Chapel Hill's juicy secrets: Unveiling the top burger joints
Burgers are a staple of American cuisine, completely customizable to each person's preferences and taste. Whether you choose to go with the original beef-patty or spice it up with toppings and unique sauces, it’s hard to not enjoy.
Nowadays, amazing burger joints are everywhere, though exceptional ones are harder to find. Chapel Hill has a wide variety of quality burgers, and each hotspot has a unique spin on the dish.
We have put together a list, using winners from WRAL Voters' Choice Awards and online review sites that will help guide you through your local burger journey.
1. Al’s Burger Shack
About the spot: Al’s Burger Shack tops the list with their fresh food and southern hospitality. The restaurant works to maintain sustainable practices, such as utilizing recycled material for their seating area and brick patio. Their ground beef, vegetables, and dairy products are sourced locally, as well as craft beers which come from breweries in North Carolina.
What to eat: What makes this spot stand out is that all of their dressings and specialty toppings are homemade. They also offer gluten-free and vegetarian options on top of their eclectic list of burgers and sandwiches. In addition to a classic burger, Al’s menu boasts specialty burgers including the Bobo Chili Cheeseburger, the Mookie with a bacon-onion jam and roasted garlic aioli and the Kenny J with bacon, grilled onions, spicy pimento cheese and specialty sauce.
Address: 516 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill
Phone: 919-904-7659
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
2. Merritt's Grill
About the spot: Open since 1992, Merritt’s Grill has solidified a name for itself in Chapel Hill for its outstanding menu. Their rise to fame can be attributed to “The Love Sandwich,” a BLT that, once added to the menu, gave the restaurant the opportunity for nationwide recognition.
What to eat: Open for all meals, the spot perfects all dishes such as breakfast sandwiches, burgers, deli sandwiches, and more. Their local artisan breads are customizable to each meal and perfect every dish with a soft and crunchy addition. Gluten-free bread and vegetarian sandwiches are also available.
Address: 1009 S. Columbia St., Chapel Hill
Phone: 919-942-4897
Hours of Operation: Closed Sunday; Open Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
3. Buns
About the spot: Operating as a fully customizable and personalized burger spot, Buns lets customers be in charge of their dishes. In addition to their build-your-own-burgers, Buns offers sandwiches and salads for customers hankering for something else. Their fries are made from the best Idaho potatoes and their breads are delivered freshly baked every day.
What to eat: The menu offers three bases—Angus chuck beef, ground turkey, or housemade veggies—and a surplus of burger additions. With the ability to select their cheese, sauces, and toppings, customers are certain to be more than satisfied with their burgers.
Address: 107 N. Columbia St., Chapel Hill
Phone: 919-240-4746
Hours of Operation: Every day 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
4. Gov’s Fusion Cantina
About the spot: Perfecting a mix of cuisines, Gov’s Fusion Cantina has created a unique menu of traditional American foods and Mexican delights. Especially for those divided on what type of food to settle on, Gov’s grants everyone the ability to customize each dish to their cravings. They started out as Gov’s Burger & Tap and were known for their amazing burgers. New owners took over and took the concept to a new level with a mix of Mexican cuisine.
What to eat: Their noteworthy burgers stand out from the menu, unique toppings such as House Aioli, Tobacco Onions, and Bacon Jam enhancing every bite. They also offer a build-your-own burger with over a dozen topping options. Vegetarian dishes and gluten free buns are offered as well.
Address: 50050 Governor’s Dr., Chapel Hill
Phone: 919-240-5050
Hours of Operation: Sunday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
5. Sutton’s Drug Store
About the spot: Sutton’s Drug Store is known for their old-fashioned and friendly atmosphere, as well as outstanding take on traditional food. Open since 1923, Sutton’s works to perfect America’s favorite dishes and create a welcoming hotspot.
What to eat: The restaurant offers a wide variety of breakfast selections, as well as hand-crafted burgers, deli sandwiches, soup, and salads. Their milkshakes and old-fashioned sodas are great additions to a meal of comfort food.
Address: 159 E Franklin St., Chapel Hill
Phone: 919-942-5161
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 7 a.m to 2:30 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.;
Sunday 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
