiles reflect the blend of both Southwest American and Japanese comfort foods their menu is known for. The Elway, Cali, and Remedy are among my favorites, but don’t take my word for it. Whiskey Bar‘s menu also has veggie patties or grilled chicken.
With a pub-like atmosphere and great beer selections, it’s easy to see why this has been a go-to burger spot in Augusta for 10+ years. But if you want something else, you can find tacos, pork sandwiches, and hibachi and teriyaki bowl options on the menu too. And if those hibachi options aren’t enough, I recommend checking out the best hibachi spots in Augusta article here.
Pro Tip: Get their Sweet Potato Fries with Coconut Cream Sauce
Prices: Average $12.95 for a Burger or Other Large Plate
Farmhaus Burger
Just down the street from Whiskey Bar, you’ll find a burger joint that’s every bit as popular. Farmhaus Burger is all-American cuisine with seven burger options. But my favorite part has always been the ever-affordable Build Your Own Burger (BYOB) option, which starts at just $8.00.
In addition to beef, a veggie patty, or grilled chicken, you also have the option of a turkey patty. Next, choose from a white, wheat, or gluten free bun, and then load up onsauces and toppings. For those who want something else, Farmhaus’ grilled cheese, hotdog, and salad selections are well-worth a look too.
Pro Tip: Get the fried pickles at least once.
Prices: $8.00 – $11.75 for burgers
World of Beer
In addition to amazing beef burgers, World of Beer has the best plant-based burger in Augusta. Swapping the Angus beef for a Beyond Meat patty is worth trying at least once. In addition to the BYOB option, there are six burger staples. A particular favorite is the Mac Bite Burger, which is topped with a fried pepperjack mac & cheese “pattyâ€, bacon, lettuce, and Sriracha Aioli.
Additionally, World of Beer offers several bottomless drink options. Only $14 buys your choice of bottomless mimosas, beermosas or Bloody Mary’s. The beermosa is a white wheat beer with orange juice and the Bloody Mary is made with New Amsterdam Original Vodka and Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix.
The burgers, along with the variety of drink options and reasonable prices make World of Beer a popular place to watch sporting events on the weekends as well.
Pro Tip: Get the German Pretzel to share with someone. It’s the best pretzel in Augusta.
Knuckle Sandwiches
This is technically a lunch and late-night sandwich place located off Broad Street. Knuckle Sandwiches has a pared-down menu, with roughly a dozen selections that are all amazing. There are two burger choices. Their Bacon Cheeseburger is traditional and the Black Beauty is stacked with pulled pork and bacon. Both are served on sesame buns with a side of Thai chili sauce.
It’s also worth noting that, while not technically a burger, Knuckle Sandwiches‘ The Garden is a great vegetarian option with the umami packed into the portabella mushrooms.
Pro Tip: There is little seating, so plan on grabbing to go if it’s a busy hour.
Website for Knuckle Sandwiches
Cheeseburger Bobby’s
If you’re looking for excellent variety and good prices, Cheeseburger Bobby’s is worth your attention. This is a relatively small franchise based out of Georgia with roughly a dozen locations with a location in Augusta. Cheeseburger Bobby’s does good burgers, and starting at $6, the prices are excellent. You also have the option of turkey or veggie patties.
And if you’re a fan of fixins’ like me, their burger assembly bar will more than suffice. If you don’t want a burger, try the chicken tenders or grab a frozen custard for dessert.
Pro Tip: Go for the burger fixins’ assembly bar.
Edgar’s Grille
With one burger option on their lunch menu, Edgar’s Grille is not a burger spot per se, but their Grille Burger is worthy of this list. Served on a brioche bun and topped with bacon, caramelized onions, cheese, lettuce, and tomato, the Grille Burger is a classic American dish.
Also, as part of Edgar’s Hospitality Group, this restaurant is named after the founder of Goodwill Industries, Rev. Edgar J. Helms.
Edgar’s Grille is unlike any other restaurant in the Augusta area because a portion of every dollar you spend goes toward education programs, including support for Helms College.
In addition, Helms College culinary students receive experiential learning opportunities through service at Edgar’s Grille. Named for Edgar Helms, founder of Goodwill Industries, Edgar’s offers discriminating diners here in Augusta a true “win-win†situation. You get to enjoy creative cuisine and delectable desserts and also enjoy that warm feeling inside that comes from helping others.
Edgar’s Grille Website, About Us
Gary’s Hamburgers
If you’re looking for a local burger spot that’s more fast-food style, check out Gary’s Hamburgers. The menu is straightforward, with six options. The patties are 1/3 lb., with the Jr. Cheeseburger being a 1/4 lb. Starting at $3.40, you’ll find some of the cheapest burger prices here outside a national fast-food joint. Additionally, there are three locations around Augusta for your convenience.
Pro Tip: They have good breakfast biscuit and platter as well.
Olde Time Burgers
Olde Time Burgers is a restaurant located out in Grovetown that serves hand-made burgers the only way a small-town establishment does. Whether you’re craving a footlong hotdog, a chili cheeseburger, or a milkshake, Old Time Burgers crafts each plate with care and attention.
The Combo meals range from $5.00 to $8.00, and are perfect for a budget-friendly meal!
Tip: They offer a military discount.
Sno-Cap Drive In
As the name suggests, Sno-Cap Drive In is modeled on the 1960s drive in eating experience. Owned and operated by a local family, this is a “retro diner serving up burgers n dogs, root beer floats and specials.” But unlike drive-ins of the past, Sno-Cap offers a vegetarian alternative to the hand-pattied beef burgers.
In additional to the six burger choices on the menu, there is also a BYOB option for $10 and ice cream and milkshakes.
Manuel’s Bread Café
Manuel’s Bread Café sits right across the river in North Augusta, South Carolina, and has some amazing burger offerings on their lunch menu. Owner and chef Manuel Verney-Carron originates from Lyon, France ahas brought his culinary talents to the U.S., opening his own farm-to-table restaurant, which attracts diners from all over the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area).
The four burger selections are delicious, being the All-American (beef), Salmon Burger, Vegetable Chipotle, and Turkey Burger. Manuel’s also has daily specials, which can be found on the homepage of their website.
Lunch menu staples include the Blue Clay Farm salad, with produce fresh from the farm down the road, and the croque monsieur, a classic French sandwich. Manuel’s French roots really shine on the dinner menu. Try French onion soups as an appetizer, the duck confit salad or boeuf bourgignon as an entrée and cremé bruleé for dessert if you’re looking for a traditional French fine dining experience. If you’re interested in fine dining in Augusta, check out our Complete Guide here.
Manuel’s is open for lunch and dinner every day; breakfast on Friday and Saturday; and brunch on Sunday.
Finch and Fifth
Truffle Burger. That is the one burger option at Finch and Fifth, and they do a marvelous job of it. Sourced from Creekstone Farms, the Angus beef is high quality and translates as such from plate to tastebuds. Served on a brioche bun and topped with applewood smoked bacon, Daneko blue cheese, caramelized onions, baby kale, tomato, and truffle mayo, this is a rich burger.
Finch and Fifth is also known for their charcuterie boards, bacon jam, and seasonal entrees. Also, their Bravas and Brussels appetizer is among the best in the area.
Takosushi
Takosushi‘s menu contains both Japanese and Southwestern dishes, which makes it stand out. Overall, a great choice if you want both those options at one restaurant. However, when I have not been in the mood for their sushi, I always gravitate toward another option – the Tako Burger. As a fusion burger, it’s excellent – “chipotle lime ketchup, dijon, green chile cilantro mayo, green tomato jalapeño relish, lettuce, tomato, and cheese” atop an Angus blend patty.
Pro Tip: Tempura Asparagus. An excellent appetizer.
Metro Diner
Seems like anytime you drive by Metro Diner, the parking lot and waiting area are brimming with cars and customers. For good reason too. Given the generous portion sizes, consistent quality, and affordable prices (which we all need), Metro Diner rarely slows down.  If you’re interested in the guide to Augusta’s brunch locations, you may want to check out this article on our website.
The three options are their Classic Burger, Breakfast Burger, or the Bacon, Mushroom, Swiss Burger. All are excellent options, with the Breakfast Burger best reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to amazing breakfast and brunch items.
And since it opened its doors in October 2018, Augusta’s Metro Diner has offered everything someone with an appetite could crave: from chicken and waffles to french toast, eggs benedict and more. Some of the highlighted southern dishes include:
- Fried Chicken Plate
- Shrimp & Grits
- Biscuits & Sausage Gravy
- Spicy Honey Chicken Biscuit
Pro Tip: If you’re needing something stronger than orange juice, Metro Diner has $3.39 mimosas, Bloody Mary’s and select beers!
Fun Fact: Metro Diner started in Jacksonville, FL and has expanded to over 50+ locations, including spots in Augusta and Aiken.
Menu Here (in PDF format)
Bodega Ultima (Surrey Center)
Owned by the father and son team behind Takosushi, Bodega Ultima is located in Surrey Center and has two excellent burger options on their lunch menu. Their classic burger is served on a brioche bun and topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, bacon, provolone, aioli, ketchup, and mustard.
The vegetarian option is a Portabella Burger with fried eggplant, roasted red pepper, ricotta cheese, arugula and lemon aioli on a brioche bun. And what makes Bodega unique is its homage to the corner stores in larger cities, both in the United States and internationally. There is a sense of familiarity and hospitality, all while enjoying handcrafted food and beverages.Â
Pro Tip: Enjoy bottomless mimosas (OJ, grapefruit, & pineapple) for $30/person. If you’re more of a coffee drinker, try the Puerto Rican coffee with rum and coffee liqueur. Also, the owner’s dog Ash is a friendly and present mascot every time we’ve visited.
The Brunch House
The Brunch House is a newer restaurant in downtown Augusta that recently made Yelp’s Top 100 US Restaurants 2022. The article describes the Brunch House’s menu as, “All-homemade comfort food with a Southern flair, including shrimp and grits or chicken and waffles. A bevy of burgers, sandwiches, and pasta bowls round out the lunch offerings.â€
Even if you don’t really like brunch food, The Brunch House is guaranteed to have something you like, with the patty melt, chicken alfredo bowl and Brunch House chopped salad serving as strong alternatives to traditional brunch fare.
There are four burger options: The Brunch House, Courthouse, Mushroom Swiss, and Patty Melt.
Fun Fact: The location was formerly a restaurant called The Whistle Stop Cafe.
Make Your Own at Home
Alton Brown gives a breakdown of the basics. Follow this, especially the recommendation on using 80/20 ratio for ground beef. (But you don’t need to mince your own ground beef).
A copycat recipe of one of New York City’s best burgers, the Emmy Burger. I’ve made this several times for friends and it’s always been a hit. Well worth a try if you like Korean flavors. If you prefer recipe books, America’s Test Kitchen has a book that breaks down the ultimate burger with some great recipes. You can find it on Amazon here.
If you’re cooking on the stovetop, I prefer to use a Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, which can be found here on Amazon. For a gas grill, I tend to use a Cast Iron Griddle like this one.
