The Best Burgers in Atlanta

As blessed are we are with the food in the CDR, there are just some days when you need to get off campus, throw diet and exercise to the wind (sorry Kevin) and eat a big, juicy hamburger.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has identified an Atlanta establishment as the “Best Burger in Atlanta”. The food editors of Southern Living Magazine recently gave their seal of approval in granting the Best Burger Award to Ann’s Snack Bar. And two years ago, the Wall Street Journal, crowned the “Ghetto Burger” as the best burger in the country. We share their choice with you as well as a few of our own.

Ann’s Snack Bar: Be prepared for a unique experience when you enter the trailer-like shack that Southern Living calls the “Graceland of grills”. Since the now famous Ghetto Burger received national acclaim, Ann’s barstools have become the hottest seats in Atlanta.

When you order the Ghetto Burger, the signature dish at Ann’s Snack Bar, you will receive a hamburger, filling a full-size plastic plate, loaded with two huge beef patties, sautéed onions, bacon, melted cheese, and savory chili. Your burger will be so huge that you will probably want to share it with a friend.

There is no need to be in a hurry when you visit Ann’s so you might want to go during unscheduled time. It is not uncommon to wait over an hour for one of the eight barstools in Ann’s Snack Bar. Once inside, you will keep waiting until Ann takes your order. Ann only cooks two or three burgers at a time and will gruffly snap at you if you interrupt her cooking.

And don’t bother trying to make a reservation because Ann probably won’t even answer the phone. It would also be wise to follow the rules that Ann has posted…don’t talk back and pay with cash. Maybe we should have Ann come to SFOT as a guest instructor! Ann’s Snack Bar is located at 1615 Memorial Drive. Take the Moreland Drive (North) exit, turn right on Memorial. Ann’s is about a mile on the right. The only sign says “Home of the World Famous Ghetto Burger.” You can watch a video of it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyMo4KFrlyw.

Six Feet Under: Six Feet Under is located across the street from Oakland Cemetery on Memorial Drive, leading you to believe the name originated from the location. However, when you enter the doors you soon discover that this seafood restaurant offers one of the best burgers in Atlanta. A huge, handmade hamburger is cooked to order and dressed with the toppings of choice. It is a true culinary treat and a great way to start the weekend. By the way, they have great seafood too. Six Feet Under recently opened another restaurant at 685 11th Street (Between Northside Dr. & Howell Mill Rd) about 2 miles South of the Howell Mill Wal-Mart.

Cheeseburger in Paradise: When you enter Cheeseburger in Paradise, you are immediately taken from the stresses of life and transported to a tropical paradise complete with the sights and sounds of the Caribbean…the only thing missing is the sand. The signature “Cheeseburger in Paradise” is a thick burger cooked to order, dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and onions. The burger is accompanied by some of the best french fries in the world! When you need to get away from the stresses of the SFOT, Cheeseburger In Paradise is a great escape. Cheeseburger in Paradise is located at 1230 Ashford Crossing in Perimeter Place, just North of Perimeter Mall.

The Harvest Season

When you need a day with family and friends, you might enjoy the following day trips to embrace all that Georgia has to offer during the harvest season.

Cagle’s Dairy Farms: Cagle’s Dairy Farms is a favorite destination for Atlanta residents during the Harvest Season. They offer a number of festive events to celebrate the season including the world’s largest corn maze, hayrides, bonfires, pig races, farm tours, jumpeee pillows (it’s a country thing that we city slickers must experience to appreciate), and haunted hayrides. They also offer Clayton & Estelle’s Country Market, where you can buy the freshest produce of the season.

Cagle Dairy Farms is an udderly cool place to visit. For directions and ticket information, visit their website at www.CaglesDairyFarms.com.

Helen, Georgia: Nestled in the North Georgia Mountains is the quaint German town of Helen, GA. Helen offers a variety of activities for everyone in the family. With specialty shops, recreational centers, fishing, tubing, great restaurants, and exceptional German food, Helen is a great destination. Helen, GA will be celebrating Oktoberfest from September 10 – November 1, 2009. Visit their websites at www.helengeorgia.com or www.helenga.org.Fernbank Museum of Natural History: For a sneak peek and information on special programming, IMAX films and more, visit www.fernbankmuseum.org.

Dahlonega, GA: Dahlonega is a favorite weekend destination for Atlanta residents seeking the serenity of small town life. Dahlonega offers specialty and antique shopping in a historic downtown shopping district. After a day of shopping, weary shoppers can find good ole southern comfort foods at The Smith House where the meals are served family style. For more information visit their website at www.dahlonega.org.

Stone Mountain, GA: Stone Mountain is a great year round destination. Stone Mountain will celebrate the Harvest Season during their 7th Annual Pumpkin Festival, held every weekend (Friday-Sunday) October 2-31, 2010. For more information, visit their website at www.stonemountainpark.com.

Marietta, GA: Historic Marietta Square is a shoppers’ paradise for those who like specialty and antique stores.

Juliette, Georgia: Before the movie, “Fried Green Tomatoes” Juliette, GA was just a speck on the map. But thanks to Hollywood, this small Georgia town found its place on the map and now hosts thousands of tourists each year. Today tourists can visit the location of the filming of “Fried Green Tomatoes” as they explore the set which now houses specialty gift shops. Visitors can even have lunch at the famous “Whistle Stop Café.” And of course, the house specialty is fried green tomatoes. For directions and tourist information, visit their website at juliettega.com.

Pine Mountain, GA: Pine Mountain, GA is the gateway to Calloway Gardens. Calloway Gardens is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of city living. The winding country roads immediately take you to a place of calm and serenity, as the stresses of a busy work week seem to melt away. There is something for everyone at Calloway Gardens. A stocked fishing pond (license required) for the fisherman in the family, a beach with a lake for the sun bathers and swimmers, walking trails for hikers, a golf course for the golfers, a butterfly house for the nature enthusiast, and an array of beautiful gardens for all to enjoy. For more information call 1-800-441-3502 x 1097.

Bank of America offers free admission to some Atlanta area museums on the first weekend of every month. For more information check out their website at http:\museums.bankofamerica.com