CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Sometimes, nothing hits the spot like a delicious burger. We know what to expect at big name restaurants, but a good local burger joint just makes it that much better!
Here there are 11 local burger spots, in no particular order, that you are sure to enjoy. From basic but delicious, to unique and mouth-watering, if you like burgers, you will enjoy trying each of these.
1. Johnny’s Big Burger: This hometown staple is located at 428 College St. across from Austin Peay State University’s campus. They won Gold for Best Burger in the 2024 Clarksville’s Best competition. Johnny’s is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The burger is in their name, and you definitely need to get that with their famous crinkle fries. While you’re there, don’t forget to try their fried honeybun with ice cream dessert.
2. Blackhorse Pub & Brewery: Located at 132 Franklin St., this restaurant has had specialty favorites for years. Try the Cletus (with fried green tomato, pimento cheese and tomato jam), the Volcano (with pineapple-jalapeno jam, peppercorn bacon, pepper jack cheese, fried onion strings and creamy sriracha sauce) or the Hangover (with bacon, pepper jack cheese, fried egg and bloody Mary aioli). They are open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., on Friday and Saturday 10:30 a.m. until midnight, and on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
3. Joe’s Garage: The bottom level of Shelby’s Trio is Joe’s Garage, which offers not only delicious food, but a convenient location next to the F&M Bank Arena at 101 Main St. There’s parking behind the building, and also in a lot across College Street. Featured burgers include the Bacon Smashburger with cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, or the Pepper Smashburger with Havarti cheese and jalapenos. Joe’s Garage is open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
4. Dock 17: Dock 17 is located at 2231-D Madison St. right next to the City Forum, on the back side of the Miss Lucille’s building. Make sure to try the Smokey & the Brisket Burger (with queso, smoked brisket, lime, avocado, cilantro and tabasco). Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
5. Kelly’s Big Burger: Located at 405 N Riverside Drive, this Clarksville classic burger joint is open 24 hours on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, noon-9 p.m. Sundays, and 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays. The diner serves burgers in most any combo, including with gouda, bleu cheese or feta.
6. O’Connor’s Pub: Located at 1198 Tylertown Road, O’Connor’s offers burgers such as the Band of Brothers Burger, which features Black Angus beef with onion rings, tomato, lettuce, cheese, mayo, and crispy bacon. You can also try their Fighting Irish Burger which includes corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut. O’Connor’s is open Tuesday through Sunday 3 p.m.-3 a.m.
7. Pbody’s: Pbody’s is located inside the Clarksville Country Club at 334 Fairway Drive, but you don’t have to be a club member to come in – they are also open to the general public. Featured burgers include the Best of Both Worlds (with pulled pork, crispy onion and BBQ sauce) and Buford T’s Diablo (1 pound of hamburger topped with bacon, ghost pepper cheese and 5150 sauce). Their hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
8. Old Glory Distilling Co: Enjoy a tasting and then a burger at Old Glory Distilling Co. Located right off Interstate 24 at 451 Alfred Thun Road, Old Glory offers the Au Poivre Burger, which includes a patty with brisket, chuck and ribeye with caramelized onions and a garlic aioli. Old Glory is open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
9. Legends Smokehouse & Grill: Legends is at 803 S. Riverside Dr. and offers BBQ-style burgers. Try something different with the PB&J BBQ Burger. This burger is built with a beef patty, smoke pulled pork, cheese, and topped with peanut butter and jelly. Legends is open Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
10. Wicked Good Sandwiches: This restaurant at 605 Cumberland Drive lives up to its name. They’ve become a regular spot for Austin Peay students, with some of their menu items named after the area. Try the Southwest Burger (with bacon, cheddar-jack, jalapenos and southwest sauce, served between crispy tortillas), or the College Street with Thousand Island dressing. Their hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
11. CAP’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill: Located at 2720 Madison St., you can find bar food and drinks, including burgers. Serving traditional styles such as the AJ’s Classic Cheeseburger, or the Patty Melt, but also a Sango Cowboy Burger, which features cheddar cheese, bacon, fried onion straws and a maple bourbon barbecue sauce. CAP’s is open Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and Friday through Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.