Hidden gem in Charlotte’s Oakhurst neighborhood where the menu is as creative as the food
May 28, 2026
Happy National Burger Day!
In a sea of national food days, this one is easy to celebrate
Our Editor’s Dish pieces are taken from our free newsletter, sent on Monday and Thursday each week.
by Kristen Wile
There’s a national day for just about everything, and not all of them are worth celebrating. Yesterday, apparently, was the day honoring grape popsicles; tomorrow coq au vin and biscuits fight for your attention. If there’s any American dish worth celebrating with its own day, though, hamburgers are certainly among the top contenders.
In case you want to celebrate with us, here are our five favorites around town, from paper-wrapped to high-end.
Bang Bang Burgers
Chef/owner Joe Huang has served some of the city’s best burgers since 2013, first in Elizabeth and now with a location in South End. Creative weekly specials, such as this week’s macaroni and cheese burger in South End and a chili burger at the original spot, keep the menu fresh.
Ace No. 3
This casual concept from High Tide Hospitality has everything you’d want from a burger joint and not much else. Build your own burger and add on one of the four side options and a milkshake. Don’t forget the comeback sauce!
Chubz Famous Chiliburgers
How this place isn’t on more best burger lists, we’ll never understand. Messy and delicious, the chiliburgers are a must-try for any hamburger lover. It doesn’t have the most glamorous location — it’s located in a strip mall — but the family-run restaurant will quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation.
Brooks Sandwich House
There’s no Charlotte burger roundup without Brooks. A Charlotte institution, Brooks has been a local favorite since the 1970s. Our photographer, Peter Taylor, has created our favorite order so far: a burger topped with a slice of fried bologna. Bring cash.
The Crunkleton
Listed on the menu as “A Really Good Burger,” The Crunkleton doesn’t wrongly advertise its cheeseburger. Simply prepared and served with fries, it’s a fitting accompaniment to the cocktail bar’s deep whiskey list.
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UNPRETENTIOUS PALATE is a digital publication covering food and drink in Charlotte. At UP, you’ll find ethical food journalism that isn’t based on free meals. We’ll be your taste testers around the city, letting you know where you can’t miss and where to skip. And we’ll ban any condescending food-writer speak. We’ll tell you the dishes we love, where to go on date night, and the best places for cocktails. You can trust us.
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