Nashville Best Of 2026 · Best Burger Joint
Brown’s Diner
A converted trolley car, Nashville’s oldest beer license, and a cheeseburger that hasn’t needed to change in nearly a century. Brown’s Diner is our pick for the best burger joint in Nashville.
Why Brown’s Earns the Title
Nashville has no shortage of trendy, chef-driven burgers, but nothing beats the classic at Brown’s Diner. Since 1927, this neighborhood institution near Hillsboro Village has served a no-nonsense cheeseburger with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion on a local Charpier’s bakery bun. It’s simple, consistent, and exactly what a burger should be.
The setting is just as big a draw. Part of the diner is a converted trolley car, the bar holds Nashville’s oldest beer license, and local singer-songwriters play a tiny stage on the dive bar side. Eater Nashville includes it among the city’s best burgers, and regulars lovingly call it the Cheers of Nashville.
1927
Serving Nashville Since
3
Owners in Nearly 100 Years
Oldest
Beer License in Nashville
1
Converted Trolley Car
What to Order
The Plates That Made Brown’s Famous
Keep it simple, the way Brown’s has for nearly a century. Start with these favorites.
The Classic Cheeseburger
American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion on a Charpier’s bakery bun. No gimmicks, just one of Nashville’s all-time favorite burgers. Pair it with a cold beer.
Hush Puppies
Big, golden, and fried fresh. Regulars rave about these generous hush puppies, the perfect Southern side to go with your burger.
Frito Chili Pie
Crunchy Fritos loaded with chili and cheese. It’s a classic diner comfort food and a sleeper favorite with Brown’s regulars.
The Story
Nearly a Century of Cheeseburgers
Brown’s Diner opened in 1927 and has been in continuous operation ever since, making it one of Music City’s oldest restaurants. Built around a converted trolley car, it grew into two distinct sides: a cozy dive bar with black vinyl stools and a tiny stage, and a family dining room with walls covered in Nashville memorabilia.
In nearly 100 years, Brown’s has had only three owners. The current owners took over in 2020 and kept what regulars love, from the famous cheeseburger to the frosted mugs, while adding all-day Southern breakfast. Music stars, neighbors, and first-timers still share the same booths today.
“There’s certainly something to be said for tried and true.”
Eater Nashville
Plan Your Visit
Pull Up a Stool
Brown’s sits on Blair Boulevard near Hillsboro Village and Belmont University. Come for breakfast, lunch, or a burger and a beer after work.
Location
Hours
Mon–Thu: 7:30 am – 9:30 pm
Fri: 7:30 am – 10 pm
Sat: 8 am – 10 pm
Sun: 9 am – 8 pm
Southern breakfast served all day.
Good to Know
Local singer-songwriters regularly play the tiny stage on the bar side, so you might catch a show with your burger. In a hurry? Order ahead online for pickup.
Taste Nearly 100 Years of Tradition
Stop in for Nashville’s most classic cheeseburger, or order ahead and take it home.