The Experience: During my trip to Tennessee, I knew I had to try one of Nashville’s best burgers. Though like in every city, reports conflicted about what was the best, but the hat tip went to Gabby’s over other well-respected local burger joints. Gabby’s is a roadside burger joint in the truest sense of the term, as it sits just off I-65 and exhibits all the tropes you’ve grown to love. The servers shout your name across the restaurant when your order is ready. Aside from the few tables and bar stools, the entire restaurant is filled with only the grill, the sauce station, and the fountain drink machine. I completely fell in love with this place when I walked inside, so it may have been out of sheer excitement that I ordered the very large Gabby Burger.

Burger Ordered: The Gabby Burger

The Taste: Both patties were covered in cheddar cheese. The pickles and ketchup I asked for rested beneath the meat, while the mayo was put in large quantity above. This burger was a total mess, but rolls of paper towel are abundant throughout the restaurant. The grass-fed beef was very lightly seasoned, and along with the light, fluffy bun went down without making me feel too terribly disgusting due to the mountain of food I’d just consumed. I was however, not able to finish my fries, completely delicious though they were.

The Verdict: As this is the only true Nashville burger I’ve had, I can’t speak as to whether or not it’s the best in town. I can say that it is an exemplary burger dining experience, and one that should not be missed by locals or passers-through.

Gabby’s Burgers & Fries is located at 493 Humphreys Street in Nashville, Tennessee.

Article by Brad Garoon

I run this burger joint.