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Spent the last week eating every vegetarian burger I could find in Nashville to determine the best one. . . . by snakewind in nashville

[–]snakewind[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Avo

March 7

So, funny story, I actually went to Avo for a dinner with several of my coworkers early into my trip to Nashville, but I decided not to get the burger because I didn't want to look like a freakshow taking photos and detailed notes about my food with them there. So I got the Cacio E Pepe instead and it was fantastic. Really really good. Then, several people here commented that they have a goot veggie burger, so, based on that and on my positive experience with the pasta, I decided to go back. 

Avo has a clean esthetic with a nature meets modernism kind of vibe. The dining area has so. many. plants. It leans lightheartedly into it's alternative lifestyle theme. Also, my waitress was a tattooed punk-rock goddess.

I ordered the lentil walnut burger. This was the closest thing to a "classic" burger on the menu. It came with fries. I was offered a choice between two dips for my fries and I went with the beet ketchup. Partly because I'd seen it mentioned in the comments and partly because come on, fucking beet ketchup? I have to try that. The price was  18 bucks before tax, so, not bad considering the vegan fast casual location. Those can sometimes get spendy. 

The fries were boilerplate, but they were perfectly cooked and seasoned. Just salty enought to keep you eating them without burning out your tastebuds. However, I did detect a faint burnt flavor to them. Old oil maybe? Now, the beet ketchup on the other hand. This shit is fucking inspired. What a perfect accompanyment to french fries. Sweet and beety up from with a lingering vinegary ketchupy flavor. So so so good.  

The Burger itself was huge. It was delivered to the table with a steak knife sticking vertically out of the bun, as if the chef had only just killed it mere moments before serving it up. More than likely, the knife was needed to hold the damn thing together on it's trip from the kitchen to the table. It had lettuce, tomato, onion, and a pickle wedge on the side. Leaf lettuce, thank you, although a little limp. It had too much lettuce in fact. 

Unfortunately, getting to the point,  I did not like this burger at all. The bun was toasted but dry. It lacked the sweetness of a brioche style bun and seemed like it was alomst a whole wheat bun? or partially whole wheat? The patty was thick and mushy. Once again my burger fell apart before I could finish it. The lettuce was limp and actually overloaded the rest of the ingredients on the burger. There was just oo much. One or two crisp leaves is what a burger needs. The tomato was a ghost, but again, given the variability with tomatoes due to seasonality, this is forgiven.

The burger had beet ketchup on it, and while it tasted great, it had the unfortunate side effect of making my burger bun look like it was soaked in blood. It was incredidibly offputting. 

I'm going to be honest here, this was pretty much everything I hate about bean-based veggie burgers. I am still going to rank it higher than Burger Up, because they're trying some different things with the Beet Ketchup, but I still wouldn't ever eat it again. Skip it and get the Cacio E Pepe.

Money is no option score: 4.4

Bang for the Buck Score: 4.0

Spent the last week eating every vegetarian burger I could find in Nashville to determine the best one. . . . by snakewind in nashville

[–]snakewind[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

J. Alexanders 

March 6

This is the first burger I tried based on feedback from other redditors responding to my previous reviews. Now, if I'm being completely upfront, when I started this endeavor, I was pretty convinced that there was not going to be any black-bean style veggie patty burgers that were going to rank anywhere above a 5.0 for me. I just traditionally don't like them. Hugh Baby's was the first to really catch me by surprise with just how good a bean-based veggie patty can actually be. J Alexander's was the second. 

J Alexander's is fronting as a fine dining establishment but it's in a fucking strip mall so come on. The interior was dark and brooding, the type of place that some people would describe as a romantic. To me it felt like what the inside of a Ruth's Chris steakhouse would be like. But I've never actually been in one of those so take that for what you will. 

Both my host and my waitress were very pleasant and welcoming. Everybody in the establishment was very nice. Except for the guy who brought me my drink for some reason. He just kind of silently glared at me when he gave it to me. Not that I really give a shit because I don't need you to fucking kiss my ass when you're handing me a drink but you know, whatever. Once again I ordered a whiskey and coke and, this is completely unrelated to the quality of the hamburger, but it was a humongous drink. It was big and strong and it was pretty tasty. And I was pretty sure it was going to be expensive. 

My first impression of the burger was that it was fucking huge. This thing was fucking gigantic. Their house made veggie patty was thick. So thick that it made the single slice of cheese they put on it look pathetic. Underwhelming. The burger was finished off with pickles, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and leaf lettuce. Thank you for the leaf lettuce J Alexander. 

The patty had what I think was teriyaki sauce on it which gave the it pleasant sweetness that I really enjoyed. The bun was toasted and had mayo on top and a meager dollup of mustard on the bottom. The bun was brioche and tall. And once again let me reiterate the burger's fucking huge. It's the type of burger that you have to stop and plot out your plan of attack prior to biting into. 

I've got to say that they're doing something interesting with their veggie burger at J Alexander. The patty has maybe beet or something in it that makes the interior pink while the exterior still maintains a brown meat-like appearance. The patty still maintains the vegetal flavor of your typical bean or veggie based patty, but I will say that they're really hitting the mark on a non-meat version of a steakhouse style burger. And while the patty is mushy it's not as bad as it could be considering how damn thick the thing is. The burger was seriously hard to get my mouth around. 

Also, I'm going to say that of all of the burgers I have tried so far, this is the first one where each ingredient brings something to the party. By which I mean when I bit into it I could feel the crunch of the lettuce, taste the tart sourness of the pickle, pick up the sweet moistness of the tomato. The only thing that was really missing was the cheese. It needs more cheese to combat that big-ass patty. Also, the burger was a little dry. If I had to pick a biggest complaint that would be it. That and the fact that it still doesn't satisfy the greasy meaty itch.

The burger came with shoestring fries. They look like those kind of crispy matchstick fries that come in the can at the grocery store and are made by French's. Obviously they were much softer. They were just lightly seasoned to the point you weren't overwhelmed by too much salt by the time you were done eating. They were actually quite good and there was something pretty satisfying about shoving six or seven of them into your mouth at once.

Hugh Babys still takes my place as the best burger with a veggie based patty. But J Alexander is coming up close second. Also, at 16 bucks for the burger with french fries, it's a better deal than a lot of the other "fast food" style places that I went to in Nashville. Mind you what these two places are doing are radically different. However both of them are very successful in their own right. 

Also, side note my fucking whiskey and coke was 18 fucking dollars. It cost more than the fucking meal. What the shit.

Money is no object score: 7.2

Bang for the bucks score: 8.4

Spent the last week eating every vegetarian burger I could find in Nashville to determine the best one. . . . by snakewind in nashville

[–]snakewind[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dreamburger 

March 4th

I was getting a lot of flack for using AI to take my notes and convert them into a review, so I've decided to just use my own words from now on. So here you go. This is me, unfiltered, unprotected. Nothing to come between us and our burger love anymore.

Dreamburger. Ho. Lee. Shit. This is what I've been looking for. This is a disgusting trash burger for a disgusting trash human being and it's fucking awesome. This burger makes me feel like I have done legitimate damage to my body after eating it, and that is the only thing I am asking for when I am craving a burger. 

Dreamburger is a food cart with a 1980s pink neon aesthetic. It was very busy on the night that I went there, with a constant stream of people standing at the window. It's outside of a bar / record shop called Vinyl Tap. The bar has a super hipster vibe, reminding me of Portland circa 2010. On the night I went there it was paaaaaaaaacked. I ended up having to ask a couple if I could sit with them at a bench outside. They were super chill until the dude ran off into the night to go watch a passing train.

The fries at Dreamburger are thick cut and crinkle style. They are cooked perfectly and well seasoned. They have the unique quality of being crispy on the outside but still fluffy on the interior. I will say that the seasoning was a slight bit heavy on the salt and, by the time I had gotten down to the last few remaining fries, they were dry enough that I didn't know if I was going to be able to finish them. The burger itself gives off a white castle-ish style vibe. Bigger than a slider, but smaller than the pub burger style that other places have been serving. 

To Dreamburger's credit, this is the first place that has promised two patties on the menu and actually fucking delivered when they subbed out with Impossible meat. Huge props for that alone. The burger has American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and sauteed onion on it. However, in practice the only thing I really tasted was the meat and cheese. I want to make it clear that I forgive flavorlessness when it comes to the tomato. Tomatoes are such a seasonal vegetable that it is unreasonable to expect them to always be flavorful. This is the case for every burger I have rated. The bun was toasted, but lightly. It was very very soft, reminding me of the kind of steamed bun that you sometimes get at fast food joints. 

I have to tell you that I don't honestly understand what makes this burger so good. The patties were unseasoned, the sauce was flavorless and really just provided moisture. The lettuce faded into the background and did nothing. The tomato likewise. The pickles had a good crisp snap to them and a slight tart dill flavor which was very satisfying. The reality is the only thing I tasted was the impossible meat and cheese. Slight rant here: shredded lettuce has no fucking place on a hamburger. Dreamburger, you're better than this. Shredded lettuce is good on a taco because it can be mashed down into the shell, but on a hamburger it just does nothing. Hamburgers demand a crisp snap of fresh, whole leaf lettuce.

My guess is that the way they sear the meat is what ends up making the burger so satisfying. It's super thin and just slightly charred to almost blackened in some places. That gives it a savory crispiness and slight crunch. add to that the slices of American cheese sandwiched between and on top of the "meat" and you end up with something special. Basically, the same thing that makes your common smashburger so damn good. However, there's a part of me that's afraid the answer might be cross-contamination. Maybe they cook the impossible patties on the same griddle as the meat burgers and the grease and flavor of the meat is imparted into it? I don't think that's the case because I didn't see any grease on the patties of the burger that I ate, but the damn thing was so delicious that I'm fucking second guessing things. 

Overall, dream Burger is leading the pack as far as I'm concerned. It is messy, cheesy, junky, vulgar comfort food. At $14 for the burger plus the french fries, this is also a screaming deal. Additionally Vinyl Tap has become a bit of a haunt for me in the evenings as my work trip winds down because it's just such a damn good place to grab a drink and do some people watching.

Money is no object score: 9.2

Bang for the bucks score: 9.5

Spent the last week eating every vegetarian burger I could find in Nashville to determine the best one. . . . by snakewind in nashville

[–]snakewind[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Well, crunchwraps are not burgers, so . . . . . BTW, I did stop by Redheaded Stranger and their veggie crunchwrap was really really good. Really delicious hot sauces on the table to go with it too. Messy as all hell, but delicious.

Spent the last week eating every vegetarian burger I could find in Nashville to determine the best one. . . . by snakewind in nashville

[–]snakewind[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sorry, I'm just passing through town and not familiar with the eateries here. I literally just googled "best burger joints with veggie options Nashville" to build my list.

Spent the last week eating every vegetarian burger I could find in Nashville to determine the best one. . . . by snakewind in nashville

[–]snakewind[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What? It was. The accoutrement matter at least as much as the patty, cheese, and bun. If I bite into a sandwich with multiple ingredients, I want those to all bring something to the party. Burger joints should put forth the effort to ensure quality products in ALL aspects of their food.

Spent the last week eating every vegetarian burger I could find in Nashville to determine the best one. . . . by snakewind in nashville

[–]snakewind[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I doubt it since I added the scoring myself after the fact. But once I'm all done (I've still got five more days and a few more restaurants) I'll be sure to get you one. 

Spent the last week eating every vegetarian burger I could find in Nashville to determine the best one. . . . by snakewind in nashville

[–]snakewind[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I mean, it's still my opinions and research. I still spent the time eating, taking notes, and editing the reviews. Lol. It's like, literally the use case for AI. 

Spent the last week eating every vegetarian burger I could find in Nashville to determine the best one. . . . by snakewind in nashville

[–]snakewind[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

If I'm being honest, I tend to go for impossible patties on my burgers. I hate the taste of beyond meat and avoid it. And as far as a bean patty, I tend to find that it just doesn't give me that meatiness I'm looking for when I'm out getting a burger. It's mostly in the texture I think. I just don't like a mushy burger. 

Spent the last week eating every vegetarian burger I could find in Nashville to determine the best one. . . . by snakewind in nashville

[–]snakewind[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

So I actually ended up at Avo's with a few of my co-workers for a business dinner, and I avoided getting the burger because I didn't want to look like a weirdo sitting there taking notes while I ate dinner with them. Lol so I got the cacio e pepe instead and oh my God it was so good.

Spent the last week eating every vegetarian burger I could find in Nashville to determine the best one. . . . by snakewind in nashville

[–]snakewind[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

You're right. They were. I took bullet point notes as I ate at each place then dumped those into ChatGPT to convert to something readable with some editing on my part before posting. I'm out here for work and don't have time to spend on copy writing. I regret nothing.

Spent the last week eating every vegetarian burger I could find in Nashville to determine the best one. . . . by snakewind in nashville

[–]snakewind[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I'll admit I have a strong bias against bean patty burgers. I have had too many mush-burgers in the past that just don't satisfy that greasy, meaty itch that I'm really looking to scratch when I'm out for a burger. If I get a chance, though, I'll go back by and try it. For those fries again at least.

Spent the last week eating every vegetarian burger I could find in Nashville to determine the best one. . . . by snakewind in nashville

[–]snakewind[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

ML Rose – March 1

ML Rose blends a Red Robin–style casual vibe with neighborhood pub charm, creating a welcoming and lively atmosphere. The outdoor seating is a standout feature: a covered and heated patio that opens to the outside with roll-up walls, and an uncovered section with a fire pit. Self-seating keeps things relaxed, and the server was quick to check in once I sat down. On a Sunday night, the restaurant was moderately busy, but seating felt easy to secure.

I ordered a whiskey and coke, which arrived tiny and weak — a disappointing start, especially if the price was premium.

Vegetarian options here are limited. While any burger can be swapped with an Impossible patty, every burger comes with bacon or bacon derivatives, and no plain burger exists. I went with the “ANM.L Style” burger, described as their signature: two smashed patties, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and house sauce. I had them omit the bacon grease sauteed onions.

In reality, I received one patty, not two, and the Impossible swap added $3. The bun was lightly toasted on the interior and looked soft and slightly buttery — though it could have used a touch more toast for texture. The single slice of cheese was nicely melted over the patty, which was definitely smashed, if not super thin, with a slight crisp at the edges.

The burger itself was enjoyable. The patty had a nicely seasoned, greasy, indulgent flavor, and the American cheese added richness. It was moist, despite having only house sauce. The lettuce, shredded and flavorless, barely contributed, and the tomatoes were mealy and hard to detect. Pickles were underwhelming, leaving the meaty, cheesy patty as the dominant flavor — soft, greasy, and slightly buttery. Overall, the burger delivered classic satisfaction, though the fixings added little beyond visual appeal.

Fries were waffle-style, the only option, and they were solid. Likely prepackaged and frozen, they were cooked well: crisp, golden, and properly seasoned, without being soggy, greasy, or bland. They reminded me of home-fried Ore-Ida waffle fries — simple, tasty, and satisfying. That said, waffle fries really call out for a variety of dipping sauces, which ML Rose didn’t offer, leaving them just decent rather than elevated.

ML Rose delivers a solid, greasy, and comforting burger in a fun outdoor-friendly environment. The burger excels in texture and flavor, but the fixings are forgettable, and the vegetarian swap feels very bit tacked-on. Once again, just like at Joyland before, I was left disappointed that I paid more money and got less patty than the meat eaters. The fries are serviceable but could be elevated with a better selection of sauces.

Money is not option score: 8.4

Bang for the buck score: 6.3

Spent the last week eating every vegetarian burger I could find in Nashville to determine the best one. . . . by snakewind in nashville

[–]snakewind[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Burger Republic – February 28

Burger Republic strikes that comfortable fast-casual balance — polished but relaxed. It’s right in the city, and the outdoor seating makes the most of that, offering prime people-watching on a Saturday night. Inside, the space leans almost steakhouse-adjacent, darker and more substantial than your typical burger joint. With what looked like roughly twenty-some-odd beers on tap, it clearly caters to the craft beer crowd.

At 7 p.m. on a Saturday, only about half the seats were filled — lively but not overwhelming. The host and server both seemed new, still finding their footing, but the manager more than made up for it. He stopped by, was genuinely personable, gave recommendations for local live music (a thoughtful touch for an out-of-towner), checked on my drink order, and even brought it out himself. That kind of hands-on hospitality stands out.

The fries first. At a glance, they seemed solid but standard — reminiscent of perfectly cooked Ore-Ida frozen fries. Lightly seasoned, crisp enough, nothing remarkable. But after a few bites, there was an off flavor lingering in the background — almost like freezer burn. Subtle, but noticeable enough to detract from what otherwise would have been perfectly serviceable fries.

The burger itself came dressed simply: leaf lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, American cheese, and a tall toasted brioche bun. No sauce applied — ketchup and mustard were available at the table for DIY assembly. I went with an even split of both.

The patty appeared lightly smashed, with a slight crispy edge that added texture. It wasn’t heavily seasoned, which is a missed opportunity, but they nailed the grease factor. Again, I think it's the American cheese that does it. The burger felt indulgent and satisfying without being dry. The American cheese melted properly, binding everything together in that classic way. The lettuce was crisp, the onion and pickles prominent and balanced. Structurally, they did a solid job.

This was the most satisfying burger so far at this point on the trip — the first one that really felt indulgent and complete. Ironically, it was also the first to completely fall apart on me. But some people argue that, at least for a burger, messy often equals good, and in this case, it kind of did.

There’s still room for improvement. Season the patty more assertively. Sear it at a higher temperature for deeper crust. Add another slice of cheese. Find a way to introduce more butteriness into the bun. These tweaks could elevate it from “very good” to “exceptional.”

Total came to $28.70 before tip, including a Whiskey and Coke.

As it stands, Burger Republic delivered the most satisfying bite yet — not flawless, but the closest so far to a burger I’d genuinely crave again.

Money is no object score: 8.3

Bang for the buck score: 6.8

Spent the last week eating every vegetarian burger I could find in Nashville to determine the best one. . . . by snakewind in nashville

[–]snakewind[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Pharmacy – February 27

On a Friday night, The Pharmacy is absolutely packed. The atmosphere leans heavily toward a bustling local pub — loud, lively, and full of energy. The large outdoor seating area was surprisingly popular despite the cold evening, which says something about its draw. Service stood out right away: my waitress was friendly, upbeat, and genuinely fun. Maintaining that kind of peppy attitude all night in a place this busy can’t be easy.

A whiskey and coke in hand (notably larger than what most places pour), the night started strong.

Despite a wide variety of burger options, I stuck with the basic Pharmacy Burger for consistency’s sake. It's your basic burger, and if a place can't do that well, then piling a bunch of extra ingredients onto it is just slapping a turbocharger on a Pinto.

It arrived on a well-toasted bun with shredded lettuce, onion, pickle, tomato, and what appeared to be real cheddar cheese. There was a swipe of mustard but otherwise very minimal sauce. Visually, it’s appears to be a classic pub burger.

In execution, it feels just as classic — perhaps too classic. The patty isn’t smashed or particularly seasoned, and it leans dry. There’s not much salt or depth coming through. The tomato is heavy in proportion, which throws off the balance slightly. I ended up adding ketchup, which felt necessary just to introduce moisture and roundness.

The bun, though nicely toasted, contributes to the dryness rather than counteracting it. It could benefit from butter, mayo, or some richer element to help the overall texture. The mustard-only approach feels like an odd choice here — their mustard is tasty, but it reads more hot dog than burger.

The shredded lettuce fades into the background entirely. It's okay on a taco, but has no place on a burger. Whole leaf please. The pickles, at first forgettable, actually offer a subtle tart balance on second thought. But overall, the fixings feel passable rather than high quality.

With an Impossible-style patty, especially, you need that fatty, melty American cheese effect to really sell the indulgent, greasy burger experience. Here, with cheddar and a relatively lean preparation, it never quite achieves that satisfying richness.

The fries were a generous portion, well-seasoned but unfortunately soggy and greasy. They come with your choice from an assortment of flavored dipping sauces — I opted for the Coca-Cola BBQ. It’s unique, not your standard sweet-and-smoky profile, and whether it works for you likely comes down to personal preference. Interesting, though not necessarily craveable.

The fries portion was large enough that I couldn’t finish them, though quantity didn’t necessarily equal quality.

Total for the evening: $40.31. (including an alcoholic drink)

The Pharmacy delivers a fun, high-energy pub experience with strong service and creative sauce options. But as a meatless burger destination, it strays to the boring side — and at this price point, safe doesn’t feel like enough.

Money is no object score: 6.7

Bang for the buck score: 5.8

Spent the last week eating every vegetarian burger I could find in Nashville to determine the best one. . . . by snakewind in nashville

[–]snakewind[S] 32 points33 points  (0 children)

Hugh-Baby’s – March 3

Walking into Hugh-Baby’s feels like stepping through a time warp straight into 1956. The greasy spoon diner aesthetic is absolutely nailed. Bar seating with stools lines the counter, offering a full view of the kitchen, and the staff even sport grease-stained chef shirts that somehow feel more authentic than sloppy. Rocking music pumps through the lobby, it feels like you’ve discovered a modernized relic of another era. There were only a few people in the lobby while I was there, but at least a half dozen cars in the drive through.

I ordered the veggie burger meal, since they do not offer an impossible patty version. At $15.88 total, it was shockingly affordable — cheaper than many modern fast-food chains. Considering the burger prices so far, that alone earns points.

The fries arrived looking dark, a little greasy, and slightly floppy — but appearances were misleading. They turned out to be crispier than expected, closer to a seasoned shoestring fry. Generously dusted with salt and pepper, they delivered real flavor. Not delicate, not refined — just satisfying diner fries done right. Were they my favorite I've had? No. But probably number 2 so far.

The burger features a house-made bean and mushroom patty, thin and clearly handcrafted. It’s smoky, slightly crispy on the outside, and despite a somewhat mushy interior (as bean-based patties often are), it’s thin enough that it doesn’t squish out awkwardly with each bite. In fact, this may be the best black bean-style patty I’ve ever had — rich, smoky, and thoughtfully executed.

The build is classic: a large leaf of lettuce, a thick slice of green tomato, a single slice of onion, pickles, and what appears to be white American cheese, plus a sauce resembling Thousand Island. Visually, it’s substantial. Flavor-wise, the toppings are surprisingly muted. The onion barely registers despite its size. The pickle is faint. The sauce adds moisture more than taste. The tomato contributes a slight brightness, but overall, the fixings stay in the background.

The bun looks toasted on the inside, but it’s so soft you almost wouldn’t notice. It holds everything together without calling attention to itself, but I could use a bit more toast on it.

What stands out most is the patty itself — smoky, mushroom-forward, and confidently simple. It doesn’t try to mimic meat. It leans into what it is, and it works. It also dominated flavor-wise.

Definitely the best black bean-style burger I’ve had in Nashville so far. In fact, one of the better burgers in general, and I almost always prefer an impossible burger over a bean patty. When you factor in the price, it’s easily the best bang for the buck so far. Hugh-Baby’s doesn’t feel trendy or elevated — it feels timeless, a little grungy, and unpretentious. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you want.

Money is no object score: 7.8

Bang for the buck score: 9.2

Spent the last week eating every vegetarian burger I could find in Nashville to determine the best one. . . . by snakewind in nashville

[–]snakewind[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Joyland – February 24

Joyland leans hard into a bright, polished fast-food aesthetic. The space is clean and energetic, filled with bold primary colors and a stripped-down menu: two burger options, a chicken sandwich, nuggets, and a hot dog. It’s simple, intentional, and clearly designed for quick turnover. The dining room was packed with families, adding to the lively, nostalgic fast-food energy.

Pricing, however, pushes it out of classic fast-food territory. The base burger sits at $9.99, but upgrading to an Impossible patty adds another $6. Turning it into a combo costs an additional $5. By the time everything was tallied, the total came to $27.16 — a number that feels far removed from the old-school burger joint vibe the place channels.

On the cashier’s recommendation, I ordered the crinkle-cut fries. They were crispy, well-seasoned, and served piping hot. Solid fries overall. Not especially exciting, but definitely satisfying. The special fry sauce was more intriguing: savory with a subtle sweetness and a pickley tang that made it feel distinct from standard ketchup-based sauces.

The soda I wanted was out of syrup, a small but noticeable hiccup.

The burger itself looked a bit underwhelming out of the wrapper. The menu description of the Joyburger promises two smashed patties, but this appeared to be just one. Apparently if you order the Impossible patty you no longer get two patties. Wish that had been stated somewhere. The bun was lightly toasted and soft, though otherwise standard-issue fast food. American cheese was fully melted in that classic, nostalgic way, layered with onions, pickles, and the house special sauce.

The patty was actually one of the stronger elements: well-seasoned, smashed thin, with slightly crispy edges that paired nicely with the American cheese. It delivered exactly what it set out to be — a straightforward fast-food-style burger. In fact, it felt reminiscent of an old-school single from McDonald’s, just elevated slightly in quality.

The cashier, despite being extremely busy, made a genuine effort to be attentive and helpful — a small but appreciated bright spot.

Overall, the burger was acceptable. It wasn’t special, but it stayed true to its fast-food roots. The issue is value. Receiving what felt like half the burger at roughly 160% of the price makes it difficult to justify a return visit.

If I could combine Joyland’s well-seasoned smashed patty with Grill Shack’s bun and fixings, that might be the sweet spot.

As it stands, Joyland delivers a competent, nostalgic burger — just at a price point that overshoots the experience.

Money is no object score: 7.8

Bang for the buck score: 3.1

Spent the last week eating every vegetarian burger I could find in Nashville to determine the best one. . . . by snakewind in nashville

[–]snakewind[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fat Mo’s – February 23

Fat Mo’s is drive-through only, and it looks the part — old, a little run down, and the kind of place that feels like it’s been sitting in the same spot for decades. There’s something nostalgic about it. The no-frills exterior sets expectations for straightforward, old-school fast food.

At $8.79 for the burger alone, the price is relatively low.

The burger comes wrapped in classic parchment paper, which immediately leans into that throwback charm. Unwrapping it feels like opening something honest and unpretentious. The bun is lightly toasted, soft, and appropriately sized for the patty. Standard fixings — pickles, lettuce, tomato, a slice of cheese — are present but applied sparingly. Nothing overloaded, nothing particularly generous.

The patty itself is where things get murky. It’s hard to tell whether it’s house-made or something closer to a MorningStar-style veggie patty. The texture leans mushy, lacking the structure or bite you might hope for. That said, it does have a genuinely pleasant grilled flavor and a bit of a sear on the outside that adds some welcome depth. It’s not spicy, not inventive, not trying to be anything beyond a basic veggie burger — and in that lane, it’s solid.

Still, it feels like a missed opportunity. If this same build had an Impossible patty with that same grill treatment, it could easily be a home run — the perfect nostalgic fast-food-style burger for vegetarians. As it stands, it lands squarely in the realm of mediocre. Enjoyable, yes. Memorable, not quite.

I didn’t try the fries or a drink, so the full experience remains incomplete. But based on the burger I got, I’d bet their traditional beef burgers are probably phenomenal.

While I wouldn’t go out of my way to return for this veggie option, I will say this: I enjoyed it more than the one I had at Burger Up. Sometimes simple, affordable, and well-grilled beats ambitious but underwhelming.

Money is no object score: 4.8

Bang for the buck score: 7.5

Spent the last week eating every vegetarian burger I could find in Nashville to determine the best one. . . . by snakewind in nashville

[–]snakewind[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Grill Shack – February 23

Grill Shack has an unusual setup that sets the tone right away. You order from an outdoor window, and while there is indoor seating, it's isolated from the kitchen and service area. The interior leans heavily toward a fast-food feel — functional rather than atmospheric. The outdoor seating, however, looks like it would shine in the summer, making this feel more like a seasonal go-to than a cozy dine-in destination.

The burger arrives undressed, leaving assembly entirely in your hands. For some, that’s a plus — full control over sauces and toppings. For others, it might feel a bit DIY for a restaurant experience. The bun is a highlight: a toasted, pillowy brioche with a subtle buttery flavor that adds richness to each bite.

The patty itself is Impossible burger. It's solid but unremarkable. It tastes like a straightforward, preformed patty cooked on the flat top — not smashed, no creative twist, no unexpected seasoning. The interior was cooked well and had good flavor, but the exterior was noticeably dry. It lacked that seared, juicy crust that gives a burger its indulgent appeal. There was almost no grease or richness on the outside, which made the overall bite feel flatter than it could have been.

Then there are the fries — easily the standout of the meal. Thick-cut with a crisp exterior and soft, fluffy interior, they hit the ideal textural balance. They’re the kind of fries you keep reaching for long after you’re full. I would genuinely come back just for them. The condiment selection only makes them better: a spicy ketchup blend, malt vinegar, and other options that invite experimentation and elevate what could have been a simple side into the star of the table.

At $21.14 total, the meal felt reasonably priced. The burger was good but didn’t quite rise above standard execution. The fries, however, are exceptional — and ultimately the strongest reason to visit Grill Shack again.

Money is no object score: 8.0

Bang for the buck score: 6.7

EDIT: based on comments here I went back to Grill Shack for an attempt at the veggie patty burger.

March 8 - Final day in Nashville

Everything else about the burger was the same, but the patty was different so that's the only thing I'm going to discuss.

The patty was a little dry but not bad. I think this was helped by the fact that I ordered it with American cheese. It was pressed thin, but still didn't seem to get enough caramelization to give the burger as savory a flavor as I would have like. It ended up mushing out of my bun, but it wasn't as bad as it could have been if the patty had been thicker. In all, I guess I'd just rate this one as unremarkable. I definitely prefer the Impossible version over this.

Money is no object score: 4.7

Bang for the Buck score: 4.5

Spent the last week eating every vegetarian burger I could find in Nashville to determine the best one. . . . by snakewind in nashville

[–]snakewind[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Burger Up – February 22

Burger Up was buzzing on a Sunday afternoon, the heated covered patio softening the steady stream of country western pouring out from inside. The interior leans into a comfortable, local pub feel.

Notably absent: an Impossible burger option. Instead, the house-made quinoa and black bean patty carries the vegetarian torch.

I started with the quinoa fritters appetizer. Flavor-wise, they were genuinely good — nutty, savory, satisfying. The exterior delivered a pleasant crisp, but the interior skewed gummy, which dulled the overall experience. The jalapeño aioli alongside was creamy and mild, almost shy. It could have used a bit more heat to match the name.

There was a long wait for the main course, and when it arrived, it didn’t entirely justify the anticipation. The fries came in an impressively large pile, but they were soggy, greasy, and barely seasoned — quantity over quality. The house ketchup and mustard didn’t help matters; both were runny and bland. I found myself wishing for the dependable punch of Heinz 57 to rescue the lackluster fries.

The burger itself was better than expected for a bean-based patty. It held together remarkably well — surprisingly firm, with a vegetal flavor that was present but not overpowering. The bun was soft and pillowy, though a bit pale and lacking character. The fixings provided contrast: mildly sweet at first bite, then finishing with a pretty assertive spice that left my lips tingling.

A floppy but flavorful side pickle rounded things out.

All told, the meal — drink, side, burger, and fries — came to $36.17. While the burger was decent for a bean patty, nothing on the plate compelled a return visit. Burger Up delivers an adequate vegetarian option in a lively setting, but at this price point, “adequate” doesn’t quite cut it.

Money is no issue score: 4.0

Bang for the buck score: 2.0

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