If you’ve followed Michael’s Homes for very long, you already know we’re passionate about building beautiful homes across Middle Tennessee. But this month, we’re taking a break from talking about floor plans, kitchens, and custom homes to highlight something else we love—great local food.
Our team lives, works, and spends time throughout the Nashville area, and one topic always sparks a lively debate around the office:
“Who has the best hamburger?”
So, we asked our employees to share their favorite burger destinations, and the results were clear. From small-town hidden gems to local favorites and popular burger restaurants, these are the places our team recommends to friends, family, and anyone visiting Middle Tennessee.
If you’re planning a trip to Nashville, don’t limit yourself to Broadway and hot chicken. Some of the best burgers in Middle Tennessee are just 30 to 45 minutes south in Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and Eagleville—and they’re absolutely worth the drive.
Here are five burger spots that have earned both our team’s recommendation and the praise of thousands of happy customers.
1. Grindstone Cowboy – Eagleville, TN
⭐ Google Rating: Approximately 4.8/5
If there were a “Best Burger Road Trip” destination in Middle Tennessee, Grindstone Cowboy would probably top the list.
Located in the small town of Eagleville, this western-themed restaurant has become a destination for burger lovers across Middle Tennessee. Guests consistently rave about:
- Thick, juicy hand-pattied burgers
- Fresh, quality beef
- Perfect seasoning
- Large portions
- Friendly hometown atmosphere
Many reviewers say it’s one of the best burgers they’ve ever eaten, with others mentioning they’d gladly drive an hour just to eat there again. The burgers are cooked to order, loaded with toppings, and served in a restaurant that feels like authentic small-town Tennessee.
If you’re only visiting one burger spot on this list, this may be the one to beat.
Drive from Downtown Nashville: About 45 minutes
2. Karin’s Kustard & Hamburgers – Smyrna, TN
Every town has that one burger stand everyone grows up loving.
In Smyrna, that’s Karin’s Kustard & Hamburgers.
Don’t let the small building fool you. This family-owned restaurant has earned an incredibly loyal following for its smash-style burgers, crinkle fries, tots, frozen custard, and milkshakes.
Customers regularly praise:
- Thin, flavorful smash burgers
- Fresh beef cooked to order
- Crispy edges
- Nostalgic drive-in feel
- Outstanding frozen custard and shakes
You’ll frequently hear locals say things like:
“The best burger in town.”
Others compare it favorably to national favorites like In-N-Out, while many visitors say it’s the first stop they make every time they’re back in Smyrna. The strawberry shakes and frozen custard are mentioned almost as often as the burgers themselves.
If you’re looking for an authentic hometown burger experience, Karin’s delivers.
Drive from Downtown Nashville: About 30 minutes
3. Floyd’s Burgers & Sliders – Smyrna, TN
If Karin’s represents old-school nostalgia, Floyd’s Burgers & Sliders represents the new generation of burger craftsmanship.
Floyd’s has developed a passionate following for its fresh, never-frozen burgers and creative menu.
Locals consistently mention:
- Exceptionally juicy burgers
- Fresh ingredients
- Perfectly seasoned beef
- Great cheese fries
- Friendly owners and staff
On local food discussions, many burger lovers rank Floyd’s as their favorite burger in Smyrna, with several saying it’s among the top burger spots in the entire Nashville area. One recurring theme is that people appreciate the attention to quality and consistency.
Whether you order a classic cheeseburger or one of their specialty creations, Floyd’s proves that simple ingredients done exceptionally well are hard to beat.
Drive from Downtown Nashville: About 30 minutes
4. M.L. Rose Craft Beer & Burgers – Murfreesboro, TN
Originally founded in Nashville, M.L. Rose has become one of Middle Tennessee’s premier burger destinations.
Unlike a traditional fast-food burger, M.L. Rose focuses on gourmet burgers paired with an extensive craft beer selection.
Guests frequently compliment:
- Thick, juicy burgers
- High-quality beef
- Creative toppings
- Fresh ingredients
- Excellent fries
Locals often recommend M.L. Rose when someone asks where to find an elevated burger experience in Murfreesboro. Whether you prefer a classic cheeseburger or something loaded with bacon, specialty cheeses, and house-made sauces, M.L. Rose consistently delivers.
It’s a great stop if you’re looking for a casual restaurant where everyone in your group can find something they’ll enjoy.
Drive from Downtown Nashville: About 40 minutes
5. Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint – Murfreesboro, TN
No burger conversation in Murfreesboro is complete without mentioning Jack Brown’s.
This restaurant has developed an almost cult-like following.
Instead of building oversized burgers with endless toppings, Jack Brown’s focuses on high-quality Wagyu beef burgers with unique flavor combinations.
Fans love:
- Wagyu beef patties
- Crispy bacon
- Creative specialty burgers
- Shoestring fries
- Casual, energetic atmosphere
One thing first-time visitors should know is that Jack Brown’s intentionally keeps its burgers simple. Traditional toppings like lettuce and tomato aren’t part of their standard menu, but that’s exactly why many fans love the place—they believe the beef should be the star.
In local burger discussions, Jack Brown’s is almost always mentioned as one of Murfreesboro’s must-try burger restaurants.
Drive from Downtown Nashville: About 40 minutes
Which Burger Should You Try?
Best Overall Road Trip Burger
🏆 Grindstone Cowboy (Eagleville)
Best Classic Hometown Burger
🏆 Karin’s Kustard & Hamburgers (Smyrna)
Best Local Hidden Gem
🏆 Floyd’s Burgers & Sliders (Smyrna)
Best Gourmet Burger
🏆 M.L. Rose (Murfreesboro)
Best Specialty Burger
🏆 Jack Brown’s (Murfreesboro)
Final Bite
Nashville may be famous for hot chicken, but burger lovers shouldn’t stop there.
Within a short drive of Music City, you’ll discover some of Middle Tennessee’s most memorable burgers—from nostalgic roadside classics to gourmet creations and small-town favorites that locals have been keeping to themselves for years.
Whether you’re spending the weekend in Nashville or exploring Rutherford County, these five restaurants prove that some of Tennessee’s best burgers are found just outside the city limits.
Bring your appetite—you won’t leave disappointed.
