The Best Burgers in Auburn-Opelika

One food I could eat for the rest of my life? For me, it's hamburgers. Specifically cheeseburgers. I LOVE a good burger. You can style a burger so many different ways ... greasy, veggie filled, toppings galore, extra cheese, something spicy, homemade jalapeno cheese buns, etc. And, as a native Texan, I grew up in a state that took our hamburgers SERIOUSLY. Texas Monthly used to run an annual spread, ranking the top 50 best burgers in the state. One spot was less than 25 minutes away from my house.

Pretty sure ranking hamburgers for the sake of foodie journalism would have been my dream job.

SO. I have quested to find the best burgers in Auburn-Opelika. After conducting a poll on my Instagram Stories, some of my local Auburn foodies sent me their favorites. They included:

Sheila C's
The Hound
Waverly Local
Zazu's
Plaza

I set out on a mission to try each suggested burger spot in town (adding in a few stops of my own) and capture my first-bite reactions … feel free to follow along on TikTok and Instagram for the live reactions.

I started this blog post over two years ago and finally decided to publish it as an every evolving list. This list will be updated as I continue to try new burger spots around town!

The Hound.

The Hound || SMASH BURGER || RATING: 9/10

“griddled onions, american cheese, pickles, comeback sauce, sesame seed bun, hand-cut fries”

GO FOR THE BEEF

A long-time Auburn establishment (they actually just celebrated 10 years in Downtown Auburn), the Hound is known for their meats. With a slogan like “bacon and bourbon” how could you not be?! This burger is JUICY. My first bite experience was a memorable one. The beef patty was cooked to perfection (ordered to be cooked medium) with almost a crispy exterior and flavorful/juicy interior. Of the burgers on this list, The Hound serves the best patty (in my opinion). And they should - they’re KNOWN for their meats. Served with the Hound’s famous shoe-string french fries, this burger was quickly and happily consumed. If you’re looking for a burger that’s not super frou-frou but sure to impress, this is your go-to.

Zazu’s.

Zazu’s || PIMENTO CHEESE BURGER || RATING: 8.7/10

“8 oz. Custom Steak Blend, Fried Onion, House Bacon, White Cheddar Pimento Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato”

GO FOR THE FRESH INGREDIENTS AND FLUFFY BURGER BUNS

A super vibey gastropub located in Downtown Opelika with probably one of the coolest interiors I’ve seen in the area elevates southern cuisine just 10 minutes from Auburn. I’m a sucker for pimento cheese, so I’m a little bit biased when it comes to this burger. And, controversial or not, I believe the burger buns are a critical element to building your burger - it’s literally the vessel which carries the meaty goodness to your mouth. Zazu’s uses a sweeter, fluffy bread for their burger buns, which balances the flavor profile nicely. If I’m in downtown Opelika and craving a burger, Zazu’s is where I’m headed.

Zazu’s || THE GAMBLER || Rating 8.9/10

“Two 4oz Smash Burger Patties, Onions, Mustard, Picked Green Tomato, Jalepeno Bacon Jam, American Cheese, Jalapeno Aioli”

GO FOR FLAVOR TOWN.

Zazu entered Opelika’s 2022 “Burger Wars” with this particular burger and WON. Zazu’s already has a stellar pimento cheese burger, but adding The Gambler to the menu was a power move. The burger is hefty and messy. White blouses and button downs beware. The jalepeno bacon jam and aioli add so much extra flavor to an already delicious patty. Order your own. You won’t want to share.

Drafthouse

Drafthouse || SAWMILL BURGER || 6.8/10

“cheddar cheese, cherrywood smoked bacon, fried egg, and sawmill gravy”

GO FOR A BURGER TO SATISFY ANY TYPE OF CRAVING.

Drafthouse is located off of Magnolia in Auburn’s downtown square and it ALWAYS smells divine when walking past the backdoor. My drool reflexes immediately activates. I love Drafthouse because they have 10 different burger options on their menu. If you want an avocado burger - you got it. A fried egg on your burger - YOU GOT IT. I recently tried their Sawmill burger … I would have liked it better for a brunch burger than a dinner burger. I’ve had their avocado burger before and would rate that one higher than the Sawmill. ALSO - YOU MUST ORDER THE SWEET POTATO FRIES. They’re my favorite in town.

Sheila C’s Burger Barn

“cheeseburger meal, all the way w/ double cheese”

Sheila C’s || Cheeseburger || 6/10

GO FOR A CASUAL WEEKNIGHT MEAL (….or when you’re nursing a hangover)

Sheila Cs is 100% the best bang for your buck around town. You can get a burger 🍔 + fries 🍟 for ~$10. This mom and pop burger joint is no fuss, no frills, just straight burger lovin. It’s almost unfair to compare next to the more ~gourmet~ burgers in town because they don’t claim to be ~gourmet~ 🍔

They’re known for a messy “all the way” burger (dripping down its flavor), friendly service, and classic Auburn vibe. And sometimes you just want a greasy diner burger and a milkshake.

Plaza

Plaza || Warburger || 7.5/10|

“3 oz. chuck beef patty, sweet onions, Wickles Dirty Dill Pickles, French’s mustard, house BBQ sauce”

GO FOR PATIO VIBES & CHEESY TOTS

In the classic question of “is a cheeseburger a sandwich?” …I would typically say no. Except, perhaps, in this case. The Warburger is a modest-sized beef patty sandwiched in-between two perfectly toasted hamburger buns. The cooks in the kitchen add some weight on top of the burger in order to get the buns crispy (hence more sancwich-like). Your bite goes << crunch, fluff, wickles, tangy sauce, beef, fluff, crunch >> and it packs some FLAVOR with the housemade BBQ sauce. Plus, we’re HUGE Wickles Pickles fans so points there. Plaza runs a $4 warburger special on weekdays from 4-6pm (when I started this blog, the special was $3 on Wednesdays), which might be the BEST burger deal in town.

Acre

Acre || Texas Cowboy Burger || 7.2/10

“jalapeno aioli, crispy onion strings, acre bacon, pepper jack, brioche bun, fries”

GO FOR THE BACON

Acre is one of the more popular fine-dining experiences in Auburn, specifically for dinner. I did, however, hear from a few fellow foodies to check out their Cowboy Burger, so this Texas gal went to check it out. Acre’s lunch menu is a more moderate price point compared to their dinner menu, with the same ambiance (and I just love all the natural lighting). The star of the Cowboy burger was the bacon. It’s thick with two “c’s”. And if you haven’t tried their chicken fried bacon yet, run. It’s their signature dish. We asked for the burger meat to be cooked medium and it was closer to well done, so I will be sure to specify medium-rare the next time I order one. I like my burgers to be a little bit more juicy. We’d recommend getting a their jalapeno-aoili on the side to dip your fries!

WAVERLY LOCAL

Waverly Local || Burger & Fries || 7.5/10

“Double stack, American cheese, herb mayo, lettuce, tomato, onion, Wickles Dill Pickles on the side”

GO FOR THE DOUBLE STACK & LIVE MUSIC

Waverly Local popped up on the scene a couple of years ago, and I have been a long-time fan of their brunch. If you’re looking to get away from some of the Auburn hustle & bustle, take a quick 15-20 minute drive over to Waverly. The restaurant is actually located in one of Alabama's first Ford dealerships, which makes for a cool atmosphere. And they ALWAYS have killer live music. The burger was seasoned WELL (maybe a bit too much?) but you get those crunchy edge bits that I love so much. I would ask for the herb mayo on the side, as it’s strong. I’d rate it higher if our Wickles Pickles had been included on the order (I think they just forgot!). Just as a general PSA: ordered their Bacon Wrapped Wickles Okra appetizer. It. Is. Phenomenal.

LUCY’S

Lucy’s || Juicy Lucy Burger || 8.4/10

“bacon & onion marmalade, poblano aioli, sharp white cheddar and Lucy’s fries”

GO FOR THE BEEF + AMBIANCE

Lucy’s is one of my favorite spots in town to grab brunch and a cocktail. Their restaurant was designed beautifully - it looks like something out of a Serena & Lily catalog. I love it for all of the natural lighting. Now. Lucy’s makes a MEAN burger. The ratios of beef to lettuce to sauce to cheese is a burger symphony. And, as the name would suggest, it is juicy (BRING ON THE JUICE). They’re known for their more traditional southern style dishes, but the burger is not to be missed. However, they get points off for being the most expensive burger in town. If you want a more affordable Juicy Lucy option, Lucy’s opened a new spot in the Hey Day Market called Little Darling Burger Co. You can get a double patty burger for $10! Scroll to the top of this blog for the burger picture!

JACK BROWN’S

Jack Brown’s || Cobra Kai || 9/10

“Burger topped with cream cheese, pickled Jalapeños and Jalapeño jelly.”

GO FOR A CONSISTENTLY DAMN DELICIOUS BURGER.

This is one of my favorite burgers in town. Jack Browns’ entry into the Auburn scene was a bit of a mixed bag for those who revered Cheeburger Cheeburger. However, Jack Brown’s KNOWS what they’re doing. And they better, because they ONLY offer burgers and fries. They’re ranked high on my burger for consistency, deliciousness, creativity, atmosphere and the fact that my clothes smell delicious after leaving. Bonus points for their fried oreos.

And this concludes my burger results! … well, for now.

Spots that are next on my list:

The Depot

Little Darling Burger Co (I’ve eaten here and remembered really liking the burger but need to go back and refresh my memory)

Hamiltons

???

I’ll update the blog as I try new spots around town. Perhaps I should rate chicken fingers next? Alabama seems to have no shortage of them. If you enjoyed reading this blog post, come say “hello” on Instagram! And if there’s a burger in the area I absolutely have to add to my list, send me a DM.