There’s something deeply American about a burger. It’s the food of backyard cookouts and roadside diners, of Little League snack bars and Fourth of July spreads. And in 2026, as America marks its 250th birthday, that all-American icon feels worth celebrating more than ever. So with the weather warming up and Richmond easing into summer, there’s no better time to sink your teeth into a great one. National Burger Day gives us the perfect excuse to celebrate, and lucky for us, RVA’s independent burger scene is stacked. From smash burgers griddled to crispy-edged perfection to grass-fed patties stacked high, here are seven local spots ready to kick off your summer of burgers.
Cobra Burger (Church Hill)
Tucked into Church Hill at 400 N 27th Street, Cobra Burger is a smash-style spot that has built a serious reputation both in RVA and nationally. Co-owner Adam Musselman put Cobra on the map when the shop won The Talk’s “Food Face-off” on CBS, with their signature Martin’s buns, Cobra pickles, pickled red onion, and the house Cobra sauce. The menu features signatures like the Cobra Burger, the ACAB, and the Big Baby Butter Burger, along with sides like the Large Side O Fkn Fries and a tomato jam that fans regularly call out by name.
Beauvine Burger Concept (The Fan)
At 1501 W Main Street in the Historic Fan District, Beauvine has been serving artisan burgers and handcrafted milkshakes since 2017. The kitchen draws inspiration from Virginia, California, and France, with locally sourced ingredients like Carter’s brioche buns, Rostov’s Coffee, Virginia craft beers, and Niman Ranch.
Eazzy Burger (Scott’s Addition)
Brought to you by the team behind ZZQ, Eazzy Burger sits at 3204 W Leigh Street, tucked between Ardent and ZZQ in Scott’s Addition. Their house beef blend of brisket, chuck, and short rib burgers pairs perfectly with hand-cut russet fries, and the menu spans build-your-own classics, a Chile Relleno burger, and rotating chicken sandwiches dressed with AR’s hot honey and pimento cheese. Don’t miss kids eat free all day Wednesday and BOGO half-off burgers on Thursday nights.
Slay Burgers (Brookland Park)
Slay Burgers at 22 W Brookland Park Boulevard brings smash burgers and hand-breaded chicken to Northside Richmond. Everything is made to order, from burgers built on the signature house Slay sauce to loaded fries, Slay fries with onion rings, and breaded chicken sandwiches topped with house slaw and pickles. For now, it’s a walk-up spot, with plans for a nearby dine-in location as well as a second Chester location in the works.
Smashed RVA (Northside)
Richmond’s OG smash burger, Smashed RVA earned the title the hard way. Chef and owner Michael Marshall launched it as a pop-up in 2020, bringing crispy, aggressively seasoned smash burgers to breweries, shops, and events across the city before landing a permanent home at 1600 Brook Road in Northside in 2023. The patties are made with quality Seven Hills beef, smashed thin and seasoned for crispy edges and a juicy center. The menu stays approachable, with crave-worthy burgers including a vegetarian option.
Boulevard Burger and Brew (Scott’s Addition)
At 1300 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, a short walk from the Flying Squirrels’ new CarMax Park, Boulevard Burger and Brew operates out of a historic building with a 1950s diner feel. Burgers are made with NON-GMO Project certified, 100% organic Black Angus beef, and the menu includes craft beers, boozy shakes, vegan and turkey burger options, and a build-your-own setup. After reopening in early 2025 following emergency repairs, the spot now also has a dedicated milkshake takeout window.
Burger Bach (Carytown)
Burger Bach (pronounced “batch”) is a New Zealand-inspired gastro pub in Carytown. The menu centers on New Zealand grass-fed beef and lamb, free-range chicken, and vegetarian options, with 24 draft beer taps featuring local craft brews. Gluten-free buns and lettuce wraps are also available.
