As a Nashville-based food photographer and blogger, I’m always on the lookout for the best local cuisine. One of my favorite culinary adventures is exploring the vibrant burger scene in Music City. Nashville is home to a variety of burger joints, each offering unique and mouthwatering creations. In this guide, I’ll take you through some of the best burger spots in town, with a special spotlight on Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer.

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer: A Downtown Delight

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, originally from New York City, has quickly made a name for itself in Nashville. Located in the heart of downtown, this burger joint offers a 90s-inspired ambiance complete with graffiti-covered walls, cassette tapes, and a lively atmosphere. The menu features an array of craft burgers, wings, salads, and their iconic CrazyShake milkshakes, which are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

One of the standout items is the Tennessee Burger, exclusively available at the Nashville location. This burger combines a prime beef patty with Jack Daniel’s red pepper jam, diced pickles, dirty’s sweet potato chips, white BBQ sauce, and chopped parsley, creating a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist​.

Top Burger Joints in Nashville

1. Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint

Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint is a favorite among locals for its all-natural Wagyu beef burgers and extensive beer selection. The cozy, laid-back vibe and creative burger options, like The Elvis (topped with peanut butter, mayo, bacon, and cheese), make it a must-visit​.

2. Emmy Squared

Known for both its Detroit-style pizza and delectable burgers, Emmy Squared offers the Le Big Matt Burger, featuring two grass-fed beef patties, cheese, Sammy sauce, greens, and pickles on a pretzel bun. Pair it with their crispy waffle fries for a satisfying meal​.

3. Burger Republic

Burger Republic in The Gulch serves up a variety of creative burgers, including the Tennessee Burger and the West Coast Burger. Their spiked shakes, like the Evil S’mores and Reese’s Malt, are also highly recommended​.

4. Hugh-Baby’s

Hugh-Baby’s offers a streamlined menu of Southern classics, including the Depression-era slugburger made with deep-fried ground pork and soy grits. It’s a perfect spot for a quick, delicious, and affordable meal​.

5. Dino’s

As East Nashville’s original late-night hangout, Dino’s is known for its no-frills, greasy burgers that taste even better with a side of Velveeta-covered fries. This dive bar is a staple in the Nashville burger scene​.

6. Grillshack

Grillshack has been serving up juicy burgers made with grass-fed, local beef from Bear Creek Farm since 2012. With locations in Germantown and East Nashville, it’s a beloved spot for burger enthusiasts​.

7. Brown’s Diner

Founded in 1927, Brown’s Diner is Nashville’s oldest burger joint, offering classic American burgers at affordable prices. Their cheeseburger, served simply with traditional toppings, is a local favorite​.

8. Joyland

Created by award-winning Chef Sean Brock, Joyland offers simple yet mouthwatering burgers like the JoyBurger Deluxe, made with Bear Creek Private Label Beef and served on a potato roll. It’s a fast-food-inspired joint with a gourmet twist​.

9. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint

At Martin’s, you don’t have to choose between BBQ and burgers. Their brisket burger, topped with slow-smoked beef brisket and Sweet Dixie BBQ sauce, is a perfect blend of both worlds. The beer garden is an excellent spot to enjoy your meal, especially in the summer​.

10. Fat Mo’s

Fat Mo’s is a family-owned burger joint that has been serving some of the biggest and juiciest burgers in Nashville since the 90s. Known for using 100% pure ground beef, Fat Mo’s offers a variety of burger sizes and toppings, ensuring there’s something for everyone​.

Conclusion

Nashville’s burger scene is as diverse and exciting as its music. Whether you’re looking for a gourmet experience at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer or a classic, no-frills burger at Brown’s Diner, the city has something to satisfy every burger craving. Each of these spots brings its unique flair to the table, making Nashville a top destination for burger lovers.

So next time you’re in town, make sure to check out these best burger joints in Nashville and enjoy the culinary delights this vibrant city has to offer. Happy eating!