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Enjoying a great burger can be one of the best parts of a visit to the Roanoke Valley in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
After a full day of incredible outdoor adventures or visiting local shops and attractions, treating yourself to a burger at a local restaurant will hit the spot.
There are so many options to meet your burger craving, ranging from the simple classics to the gourmet.
To help you narrow down your choices, here is our guide to the best burgers in the Roanoke Valley in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
Note - Restaurants are listed in ABC order. This is not a ranking.
Aesy’s
You’ll feel like a local when you order a burger at Aesy’s Restaurant in Downtown Roanoke. This spot has been family owned and operated for over 50 years and is known for its burgers, sandwiches, and lunch plate specials. If you’ve worked up an appetite, we recommend the Double Cheeseburger. Add bacon? Of course. You always add bacon!
Angelle’s Diner
Located near Exit 150 off Interstate 81 in Botetourt County and near Exit 137 on Wildwood Road in Salem, Angelle’s Diner is the perfect spot for a burger pit stop during your road trip. The half-pound burgers are made with certified Angus Chuck and served atop a brioche bun. Saddle up and order the Cowboy Burger, which features brisket, hickory smoked bacon, swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, BBQ sauce and a king cut onion ring.
Beale's
Beale's may be known primarily for its craft beer and BBQ, but the burgers are also worthy of praise! The brewery is tied to a story of buried treasure in the nearby mountains, and when you feast on the delicious burger topped with bacon, egg and cheese, you'll feel like you've hit the jackpot.
Beamer’s 25
You’ll feel like a champion with a burger and craft beer at Beamer’s 25! The upscale sports bar features classic Virginia Tech memorabilia and a menu full of incredible burgers, such as the Stevo Burger. It’s a burger topped with a sunny side-up egg, applewood smoked bacon, red onion, cheddar and mayo. Stevo, FTW!
Bent Mountain Bistro
Enjoy the scenic drive up Bent Mountain on Route 221 and then have an amazing meal at the Bent Mountain Bistro. For the burger lover, you have to try the Bent Mountain BBQ Burger - a ½ pound specialty burger made with 100% grass-fed, local beef, that is then topped with cheddar cheese and the restaurant’s pit-smoked pulled pork BBQ you’ll smell as soon as you reach the parking lot.
Bob’s Restaurant
The beer is cold, the faces are friendly and the burgers are tasty at Bob’s Restaurant in Vinton. Find a spot at the bar and listen to a few funny stories from the regulars as you chow down on a freshly-made burger. Try Roxy’s Burger with cheese, lettuce, tomato, mustard and pickles. Two hands and lots of napkins are required but it’s well worth it.
Brambleton Deli
With a huge menu, outdoor patio, live entertainment, and a fun atmosphere, the Brambleton Deli has served as a popular spot for locals for years. You can’t go wrong with any of the specialty burgers on the menu, but for the classic flavors, try the All-American Burger, with fresh ground beef, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo, pickle and onion on a Kaiser roll.
Pro tip - get a side of Brew City Beer Fries!
Burger in the Square
You may say I’m a dreamer...but that’s because I’m thinking about The Dreamer at Burger in the Square. Once located in Downtown Roanoke, loyal fans have followed Burger in the Square to its location on Brambleton Avenue to continue to enjoy its fantastic food. The Dreamer is a burger with bacon, provolone, grilled mushrooms, onions, lettuce, tomato and mayo served on a Kaiser roll.
Chip and Jo’s Restaurant
Check out the charm of Downtown Salem and make your way over to Chip & Jo’s Restaurant, a quaint neighborhood spot. There are different sizes of burgers for all appetites, but many opt for the Cheeseburger Basket. It’s a hand-patted sirloin burger topped with lettuce, tomato, onions, mayo and a pickle, and it’s served with fries.
Community Inn
Many late nights have been spent enjoying burgers and beers at Community Inn in Roanoke’s Historic Grandin Village. Known affectionately by locals simply as “C.I.”, the Community Inn offers the type of food and friendly atmosphere you look for in a late-night spot. No need to get fancy with your order here. Try the Bacon Cheeseburger, which comes with lettuce, tomato, mayo and onion.
Dogwood Restaurant
Dogwood Restaurant describes the Half Pound Angus Burger on its menu as “the best burger in town!” We’ll let you be the judge of that, but it’s certainly in the conversation. Get it plain or add cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. After your meal, check out some of the fun local shops in Downtown Vinton.
FarmBurguesa
FarmBurguesa has taken the burger scene in Virginia's Blue Ridge by storm with its delicious food and creative topping combinations! For some international flavor, check out the Colombiana, a burger that's topped with mozzarella cheese, bacon, lettuce, green tomatoes, grilled onions, garlic sauce, pineapple sauce, pink sauce, a crumbled potato chips - serving as an homage to the owners' home country of Colombia.
Holly Jo’s Creekside Grill
Don’t miss the charming Town of Boones Mill in Franklin County, where all kinds of exciting new things are happening, such as a new brewery and distillery. You can also find terrific burgers at Holly Jo’s Creekside Grill, a family owned and operated restaurant. The Hillbilly Burger with bacon, cheddar, BBQ sauce and pickles is a winner.
Ippy’s Restaurant & Lounge
Ippy’s Restaurant in Rocky Mount is known for its award-winning steaks, so how could you not be excited when the burgers are ground in house and made from filet mignon?! Head over to Ippy’s for lunch and try Franklin County’s Finest - an 8 oz. burger with onion rings, BBQ sauce and American cheese served on a sesame seed bun.
Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint
The original Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint in Harrisonburg was recently named one of the best burger spots in America, and they’re also rocking it at the Downtown Roanoke location. For a truly unique and delicious burger experience, try the Greg Brady. The burger is 100% all natural wagyu beef and it’s topped with house-made macaroni & cheese and Martin’s BBQ potato chips.
Lew’s Restaurant
The burgers are part of what has made Lew’s Restaurant a neighborhood favorite in North Roanoke. The regular cheeseburger is a half-pound beef patty with cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo and grilled onions. If you’re looking for something spicy, try The Lewcifer, which comes with pepper jack cheese, sriracha mayo, hot peppers, lettuce and tomato. Also, don’t tell your friend you’ll just share your beer battered fries. You won’t. They’re too good.
Local Roots
Local Roots is committed to providing a first class, farm-to-table dining experience, including when you order the burger! The Ancient White Park Burger is served with house-made pimento cheese, Benton’s bacon, pickled vegetables, and a house-made aioli. You’ll cherish every bite and it won’t be long before you get a craving for another one.
Martin’s Downtown Bar & Grill
Known for its Burger Night Special where every burger on the menu is half-price on Monday nights, Martin’s Downtown Bar & Grill is a popular spot for burger lovers. There are numerous combinations of toppings to suit any taste, but since you’re in the South, we’ll recommend trying the Southern Belle. It’s a burger topped with smoked gouda pimento cheese, fried green tomato, hardwood smoked bacon, sauteed onions and lettuce.
Maw & Paw’s Diner
A hike at Roaring Run and then a burger at Maw & Paw’s Diner is a fun way to spend a Blue Ridge Day. The family owned restaurant in Eagle Rock is the place to go following your hike for a fresh, handmade super bacon cheeseburger.
Mango’s Bar and Grill
We hope you’re hungry because the SML Big Dam Burger at Mango’s Bar and Grill has it all. Chow down on this goliath, which comes with TWO ½ pound sirloin burgers, cheddar & American cheese, frizzled onions, jalapenos, fried egg, bacon, and chipotle mayo. You can also get out on the dance floor and enjoy the live music on the Mango’s patio at Bridgewater Marina, but we understand if you need to be rolled out after this feast.
North Star Restaurant
The North Star Restaurant is a hidden gem on Route 11 in Botetourt County, and locals will tell you it’s one of the best places for a good burger. The burgers are big, flavorful and a great value. Go with the Bacon Cheeseburger, or if you’re extra hungry, try the Double Cheeseburger and a side of curly fries.
Pete’s Deli
Tucked away in Towne Square Shopping Center, Pete’s Deli is a casual spot with friendly service and tasty food. The burgers are made in house and the most popular one on the menu is the Inflation Fighter, which is topped with grilled onions and served with fries and slaw.
Richee Freeze
Richee Freeze on Williamson Road is a throwback spot that takes you down memory lane, with its classic lunch counter and soft serve ice cream machine. The burgers are also delicious! Locals are quick to line up at lunchtime for one of the burger combos, such as the double cheeseburger.
The River and Rail
Regularly featured on the lunch menu and Sunday brunch menu, the River & Rail Burger is an excellent option at this award-winning restaurant in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. It’s a burger with cheddar cheese, burger sauce, crispy onions, and B&B pickles. Like everything on the menu at The River & Rail, it’s perfection on a plate.
River Rock Restaurant
Tucked away along the bank of the Roanoke River in Salem, River Rock Restaurant is another local spot serving burgers that are full of flavor. The regular cheeseburger is a great option, but another popular menu item is the Hot Rock - a burger topped with provolone cheese, grilled onions, bacon, lettuce, tomato, hot peppers and Italian dressing served on pita bread.
Rocky Mount Burger Co.
Formerly known as B-Sides, this fun spot in Downtown Rocky Mount specializes in great burgers. The burgers are prepared fresh daily and served atop potato buns supplied by a local baker. Get one topped with the restaurant's house-made pimento cheese!
Texas Tavern
Texas Tavern in Downtown Roanoke is a local icon and institution for burger fans. The Tavern’s Cheesy Western has earned a spot on multiple lists of the best burgers in the United States, and it’s been part of many late nights in Downtown Roanoke, even if those memories may be a little fuzzy for some.
Town Center Tap House
You’re probably not even reading this because you’re still drooling over the picture, but that Steakhouse Burger at Town Center Tap House in Botetourt County is for real! It’s a ½ pound of fresh ground beef topped with cheddar cheese, homemade crispy onion straws, Applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, A1 aioli, and it’s served atop a toasted brioche bun. Ok. Carry on with the drooling!
The Village Grill
The outdoor patio and bocce ball court make The Village Grill in Grandin Village an awesome spot for al-fresco dining in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Enjoy some beers and see if you can tackle The Beast - a gargantuan double cheeseburger featuring an entire pound of Angus beef, cheddar & swiss cheese, bacon, onions, tomato, mushrooms, lettuce and mayo.
Wasena City Tap Room & Grill
Who says your burger in Virginia’s Blue Ridge has to have beef? At Wasena City Tap Room & Grill, you can enjoy the Angry Bird - a turkey burger topped with house-made habanero-jalapeno pimento cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and sriracha mayo. Wash down that bird with an impressive drink menu that includes 31 beers on tap that rotates through a variety of craft beers and ciders.
Veggie Bonus - Wildflour Cafe at Towers
No meat? No problem! The Santa Fe Burger at Wildflour Cafe in the Towers Shopping Center is one of many delicious vegetarian-friendly menu options. The burger is made from a blend of seasoned black beans and roasted corn, and it’s topped with melted cheddar cheese, sliced avocado, red onion, tomato, leaf lettuce, and chipotle mayo. You’ll also want to make sure to leave room for dessert and try a slice of Wildflour’s amazing cakes.
NOTE - This post was updated in September 2019 to reflect restaurant changes.
Visit our Restaurants section to learn more about tasty food you’ll find in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Don’t forget to tag us in pictures of your eating adventures by using our #BlueRidgeDay hashtag and sharing it with us on social media.
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