Ok, you know this already, there are hundreds of great spots for burgers across Georgia.
But two spots stand out from the crowd: NFA Burger, where a former sales executive’s passion project inside a Dunwoody gas station earned Food & Wine’s title of best burger in Georgia.
And, The Companion, an Atlanta Westside hotspot where innovative burgers and Vietnamese-inspired wings are creating serious buzz among local food lovers.
NFA Burger
Who knew a gas station in suburban Atlanta would become home to one of Georgia’s most talked-about burger joints?
Billy Kramer transformed from a sales executive with a burger obsession into the mastermind behind NFA Burger (which stands for Not Fooling Around) inside a Chevron station in Dunwoody.
His passion for perfecting the classic American burger has earned him accolades from Food & Wine magazine naming it the best burger in Georgia and spots on prestigious lists like Thrillist’s Top 47 Burgers in America.
Food Highlights
- Billy’s Classic Double: A masterfully crafted smash burger with American cheese, mustard, pickles, and signature sassy sauce
- Jersey Dog: A classic hot dog with all the fixings
- Patty Melt: A beloved variation on the classic burger
- Shmoops: Homemade dessert created by Billy’s wife
- Liege Belgian Waffles: A sweet treat option
Atmosphere
The space embraces its humble gas station roots with outdoor picnic tables creating a casual, communal vibe.
The kitchen team, boasting 90 years of combined restaurant experience, maintains an unwavering commitment to consistency.
Lines often wrap around inside the store, but the wait proves worth it for what many consider Atlanta’s finest burger.
Customer Favorites at NFA Burger
- Billy’s Classic Double: Customers rave about this perfectly crafted smash burger featuring crispy lacy edges, American cheese, pickles, and signature sassy sauce on a soft potato bun.
- Sassy Fries & Tots: Diners love the crispy, well-seasoned fries and tots that come with the house-made sassy sauce. Many customers appreciate the option to get half fries and half tots.
- Jersey Dog: While the burgers steal the show, customers also enjoy the classic hot dog with all the fixings.
- Shmoops: This homemade dessert created by the owner’s wife receives praise for its buttery cinnamon flavor.
Why It’s One of the Best in Georgia:
The perfectly seared smash burgers, attention to detail, and Billy’s hands-on approach with customers create an unforgettable experience that keeps people coming back despite the unconventional location.
Address: 5465 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338
The Companion
Located at the corner of Marietta Street and Bolton Road in Atlanta’s emerging Westside district, The Companion brings a fresh take on casual dining with its innovative menu and welcoming atmosphere.
This neighborhood gem opened in April 2020 and has quickly become a local favorite, offering a perfect blend of comfort food with creative twists.
Food Highlights:
- Vietnamese Wings: Meaty wings coated in caramel sauce, crushed peanuts, jalapeños, and herbs
- The Steinbeck Burger: Double-stacked thin patties with crispy bacon and house-made pimento cheese
- Darwin Sandwich: Crispy chicken thigh with roasted Brussels sprouts and soy-jalapeño mayo
- Birria Grilled Cheese: Features a French onion-style birria dipping sauce
- Eggplant Fries: Crispy fried eggplant served with red chili oil
Signature Wings
The Vietnamese Wings feature a savory caramel sauce, herbs, toasted peanuts, and fresh jalapeños, consistently receiving high praise for their unique flavor profile.
Beloved Burgers
The Steinbeck Burger comes with pimiento cheese, pickled jalapeños, and bacon, making it one of the most ordered items.
The Tower of Power Burger, featuring LTO, bacon, American cheese, and million island sauce, maintains a 96% satisfaction rating.
Crowd-Pleasing Starters
The Eggplant Fries, served with chili crisp, scallions, and cilantro, have become a customer favorite, especially praised for their crispy texture.
The Brussels & Cauliflower appetizer, served with jasmine rice and nuoc cham, receives perfect ratings from customers.
Atmosphere
The restaurant boasts a pet-friendly outdoor patio with turf and string lights, creating a cozy ambiance.
Inside, the space features photo-realistic murals, including a striking wolf and owl artwork.
The bar opens to both indoor and outdoor areas, offering the best of both worlds.
Why It’s One of the Best in Atlanta:
The Companion excels with its creative takes on classic comfort food, friendly service, and relaxed vibe.
The restaurant offers ample free parking – a rare find in Atlanta!
The outdoor space makes it perfect for both casual dates and group gatherings.
Address: 2316 Marietta Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
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