Joyland’s burgers do not just sizzle on the grill—they basically yell your name from across Birmingham. 🍔
At this Avondale hotspot, mornings start with biscuit stacks and coffee, but the real magic happens when the flat-top fires up and those signature smash-style JoyBurgers and CrustBurgers hit the heat, sending out crispy, beefy perfume that has locals plotting their next visit before they even leave.
Smash burger joy in Avondale
Tucked into a colorful spot on 3rd Avenue South, Joyland calls itself “Home of the Original Crustburger,” and burger nerds across Birmingham happily agree.
The team uses Bear Creek Private Label beef, smashed hard on a hot griddle until the edges crisp into a lacy crust, then stacks everything on soft buns with Joy Sauce, pickles, onions, and melty American cheese that drapes over the patties like a burger blanket.
Joyland does not stop at just one kind of burger, either.
The Deluxe JoyBurger, CrustBurger, and Junior JoyBurger lineups give guests options for everything from quick lunch to full-on cheat-day feast, and there is even a Junior Impossible JoyBurger for plant-based fans who still want crispy edges and that classic smash-burger vibe.
Multiple reviewers compare the crustburger to a “divine patty melt,” raving about the flavor-packed crust and the way the cheese melts into every nook and cranny. 😍
Food Highlights
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Deluxe JoyBurger: Built with Bear Creek Private Label beef, the Deluxe JoyBurger layers Joy Sauce, pickles, onions, and American cheese into a smash-style burger that feels both nostalgic and seriously dialed-in. The patties sear until the edges crisp and caramelize, creating that essential smash-burger crust, while the soft bun and tangy house sauce keep everything juicy and balanced in each bite.
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CrustBurger: The star of the show, the CrustBurger takes the smash concept and leans all the way into crispy territory with onions smashed right into the patty, American cheese on top, and fancy sauce on the side. Guests describe it as “seriously delicious” and love how the onions fry into the beef, creating a salty, savory crust that tastes like the best parts of a diner burger turned up to eleven.
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JoyBurger (Classic / Junior): The JoyBurger lineup sticks to the essentials: smashed beef patties, Joy Sauce, pickles, onions, and plenty of cheese on fluffy buns that soak up every bit of flavor. Reviewers say the burgers hit that perfect “cheap and great” zone, with juicy meat, simple toppings, and nostalgic fast-food energy—but executed with way more care than your typical drive-thru.
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Fried Chicken Sandwich: Joyland’s Fried Chicken Sandwich stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the burgers, featuring a hefty piece of fried chicken on a soft bun, often customized with bacon, hot honey, or sauce tweaks. Guests love how the chicken delivers big flavor and crunch, comparing it fondly to the fried chicken they grew up with and calling it a must-try for non-beef eaters.
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Shakes & Boozy Shakes: Thick shakes and playful boozy shakes round out the menu, with chocolate versions earning particularly high praise for being rich, creamy, and perfect alongside salty fries. One guest calls the boozy chocolate shake “delicious” and recommends saving room to split one after crushing a crustburger and curly fries.
Atmosphere
Step into Joyland and it feels like a retro roller rink collided with a modern burger bar in the best possible way.
Reviews describe bright primary colors, fun music, and a space that feels “vibrant” and “full of life,” with counter service that runs fast but still leaves plenty of time for friendly banter and burger advice.
Joyland keeps the energy casual and inviting, so it works just as well for a quick solo burger fix as it does for a late-night run with friends.
Between the upbeat soundtrack, glowing neon, and the sizzle from the grill, the whole place hums with good-time diner energy that makes grabbing a crustburger at 8 a.m. or 10 p.m. feel equally acceptable—and equally fun.
Bottom Line
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Come for smash-burger perfection, especially the CrustBurger and Deluxe JoyBurger made with high-quality beef and serious crust.
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Stay for the retro-cool vibes, waffle hashbrowns, fried chicken sandwiches, and shakes that turn a quick meal into a mini event.
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Open from early breakfast through late night, Joyland makes it dangerously easy to turn “just one burger” into your new Birmingham habit. ✨
Address: 3719 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
📞 (check current contact via Joyland’s website or ordering pages)
🕔 Typically open daily, 8 AM–9 PM (Fri–Sat often until 10 PM; confirm current hours before you go).