Most burger joints just sling patties and fries, but Urban Stack turned a historic Southern Railway baggage building into a burger-and-bourbon hangout that actually cares where its meat comes from.
This downtown Chattanooga spot builds “killer burgers” with all‑natural, grass‑fed, free‑range, or sustainably raised meats, then pairs them with strong drinks in a LEED‑certified space that feels like an old depot with modern swagger.
It’s the kind of place where you show up for one burger and whiskey and end up planning your next visit before you leave your table.
How they won locals’ hearts
Urban Stack opened in 2010 with a simple idea: interesting, not‑so‑traditional burgers plus serious cocktails in one of the coolest old buildings in the city.
They stacked the menu with all‑natural and grass‑fed beef, turkey, chicken, and veggie patties from humane, sustainable farms, then layered on regional flavor profiles like New Mexico green chile, Carolina chili, and Southwestern spice.
Reviews call it a “burger lover’s dream” and a “premier burger destination in Chattanooga,” praising big, juicy patties, cooked‑to‑order temps, and fries and onion rings that are just as craveable as the mains.
Not every review is glowing; some visitors feel the burgers don’t always justify the price, but even the skeptics usually mention good drinks, friendly service, and a great room to hang out in.
Weekly specials like kids‑eat‑free Mondays (with an Urban Stack kids shirt) and discounted cocktails midweek keep locals coming back on non‑event nights too.
Food Highlights
- Gourmet Bacon Cheeseburger: One of the most‑ordered builds a thick patty, melted cheese, and plenty of bacon in a package reviewers regularly call out as their go‑to order. 🍔
- Asian Q Burger: A house favorite with an Asian barbecue profile that gets mentioned often in photos and reviews for its sweet‑savory sauce and bold flavors. 🌏
- New Mexico Green Chile Cheeseburger: Loaded with green chiles, cheese, and Southwestern seasoning, fans love the flavor; a few critics wish the heat level was higher. 🌶️
- Steakhouse Burger: A classic steakhouse‑inspired build with horseradish or steak sauce vibes that shows up frequently in “favorites” lists. 🥩
- Southwestern Veggie Burger: A from‑scratch veggie patty that gets nearly as many mentions as the beef burgers, especially from diners looking for a meatless option that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. 🥬
- The Dirty Bird / Jive Turkey: Poultry options like spicy chicken and turkey burgers give non‑beef eaters full‑on burger energy without sacrificing flavor. 🐔
House fries, onion rings, pimento cheese dip with house‑made chips, and milkshakes (including hits like Milk & Honey or bananas foster) round out the “I need a nap after this” comfort‑food lineup.
Atmosphere
Urban Stack lives in the Southern Railway Baggage Building, circa 1867, giving it exposed brick, high ceilings, and a nostalgic feel that pairs perfectly with whiskey and burgers.
Inside, it’s a lively but approachable big bar, booths, and a patio that fills up fast in good weather. Guests describe:
- “Amazing atmosphere…big juicy burgers and great fries” with a strong specialty‑cocktail list.
- A laid‑back, family‑friendly vibe earlier in the evening that shifts more bar‑forward as the night goes on.
They even pursued environmentally friendly build‑out and operations, turning one of Chattanooga’s oldest buildings into one of its most sustainable restaurants.
Parking can be tight and often requires a paid lot behind the building, but most regulars factor that into the outing.
Bottom Line
Urban Stack combines creative burgers, responsibly sourced meats, and strong cocktails in a historic rail building that feels like peak Chattanooga.
Between the Gourmet Bacon Cheeseburger, Asian Q, New Mexico Green Chile, and Southwestern Veggie, this West 13th Street bar remains one of the city’s most mentioned burger stops—for both locals and travelers passing through.
Address:
Urban Stack
12 W 13th St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
📞 (423) 475‑5350
🕔 Daily: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM