When a World of Warcraft enthusiast decides to open a burger joint, magic happens. 🍔✨
Slay Burgers in Richmond’s Brookland Park neighborhood delivers perfectly smashed burgers with crispy edges and juicy centers that have gamers and foodies alike lining up for more.
This isn’t your typical burger spot—it’s where gaming culture meets gourmet technique, creating an experience that’s as entertaining as it is delicious.
View this post on Instagram
How Slay Burgers Won Locals’ Hearts
In May 2023, partners Ahmed Maksher and Moe Alradaei took a bold leap.
After running Dean’s BBQ on Mechanicsville Turnpike, they closed that venture to pursue their true passion: creating the ultimate smash burger experience inspired by their love of World of Warcraft.
View this post on Instagram
Maksher, who goes by “Fatty” in the gaming world, saw an opportunity in the Brookland Park area that lacked quality burger options.
The concept was brilliant in its simplicity—bring hand-rolled, fresh-smashed burgers to a neighborhood hungry for them, while infusing the space with gaming culture that feels authentic and fun.
Gaming artwork covers the walls, featuring World of Warcraft themes and burger imagery that keeps customers entertained while waiting for their orders.
Menu items are cleverly named after friends’ World of Warcraft usernames—The Big Ounce after a friend, The Fatty after Maksher himself.
What really won Richmond’s heart was the unwavering commitment to quality and freshness.
View this post on Instagram
Every single burger is made to order, with patties hand-rolled and smashed right on the grill in front of customers.
The technique creates those coveted crispy edges while keeping the interior juicy and flavorful.
Customers on Uber Eats rave that these are “easily one of the best burgers in Richmond” and appreciate that food is “always hot and fresh.”
The welcoming staff explains the menu to first-timers and makes everyone feel like family.
Word spread rapidly through the Richmond food scene, with Reddit users celebrating when the restaurant finally opened after months of anticipation.
Within two years, demand grew so strong that Slay Burgers announced plans for a second location in Chester, proving that great burgers and genuine passion create unstoppable momentum. 🎮💪
Food Highlights
View this post on Instagram
The Omni: This beast of a burger features a double patty smashed to perfection, loaded with cheese, bacon, cheese curds, and extra slay sauce for just $12.99. Customers say it’s a cheese lover’s dream and incredibly filling. The combination of crispy bacon and gooey cheese curds creates texture heaven in every bite. 🧀
Double Bacon Burger: The crowd favorite delivers double the smashed patties with bacon, cheese, lettuce, pickles, onions, and that signature slay burger sauce. Reviewers on Yelp love how “the bacon flavor isn’t overpowering” and how well-seasoned the beef is. At $12.99, it’s a serious value for such quality. 🥓
The Philly: Talk about innovation! This creation features a single smashed burger and cheese topped with Philly-style steak and cheese, creating a mash-up that customers call “absolutely incredible”. The combination of burger and cheesesteak in one sandwich is pure genius. 🔥
The Big Ounce: Named after one of Maksher’s friends, this double smashed burger comes topped with cheese, onion rings, bacon, and BBQ sauce. The crunchy onion rings add textural contrast to the juicy patties, though some find BBQ sauce on burgers to be an acquired taste.
Cheese Curds: These golden, crispy nuggets earned praise as “THE BEST CHEESE CURDS ANYWHERE” from one enthusiastic reviewer. Cooked to perfection with outstanding texture and flavor, they’re a must-order appetizer at $5.99.
The Leviathan: For non-beef eaters, this beautifully fried haddock sandwich offers a delicious alternative at just $7.99. Customers describe it as fresh and flavorful, proving Slay Burgers isn’t just about beef. 🐟
Garlic Parmesan Wings: These wings are “very, very good” according to regulars, with that classic garlic-parm flavor that pairs perfectly with burgers and fries. 🍗
Atmosphere
Slay Burgers is a takeout-only operation, so don’t expect dine-in seating at the Brookland Park location.
You order at the counter, watch the team work their magic behind the grill cooking everything fresh, then take your meal to go.
The space itself is vibrant and entertaining, with World of Warcraft-themed artwork and burger imagery covering the walls.
Gaming references throughout create a fun, nerdy-cool vibe that feels authentic rather than forced.
The staff is incredibly welcoming and friendly, taking time to explain menu options to newcomers and making recommendations.
View this post on Instagram
Despite the small space, service moves quickly—many customers report getting food in less than 10 minutes even during busy periods.
You can text your order ahead for pickup, which locals appreciate for quick lunch runs.
The energy is upbeat and casual, with a neighborhood spot feel where regulars are greeted warmly.
Pro tip: Since there’s no seating, grab your food and head to the nearby Brookland Park Community Garden picnic tables on Woodrow next to Community High School if you want to eat outdoors. 🌳
Bottom Line
Visit for World of Warcraft-inspired creativity, those perfectly crispy smashed burger edges, incredible cheese curds, friendly neighborhood vibes, and everything made fresh to order.
This is Richmond’s smash burger champion! 🏆🎮
Address: 22 W Brookland Park Blvd
📞 (804) 716-9310
🕐 Tue-Sat: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM, Sun: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM (Closed Mon)