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Welcome to Al's Burger Shack

At Al's Burger Shack, we celebrate the joy of good food and great company. Nestled in Chapel Hill, NC, our casual eatery offers a diverse menu featuring mouthwatering burgers, hot dogs, and delectable vegan options. From the savory Connie Grilled Chicken to the hearty Kaarin Black Bean Burger, every dish is crafted for flavor. Our inviting atmosphere, complete with outdoor seating and a friendly vibe, makes it perfect for families and groups. Enjoy a delightful meal paired with crispy fries or a rich milkshake while savoring our happy hour specials. At Al's, we’re dedicated to serving up tasty experiences, one burger at a time.

Al's Burger Shack: Reviews & Ratings

Katie L.
Katie L.

An adorable local burger joint that will give you the mom and pop vibes. The burger was small but their thick patty will compensate for the size. Everything was fresh and we would definitely be visiting again. Their sides were delicious. Limited indoor seatings but there are plenty of seats outside if you want some vitamin D.

Liz M.
Liz M.

I apologize because I couldn't tell you if an organic cow birth this burger. However, rest assured you will get a darn good burger! One of my favorite burger joints. -Potato Bun -Good meat to fat ratio -Cooked to order -Solid sides Servers asks preference on beef temperature (well, rare, etc) This isn't a gourmet burger, it's a consistent darn good burger: Attention to detail, good customer service, and affordability (non fast food). When calorie count allows/ Non gourmet: 5/5

Lesley L.
Lesley L.

Enjoying my first visit to Al's! We ordered inside at the counter. There was a line, but it went pretty quickly. We enjoyed sitting outside, and enjoyed our burgers a lot.

Kellyn C.
Kellyn C.

I really like Al's burgers is our go to for delicious burgers and fries so yummy and perfectly cook, not greasy, crispy and you get to pick a sauce. The Srichacha aioli was my pick and it was really good. I usually order the mushroom Swiss but I've had the others and they are delicious. The staff is really nice and friendly. The place inside is small but plenty of seating outside.

Kyle R.
Kyle R.

After going to the Southern Village location, I wanted to try the Franklin street location and this one was also so good! Nice juicy burger. Good service and lots of seating outside.

Tommy V.
Tommy V.

Hands down the best burger I've had in NC. One of the best burgers I've had period! It's a small burger shop with little room inside. Decent amount of seating outdoors. Order your food a pickup at the counter. I ordered the classic Kenny J, and sweet potato fries. Burgers were $10 each. The classic had cheese, tomato, onion, pickles, and their special Al sauce. A classic burger! The Kenny J came with pimento cheese, bacon, grilled onions, and BBQ sauce. The sweet potato fries were nice and crispy. Great but nothing special. Both burgers were excellent! The classic was the better of the two, if I had to pick. A simple, classic cheeseburger with simple toppings. Tastes like a burger from a cookout but elevated. Patties were juicy and tender and perfectly seasoned. Beef was of very high quality. The toppings complimented the burger nicely. I made the 1 hour trek from Raleigh to get some burgers here, and it was well worth it!

James E.
James E.

Al's is a great counter-order burger place with a good variety of options for food and a limited beer menu. Service was quick and friendly! Inside there is not much room, but they do have some tables outside. Overall the food was good, but the garlic aioli could have used more garlic taste and the bacon onion jam could've used a bit more caramelizing. I'll be back to try more!

James A.
James A.

Consistency is absolute when it comes to a burger joint. Al's delivers that in spades, and occasionally shakes it up with some new featured burgers and handhelds. The fries are always fresh, and the sprinkling of rosemary really livens them up! Pair it with one of their signature dipping sauces (my favorite is the spicy ranch), or just keep it simple with a handful of ketchup packets on request. I've had most of the burgers here and honestly haven't been disappointed in any of them, though my go-to is the Bobo chili cheeseburger... Carolina Style! The service crew is always on point and moving things quickly, so you're almost guaranteed to get your order in 10-15 minutes or less. Fresh, hot, and bursting with flavor!

Location

  • Al's Burger Shack
    516 W Franklin St Chapel Hill, NC 27516 United States Hotline: (919) 904-7659

Welcome to Al's Burger Shack, a charming little eatery located at 516 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC. This local gem specializes not just in burgers, but offers a delightful selection of hot dogs as well. Al's Burger Shack embodies that quintessential mom-and-pop vibe, making it a perfect spot for families and friends to come together over hearty meals.

The menu at Al's is enticing and straightforward. You’ll find classic burgers that are anything but ordinary. From the Sean's Bacon Cheeseburger to the uniquely crafted Mookie Bacon-Onion Jam, each burger features quality ingredients and is cooked to order—ensuring optimal flavor and satisfaction. For those seeking something a bit lighter or plant-based, choices like the Ellie Turkey Burger or the Kaarin Black Bean Burger provide delightful alternatives without sacrificing taste.

What really caught my attention at Al’s is the dedication to quality and the obvious attention to detail. The burgers are made with a commendable meat-to-fat ratio, ensuring a juicy experience, and the sides—including crispy fries—are a highlight in their own right. Customer favorites like the Sriracha Aioli remind you that this isn't just a typical burger joint; it's an experience crafted with passion.

The atmosphere is casual, with a moderate noise level that makes it suitable for groups, kids, and even well-behaved pups, thanks to the outdoor seating options. Speaking of which, the covered outdoor area is perfect for soaking up some sun while enjoying your burger, as noted by satisfied customers. The establishment even facilitates convenience with offerings like delivery, takeout, and catering services.

  • Location: 516 W Franklin St Chapel Hill, NC 27516
  • Contact: (919) 904-7659
  • Payment Options: Apple Pay & Credit Cards accepted
  • Dining Options: Indoor and Outdoor Seating
  • Special Features: Gender-neutral restrooms, Free Wi-Fi, Happy Hour Specials!

Al's Burger Shack is not just about the food; it’s about creating a welcoming environment where memories are made. Whether you're indulging in a rich, meaty classic burger or enjoying a lighter veggie option, the warmth of the staff and the delightful ambiance ensure that you’ll want to return time and time again. If you haven't yet stopped by to experience this slice of burger paradise, now is the perfect time to do so!